2002 GMC Yukon Denali problems & reliability
29 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2002 GMC Yukon Denali. Last verified Aug 7, 2026. Complaints are unverified reports submitted by owners to the federal Office of Defects Investigation.
Each complaint is counted once (by NHTSA case number), even when it names several vehicles.
3 complaints report injuries (3 injured).
Most reported problems
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Service Brakes | 8 | 28% |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 8 | 28% |
| Air Bags | 3 | 10% |
| Electrical System | 3 | 10% |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 1 | 3% |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 1 | 3% |
| Parking Brake | 1 | 3% |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 3% |
| Service Brakes, Air | 1 | 3% |
| Service Brakes, Electric | 1 | 3% |
Component groups as classified by NHTSA. A complaint can name more than one component, so shares may sum to more than 100%.
All 13 reported components →Common symptoms owners describe
Keyword analysis of complaint narratives; one complaint can describe several symptoms.
Mileage when problems occurred
Among the 24 complaints that included a usable odometer reading, the median reported incident mileage was 82,870 miles (middle 50% between 59,000 and 128,877 miles).
Complaints by incident year
What owners report
“For the second time in an approximate 12 month period, I had to replace a brake line failure. Until now, I didn't know that gm has a "replacement rebuild kit". However, the first time my sister was driving and had a brake failure with a car load of family aboard, in jacksonville fl. A nationally known company replaced…”
Service Brakes · filed Jul 16, 2016
“Tl* the contact owns a 2002 gmc yukon denali. While driving approximately 20 mph, the contact applied the brakes, but the anti lock brakes activated independently. The anti lock brake warning light illuminated. The failure recurred multiple times. The contact independently removed the anti lock brake fuse. The vehicle…”
Service Brakes · filed Jul 23, 2015
“While approaching a stop sign I attempted to apply the brakes. The brakes went to the floor. I pumped them repeatedly which did not help much at all. I was not able to slow down, much less stop at the stop sign. With no choice, I rounded the turn at a high rate of speed. Thankfully the approaching vehicle was able to…”
Service Brakes · filed Sep 10, 2014
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Federal defect investigations
- PARKING BRAKE FAILURE
Defect Petition DP05009 · opened Dec 20, 2005 · closed May 31, 2006
- UNWANTED LOW-SPEED ABS ACTIVATION
Preliminary Evaluation PE05020 · opened Apr 28, 2005 · closed Sep 13, 2005 · led to recall 05V379000
Technical service bulletins
338 manufacturer communications (TSBs, service campaigns, warranty extensions) are on file with NHTSA for the 2002 GMC Yukon Denali. The 10 most recent:
This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.
PIP5601C · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 18, 2025
Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to…
General Communication · Service Campaign · issued Aug 26, 2024
GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or inadequate packaging or shipping. This…
24-NA-141 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 24, 2024
This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how…
16-NA-383 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 28, 2024
This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
18-NA-099 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 17, 2024
This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and…
24-NA-098 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 6, 2024
This bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement fasteners with conductive finish.
10-08-45-001H · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Mar 28, 2024
This bulletin advises the technician of possible location of an internal coolant leak from a specific cylinder head and location.
06-06-01-019C · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Mar 14, 2024
This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains…
16-NA-383 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Mar 13, 2024
This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the…
22-NA-074 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Feb 22, 2024
TSBs are repair guidance manufacturers send to dealers — they are not recalls and repairs are not automatically free. Full documents are available on NHTSA’s site.
Safety recalls
No NHTSA recall campaigns name the 2002 GMC Yukon Denali in our current data. Recalls may apply only to certain VIN ranges — always confirm with a VIN check.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →Buying a used 2002 GMC Yukon Denali?
- · Decode the seller’s VIN with our free VIN decoder to confirm the exact year, engine and trim.
- · Check for unrepaired recalls by VIN on NHTSA’s official lookup — recall repairs are free.
- · Owners most often reported problems around 82,870 miles — worth a pre-purchase inspection if the car is near that mileage.