2002 GMC Denali Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2002 GMC Denali, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Engine622.2%
- Brakes414.8%
- Transmission311.1%
- Exterior lighting27.4%
- Steering27.4%
- Suspension27.4%
- Airbags27.4%
- Powertrain (other)27.4%
- Seat belts27.4%
- Interior & seats13.7%
- Body & structure13.7%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
WE OWN A 2002 DENALI, THAT WE BOUGHT USED. THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT AROUND NOV. 2008 (APPR. 120,000 MILES) WE HAD THE TRANSMISSION REPLACED BUT THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT AGAIN SHORTLY THEREAFTER (AROUND 150,000). THROUGH CIVIL LITIGATION, WE FOUND OUT THAT THE TRANSMISSION HAD WENT OUT PREVIOUSLY, AT AROUND 70,000 MILES. WE ARE WONDERING IF THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH DENALIS AND IF ANY COMPENSATION IS AVAILABLE. *TR
WE HAD HEARD UNDER THE HOOD LOUD NOISE. MAINLY WHEN WE ACCELERATED THE VEHICLE. AFTER ASSESSING THE NOISE, WE FOUND THAT WE HAD A BROKEN TENSIONER AND IT WAS MAKING THE BELT WEAK. WE CALLED THE DEALER AND REPLACED THE BELT AND THE TENSIONER, FOR A TOTAL OF 3 TIMES. WE ALSO FOUND OUT THROUGH A GMC SOURCE THAT THIS WAS A COMMON THING FOR THIS TYPE OF VEHICLE DUE TO THE FACT THAT GMC HAD NOT PUT A FILTER ON THE COMPRESSOR AND IT WOULD CAUSE IT TO FAIL. IF THERE ARE NO COMPLAINTS THEN THEY WILL NOT DO A RECALL AND THIS SHOULD COST THE CONSUMER AT LEAST $1,500. LAST NIGHT AS MY HUSBAND FOLLOWED ME ON HIS BIKE, THE TENSIONER FAILED AGAIN AND IT THREW THE BELT BEHIND ME ALMOST HITTING MY HUSBAND IN THE HEAD. I CANT IMAGINE WHAT IT WOULD DO TO GLASS OR A PERSONS HEAD AT 65 MPH. THIS IS DANGEROUS AND UNTIL IT RESULTS IN A FATALITY, GMC WILL NOT RECALL THIS. I HAVE ALSO FOUND OUT THAT GMC WILL PAY A WRONGFUL DEATH LAWSUIT AS OPPOSED TO PAYING TO RECALL ALL OF THEIR "PROFESSIONAL GRADE" PRODUCTS. WHAT A SHAME. I REFUSE TO HAVE THIS BELT FLY OFF AND HIT SOMEONE RESULTING IN DEATH. THIS IS A HAZARD AND GMC SHOULD RECALL ALL OF THEM. SINCERELY, KIM BOGGS. *NM
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 GMC DENALI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VBRAKED VIBRATE WHEN ATTEMPTING TO STOP AND CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE FORWARD A FEW FEET. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD AN INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCE AT LOW SPEEDS. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL # 05V379000 FOR THE HYDRAULIC ANTILOCK SERVICE BRAKES. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ABS INDICATOR LIGHT FAILED TO ILLUMINATE WHEN THE INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCE OCCURRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WASS 31,857 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 31,843.
DT: THE OWNER TURNED LEFT IN TURNING LANE AND APPLIED THE BRAKES AND TRUCK KEPT ON . THE BRAKES HAD BEEN MASHED, AND THEY WOULD NOT STOP. THE BRAKES HAD WORKED UP TO THE POINT BEFORE THE WRECK. THE VEHICLE WAS CONSTANTLY SERVICED. OWNER'S VEHICLE HIT ANOTHER CAR, AND CREATED A THREE CAR PILE UP. THERE WAS ONE REPORTED INJURY FROM THIS INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE IS IN THE SHOP AT THIS POINT FOR REPAIRS.*AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
WE OWN A 2002 DENALI, THAT WE BOUGHT USED. THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT AROUND NOV. 2008 (APPR. 120,000 MILES) WE HAD THE TRANSMISSION REPLACED BUT THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT AGAIN SHORTLY THEREAFTER (AROUND 150,000). THROUGH CIVIL LITIGATION, WE FOUND OUT THAT THE TRANSMISSION HAD WENT OUT PREVIOUSLY, AT AROUND 70,000 MILES. WE ARE WONDERING IF THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH DENALIS AND IF ANY COMPENSATION IS AVAILABLE. *TR
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH ON A CITY STREET, A CLUNKING SOUND WAS HEARD FOLLOWED BY THE TRANSMISSION FAILING TO SHIFT GEARS UPON ACCELERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHO DETERMINED THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION GEAR TEETH WERE FRACTURED AND WORN. THE DEALER DETERMINED THE GEAR TEETH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. UPDATED 10/6/2006 - THE STABILIZER BECAME WORN. *NM
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
FRONT RUNNING LIGHT HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE AND IS OUT AGAIN. MY MECHANIC STATED HE HAS SEEN SEVERAL GMC AUTOS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. IS THERE A RECALL OR REASON? *TR
FRONT TURN SIGNALS (ABOVE BUMPER) ARE NOT VISIBLE IN DAYLIGHT BECAUSE THE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS ARE TOO BRIGHT AND RIGHT NEXT TO TURN SIGNAL BULB (WORSE IF VIEWED ACROSS GRILLE) . NOT VISIBLE IN MIRRORS TO A VEHICLE IN FRONT. MY VEHICLE CHANGED LANES AT SAME TIME TO HER SUV AND SHE RAN OFF ROAD TO AVOID COLLISION. MY VEHICLE IS A TRUCK. NO IMPACT OF VEHICLES /NO POLICE REPORT WAS FILED.. GM NEEDS TO LOWER WATTAGE OR AIM THEM DOWN SO THEY DONT BLIND OTHER MOTORISTS. THIS PROBLEM IS AGGRAVATED AT DUSK OR DAWN (THIS INCIDENT).*AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE DRIVER HEARD A LOUD KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT. THE VEHICLE JERKED AND VIBRATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE DRIVER THAT THE RACK AND PINION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *NM
WHILE DRIVING ENGINE CHECK LIGHT KEPT COMING ON, HAD VEHICLE CHECKED SEREVAL TIMES. DEALER FINALLY FOUND THAT WATER PUMP HAD BUSTED. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH ON A CITY STREET, A CLUNKING SOUND WAS HEARD FOLLOWED BY THE TRANSMISSION FAILING TO SHIFT GEARS UPON ACCELERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHO DETERMINED THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION GEAR TEETH WERE FRACTURED AND WORN. THE DEALER DETERMINED THE GEAR TEETH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. UPDATED 10/6/2006 - THE STABILIZER BECAME WORN. *NM
WHILE DRIVING UP AND DOWN A SMALL HILL, VEHICLE SWAYS AND STEERING SEEMS LOOSE, ALMOST CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL, DEALER NOTIFIED.*AK *TT
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
DT: WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AT 70 MPH THE CONSUMER WAS SIDE SWIPED AND KNOCKED INTO THE MEDIAN, IN WHICH THE SIDE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. UPDATED 12/27/05. *JB
THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION, AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.*JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
AT 34,000 MILES IT STARTED WITH A SQUEAKING NOISE UNDER THE TRUCK WHEN MOVING. DEALERSHIP COULD NOT FIND A PROBLEM. NOISE CONTINUED. INDIVIDUAL FOUND THAT THE "PLASTIC PARTS" USED IN THE UNIVERSAL JOINT WERE BROKEN UP INSIDE. REPLACEMENT PARTS CONSISTED OF THE SAME PLASTIC PARTS WHICH ARE IN NEED OF REPLACEMENT NOW AT 62,000 MILES. SERVICE DEPARTMENTS ARE NOT FULLY KNOWLEDGEABLE OF THE DENAHLI SYSTEM OR ITS PARTS AND SPEND MORE TIME ORDERING THE WRONG PARTS. ALSO THE ENGINE HAS CUT OUT ON ME WHILE DRIVING. LUCKLY I WAS TRAVELING AT LESS THAN 15 MILES AN HOUR. ON TOP OF EVERYTHING ELSE TODAY THE MUFFLER HAS A HOLE, THE SIZE OF A NICKLE, RUSTED OUT OF IT AND CONDENSATION WATER SHOOTING EVERYWHERE. THIS TRUCK HAS BEEN NOTHING BUT TROUBLE. HIGH PRICED TRUCK, LOW QUALITY PARTS. REPAIRS ARE IN THE PROCESS. *AK
FRONT AXLE, WIRE HARNESS BURNT, WHEEL FENDER BURNT.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
CONSUMER HAD TO HIT BRAKES SUDDENLY. REAR SEAT BELTS WERE INOPERATIVE. DIDN'T HOLD CHILD IN PLACE, CHILD LAUNCHED FORWARD, AS A RESULT OF SEATBELT LOOSENING UP INSTEAD OF TIGHTENING. *AK
PASSENGER SEAT BELT LOCKS TIGHT AGAINST PASSENGER--YOU HAVE TO UNBUCKLE THE SEAT BELT IN ORDER TO MOVE FOR WHATEVER REASON
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
BOTH REAR TAILGATE STRAPS SNAPPED. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE DRIVING AND UPON EVERY STOP, THE CONSUMER WOULD HEAR NOISES COMING FROM THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE. TOOK THE VEHICLE INTO THE DEALER. A FEW WEEKS LATER THE BRAKES FAILED, AND THE CALIPER SPLIT IN HALF. *NM THE NOISE HAD COME FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE DUE TO BRAKE FAILURE. BRAKE FLUID WAS FLOWING OUT. THE TEETH WAS FOUND BROKEN OUT OF THE DISC BRAKE. THE 3/4 BY 3/4 INCH HIGH BRACKET EXPERIENCED A "HUMP" INSIDE OF IT WHICH MADE THE WHEEL WOBBLE. ALSO TWO OF THE 4 WHEEL ANTILOCK DISC BRAKES WERE NOT ON THE BACK WHEELS. *SC *JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .