Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2002 GMC Envoy owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I began to have issues with my headlights, low and high beams, flickering off and on at random for about 4 months until my brake lights started to do the exact same 7 months ago and now they have quit working all together! I have taken this SUV to 4 different shops now, and nobody has been able to figure out why this is happening. The last mechanic who attempted to fix the issue, says he found an older recall on the original manufactured tag lights being malfunctioned to the point it causes issues with the front and back lights. The man shown me the information on this recall, seeing the part # is listed on there, I compared it to mine and a neighbor's 2002 Envoy; which both of our envoys have these malfunctioned parts. GM has not contacted us back, and we're at a loss because it's a part needed from them directly. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 GMC Envoy. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH, a tire was on the road and the contact swerved to the left to avoid the object however, the power steering assist failed and the brakes failed to respond. As a result, the contact lost control of the vehicle and flipped approximately ten times and crashed into a guard rail. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact was taken to a hospital where there were injuries reported. A police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 65,000. Updated 09/05/14 the consumer stated the ignition switch May be the cause of the failure. Updated 12/16/2014
When having my 02' Envoy serviced and state inspection by my GMC dealer the service manager called and told me, I would need to r/r my front rotors. The pads were half worn but the rotors smooth surface did not exist. It looked like they were not machined thoroughly. Ser. Mgr thought I lived near the shore, stating salt water would usually causes this. I do not live near the shore and do not go the beach. I drive this vehicle to and from work all highway driving. My vehicle has 41225 mi and has always been serviced by GM. I have owned GM vehicles for 38 yrs and the cars with rotors never looked like this. This looks like a manufacturing imperfection. From reviewing the odi list for this vehicle, others have also documented similar complaints. If I did not bring the vehicle in for the state inspection I would never have know this defect existed. …
I noticed the brakes pulsing badly on my 2002 GMC Envoy at 27,000 miles. The dealership stated that brakes are covered up to 21,000 miles and rotors covered to 24,000. All 4 rotors and brake pads had to be replaced at my expense. I guess that I shouldn't have assumed that a warranty of 3 years or 36,000 miles meant that everything was covered. How convenient it is for the warranty coverage on brakes and rotors expires prior to the 3 year 36,000 mile warranty. That tells me that GM knows when the cheaper parts they are using are going to fail. The 3 year 36,000 warranty is very misleading. In my 27 years of driving, I've never seen rotor and brake pad failure at 27,000 miles. Good brake parts are vital in the safety of a vehicle, I don't understand how they are allowed to use inferior materials. Thank god my pregnant wife didn't have and accident while driving this vehicle.
Consumer had all of the weather proofing on the vehicle replaced by the dealer as well as the clutch assembly . The fan clutch was replaced, the air bag indicator light came on. The consumer was told that nothing could be done if the light wasn't on at the time. The plastic trim from the seat belt broke, the seat belt failed again, the transmission would drag, the engine light was on and made a grinding noise,the drivers side tire was loosing pressure, the passenger inner door seal leaked, the clock on the radio would reset itself, the drivers side seat belt would lock up when the brakes were applied they would skid and pull to the right.
Dt*: the contact stated the ABS engaged at speeds of 30 MPH and below. The stopping distance was increased as a result. There is a NHTSA recall, # 05V379000, regarding the ABS system. The vehicle has the same problems as the recall; however it is not included in the recall due to the VIN. The vehicle was taken to a local dealership for inspection. The dealer can not duplicate the problem and no repairs were made. Updated 03/03/06.
Dt: the front brake drums rusted. Vehicle was taken to service repair shop because there was severe vibration in the both front wheels when brake pressure was applied. Service manager noted both brake drums were rusted. There were chunks falling from the inside of the brake drums, and they needed to be replaced. Consumer was waiting these parts to come in so that they could be placed on the vehicle and repaired.
Several months ago while driving at any speed and when depressing the brakes consumer felt pulsation in the brake pedal. Currently, when the brakes are depressed the pulsation is very severe. Dealer has made an appointment to examine the vehicle. Pulsation occurred fifty times in the last few months.
Submission from constituent re GMC executive letter reply in engine stalling/stopping while being driven on the freeway of california. The consumer stated the vehicle stalled several times. Also, the service engine soon light illuminated, due to a faulty ignition coil. The dealer also replaced the ignition switch, as the possible cause of the engine stalling. The consumer continued to experience stalling issues, as the dealer was unable to determine the cause. When the vehicle stalled, the ABS and brake warning light illuminated. The dealer found the rear speed sensor connector broken and not sitting properly in the sensor. They repositioned the connector and secured it to the sensor. The consumer discovered a recall, which described the same symptoms he experienced. Recall # 04V289000.
I have a 2002 GMC Envoy slt with 22700 miles. Recently, I noticed deep scoring in the rear brake rotors. I thought that the brake pads were severely worn, so I took my vehicle to the dealer where I purchased it. Usually, I keep very close watch on the rotors, front and rear because it can become a costly job if they are scored. When the service manager informed me that the pads were OK and that they were only half worn, sent up red flags to me. He also said the front rotors were out of round. He said it could be due to wear and tear. I am 53 years old and I have never heard of the rotors being so deeply scored without the pads being worn down.
Brake complaints in other Envoy years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2002 GMC Envoy?
NHTSA has 24 complaints about the brakes of the 2002 GMC Envoy, 5% of the model year's 487 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (7 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 GMC Envoy brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2002 GMC Envoy, though it has 13 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2002 GMC Envoy brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 40,000 miles, and 20% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.