2002 GMC Yukon recalls and problems

The 2002 GMC Yukon has 3 safety recalls and 158 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any GMC dealer.

Recalls
3
Complaints
158
Crashes / fires
15 / 3
Injuries / deaths
12 / 0

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

2002 GMC Yukon recalls

Recall 05V-379: Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Reported Aug 29, 2005 · 1,353,718 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Problem: Certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles may experience unwanted antilock brake system (Abs) activation. This condition is more likely to occur in environmentally corrosive areas. This recall will be launched in the "salt belt" states of connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, maryland, massachusetts, maine, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, west virginia, wisconsin and the district of columbia only.

Risk: This can cause increased stopping distances during low-speed brake applications, which could result in a crash.

Fix: Dealers are to remove the wheel speed sensor and thoroughly clean the wheel speed sensor mounting surface on the bearing, apply rust inhibitor to the cleaned surface, grease the mounting surface, reinstall the wheel speed sensor, and check the peak-to-peak output voltage to ensure the wheel speed signal is within specifications. The recall began september 22, 2005. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or gmc at 1-866-996-9463.

Recall 03V-094: Structure

Reported Mar 7, 2003 · 3,674 vehicles affected · SOUTHERN COMFORT CONVERSIONS

Problem: Certain pickup truck, van, and mini van conversions equipped with southern comfort built running boards that contain certain courtesy lights manufactured by american technology components, inc. These units contain a courtesy light or lights that might overheat when the wire harness is exposed to excessive moisture and road salt.

Risk: This overheating condition can cause the running board to melt or cause a fire.

Fix: Dealers will replace the wiring harness on these running boards. Owner notification began march 7, 2003. 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 southern comfort at 1-800-745-6096.

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 Yukon problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Service Brakes, Hydraulic40
Service Brakes37
Air Bags12
Electrical System11
Power Train10
Steering8
Fuel System, Gasoline7
Seat Belts7
Engine and Engine Cooling6
Suspension6
Tires5
Parking Brake5

Most reported parts

  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — 21
  • Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump — 4
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 4
  • Air Bags › Frontal — 3
  • Electrical System › Wiring › Interior/Under Dash — 2
  • Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly › Filler Pipe and Cap — 2
  • Exterior Lighting › Headlights — 2
  • Seat Belts › Front — 2

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 79,000 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 Yukon complaints

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

Service Brakes · reported Aug 14, 2025
No warning while exiting, I was able to hit the brakes. Then, when I reached for the brakes again, it didn’t break. There was no signals on the car. The car is total damage air bags came out.
Seat Belts · reported Aug 1, 2022
Front passenger seatbelt has always locked up after being put on, which does not allow the passenger the ability to move more than a couple of inches at best.
Service Brakes · at 128,000 miles · reported Aug 7, 2020
The contact owns a 2002 gmc yukon. The contact stated after he drove the vehicle at a very low speed, the vehicle unexpectedly experienced unwanted antilock brake system (Abs) activation. The contact stated he was forced to drive at a higher speed in order to avoid this issue. The contact notified the dealer, cable dahmer buick gmc of kansas city address: 907 w 104th st, kansas city, mo 64114) however the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware and offered little assistance. The failure mileage was 128,000. The contact referenced the failure to NHTSA campaign…
Air Bags · at 290,000 miles · reported Jan 9, 2020
Vehicle was involved in a roll over one frontal car accident. Not for sure of the speed but it was oover 50 miles an hour. I hit brake going around the curve and fliiped over over five times and not yet the airbag didnt deploy. Forced cause of the seat bealt to strecch and lock in place. Police and tow truck was surprise the airbag should have deplyed. Now the truck is total which mean cant be fix destroyed and not repairable. The vehicle was in pound.
Service Brakes · at 175,000 miles · reported Jan 7, 2020
Brakes went. Bought a ct car in sc. Luckily driving 5pmh when they went. Waiting at the shop now to get fixed. Spent the night in my car as I was moving to ct

Other GMC Yukon years

Compare all GMC Yukon years · All GMC models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2002 GMC Yukon have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2002 GMC Yukon: 05V-379 (service brakes, hydraulic), 03V-094 (structure), 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 Yukon?

Owners report service brakes, hydraulic problems most often (40 reports), followed by service brakes (37). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 79,000 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.