2002 GMC Yukon XL Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 11%of 95 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 71,123miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2002 GMC Yukon XL, 11% of the 95 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 71,123 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.
“My Gmc yukon 2500 with the 8.1l stalls while driving. This is unexplainable and unrepeatable. This has occurred probably 6 or 7 times and is a real danger as you loose power steering and brakes. I believe it is the cam positioning sensor. What is my recourse to have fixed by manufacturer.”
NHTSA complaint #10207896, filed 2007-11, 71,123 miles“Engine shuts down while driving: I have a Yukon Xl 2002. Over the past 6 months the engine would suddenly shut down while the car is being driven. It has occurred at high speed and at low speed. I have taken it back to the dealer no less than 5 times and the problem persists. This represents a major danger as while on the highway, when the engine shuts down the car becomes difficult to maneuver and moving out of the highway traffic has been each time extremely dangerous to me and to other drivers.”
NHTSA complaint #10327021, filed 2010-04, 89,000 miles“Original problem: my 2002 Yukon Xl was running poorly when the weather turned cold - below 30 degrees. Problem diagnosed as faulty intake gaskets due to improper design. Second problem: it became hard to start, and a couple of days later, it would not start at all. Problem diagnosed as faulty fuel pump. Both problems are because they were designed for use with ethanol or unleaded gas. I only use unleaded (never have seen a station that sells ethanol). If your GM vehicle has a 5.3l v8 engine, and the VIN has a z in the 8th position, be aware that this might happen to your vehicle. …”
NHTSA complaint #10151625, filed 2006-03, 57,800 miles“Broken exhaust manifold studs are causing environmental hazard and may lead to failed catalytic converter and other engine problems. This is a manufacturing defect that should be recalled, as it renders the vehicle either unusable or unable to pass environmental testing.”
NHTSA complaint #10423891, filed 2011-09, 145,000 miles“Dt: the consumer believes that there are electrical problems with the Gmc. The water pump was out, the radio has quit working 5 times, and has been replaced 4 times, the windows on the passenger quit, and the regulator was replaced 4 times. This has happened at 35,000 miles.”
NHTSA complaint #10123770, filed 2005-06, 15,481 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10251887Mar 14, 2024This bulletin advises the technician of possible location of an internal coolant leak from a specific cylinder head and location.
- 10251890Mar 13, 2024This technical 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…
- 10250775Feb 22, 2024This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large…
- 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…
- 10242262Aug 24, 2023This service bulletin provides graphics, information and guidelines for engine component wear to assist service personnel as a guideline to perform necessary engine repairs and…
- 10240344Jul 31, 2023This service bulletin explains how to measure for oil consumption and possible reasons for loss of oil.
- 10235802Apr 24, 2023This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
- 10234141Mar 23, 2023This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
- 10234110Mar 17, 2023This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 7 | 9% |
| 2023 | 11 | 5% |
| 2022 | 14 | 8% |
| 2021 | 21 | 9% |
| 2020 | 3 | 6% |
| 2019 | 6 | 9% |
| 2018 | 1 | 2% |
| 2016 | 2 | 1% |
| 2015 | 1 | 0% |
| 2009 | 1 | 4% |
| 2008 | 1 | 1% |
| 2007 | 1 | 1% |
| 2004 | 9 | 10% |
| 2003 | 4 | 4% |
| 2002 | 10 | 11% |
| 2001 | 3 | 3% |
| 2000 | 2 | 3% |
Other parts of the 2002 GMC Yukon XL
38 complaintsFuel system
10 complaintsSteering
10 complaintsTires
10 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
9 complaintsElectrical system
4 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaintsSuspension
3 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
3 complaintsAir bags
2 complaintsEngine
2 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 GMC Yukon XL
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