2002 Gmc Denali problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip (2) · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine (2) · Suspension:front:stabilizer Bar (1)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Gmc Denali model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
Safety recalls (0)
No recalls on record for this model year (campaigns announced since 2010).
Service bulletins (95)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Unknown Or Other 2025-07-18 · PIP5601C · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this pi communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from tac.
Electrical System 2024-08-26 · General Communication · Service Campaign
vehicle 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 com
Power Train 2024-07-24 · 24-NA-141 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
gm 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 durin
Fuel/Propulsion System 2024-06-28 · 16-NA-383 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this 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.
Unknown Or Other 2024-06-17 · 18-NA-099 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this bulletin provides information for use on a product assistance claim (pac), which is formerly known as a product allegation resolution (par) claim.
Electrical System 2024-06-06 · 24-NA-098 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this 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.
Showing the 6 most recent of 95 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2009-09-01 · Power Train:automatic Transmission · 70,000 mi“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 thi…”
2009-04-06 · 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…”
2007-04-11 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip · 31,843 mi“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 de…”
2006-09-15 · Suspension:front:stabilizer Bar · 77,600 mi“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 manufactur…”
2006-07-16 · Power Train:automatic Transmission:cooling Unit And Lines · 74,030 mi“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. …”
2006-07-03 · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline:belts And Associated Pulleys · 48,000 mi“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…”
2005-11-18 · Air Bags:side/Window · 25,000 mi · 💥 crash“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…”
2005-06-13 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip · 36,000 mi · 💥 crash“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. t…”
2005-06-02 · 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 was flowing out. the teeth was found broken out o…”
2005-01-13 · Steering:rack And Pinion · 45,000 mi“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…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.