2002 GMC Yukon Xl 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 Yukon Xl 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
- Brakes2160.0%
- Engine411.4%
- Powertrain (other)25.7%
- Fuel system12.9%
- Interior & seats12.9%
- Suspension12.9%
- Tires & wheels12.9%
- Body & structure12.9%
- Visibility12.9%
- Driver assistance12.9%
- Electrical12.9%
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
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
I WAS DRIVING ON 58 WEST IN STUART VA WHEN WE CAME AROUND A CURVE AND AN 18 WHEELER WAS BROKEN DOWN IN THE MIDDLE OF OUR LANE. TWO VEHICLES WERE STOPPED BEHIND THE TRUCK. I QUICKLY APPLIED THE BRAKES AND THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. I WAS ABLE TO MANEUVER BETWEEN THE STOPPED TRAFFIC AND THE ONCOMING VEHICLE IN THE OPPOSING LANE TO AVOID A CRASH. A BRAKE LINE HAD BLOWN CAUSING THE BRAKE FAILURE. I HAD ALREADY EXPERIENCED BRAKE FAILURE IN ANOTHER GM MODEL, AND WAS QUESTIONING HOW IT WAS POSSIBLE THAT ONE PERSON COULD HAVE TWO SEPARATE BRAKE LINE FAILURES ON TWO SEPARATE BUT SIMILAR VEHICLES. AS I RESEARCHED IT BECAME CLEAR THAT THIS TYPE OF BRAKE FAILURE WAS COMMON ON THESE TYPES OF VEHICLES. I'VE LIVED IN SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA MY ENTIRE LIFE, AND I HAVE OWNED 30-40 VEHICLES OF ALL MAKES AND MODELS, BUT I HAVE ONLY EXPERIENCED NEAR CATASTROPHIC VEHICLE FAILURE ON TWO OF THOSE VEHICLES, A 2001 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN AND A 2002 GMC YUKON. TO SAY THAT THESE BRAKE LINE FAILURES COULD BE AVOIDED THROUGH ROUTINE MAINTENANCE IS A BRAZEN ATTEMPT TO DEFLECT CULPABILITY TOWARDS A CONSUMER MARKET NEITHER DESIGNED NOR EQUIPPED TO DIAGNOSE PENDING FAILURE WITHOUT WARNING. THESE VEHICLES HAVE INNUMERABLE SENSORS TO INDICATE ALL TYPES OF OF POTENTIAL ISSUES, EVEN SO FAR AS TO REMIND THE DRIVER WHEN THE OIL NEEDS TO BE CHANGED. IF THE MANUFACTURER FEELS THE OWNER IS SO INEPT AS TO TRACK OIL CHANGES EVERY THREE THOUSAND MILES, HOW ON EARTH DO THEY EXPECT THOSE SAME PEOPLE WOULD BE ABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE DEGRADATION OF BRAKE LINES, MOST OF WHICH ARE HIDDEN? I'VE NEVER BEEN TO A SHOP AND BEEN ASKED AS PART OF THE MANY SERVICES THEY OFFER, INCLUDING STATE SAFETY INSPECTIONS, "WOULD YOU LIKE US TO TEST YOUR BRAKE LINES FOR POTENTIAL FAILURE?" CV AXLES, BALL JOINTS, BRAKE PADS, ALL ARE INCLUDED IN INSPECTIONS. NOT BRAKE LINES, BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT MAINTENANCE PARTS. GM IS WHOLLY RESPONSIBLE.
TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 35MPH, APPLIED BRAKES FOR UPCOMING STOP SIGN AND BRAKES FAILED. INSPECTION REVEALED THAT BRAKE LINE BROKE AS THE RESULT OF CORROSION TO LINE AT REAR AXLE. MECHANIC STATES ALL BRAKE LINES DEMONSTRATING UNUSUAL AMOUNT OF RUSING, ALL BRAKE LINES REPLACED. MECHANIC STATES FRAME WILL BE RUSTED THROUGH SOON IF NOT BLASTED AND RUSTPROOFED; ALSO STATES THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM ON NEARLY ALL GM TRUCKS HE SEES. *TR
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
BROKEN/LEAKING BRAKE LINES DUE TO SEVERE UNDERBODY CORROSION: FRAME,BRAKE AND GAS LINES, FRONT SUSPENSION, SPARE TIRE ASSEMBLY, NUTS, BOLTS, EXHAUST PIPES, ETC. ALONG WITH THIS I REPLACED TWO TRANSMISSIONS, ONCE DUE TO RADIATOR FAILURE, FUEL PUMP FAILURE, BRAKE CALIPER FAILURE, A FEW SETS OF REAR PARKING BRAKE SHOES BECAUSE THE ADJUSTMENTS DONT WORK PROPERLY, THREE WINDOW REGULATORS AND ALL WITHIN 163,630 MILES. YEA I'M PIS@#$ OFF. *TR
TL*- THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 GMC YUKON DENALI XL. WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 65 MPH UNDER NORMAL DRY CONDITIONS THE VEHICLE STALLED. THERE WERE NO WARNING SIGNS THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ABOUT TO STALL. ONCE THE FAILURE OCCURRED THE CONTACT LOST THE BRAKING SYSTEM AND THE POWER STEERING FAILED AS WELL. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO GET THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WITHOUT A CRASH. THIS FAILURE HAPPENED ON THREE OTHER OCCASIONS WITH OUT INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY FIXED THE THROTTLE BODY AND WATER PUMP. THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR AFTER THE REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAS THE REPAIR ORDER. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000 .
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
BROKEN/LEAKING BRAKE LINES DUE TO SEVERE UNDERBODY CORROSION: FRAME,BRAKE AND GAS LINES, FRONT SUSPENSION, SPARE TIRE ASSEMBLY, NUTS, BOLTS, EXHAUST PIPES, ETC. ALONG WITH THIS I REPLACED TWO TRANSMISSIONS, ONCE DUE TO RADIATOR FAILURE, FUEL PUMP FAILURE, BRAKE CALIPER FAILURE, A FEW SETS OF REAR PARKING BRAKE SHOES BECAUSE THE ADJUSTMENTS DONT WORK PROPERLY, THREE WINDOW REGULATORS AND ALL WITHIN 163,630 MILES. YEA I'M PIS@#$ OFF. *TR
WHINING IN ENGINE-FOUND TO BE BAD BEARINGS AND METAL IN DIFFERENTIAL. WAS TOLD COULD HAVE MADE CAR LOCK UP AT ANYTIME (IMAGINE THAT IN HEAVY TRAFFIC). THIS IS SECOND CAR IN FAMILY WITH EXACT SAME PROBLEM ALTHOUGH WAS TOLD IT WAS "RARE". *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
BROKEN/LEAKING BRAKE LINES DUE TO SEVERE UNDERBODY CORROSION: FRAME,BRAKE AND GAS LINES, FRONT SUSPENSION, SPARE TIRE ASSEMBLY, NUTS, BOLTS, EXHAUST PIPES, ETC. ALONG WITH THIS I REPLACED TWO TRANSMISSIONS, ONCE DUE TO RADIATOR FAILURE, FUEL PUMP FAILURE, BRAKE CALIPER FAILURE, A FEW SETS OF REAR PARKING BRAKE SHOES BECAUSE THE ADJUSTMENTS DONT WORK PROPERLY, THREE WINDOW REGULATORS AND ALL WITHIN 163,630 MILES. YEA I'M PIS@#$ OFF. *TR
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
WE DID NOT NOTICE THE MISSING LATCH SYSTEM FOR CHILD SEATS UNTIL VERY RECENTLY WHEN WE BECAME GRANDPARENTS. OUR SON'S 2001 CHEVY SILVERADO HAS THE SYSTEM AND OUR NEWER 2002 YUKON XL DENALI OWNERS MANUAL STATES CLEARLY THAT THIS VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH THE NEW AND IMPROVED LATCH SYSTEM. IT'S NOT THERE! NO LOWER ATTACHMENT POINTS ARE INCORPORATED IN THE OPTIONAL BUCKET SEATS WHICH GM CHARGED US EXTRA FOR. WHY DOES IT COST EXTRA TO GET LESS SEAT AND THEN GET RIPPED OFF ON THE NEW CHILD SAFETY SEAT ATTACHMENT SYSTEM? MR
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
TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 35MPH, APPLIED BRAKES FOR UPCOMING STOP SIGN AND BRAKES FAILED. INSPECTION REVEALED THAT BRAKE LINE BROKE AS THE RESULT OF CORROSION TO LINE AT REAR AXLE. MECHANIC STATES ALL BRAKE LINES DEMONSTRATING UNUSUAL AMOUNT OF RUSING, ALL BRAKE LINES REPLACED. MECHANIC STATES FRAME WILL BE RUSTED THROUGH SOON IF NOT BLASTED AND RUSTPROOFED; ALSO STATES THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM ON NEARLY ALL GM TRUCKS HE SEES. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
BROKEN/LEAKING BRAKE LINES DUE TO SEVERE UNDERBODY CORROSION: FRAME,BRAKE AND GAS LINES, FRONT SUSPENSION, SPARE TIRE ASSEMBLY, NUTS, BOLTS, EXHAUST PIPES, ETC. ALONG WITH THIS I REPLACED TWO TRANSMISSIONS, ONCE DUE TO RADIATOR FAILURE, FUEL PUMP FAILURE, BRAKE CALIPER FAILURE, A FEW SETS OF REAR PARKING BRAKE SHOES BECAUSE THE ADJUSTMENTS DONT WORK PROPERLY, THREE WINDOW REGULATORS AND ALL WITHIN 163,630 MILES. YEA I'M PIS@#$ OFF. *TR
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
BROKEN/LEAKING BRAKE LINES DUE TO SEVERE UNDERBODY CORROSION: FRAME,BRAKE AND GAS LINES, FRONT SUSPENSION, SPARE TIRE ASSEMBLY, NUTS, BOLTS, EXHAUST PIPES, ETC. ALONG WITH THIS I REPLACED TWO TRANSMISSIONS, ONCE DUE TO RADIATOR FAILURE, FUEL PUMP FAILURE, BRAKE CALIPER FAILURE, A FEW SETS OF REAR PARKING BRAKE SHOES BECAUSE THE ADJUSTMENTS DONT WORK PROPERLY, THREE WINDOW REGULATORS AND ALL WITHIN 163,630 MILES. YEA I'M PIS@#$ OFF. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
BROKEN/LEAKING BRAKE LINES DUE TO SEVERE UNDERBODY CORROSION: FRAME,BRAKE AND GAS LINES, FRONT SUSPENSION, SPARE TIRE ASSEMBLY, NUTS, BOLTS, EXHAUST PIPES, ETC. ALONG WITH THIS I REPLACED TWO TRANSMISSIONS, ONCE DUE TO RADIATOR FAILURE, FUEL PUMP FAILURE, BRAKE CALIPER FAILURE, A FEW SETS OF REAR PARKING BRAKE SHOES BECAUSE THE ADJUSTMENTS DONT WORK PROPERLY, THREE WINDOW REGULATORS AND ALL WITHIN 163,630 MILES. YEA I'M PIS@#$ OFF. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT VEHICLE HESITATION. DEALER WAS CONTACTED, AND HAD REPLACED THE THROTTLE BODY SENSOR. ALSO ABS LIGHT TURNED ON DASH, AS WELL AS THE GAUGES. DEALER WAS CONTACTED ANDS STATED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE.*AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
VEHICLE LIGHTING, ESPECIALLY AT NIGHT, FLICKERS CONSTANTLY, HAS BEEN TO REPAIR SHOP SEVERAL TIMES, ALTERNATOR AND BATTERY CHECK OUT FINE. NO ONE SEEMS TO KNOW AN ANSWER. *TR
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 .