2002 GMC Sierra Denali Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 77%of 13 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 78,630miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the brakes of the 2002 GMC Sierra Denali, 77% of the 13 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 78,630 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, 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.
“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. Further research into the issue has LED me to believe this could be caused by a faulty speed sensor due to the ABS kicking in while stopping at low speed.”
NHTSA complaint #10355015, filed 2010-09, 100,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10443253, filed 2012-01, 124,365 miles“Vehicle had severe symptoms of needing brake replacement at 32,000 miles (rears) and again at 42,000 miles (fronts). A burning smell coupled with very hot brake components and severe pedal pulsation was noticed. When repairs were done the brakes were found to be prematurely worn out and all parts showed unusually severe rust damage. The brake rotors were delaminated and falling apart. The rear backing plates, which usually last the life of the vehicle, had holes rusted through them. …”
NHTSA complaint #10160176, filed 2006-06, 32,000 miles“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 steering ability either. I ended up in a head-on collision with a very large tree and the airbags failed. …”
NHTSA complaint #11030762, filed 2017-10“The contact owns a 2002 Gmc sierra. While driving under 10 MPH, and applying the brakes the pedal pulsated and the stopping distance increased. The dealer stated that failure was identical to recall #05v379000. However, the contact was advised that this vehicle was not included in the recall due to the VIN. The failure mileage was 36000. Updated 06/06/07”
NHTSA complaint #10188732, filed 2007-04, 36,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10242252Aug 18, 2023This technical bulletin provides information and a solution to a condition of Brake Pedal Moves or Self Applies at Full Turns.
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 2 | 18% |
| 2019 | 8 | 31% |
| 2018 | 4 | 24% |
| 2016 | 8 | 27% |
| 2015 | 7 | 32% |
| 2014 | 4 | 29% |
| 2012 | 2 | 20% |
| 2008 | 1 | 6% |
| 2006 | 2 | 40% |
| 2004 | 5 | 45% |
| 2002 | 10 | 77% |
Other parts of the 2002 GMC Sierra Denali
← All problems reported for the 2002 GMC Sierra Denali
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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