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2002 GMC Envoy XL problems

The most common problem on the 2002 GMC Envoy XL is fuel and propulsion system, typically around 85,000 miles. It has fewer complaints than a typical Envoy XL model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
88/100
Owner complaints
70
Recalls
3
Service bulletins
101
Worst area
Fuel system

The worst 2002 GMC Envoy XL problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

Specific symptoms reported on the 2002 GMC Envoy XL

Headlights 9Wipers 6Check engine light 5Transmission failure 5

Recalls 3

Latches/locks/linkages: doors: latchReported October 27, 2005 · 98,007 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Certain sport utility vehicles have a rear side closure latch that may not latch or unlatch due to corrosion caused by road splash, such as water and road salt. These vehicles were originally sold in or currently registered in the following states: connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, west virginia, wisconsin, and the district of columbia.
Risk
If the door is not latched properly and it goes unnoticed, it may open while the vehicle is in motion. If an unbelted occupant fell out of the vehicle, personal injuries could occur.
Remedy
Dealers will install a seal along the lower part of the rocker panel to prevent intrusion of corrosive material, and inspect the rear side closure latches. Functional latches will be cleaned and lubricated. Non-functioning latches will be replaced. The recall began on february 24, 2006. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1‑800‑630‑2438, gmc at 1‑866‑996‑9463, or isuzu at 1‑800‑255‑6727.

Recall number 05V494000 · Recall details

Exterior lighting: brake lightsReported November 1, 2004 · 871,473 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain sport utility vehicles, vibration and heat may cause the tail lamp/stop lamp bulb to loosen in its socket. If this occurs, the bulb may flicker and eventually become inoperative.
Risk
An inoperative brake lamp will not convey the driver's intention of stopping to drivers in following vehicles, and an inoperative rear turn signal lamp will not convey the driver's intention to turn to drivers in following vehicles. Both of these failures can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the tail lamp/stop lamp assemblies, and if necessary, replace them. The recall began on november 22, 2004. Owners should contact chevrolet at 1‑800‑630‑2438, oldsmobile at 1‑800‑630‑6537, buick at 1‑866‑608‑8080, or gmc at 1‑866‑996‑9463.

Recall number 04V527000 · Recall details

Visibility: windshield wiper/washerReported February 4, 2004 · 581,394 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Certain sport utility vehicles have windshield wiper systems that will not turn on, cease operation while in use, fail to turn off/on by themselves (moisture sensitive wiper system), or have continuous windshield washer pump operation because the presence of water within the wiper modules can either cause a short circuit or can lead to the corrosion of components within the module.
Risk
Depending on the occurrence and weather situation, driver visibility could be reduced, which could result in a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will cover the windshield wiper module vent hole with a patch. Also, the wiper motor, circuit board, and electrical connector will be inspected to signs of water intrusion and/or corrosion and be replaced as required. The recall began july 6, 2004. Owners should contact chevrolet at 1‑800‑630‑2438; oldsmobile at 1‑800‑630‑6537; or gmc at 1‑866‑996‑9463.

Recall number 04V046000 · Recall details

See all 3 recalls for the 2002 GMC Envoy XL

Defect investigations

Loss of HeadlightsOpened April 24, 2017, closed March 29, 2021

The subject vehicles are model year (MY) 2002-2009 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, 2004-2007 Buick Rainier, 2003-2008 Isuzu Ascender, 2005-2009 Saab 9-7X, 2002-2004 Oldsmobile Bravada, 2003-2006 Chevrolet SSR, 2005-2009 Buick Lacrosse, and 2006-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix. This scope includes the Trailblazer/Envoy variants: 2002-2006 Envoy XL/Trailblazer EXT and 2004-2005 Envoy XUV. The original scope of this investigation was expanded to include all vehicles equipped with the subject Headlight Driver Module (HDM). The focus of the investigation was to determine whether actions performed by General Motors adequately addressed any unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety in the subject vehicles concerning the headlights and the HDM that controls them.Under normal electrical load and environmental conditions, the HDM can overheat inside the Underhood Electrical Center (UEC). This can cause the module to fail and result in a simultaneous loss of both low beam headlights and both daytime running lights (DRLs), often with no warning or prior detectability to the driver. This failure can be intermittent or permanent. No other exterior lights are affected. High beams, turn signals, brake lights, and reverse lights are still operational.General Motors addressed this issue with 2 recalls (14V755 & 15V519) and a special coverage program (N172091910). In view of the recalls and special coverage program implemented by GM and the vehicle high beams continuing to operate, ODI has tentatively concluded that the actions taken by GM mitigate any unreasonable risk to safety posed by HDM failure in the subject vehicles.Accordingly, the investigation is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by the federal safety agency that a safety-related defect does not exist. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by new circumstances.The ODI reports cited above are available for review online at under the identification numbers in the attached document.

RQ17002

Fuel pump module leaks gasolineOpened July 10, 2007, closed August 28, 2008

During the course of this ea investigation, odi observed that the majority of the complaints (88%) and warranty claims (94%) were reported for vehicles that are registered for use in the salt belt region of the us.this area includes 20 states in the northeast, mid atlantic and the midwest regions and the district of columbia.consumers in the salt belt region reported to odi that they could smell fuel vapors in their vehicles while driving.upon further examination of their vehicles, they discovered that fuel vapors were coming out of the top of the fuel tank. This condition is caused by corrosion of the return and sender lines of the fuel pump module.water and road salt collect on top of the fuel pump leading to small pinholes appearing on the fuel lines.fuel may leak and collect on top of the module and/or spill onto the ground.the data evaluated under this investigation reflect a relatively low frequency of occurrence that largely arises in salt belt states.gm has extended the warranty on the subject component to ten years or 120,000 miles.further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted at this time; accordingly, this investigation is closed.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by the federal safety agency that no safety-related defect exists.the agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.for additional information select document search.

EA07009

Fuel tank leakOpened March 13, 2007, closed June 12, 2007

In june 2007, gm will expand its special policy to address fuel tank inlet check valve (icv) fractures on certain model year (my) trailblazer ext and gmc envoy xl vehicles.the expanded policy covers my 2002-2004 trailblazer ext, gmc envoy xl, and gmc envoy xuv vehicles and will extend for a period of 10 years or 150,000 miles (whichever comes first).gm will provide free repair of the fuel tank. It is sending letters to owners beginning in june of 2007.this action supersedes gm's previous 7 year/70,000 mile special policy for my 2002 trailblazer ext and envoy xl vehicles.the condition is most often reported as illumination of the service engine soon (ses) light.the vehicle's diagnostic system detects the presence of a fuel system pressure leak and illuminates the ses light.other owners report smelling gasoline fumes. The action taken by the manufacturer is sufficient to resolve the issues raised by this investigation.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by the federal safety agency that no safety-related defect exists.the agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.

PE07014

Fuel pump module leaks gasolineOpened March 12, 2007, closed July 10, 2007

Odi has received reports that the fuel pump module leaks fuel and or vapor underneath the vehicle.gm states, the failure mechanism is corrosion of the fuel pump module flange which may lead to a fuel leak.corrosion of the fuel pump module flange is the result of the vehicle operating in a corrosive environment.odi has upgraded this pe to engineering analysis (ea07-009) to further assess this issue.

PE07013

Brake lamp failureOpened August 3, 2004, closed November 4, 2004

Gm states that some brake/tail lamp bulbs can prematurely become inoperative due to malfunctioning brake/tail lamp sockets.on march 2, 2004, gm initiated a 6-year/72,000 mile special policy for 989,487 subject vehicles to inspect and replace the rear brake/tail lamp bulb socket assemblies.on april 4, 2004, the office of defects investigation (odi) opened a preliminary evaluation (pe04-032) based on consumer complaints alleging brake lights not operating when the brake pedal is depressed.on august 3, 2004 odi upgraded pe04-032 to an engineering analysis (ea04-021).by letter dated october 27, 2004 gm notified the federal safety agency that it will conduct a safety recall (the federal safety agency # 04v527) covering subject vehicles that were not already repaired under gm's special policy.my 2004 subject vehicles built after august 8, 2003 contain improved brake lamp assemblies and are not included in the recall.gm dealers will install the improved brake lamp assembly on subject vehicles built on august 8, 2003 and earlier.the action taken by gm is sufficient to resolve the issues raised by this investigation.accordingly, this investigation is closed.

EA04021

Technical service bulletins for the 2002 GMC Envoy XL 101

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 101 bulletins for the 2002 GMC Envoy XL

What 2002 GMC Envoy XL owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Oct 25, 2017 · Lights · 168,000 miles · CA

Ive notice my front headlights have been getting worse for me to see at night. I don't see whats in front of me while driving at the last minute,anytime at night while driving I don't see turns, objects and other things till the last second. I haven't had a accident due to poor visibility.I feel gmc is liable for this problem,I feel the gmc envoy was made a lemon and the whole SUV should of been recalled because us envoy owners are stil having the same problem certain envoy only had as gmc claims only envoy with this VIN number or the year it was manufacturer in or state .all 2002 gmc envoys xl 4x4 need to be reinvestigate again under the lemon law act

Filed Apr 5, 2017 · Airbags · 3,000 miles · FL · crash

In an accident on i75 when forced off road into trees ahd large tree dent in front fender. Airbag in front never deployed and driver side airbag had holes blown in it that damaged my left hand and armrest impact caused kidney to rupture and bleed.

Filed Nov 23, 2016 · Tires · 160,000 miles · OH

Tires are dry rotting at 30,000 miles

Filed Aug 30, 2016 · Fuel system · 200,000 miles · CA

Vehicle has a inlet fuel leak, a known issue on the gmc envoy xl 4x4, but has put a 150,000 mile cap on the recall which I find negligent as the issue still exist regardless of mileage, just seems like a way to worm out of responsibility.

Filed Aug 5, 2016 · Driver assistance, Electrical · FL

When driving the vehicle all dash lights and gauges just stop working. They will come back on but this is a safety concern while driving on the highway. Also my headlights go on and off I have changed out the bulbs thinking that was the issue and no its not. On my way to work this morning at 530am they stopped and have not turned back on causing me to pull over and now missing work to figure out the problem. This has been an ongoing issue since the beginning of june and the problem seems it's getting worse. I can't drive 70 MPH on a highway and have my headlights just stop working. I also smell gasoline inside my vehicle frequently.

Filed Dec 22, 2015 · 214,000 miles · OR

The rear window of the 2002 envoy xl exploded while sitting in the driveway.

Filed Oct 21, 2013 · Electrical, Lights · 131,000 miles · IN

As I was driving down interstate at 70-75mph , the headlights, dash lights, all the lighting just shut off! I had no idea what to do. I was on one of the most dangerous interstates, known for fatal accidents... And I'm driving in the dark without lights! I quickly moved to side of road and shut it off in case of faulty wiring/fire hazard. After approx. A five minute phone call, I started car, lights worked. Started driving again, approx. 10 minutes down road, lights shut off again. I hope this problem is resolved soon! This is dangerous and can kill people!

Filed Aug 3, 2013 · Electrical, Lights · 115,000 miles · MS

The low beam headlights go out with no warning. The high beams will work. This has become a problem everytime the vehicle is driven at night.

Filed Sep 24, 2012 · Fuel system · 181,684 miles · GA

I noticed a puddle of liquid under vehicle . So I checked it out and found to be gas looked under vehicle and seen that the gas tank had stains all over it leading from the filler neck where it attaches to the fuel tank.

Filed Jun 5, 2012 · Acceleration, Engine · 82,000 miles · IN

I bought the car used feb. 2011 about march 2011 sometimes when it is started (no specific start time) the check engine light will be on (not always) and the car will die while driving approximately 25 to 35 miles per hour. This is not a all the time problem, and I cannot find a reason why some days it does this and some days it doesn't. Also sometimes the cruise control works and sometimes it doesn't. . Also sometimes the wipers stop in mid swipe.

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Other model years

2002200320042006

Questions about the 2002 GMC Envoy XL

Is the 2002 GMC Envoy XL reliable?

Owners have filed 70 complaints about the 2002 GMC Envoy XL, fewer than a typical Envoy XL model year.

What is the 2002 GMC Envoy XL year score?

The 2002 GMC Envoy XL scores 88 out of 100 (good). The score compares it with the other model years of the GMC Envoy XL: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2002 GMC Envoy XL?

Fuel and propulsion system, with 15 complaints, typically around 85,000 miles. Next is electrical (13).

How many recalls does the 2002 GMC Envoy XL have?

3 recalls, covering latches/locks/linkages, exterior lighting and visibility.

What year does the GMC Envoy XL have the most fuel system problems?

The GMC Envoy XL model years with the most fuel system complaints are 2006 (71 complaints), 2003 (63 complaints) and 2004 (28 complaints).

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