2002 GMC Denali recalls and problems

The 2002 GMC Denali has 1 safety recall and 23 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any GMC dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

3 / 1

Injuries / deaths

3 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2002 GMC Denali vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2002 GMC Denali recalls

Recall 02V-253: Seats

Reported Sep 17, 2002 · 558,904 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Problem: 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.

Risk: If a person were to insert their finger(S) into the pinch point when the head restraint folds, it could trap and pinch the finger(S) causing injury.

Fix: 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 remedy within a reasonable time should contact chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, gmc at 1-800-462-8782, or cadillac at 1-800-458-8006.

2002 GMC Denali problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Engine and Engine Cooling	6
Power Train	5
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	3
Exterior Lighting	2
Suspension	2
Seat Belts	2
Steering	2
Air Bags	2
Service Brakes, Air	1
Latches/Locks/Linkages	1
Structure	1
Unknown or Other	1

Most reported parts

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 3
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — 2
Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 2
Exterior Lighting › Turn Signal › Flasher Unit — 1
Seat Belts › Rear/Other — 1
Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System — 1
Seat Belts › Front — 1
Power Train › Driveline — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 36,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2002 GMC Denali complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Power Train · at 70,000 miles · reported Sep 1, 2009

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.

Exterior Lighting · reported Apr 6, 2009

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?

Service Brakes, Hydraulic · at 31,843 miles · reported Apr 11, 2007

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.

Power Train · at 77,600 miles · reported Sep 15, 2006

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.

Power Train · at 74,030 miles · reported Jul 16, 2006

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…

Other GMC Denali years

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Frequently asked questions

Does the 2002 GMC Denali have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2002 GMC Denali: 02V-253 (seats). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2002 GMC Denali?

Owners report engine and engine cooling problems most often (6 reports), followed by power train (5). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 36,000 miles.

Are GMC recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized GMC dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.