Skip to content
Engine coolingPart report

2002 GMC Denali Engine cooling Problems

Complaints
6about this part
Share
26%of 23 total for the year
Median mileage
3,200miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2002 GMC Denali, 26% of the 23 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 3,200 miles.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“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.”

NHTSA complaint #10282600, filed 2009-09, 70,000 miles

“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. …”

NHTSA complaint #10003208, filed 2003-01, 2,000 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 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. …”

NHTSA complaint #10161284, filed 2006-07, 48,000 miles

“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.”

NHTSA complaint #10029871, filed 2003-07, 3,200 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 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. …”

NHTSA complaint #10043146, filed 2003-10, 592 miles

Related service bulletins

Engine cooling: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
200326%
2002626%
2001314%
2000210%
199917%

Other parts of the 2002 GMC Denali

Transmission and drivetrain
5 complaintsBrakes
4 complaintsAir bags
2 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaintsSeat belts
2 complaintsSteering
2 complaintsSuspension
2 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
1 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2002 GMC Denali

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology