Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
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).
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 GMC Envoy. The contact stated that the lower control arm camber on the front and rear tires were worn down on more than one occasion causing the tires to have to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to be diagnosed where it was concluded that the lower control arms needed to be replaced. In addition, the contact stated that the headlights failed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 206,000.
I was driving on the highway at approximately 70 MPH pulling a 3000 lb. Boat and trailer. I felt something change in the front end as though the alignment changed as I was driving. I exited the highway, and after applying the brakes a very loud pop came from the left front wheel well. Upon investigation I found that the upper ball joint had completely separtated from the upper control arm. This apparently occurred after the bolt that secures the ball joint in the upper control arm either sheared, fell out, or was never there before the incident. There was little to no damage, and the vehicle is currently at the dealer awaiting parts. More specifically, I was told that they are replacing the upper control arm and upper ball joint.
Tl contact owns a 2002 GMC Envoy. While applying pressure to the brake pedal, the contact heard a loud noise coming from the front end of the vehicle. A mechanic stated that the cause of the failure was the suspension system. She took the vehicle to an authorized local dealer and they stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign id number 01V126000 (suspension:front:control arm:lower arm). The vehicle has not been repaired. The contact did not file a formal complaint with the manufacturer. The failure mileage was 79,000 and current mileage was 79,350.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 GMC Envoy. While reversing out of a residential driveway, the vehicle made a loud pop and clunking noise. The contact continued driving and heard a dragging noise underneath the vehicle. After inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that the lower control arm on the front driver side was fractured. The manufacturer stated that the VIN was excluded from NHTSA campaign number: 01V126000 (suspension). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 108,000.
Recall 01V126000; while driving 60-65 MPH consumer lost control of vehicle, hit concrete median, and vehicle bounced off median and hit right guardrail. Also, vehicle caught on fire, fire department put out fire. Vehicle was totalled. Front lower control arm was broken, consumer has parts for inspection, part of break was clean, the other part rusted through. Consumer called GMC about recall on this part, was told this vehicle was not affected. Due to VIN.
2002 GMC Envoy engine stalls while stopped at traffic light. Sometimes a near-stall condition occurs whereby the engine idle dips really low, engine shudders, then idle recovers. This usually happens just before or after the air compressor for the rear suspension inflates. So far the PCM, throttle body, and ignition switch have been replaced. Dealer is currently making 4th attempt to fix problem. Problem has been occurring since 8/2002.
Tl contact owns a 2002 GMC Envoy. When the contact applies the brakes, the front end of the vehicle makes a rattling noise. The dealer stated that the control arm bushing was the cause of the failure and referenced NHTSA campaign id number 01V126000 (suspension:front:control arm:lower arm). The purchase date was unknown. The current mileage was 88,000 and failure mileage was 85,000. Updated 4/2/08 updated 04/02/08
I have had a intermittent rumbling sound in the drivers compartment like the doors are not closed properly. I have checked doors closed but yet it still happens. Took back to dealership and they could not find a problem. The fuel gauge is reading incorrectly, at a half a tank of fuel the gas hand will intermittently move up or down. Also nov. 2006 a high pitch squeal from the front of vehicle while driving between 1 and 40 MPH.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 GMC Envoy. The contact stated that the rear shocks were leaking, causing the rear of the vehicle to drop onto the wheel well. The contact took the vehicle to a dealer and the dealer replaced the air lines. The air line replacement only remedied the issue temporarily. The contact did not take the vehicle back to the dealer or a local mechanic for further repairs. The failure mileage was 132,000.
While driving 70 MPH vehicle began to wobble and pulled hard to the left. The consumer took the car back to the dealership to be fixed but no work was done. The consumer wrote letters made complaints. Even suggested to be fully refunded for the vehicle. Dealership lack of concern caused the consumer to go to another service dealer and paid $63.15 for repairs.
Related recalls
Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower arm
Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. Under certain circumstances the front lower control arm brackets May fracture. This fracture could result in separation of the front lower control arm from the frame.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the left and right front lower control arm brackets. Owner notification began by telephone on April 4, 2001. The followup letter to consumers was mailed May 3, 2001.
Suspension complaints in other Envoy years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 2002 GMC Envoy?
NHTSA has 35 complaints about the suspension of the 2002 GMC Envoy, 7% of the model year's 487 complaints. The component named most often is front › control arm › lower arm (12 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 GMC Envoy suspension problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 01V-126 (lower arm, Apr 12, 2001). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2002 GMC Envoy suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 84,000 miles, and 38% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to suspension 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.