Most common 2002 GMC Denali problems
Share of the 23 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
GMC Denali complaints by model year
Best Denali years: 2010, 2013, 2014. Years to avoid: 2003, 2002, 2015, 2000. Compare all years →
2002 GMC Denali recalls (1)
Seats › Front assembly › Head restraint
On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with rearward folding head restraints on the second row seats, two potential pinch points exist on each of the folding head restraints when the restraints are folded rearward as the seatback is folded down.
Remedy: Dealers will install protective covers over the pinch points. Owner notification began November 8, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free…
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2002 GMC Denali:
Parking brake failure
Odi's review of complaint data received since the close of ea04-011 revealed no indication that the investigation should be re-opened.more details can be found in the federal register notice enclosed in the dp05-009 public file.odi reserves the right to reopen the investigation in the future should conditions warrant.
What 2002 GMC Denali owners say
Engine & cooling
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. …
Engine taps loudly upon startup. This metallic tapping occurs after overnight parking and also if sitting for an hour or so. When driving cold engine, valve clatter occurs before each shift of the automatic transmission. Email and telephone correspondence with GM left me with their offer to provide extended warranty on engine, of which I declined. Part of their response: we appreciate the opportunity to review your concerns with your 2002 GMC sierra Denali. We have examined request number 1-60877406 in which your engine tapping noise is documented with the GMC customer assistance center and we are in agreement with the position previously provided to you. Under the terms of the new vehicle limited warranty, our primary responsibility is to repair the vehicle. Since this is considered a normal characteristic of the vehicle, there is no repair necessary. …
Transmission & drivetrain
Failure of transmission cooler, which is inside the radiator, caused transmission fluid and anti-freeze to mix and flow through engine and transmission. The transmission was ruined as a result. The repair involved replacing the radiator, all engine hoses, rebuilding the transmission, flushing engine and replacing fluids at a total cost of $3047. This vehicle has had exceptional care and all maintenance was performed on schedule. The vehicle, a SUV was never used off road or to pull a trailer, and has 74000 miles. There was no way to prevent the problem as the cooler in inside the radiator and cannot be serviced. The result of this is early failure of the transmission and the need to replace several engine components that were impacted. Fortunately this was detected before the transmission failed and caused a breakdown or accident. …
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.
Brakes
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.
Tl 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.
2002 GMC Denali engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6.0L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 11 / 14 / 12 |
EPA ratings. Class: Full-size pickup.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2002 GMC Denali a good car?
Based on 23 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2002 Denali rates use caution: 1.9× as many complaints as a typical year of the Denali at the same age. It is one of the Denali years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2002 GMC Denali?
The engine & cooling — 6 complaints, 26% of all complaints for this model year, most often about engine. Next are the transmission & drivetrain (5) and brakes (4).
How many recalls does the 2002 GMC Denali have?
There is 1 recall for the 2002 GMC Denali, the most recent from September 17, 2002 (head restraint). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the GMC Denali?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2010, 2013 and 2014. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2003, 2002, 2015 and 2000. See the full GMC Denali years comparison.
At what mileage do 2002 GMC Denali problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 36,000 miles; 77% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.