2002 GMC Denali Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 22%of 23 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 72,015miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2002 GMC Denali, 22% of the 23 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 72,015 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
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“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10105964, filed 2005-01, 32,000 miles“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10162502, filed 2006-07, 74,030 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10168365, filed 2006-09, 77,600 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11006421Jul 24, 2024GM 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…
- 10249579Jan 12, 2024This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10242843Sep 1, 2023The 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…
- 10220319Sep 1, 2022This 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…
- 10026804Oct 1, 2008Gmc: fluid leak from transmission oil cooler lines due to corrosion. All 2000-2006 light duty trucks equipped with the light duty automatic transmission.
- 10012557Aug 1, 2003Fluid leak from front of vehicle add teflon tape to front axle vent plug threads.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
Other parts of the 2002 GMC Denali
6 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 29, 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