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2002 GMC Yukon problems

The most common problem on the 2002 GMC Yukon is brakes, typically around 87,944 miles. Its complaint count is close to a typical Yukon model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
68/100
Owner complaints
158
Recalls
3
Service bulletins
555
Worst area
Brakes
Fuel economy
12-15mpg
Typical repair
$1,800

The worst 2002 GMC Yukon 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 Yukon

ABS 26Brake failure 26No deployment 7Knocking 5

Recalls 3

Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slipReported August 29, 2005 · 1,353,718 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles may experience unwanted antilock brake system (ABS) activation. This condition is more likely to occur in environmentally corrosive areas. This recall will be launched in the "salt belt" states of connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, maryland, massachusetts, maine, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, west virginia, wisconsin and the district of columbia only.
Risk
This can cause increased stopping distances during low-speed brake applications, which could result in a crash.
Remedy
Dealers are to remove the wheel speed sensor and thoroughly clean the wheel speed sensor mounting surface on the bearing, apply rust inhibitor to the cleaned surface, grease the mounting surface, reinstall the wheel speed sensor, and check the peak-to-peak output voltage to ensure the wheel speed signal is within specifications. The recall began september 22, 2005. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1‑800‑630‑2438 or gmc at 1‑866‑996‑9463.

Recall number 05V379000 · Recall details

StructureReported March 7, 2003 · 3,674 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Certain pickup truck, van, and mini van conversions equipped with southern comfort built running boards that contain certain courtesy lights manufactured by american technology components, inc. These units contain a courtesy light or lights that might overheat when the wire harness is exposed to excessive moisture and road salt.
Risk
This overheating condition can cause the running board to melt or cause a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the wiring harness on these running boards. Owner notification began march 7, 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 southern comfort at 1‑800‑745‑6096.

Recall number 03V094000 · Recall details

Seats: front assembly: head restraintReported September 17, 2002 · 558,904 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with rearward folding head restraints on the second row seats, two potential pinch points exist on each of the folding head restraints when the restraints are folded rearward as the seatback is folded down.
Risk
If a person were to insert their finger(s) into the pinch point when the head restraint folds, it could trap and pinch the finger(s) causing injury.
Remedy
Dealers will install protective covers over the pinch points. Owner notification began november 8, 2002. 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, or cadillac at 1‑800‑458‑8006.

Recall number 02V253000 · Recall details

See all 3 recalls for the 2002 GMC Yukon

Defect investigations

Brake line corrosion failureOpened March 30, 2010, closed January 5, 2011

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received Defect Petition DP10-003 on March 2, 2010, requesting the investigation of model year (MY) 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD 4WD pickup trucks for corrosion failures of the vehicle brake lines.DP10-003 was granted and on March 30, 2010, Preliminary Evaluation PE10-010 was opened on more than six million model year 1999 through 2003 light trucks and sport utility vehicles manufactured and sold by General Motors Corporation (GM).On July 2, 2010, ODI received GM's response to an information request, which included GM's assessment of the frequency and safety consequences of the alleged defect. GM stated that:(1) the brake system of the subject vehicles is split front/rear and should a brake pipe suddenly fail for any reason, the affected vehicle would be capable of stopping with the pressure supplied by the remaining circuit; (2) the subject vehicles were designed to meet the hydraulic circuit partial failure requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards 105 and 135, Light Vehicle Brake Systems; and (3) should a brake fluid leak occur for any reason, the brake system malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) would illuminate and warn the driver before the brake fluid level was low enough to cause a loss of line pressure.ODI's and GM's analysis indicates that 85 percent of the complaints occurred on vehicles used primarily in States that use salt on the roads during Winter months (Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia and Wisconsin).Overall the complaint rates per 100,000 vehicles for Salt Belt States is 43.0 and Non-Salt Belt is 3.0.In approximately 25 percent of the complaints the brake pipe failure occurred suddenly, with no warning (i.e., no MIL, Brake Fluid Loss Warning), and resulted in extended stopping distances.In 30 of these the increase in stopping distance that resulted was a factor in the crash and in 10 others the vehicle was intentionally steered off the road or into another lane of travel in order to avoid a crash.This investigation has been upgraded to an Engineering Analysis (EA11-001) for subject vehicles sold or currently registered in Salt Belt States to further assess the scope, frequency and safety risks associated with sudden failures of corroded brake pipes that can result in decreased brake effectiveness. ODI will continue to gather information on subject vehicles outside the Salt Belt as well.

PE10010

Parking brake failureOpened December 20, 2005, closed May 31, 2006

Odi's review of complaint data received since the close of ea04-011 revealed no indication that the investigation should be re-opened.more details can be found in the federal register notice enclosed in the dp05-009 public file.odi reserves the right to reopen the investigation in the future should conditions warrant.

DP05009

Unwanted low-speed ABS activationOpened April 28, 2005, closed September 13, 2005

In a letter dated august 29, 2005, gm notified odi that it was recalling certain model year 1999 through 2002 c/k pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles to correct a problem with anti-lock brake system (ABS) wheel speed sensor corrosion that may result in unwanted ABS activation and extended stopping distances during low-speed braking (recall 05v‑379).gm's recall covers approximately 804,000 vehicles currently registered in the following 14 salt-belt states:connecticut, illinois, indiana, massachusetts, maine, michigan, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, and west virginia.the recall procedure will involve removing the sensor, cleaning the mounting surface, applying a rust inhibitor (zinc-x) to the surface, and reinstalling the sensor.if necessary, the sensor will be replaced. The population and failure report data given in this resume are for the full region that has been considered by odi as the salt-belt.that includes delaware, iowa, maryland, minnesota, missouri, wisconsin and the district of columbia in addition to the 14 states included in 05v‑379.the states covered by gm's recall have the highest incident rates for the subject condition, accounting for 91% of the incidents, but only 24% of subject vehicle sales in the united states.odi's analysis determined that 840 of the complaints, 244 of the crashes, and 16 of the injuries identified in this investigation occurred in those states.the resulting incident and crash rates are 96.2 and 28.0 per 100,000 vehicles respectively (note:rates are based on vehicle sales, not registered vehicles). The corresponding numbers in the excluded portions of the salt-belt are 399,000 vehicles, 81 incidents (20.3 per 100,000 vehicles), 3 crashes, and no injuries.the statistics in the remaining 30 states are 2,406,000 vehicles, 168 incidents (7.0 per 100,000 vehicles), 31 crashes, and one injury.gm and odi are continuing to monitor the problem experience in states that are not included in the recall.gm will provide odi with updated complaint, field report, and warranty data in november 2005.odi and gm will review that data and assess the appropriateness of the current scope of the recall at that time.

PE05020

Throttle sticking closedOpened August 1, 2002, closed January 12, 2004

This investigation involves the general motors corporation (gm)throttle body (tb) utilized in model year (my) 1999-2002 silverado, sierra, tahoe, suburban, avalanche and yukon (subject vehicle(s)) with 4.8l, 5.3l, and 6.0l engines. The tb valve may intermittently stick in a closed position.in such a situation, an operator may apply additional accelerator pedal force to increase engine speed.the application of additional accelerator pedal force, to open a stuck throttle valve, may open the throttle valve more than intended and, in turn, accelerate the engine and vehicle more than intended and reasonably expected by the driver.on august 1, 2002, the office of defects investigation (odi), of the federal safety agency, opened this engineering analysis.the investigation revealed that two factors may cause the defect: 1) tb manufacturing process problems; and 2) accumulation of deposits (a pcv system by-product) on or around the tb throttle valve and bore.odi concludes that the tb performs in a defective manner after analyzing gm?s data submissions, and test data collected by the vehicle research and test center (vrtc).fifty-nine crashes are alleged to have occurred as a result of gm?s tb defect.the majority of the crashes involve a single vehicle, engaging in a close quarter vehicle maneuver (or low speed), and causing only minor property damage.four out of the fifty-nine crashes involve injury, and those injuries were minor.although gm?s tb is defective, based on the evidence gathered, odi has found that the accelerator pedal force required to open a stuck throttle valve is negligible, and the throttle valve does not stick in the open position.therefore this engineering analysis (ea02-015) will be closed at this time.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by the federal safety agency that a safety-related defect does not exist.for a detailed discussion of the tb component and testing, please see the attached report.

EA02015

Technical service bulletins for the 2002 GMC Yukon 555

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

See all 555 bulletins for the 2002 GMC Yukon

2002 GMC Yukon fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
4.8L 8‑cylRWD131815
5.3L 8‑cylRWD131714
4.8L 8‑cyl4WD131614
5.3L 8‑cyl4WD1215-1613-14
6.0L 8‑cyl4WD101412

What 2002 GMC Yukon owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Aug 14, 2025 · Brakes · NY · crash

No warning while exiting, I was able to hit the brakes. Then, when I reached for the brakes again, it didn’t break. There was no signals on the car. The car is total damage air bags came out.

Filed Aug 1, 2022 · Seat belts · WI

Front passenger seatbelt has always locked up after being put on, which does not allow the passenger the ability to move more than a couple of inches at best.

Filed Aug 7, 2020 · Brakes · 128,000 miles · MO

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 gmc yukon. The contact stated after he drove the vehicle at a very low speed, the vehicle unexpectedly experienced unwanted antilock brake system (ABS) activation. The contact stated he was forced to drive at a higher speed in order to avoid this issue. The contact notified the dealer, cable dahmer buick gmc of kansas city address: 907 w 104th st, kansas city, mo 64114) however the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware and offered little assistance. The failure mileage was 128,000. The contact referenced the failure to the federal safety agency campaign number: 05v379000 (service brakes, hydraulic). The VIN was previously repaired under this recall however the failure recurred.

Filed Jan 9, 2020 · Airbags · 290,000 miles · IL · crash · 1 injury

Vehicle was involved in a roll over one frontal car accident. Not for sure of the speed but it was oover 50 miles an hour. I hit brake going around the curve and fliiped over over five times and not yet the airbag didnt deploy. Forced cause of the seat bealt to strecch and lock in place. Police and tow truck was surprise the airbag should have deplyed. Now the truck is total which mean cant be fix destroyed and not repairable. The vehicle was in pound.

Filed Jan 7, 2020 · Brakes · 175,000 miles · CT

Brakes went. Bought a ct car in sc. Luckily driving 5pmh when they went. Waiting at the shop now to get fixed. Spent the night in my car as I was moving to ct

Filed Oct 7, 2019 · Steering, Wheels · 205,000 miles · TN

My vehicle is being tampered with, intentionally repairs improperly preformed steering wheels engine northstar all. Affected.

Filed Aug 21, 2019 · Electrical, Engine · CA · fire

I was driving the car and then I came to my stop when I notice my car was trying to start again while it was in park and I notice that my car then started smoking while trying to start on it own after that happen my car has never started again please help

Filed Oct 15, 2017 · Brakes · 112,000 miles · NC

The first occurance was a year ago when driving to play golf. When I was about one mile from the course, the brake pedal went to the floor when depressed. I was able to make to the course and called a tow truck. The repair was made by the local dealer. He asked me if I lived at the coast due to the corrosion found on the brake line. I do not live near the coast and the vehicle is garage kept with only 102,000 miles on it. Most recently while driving in town, I depressed the brake pedal and the same thing happened. It went to the floor and was very slow to stop. In my estimation, this is very poor workmanship on behalf of general motors! I hope that no person has been killed due to this defect.

Filed Sep 1, 2017 · Electrical · 231,256 miles · IN

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 gmc yukon. The contact stated that the instrument panel indicators ceased to function. The contact stated that the odometer, speedometer, and various gauges were not visible. The failure occurred without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but was not diagnosed. The dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 231,256.

Filed May 14, 2017 · Electrical, Fuel system · 125,000 miles · NY

Vehicle just stalls without warning. Engine shuts down with no codes on dash or in memory. Will restart after 4-5 minutes but will stall intermittently afterward.

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Compare the 2002 GMC Yukon

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Other model years

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Questions about the 2002 GMC Yukon

Is the 2002 GMC Yukon reliable?

Owners have filed 158 complaints about the 2002 GMC Yukon, close to a typical Yukon model year.

What is the 2002 GMC Yukon year score?

The 2002 GMC Yukon scores 68 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the GMC Yukon: 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 Yukon?

Brakes, with 77 complaints, typically around 87,944 miles. Next is airbags (11).

How many recalls does the 2002 GMC Yukon have?

3 recalls, covering service brakes, hydraulic, structure and seats.

Was there a recall on the 2002 GMC Yukon brakes?

Yes, 1 recall: 05V379000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the GMC Yukon have bad brakes?

The GMC Yukon model years with the most brakes complaints are 1999 (113 complaints), 2001 (92 complaints) and 2015 (90 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2002 GMC Yukon get?

Official estimates for the 2002 GMC Yukon range from 12 to 15 mpg combined. The most efficient version (4.8L 8-cyl, RWD) gets 13 city and 18 highway.

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