2002 GMC Denali
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › GMC › Denali › 2002
These records cover every 2002 GMC Denali. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
1 recall names the 2002 GMC Denali. Newest first.
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 and remedy
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.
Remedy
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.
Owner complaints
23 complaints3 involved a crash1 involved a fire3 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine · Power train › Automatic transmission
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…
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. *Tr
- Exterior lighting
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? *Tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Tl*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…
Tl*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 › Automatic transmission · Suspension › Front › Stabilizer bar
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…
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. *nm
- Power train › Automatic transmission › Cooling unit and lines
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…
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 cannot be serviced. the result of this IS early failure of the transmission and the need to replace several engine components that were impacted. fortunately this was detected before the transmission failed and caused a breakdown or accident. other incidences of this same problem were noted upon internet research. *jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Belts and associated pulleys
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…
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 source that this was a common thing for this type of vehicle due to the fact that GMC had not put a filter on the compressor and it would cause it to fail. If there are no complaints then they will not do a recall and this should cost the consumer at least $1,500. Last night as my husband followed me on his bike, the tensioner failed again and it threw the belt behind me almost hitting my husband in the head. I cant imagine what it would do to glass or a persons head at 65 mph. This IS dangerous and until it results in a fatality, GMC will not recall this. I have also found out that GMC will pay a wrongful death lawsuit as opposed to paying to recall all of their "professional grade" products. What a shame. I refuse to have this belt fly off and hit someone resulting in death. This IS a hazard and GMC should recall all of them. sincerely, kim boggs. *nm
- Air bags › Side/window
Dt: while driving on the interstate at 70 mph the consumer was side swiped and knocked into the median, in which the side air bags failed to deploy. updated 12/27/05. *Jb
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Dt: the owner turned left in turning lane and applied the brakes and truck kept on . The brakes had been mashed, and they would not stop. The brakes had worked up to the point before the wreck. The vehicle was constantly serviced. owner's vehicle hit another car, and created a three car pile up. There was one reported injury from this incident. The vehicle IS in the shop at this point for repairs.*ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Caliper · Structure · Unknown or other
While driving and upon every stop, the consumer would hear noises coming from the rear end of the vehicle. Took the vehicle into the dealer. A few weeks later the brakes failed, and the caliper split in half. *nm the noise had come from the rear passenger side due to brake failure. brake fluid…
While driving and upon every stop, the consumer would hear noises coming from the rear end of the vehicle. Took the vehicle into the dealer. A few weeks later the brakes failed, and the caliper split in half. *nm the noise had come from the rear passenger side due to brake failure. brake fluid was flowing out. the teeth was found broken out of the disc brake. the 3/4 by 3/4 inch high bracket experienced a "hump" inside of it which made the wheel wobble. also two of the 4 wheel antilock disc brakes were not on the back wheels. *sc *jb
- Steering › Rack and pinion
While driving at any speed, the driver heard a loud knocking noise coming from the front. the vehicle jerked and vibrated. the vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection. the mechanic informed the driver that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. please provide further details. *nm
- Power train › Driveline › Universal joint
At 34,000 miles it started with a squeaking noise under the truck when moving. Dealership could not find a problem. Noise continued. Individual found that the "plastic parts" used in the universal joint were broken up inside. Replacement parts consisted of the same plastic parts which are in need…
At 34,000 miles it started with a squeaking noise under the truck when moving. Dealership could not find a problem. Noise continued. Individual found that the "plastic parts" used in the universal joint were broken up inside. Replacement parts consisted of the same plastic parts which are in need of replacement now at 62,000 miles. Service departments are not fully knowledgeable of the denahli system or its parts and spend more time ordering the wrong parts. also the engine has cut out on me while driving. Luckly I was traveling at less than 15 miles an hour. on top of everything else today the muffler has a hole, the size of a nickle, rusted out of it and condensation water shooting everywhere. this truck has been nothing but trouble. High priced truck, low quality parts. repairs are in the process. *Ak
- Latches/locks/linkages › Tailgate › Latch
Both rear tailgate straps snapped. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. *Ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
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…
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 brought back because of an oil leak. The dealer service department disc that the front differential connector on the left side was where the oil was originating from and corrected the loose vent connector. The dealer service invoice doesn't state how much fluid was added if any. Service advisor did not know the answer. *la
- Engine and engine cooling
Consumer called complaining about having problems with engine overheating. Dealer was contacted, and stated that it was normal. This has occurred over five times. Overheating up to over the red sign of overheating. Manufacturer was contacted, and stated that they won't do anything.*ak
- Air bags › Frontal
The vehicle was involved in a frontal collision, and the air bags did not deploy.*jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Engine taps loudly upon startup. This metallic tapping occurs after overnight parking and also if sitting for an hour or so. When driving cold engine, valve clatter occurs before each shift of the automatic transmission. Email and telephone correspondence with gm left me with their offer to provide…
Engine taps loudly upon startup. This metallic tapping occurs after overnight parking and also if sitting for an hour or so. When driving cold engine, valve clatter occurs before each shift of the automatic transmission. Email and telephone correspondence with gm left me with their offer to provide extended warranty on engine, of which I declined. part of their response: we appreciate the opportunity to review your concerns with your 2002 GMC sierra denali. We have examined request number 1-60877406 in which your engine tapping noise IS documented with the GMC customer assistance center and we are in agreement with the position previously provided to you. Under the terms of the new vehicle limited warranty, our primary responsibility IS to repair the vehicle. since this IS considered a normal characteristic of the vehicle, there IS no repair necessary. we assure you that it will not effect the drivability or safety of your vehicle.
- Power train › Driveline
Front axle, wire harness burnt, wheel fender burnt.
- Seat belts › Front
Passenger seat belt locks tight against passenger--you have to unbuckle the seat belt in order to move for whatever reason
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system · Steering
While driving engine check light kept coming on, had vehicle checked sereval times. Dealer finally found that water pump had busted. *ak
- Seat belts › Rear/other
Consumer had to hit brakes suddenly. Rear seat belts were inoperative. Didn't hold child in place, child launched forward, as a result of seatbelt loosening up instead of tightening. *Ak
- Suspension
While driving up and down a small hill, vehicle sways and steering seems loose, almost causing loss of control, dealer notified.*ak *tt
- Exterior lighting › Turn signal › Flasher unit
Front turn signals (above bumper) are not visible in daylight because the daytime running lights are too bright and right next to turn signal bulb (worse if viewed across grille) . not visible in mirrors to a vehicle in front. My vehicle changed lanes at same time to her SUV and she ran off road…
Front turn signals (above bumper) are not visible in daylight because the daytime running lights are too bright and right next to turn signal bulb (worse if viewed across grille) . not visible in mirrors to a vehicle in front. My vehicle changed lanes at same time to her SUV and she ran off road to avoid collision. My vehicle IS a truck. No impact of vehicles /no police report was filed.. Gm needs to lower wattage or aim them down so they dont blind other motorists. This problem IS aggravated at dusk or dawn (this incident).*ak
- Service brakes, air
Brakes cannot be fixed. each time consumer takes vehicle to dealer, they tell her that nothing IS wrong. But, yet she hears air when applying brakes.*ak
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Parking brake failure
Odi's review of complaint data received since the close of ea04-011 revealed no indication that the investigation should be re-opened.more details can be found in the federal register notice enclosed in the dp05-009 public file.odi reserves the right to reopen the investigation in the future should conditions warrant.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 11006621Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). The updating of modules is completed in parallel instead of the technician needing to update one module at a time. This allows a more streamlined approach for dealers and customers.
- 11006421GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or inadequate packaging or shipping. This bulletin advises the dealers to be more careful not to damage the transmissions during removal and to package the core properly for return.
- 11004761This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
- 11004557This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
- 11002312This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and resolution information.
- 10252735This bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement fasteners with conductive finish.
- 10252163XM Audio Traffic And Travel Link Availability And Operation.
- 10251890This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
- 10250775This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system.
- 10249590This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
- 10249579This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10249011This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage.
- 10248444Vehicle Recalls
- 10247681Information On Requests To Add OnStar Bluetooth Option.
- 10247552This service bulletin provides information on Concerns or Questions Regarding Installation of Dealer Installed Accessories.
- 10246952Programming And Activation Of Replacement OnStar Modules.
- 10246951Programming And Activation Of Replacement OnStar Modules.
- 10246631Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- 10245951Canadian Customers Unable To Place Calls And Turn By Turn Inoperative In The United States.
- 10245950Canadian Customers Unable To Place Calls In The United States
- 10244274This service bulletin provides information about the Hunter wheel Road Force balancers that should be utilized for all repairs requiring balance and Road Force measurement.
- 10244201This service bulletin provides information for dealers on how to submit a product information report (PIR) (Canada Only).
- 10242843The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the customer that it is normal for the delay.
- 10242262This service bulletin provides graphics, information and guidelines for engine component wear to assist service personnel as a guideline to perform necessary engine repairs and prevent unnecessary engine replacement.
- 10235802This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
- 10235799This service bulletin provides information about the Hunter wheel Road Force balancers that should be utilized for all repairs requiring balance and Road Force measurement.
- 10235713This bulletin provides information on Warranty Administration Required Operating Procedures - 8 Points (U.S. Only).
- 10234141This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
- 10234110This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
- 10232287This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10232136This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water Leaks and Replacement Guidelines.
- 10228888This service bulletin provides diagnostic tips/steps on testing for possible EVAP leaks in the system to correct a customer concern of an MIL Illuminated with DTCs P0442 and/or P0455 Set.
- 10227056This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system.
- 10225615This service bulletin provides information on Module Harvesting.
- 10224820This service bulletin provides information for dealers on how to submit a product information report (PIR) (Canada Only).
- 10222839This service bulletin provides information on Handling Requests for Modifications to Permanently Import/Export Vehicles Between the U.S. and Canada.
- 10222796This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
- 10220319This diagnostic tip advises the tech not to separate the flexplate from the torque convertor or damage my occur if the engine is started while diagnosing for noise from the engine or transmission.
- 10219266This bulletin provides information on tools available to find an intake vacuum leak or exhaust leak to correct a condition of MIL Illuminated with Multiple Fuel Trim and/or Oxygen Sensor Codes Set.
- 10214869This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
Every GMC Denali model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.