2002 Gmc Sierra Denali problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Steering (3) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic (2) · Service Brakes (2)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Gmc Sierra 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 (71)
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.
Engine 2024-12-18 · 03-06-01-023I · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this service bulletin explains how to measure for oil consumption and possible reasons for loss of oil.
Engine 2024-10-07 · 03-06-01-023H · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this service bulletin explains how to measure for oil consumption and possible reasons for loss of oil.
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.
Showing the 6 most recent of 71 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2019-01-10 · Service Brakes · 90,000 mi“the metal brake lines have corroded badly and now failed. very unsafe, crash waiting to happen.…”
2017-10-02 · Steering · 💥 crash“i did not know about this site and this accident happened in oct 2014. i was going around a curve with 40 mph speed limit and i was going 40 mph. i started to brake as this was downhill and a very large truck and i did not wish to increase speed as i followed the curve. my brakes did not respond and sank to the floor with no resistance. i had no st…”
2014-07-26 · Service Brakes · 100,000 mi“total brake failure. i went to apply my brakes and pedal went right to floor, luckily i had the presents of mind to use emergency brake. *tr…”
2012-01-10 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · 124,365 mi“100% brake failure due to ruptured metal brake line, severe corrosion. all lines require replacement. gmc notified, no replace parts supported by manufacturer. truck stopped with use of emergency brake. *tr…”
2010-12-30 · Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System · 80,000 mi“exhaust manifold bolts break causing emission failure and exhaust leak. the repair bill is up to $1000. or more. you have to have a garage drill out old bolts and replace. *tr…”
2010-11-01 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings · 75,000 mi“tl*the contact owns a 2002 gmc sierra denali. while driving 25 mph and attempting to stop, the contact noticed that the brake pedal extended to the floorboard. the contact pulled over and also noticed that brake fluid was leaking on the driver side. the contact later inspected the vehicle and discovered that the brake lines were corroded. the deale…”
2010-10-01 · Service Brakes, Electric · 78,630 mi“abs is activating at low speeds under 10mph when stopping without abs light coming on. *tr…”
2010-09-11 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · 100,000 mi“everytime the brakes are applied and the vehicle slows down to under 10 mph, the vehicles abs system kicks on. i did some research and found that this has been recalled on many gmc models but not the sierra denali i have. i have also found that many others with sierra denalis have had the same issue and it greatly increases stopping distance. furth…”
2009-06-03 · Steering · 145,300 mi“the abs light came on. since that time, on two separate occasions while turning at slow speeds, the truck has stalled in an intersection. after reviewing the recall information and calling gm and our dealership, no open recalls apply to the truck. they will of course be happy to charge us and minimum of $101.00 and more to look at the truck and re…”
2009-01-31 · Steering · 49,800 mi“i purchased a 2002 gmc sierra denali in sept 2002 new from a local dealer. i am the primary driver and do not abuse the vehicle. i keep all the service work up on it thru the selling dealer. the problem that i have is that the qudarsteer control module went out and i called gm for a service request. gm set up an appointment for me with the selli…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.