2002 GMC Yukon XL Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 9%of 95 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 46,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2002 GMC Yukon XL, 9% of the 95 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 46,000 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.
“(1) none (2) pulled out on hwy at normal speed, loud wining, and loud pop.transmission failed, left with only 2nd and 3rd gear.(3) called transmission shop and they described in detail the flaw that caused failure. They informed me that this was quite common in this model. I feel that this should be reported as a recall, to correct this defect.”
NHTSA complaint #10120966, filed 2005-05, 68,750 miles“On 11/23/04 left for vacation noticed that fluid was leaking about two hours into our trip. Stopped at dealership in barstow, where we were told transfer case was heating up and expanding and that it had tiny cracks that the fluid was leaking out of. Needed a new transfer case ordered on 11/24 and authorized overnight shipping. Called from 11/29 to 12/3 when I was finaly told that part was on nationwide backorder and would not be shipped. My car was not ready until 12/15. …”
NHTSA complaint #10116482, filed 2005-04, 64,209 miles“Gmc 2002, yukon: the reaction sunshell broken inside of transmission. Only 64,000 miles. 1) no event leading to failure: called Gmc peterson in gurnee illinois, Gmc knows of this problem and in fact changed the design of the sunshell yet will not recover my cost. I now live in minnesota and Gmc here is doing the transmission fix. 2) failure and consequences: could be extremely serious if driving on a busy highway. Loss of power and acceleration could cause an accident. 3) correct failure: Gmc is doing nothing to correct this failure that I know of. …”
NHTSA complaint #10139321, filed 2005-10, 64,000 miles“Knocking noise is heard coming from the front of the vehicle and is felt as a clunk through the steering wheel. Happens when parallel parking....tight, slow turns in reverse. Feels like gears in the differential are sticking and lurching. It has been happening on and off for a long time.”
NHTSA complaint #10298664, filed 2010-01, 45,000 miles“Promblems started at 16,471 steering started rattling,and felt loose,dealer looked at & lubricated intermediate shaft along with downshifting on its own ?? 12/05/02. …”
NHTSA complaint #10112670, filed 2005-03, 16,471 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…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 5% |
| 2025 | 2 | 7% |
| 2024 | 12 | 16% |
| 2023 | 39 | 17% |
| 2022 | 33 | 19% |
| 2021 | 49 | 21% |
| 2020 | 13 | 28% |
| 2019 | 15 | 22% |
| 2018 | 9 | 16% |
| 2017 | 36 | 24% |
| 2016 | 33 | 16% |
| 2015 | 35 | 11% |
| 2012 | 1 | 8% |
| 2011 | 4 | 9% |
| 2009 | 1 | 4% |
| 2008 | 2 | 3% |
| 2007 | 5 | 5% |
| 2006 | 1 | 6% |
| 2005 | 3 | 7% |
| 2004 | 4 | 5% |
| 2003 | 3 | 3% |
| 2002 | 9 | 9% |
| 2001 | 4 | 3% |
| 2000 | 2 | 3% |
Other parts of the 2002 GMC Yukon XL
38 complaintsEngine cooling
10 complaintsFuel system
10 complaintsSteering
10 complaintsTires
10 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 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