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2002 GMC DenaliProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 23 owner complaints about the 2002 GMC Denali, most often about the engine and engine cooling. It is covered by 1 safety recall.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls1Free fix at dealersOwner complaints236 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage3kEngine and engine cooling, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through September 1, 2009. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2002 GMC Denali has problems

23 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Engine and engine cooling60
Power train51
Service brakes, hydraulic31
Air bags22
Suspension20
Seat belts20
Exterior lighting20
Steering20
Latches/locks/linkages10
2 other systems20

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

1 recall

2002 GMC Denali recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Front assembly: head restraint

Recall 02V-253 · Sep 17, 2002 · 558,904 vehicles

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.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with GMC.

Best & worst years

2002 vs. every other Denali year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Denali median. How we score

'99'00'01'02'03'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
1 investigation

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 2002 GMC Denali, and the recalls they led to.

  1. PARKING BRAKE FAILUREDP05009 · closed May 31, 2006
    No recall
In owners' words

What Denali owners report

Recent engine and engine cooling complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

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,…
Complaint 10282600 · Sep 1, 2009 · 70,000 miles
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…
Complaint 10161284 · Jul 3, 2006 · 48,000 miles
UPON FIRST START-UP IN THE MORNING THE ENGINE TAPS FOR 10 TO15 SECONDS. THE LENGTH OF TIME AND NOISE LEVEL INCREASES WHEN THE VEHICLE SITS FOR TWO DAYS. IT IS PARKED ON LEVEL GROUND AND THE OIL LEVEL IS GOOD. IT SOUNDS TO ME LIKE A LIFTER IS LEAKING DOWN. SHORTLY AFTER VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED, IT WAS…
Complaint 10043146 · Oct 18, 2003 · 592 miles

Own a 2002 Denali?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.