2002 GMC Envoy XL lights problems

11 complaints (16% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 38,000.

owner complaints: 11
of this car's complaints: 16%
typical mileage: 38,000
crashes: 0
recalls: 1

Which part fails

Tail lights
3
Headlights
3
Brake lights
2
Headlights: high/low beam dimmer switch
1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k

25k-50k

50k-75k

75k-100k

100k-125k

125k-150k

150k-175k

175k-200k

200k+

GMC Envoy XL lights problems in other years

Specific symptoms reported on the 2002 GMC Envoy XL lights

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Headlights 9

Related recalls

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

Related 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

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

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 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 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 Mar 9, 2012 · Electrical, Lights · LA

Exterior lights, interior lights flickering,,,cluster gauges changing state on their own,,,

Filed Jun 11, 2010 · Lights · 133,000 miles · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 gmc envoy slt. The contact stated while driving at 60 MPH, the low beam lights failed. The failure would occur intermittently and did not affect the high beam lights. The dealer advised bringing the vehicle in for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer stated there was not any recalls on the vehicle and would not provide any assistance. The failure mileage was 133,000 and current mileage was 135,000.

Filed Aug 11, 2007 · Lights · 10,000 miles · AR

Headlights, lower beam lamp socket keeps burning out. Has done this since purchase in 2003. Tail lights did same thing and replaced assembly under warranty. Dangerous to drive at night because you don't know when they are going to burnout. Has happened four to five times.

Filed May 8, 2007 · Brakes, Electrical · 38,000 miles · NJ

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 gmc envoy xl. The contact stated that he has been experiencing the same failures as noted in recall # 03v096000 (electrical system: wiring: interior/under dash). He has taken the vehicle to the dealer, but the failure still persists. The contact stated that the seat belts continue to lock and the windshield wipers are malfunctioning. The wipers have been replaced numerous times and the failure causes limited visibility in certain weather conditions. The suspension for the arms of the ball joints was replaced and the vehicle continues to shake, shimmer, and make a loud noise. The vehicle was repaired, but the failures are ongoing. When turning, the steering wheel hesitates and causes the vehicle to jerk uncontrollably. When the windows are down, the interior lights dim due to an electrical short. The tires were changed four times, but continued to fail. The contact stated that the brakes have been replaced repeatedly. The dealer stated that the discs were failing due to adverse weather conditions. The current mileage is 68,000 and failure mileage was 38,000. Updated 1/15/09 *cn the catalytic converter, the camshaft, and engine coil was replaced. The check engine light is still on. Updated 01/21/09

Filed Dec 18, 2006 · Lights · IL

My rear high mount stop lamp attached to the lift gate window has became detached yesterday on it's own. It seems that it's fastening holding it down had loosened and broke. It is now hanging from it's wiring and needs to be replaced, rewired, and mounted. I believe this is similar to the federal safety agency campaign number: 04v527000, where vibration and heat from normal driving use played a factor in uncovering another defect in the exterior lighting:brake lights.

Filed Aug 26, 2005 · Lights, Suspension · VA

General quality failure. Just a few of the problems 1. All of the recall notices 2. Front end bushings 3. Rear end bushing 4. Air conditioning replacement 5. 4 wheel drive engagement. 6. Door steps fall off 7. Love the vehicle except that the dealer shop forman gets to drive it more than I do. Had a 1999 blazer prior to this and it had quality issues also. Definitely go honda or toyota next time.

Questions about the 2002 GMC Envoy XL lights

Does the 2002 GMC Envoy XL have lights problems?

Owners have filed 11 complaints about the lights of the 2002 GMC Envoy XL, 16% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2002 GMC Envoy XL lights problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 38,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2002 GMC Envoy XL lights?

Yes, 1 recall: 04V527000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the GMC Envoy XL have the most lights problems?

The GMC Envoy XL model years with the most lights complaints are 2003 (16 complaints), 2004 (12 complaints) and 2002 (11 complaints).