2002 GMC Yukon Denali
Only 29 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 29 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1999 | 27 |
| 2000 | 18 |
| 2001 | 35 |
| 2002 | 29 |
| 2003 | 72 |
| 2004 | 109 |
| 2005 | 49 |
| 2006 | 21 |
| 2007 | 120 |
| 2008 | 58 |
| 2009 | 46 |
| 2010 | 53 |
| 2011 | 96 |
| 2012 | 28 |
| 2013 | 29 |
| 2015 | 73 |
| 2016 | 18 |
| 2017 | 12 |
| 2018 | 2 |
| 2019 | 3 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 29 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
18 of 29 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic and electric.
Show complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 GMC YUKON DENALI. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE BRAKES WERE DEPRESSED AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SLOW DOWN UNTIL THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS APPLIED REPEATEDLY.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130927
Also filed under FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I WAS EXITING THE FREEWAY AND STARTED TO BRAKE AND THEN THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. I HAD THE STAND ON IT TO SLOW DOWN ENOUGH TO KEEP FROM HITTING THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. UPON EXAMINATION OF THE VEHICLE I FOUND A RUPTURED BRAKE LINE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130729
3 of 29 total reports mention: air bags.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY IN A FRONTAL IMPACT ACCIDENT AT 50 MPH. THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS NOT ILLUMINATING PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT. THE DEALERSHIP TOLD THE CONTACT TO CALL THE MANUFACTURER.
NHTSA ODI report, 20060317
VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD-ON COLLISION WITH ANOTHER SUV ("T-BONE"). SPEED WAS APPROXIMATELY 35-45 MPH HIT BRAKES, BUT OTHER VEHICLE PULLED IMMEDIATELY OUT IN FRONT OF VEHICLE IN QUESTION.
NHTSA ODI report, 20021118
ADD ME TO THE CHECK YOUR AIRBAG LAWSUIT
NHTSA ODI report, 20171029
3 of 29 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing instrument cluster/panel.
Show complaint excerpts
THE HEADLIGHTS ARE SUPPOSED TO SHUT OFF AFTER THE DOME OVER RIDE BUTTON IS PUSHED FOUR (4) TIMES WITHIN SIX (6) SECONDS PER THE MANUAL BUT THE HEADLIGHTS ARE SHUTTING OFF AFTER SOMETIMES 1 HIT OR 2 OR 3 AND SOMETIMES 4.
NHTSA ODI report, 20030430
1 of 29 total reports mentions: suspension.
1 of 29 total reports mentions: structure.
SAFETY TIMELINE
UNWANTED LOW-SPEED ABS ACTIVATION
PARKING BRAKE FAILURE
CERTAIN POLI-AUTO COMBINATION HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES, P/NOS. 11-728, 11-728D, 11-710, 11-419, 11-713, 11-703, 11-704, 11-708P, 11-735, 11-725, 11-726, 11-716 (P&C), 11-721-1, 11-733, 11-729, 11-730, AND
Remedy: POLI-AUTO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE HEADLAMPS AT ITS ORIGINAL PURCHASE PRICE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING APRIL 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT POLI-AUTO AT 305-477-1356.
Campaign 06E025000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2002 GMC Yukon Denali — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (18 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 06E025000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2002 GMC Yukon Denali reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2002 GMC Yukon Denali?
The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 62% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2002 GMC Yukon Denali have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.