2002 GMC Yukon XL 1500 problems & reliability
23 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2002 GMC Yukon XL 1500. 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.
Most reported problems
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Service Brakes → | 10 | 43% |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 4 | 17% |
| Electrical System | 2 | 9% |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 2 | 9% |
| Electronic Stability Control (esc) | 1 | 4% |
| Parking Brake | 1 | 4% |
| Power Train | 1 | 4% |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 4% |
| Steering | 1 | 4% |
| Structure | 1 | 4% |
Component groups as classified by NHTSA. A complaint can name more than one component, so shares may sum to more than 100%.
All 12 reported components →Common symptoms owners describe
Keyword analysis of complaint narratives; one complaint can describe several symptoms.
Mileage when problems occurred
Among the 21 complaints that included a usable odometer reading, the median reported incident mileage was 96,218 miles (middle 50% between 76,000 and 149,921 miles).
Complaints by incident year
What owners report
“Early in the morning I start up the truck to warm it up. I put the truck in reverse and as soon as I put the truck in drive the "reduce engine power" light comes on, then the truck goes "limp mode" (not allowing the truck to go no more than 20 mph in motion). I have to restart the truck 5 times for the "reduce engine…”
Electronic Stability Control (esc) · filed Feb 17, 2019
“This vehicle has had a long history of needed brake work. Brakes were recently changed again and it still has soft braking as well as pulsating braking. Both of these factors lead to dangerously slow stopping even with practically new parts.”
Service Brakes · filed Jul 16, 2017
“When braking, the antilock brakes kick in no matter if needed or not. We have had several close calls on both city streets & highways. The car was already recalled and fixed for front wheel speed sensor corrosion, 05v379000, and the same thing is happening again. The sensor was not replaced, just cleaned and put back…”
Service Brakes · filed Jan 11, 2017
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Technical service bulletins
71 manufacturer communications (TSBs, service campaigns, warranty extensions) are on file with NHTSA for the 2002 GMC Yukon XL 1500. 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
This service bulletin explains how to measure for oil consumption and possible reasons for loss of oil.
03-06-01-023I · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Dec 18, 2024
This service bulletin explains how to measure for oil consumption and possible reasons for loss of oil.
03-06-01-023H · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Oct 7, 2024
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
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 XL 1500 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 XL 1500?
- · 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.
- · Among complaints with usable mileage, the median reported incident mileage was 96,218 miles. This does not predict when a particular vehicle will develop a problem.