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2002 GMC Envoy transmission problems

83 complaints (17% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 60,100. 3 crashes reported.

owner complaints
83
of this car's complaints
17%
typical mileage
60,100
crashes
3
recalls
3

Which part fails

  • Automatic transmission
    49
  • Transfer case (4-wheel drive)
    13
  • Automatic transmission: control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)
    4
  • Automatic transmission: lever and linkage: column shift
    3
  • Driveline: differential unit
    2
  • Clutch assembly
    2
  • Manual transmission
    1
  • Axle assembly: axle shaft
    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 transmission problems in other years

199819992000200120022003200420052006200720082009

Specific symptoms reported on the 2002 GMC Envoy transmission

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

Transmission failure 15Won't shift 6Harsh shifting 5

Related recalls

Power train: automatic transmissionReported March 6, 2003 · 511,167 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Certain sport utility vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 114, "theft protection." these vehicles are equipped with a mechanical override that could allow the ignition key to be removed with the shift lever in a position other than park. In addition, these vehicles have an override that can allow the transmission to be shifted out of park with the ignition in the off position.
Risk
These overrides are not permitted unless the vehicle has a locking steering column.
Remedy
Dealers will eliminate these conditions by disabling the overrides. Owner notification began on may 29, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact chevrolet at 1‑800‑222‑1020, gmc at 1‑800‑462‑8782, oldsmobile at 1‑800‑442‑6537, or hummer at 1‑866‑486‑6376.

Recall number 03V075000 · Recall details

Power train: transfer case (4-wheel drive)Reported October 17, 2001 · 78,004 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles equipped with 4-wheel drive. The calibration of the transfer case control module could cause insufficient high speed gear engagement.
Risk
If the gear is not engaged, the vehicle can roll when the transmission is in "park" and a crash could result without warning.
Remedy
Dealers will update the transfer case control module calibration to increase gear engagement. Owner notification began november 6, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact chevrolet at 1‑800‑222‑1020 or gmc at 1‑800‑462‑8782.

Recall number 01V334000 · Recall details

Power train: transfer case (4-wheel drive)Reported September 5, 2001 · 895 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles (4 wheel-drive). Some of these vehicles were built with a range shift collar in the transmission transfer case that contains cracks.
Risk
This condition could result in a complete fracture of the range shift collar and subsequent loss of vehicle forward and reverse gears, and the inability to maintain "park" position. This increases the risk of a vehicle crash resulting from unintended movement of a parked vehicle.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the transfer cases and update the control module calibration. Owner notification began september 6, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact chevrolet at 1‑800‑222‑1020 or gmc at 1‑800‑462‑8782.

Recall number 01V283000 · Recall details

What 2002 GMC Envoy owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Mar 15, 2022 · Body, Transmission · 150,000 miles · MI

The contact owns a 2002 GMC Envoy. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was shaking. Upon inspection, the contact noticed that the rear subframe had fractured and detached. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the subframe needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the federal safety agency. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

Filed Nov 10, 2020 · Transmission · 196,000 miles · AR

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 gmc envoy. The contact sated that the vehicle failed to shift out of drive into the park position. The parking brake was engaged to secure the vehicle from moving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who replaced the shifter linkage bushing. The manufacturer was contacted and informed of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 196,000.

Filed Dec 29, 2015 · Acceleration, Engine · 124,500 miles · OH

While driving the envoy at about 45 MPH, a warning light saying "reduced engine power" came on suddenly, the car dropped down to about 20 MPH, and that continues to occur. I can turn off and restart the car, but the problem returns within a minute after driving it again. I started investigating what that means online, and, as with anything else on the internet, I see many opinions, guesses, and possibilities. Could be a bad sensor, bad throttle control, bad wire connections, etc. But this much appears clear: (1) it is a gm problem, and a very, very common one. (2) it is a dangerous problem. This seems pretty obvious - the car suddenly loses speed and evidently sometimes stalls out altogether. But hearing about so many other people's scary experiences just confirms this. (3) it can be difficult and expensive to diagnose and fix. When I think of these facts, coupled with gm's recent history, I immediately think "recall." this certainly appears to be an appropriate situation for a manufacturer to step in and fix the issue before more people get angry with gm, get hurt, or get killed. I called the dealer who sold the car (I am the second owner), in columbus, ohio. I was told that I can bring it in for a diagnosis for $110. (gee, thanks - wouldn't have thought of that.) the customer rep looked up the VIN and said that the vehicle was not eligible for recall or any special policy. Therefore, I am contacting you in hope that something else can be done.

Filed Oct 24, 2014 · Transmission · 94,337 miles · FL

When new, the vehicle would unexpectedly go into 4-wheel drive in a slight left turn making the vehicle very hard to steer. I took it back to the dealer of purchase and he reported they could not find the problem. After my warranty ran out he reported the following; 611 encoder actuator, 7764 cst, 1 89059275 actuator. He replaced the actuator at a cost of $275.30 for the actuator and $221.90 labor for a total of 497.20 at my cost! Here it is several years later and the vehicle is still doing this occasionally dangerous maneuver. I can't let my wife drive my vehicle because of the safety factor of this happening in heavy traffic. I guess I have no choice but live with this?

Filed Feb 11, 2014 · Transmission · 134,500 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 gmc envoy .the contact stated that he attempted to shift into drive but the gear shifter would not move. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for inspection where they stated that the shifter solenoid needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 134,500.

Filed Jun 17, 2013 · Electrical, Transmission · 197,230 miles · TX

Stop engine/low oil pressure display continually comes on and while driving, the vehicle hesitates and at times will stall. After replacing PCM, oil sending unit, throttle body assembly, cleaning the pcv valve and map sensor and multiple other parts, I was told that the dealership did not know what it was and stated that they could replace the cam shaft actuator (for a cost of approx. $885), but they could not guarantee that would resolve the problem. I have taken my vehicle back to the same dealership from 02/14/2011 until 11/07/12 and still unable to fix the problem. I've filed a complaint with gmc manufacturer, but still have not been able to resolve my issues.

Filed Mar 5, 2012 · Transmission · 131,000 miles · CO

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 gmc envoy. The contact was driving 25 MPH when the gears on the differential started grinding and detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a local mechanic where the mechanic confirmed the front differential failure. The manufacturer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 131,000.

Filed Dec 24, 2011 · Engine, Transmission · 147,378 miles · OH

When I start the truck in the morning it sounds like the engine is revved up with the loud fan noise. I had the fan clutch replaced independently and the loud noise continues and a slight loss of power at times while driving and it feels like it's taking too long shift into the next gear. The noise is really heard when you accelerate on the gas pedal.

Filed Nov 7, 2009 · Locks, Transmission · 82,000 miles · FL

I just experienced a safety defect that could have had very serious consequences. It involves the failure of the shift cable attachment to the transmission mounted shift lever. You unknowingly loose the ability to place the transmission into the "park" position, with the resulting vehicle movement of an apparently parked vehicle. Please contact me asap. -- thanks

Filed Sep 5, 2009 · Transmission · 153,000 miles · NY · fire

I have a 2002 gmc envoy which has a destroyed transmission due to the well known (but unbeknownst to me) failure of the transmission cooling lines. This is a clear design flaw, as the routing is close to the catalyst. Besides the obvious safety concerns of an on the road transmission failure, the location makes a fire likely. The design flaw is documented in tsb pt-4722. I believe these vehicles should be recalled.

Questions about the 2002 GMC Envoy transmission

Does the 2002 GMC Envoy have transmission problems?

Owners have filed 83 complaints about the transmission of the 2002 GMC Envoy, 17% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2002 GMC Envoy transmission problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 60,100 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2002 GMC Envoy transmission?

Yes, 3 recalls: 03V075000, 01V334000, 01V283000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the GMC Envoy have bad transmission?

The GMC Envoy model years with the most transmission complaints are 2002 (83 complaints), 2003 (37 complaints) and 2005 (18 complaints).

Other 2002 GMC Envoy problems

Engine 104Electrical 70Fuel system 56Visibility 52Airbags 41Suspension 35Lights 26Brakes 24Body 20Steering 20Seat belts 17Acceleration 10Locks 10Seats 9Tires 9Driver assistance 2Wheels 2

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