2002 GMC Yukon Problems
- Complaints
- 158filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 79,000miles, 107 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 3campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 14 mpgcombined, 5.3L 8-cyl RWD · 13 city / 17 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2002 GMC Yukon (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often write about brakes: two distinct patterns dominate the sample, unwanted ABS activation at low speeds and sudden loss of pedal from corroded brake lines. Both are described as intermittent and often appearing without warning, at widely varying mileage. The remaining reports are scattered across electrical, transmission, fuel and airbag concerns.
- Brakes
Brake lines rusted through, pedal goes to the floor
- 44 complaints (28%)
- median 120,000 mi at 12.0 yrs old (38 state mileage)
- 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $1,750 (median of 6 quotes)
- filed 2002–2017
Owners describe the brake pedal sinking to the floor with little or no stopping power, sometimes while braking for a light or pulling out of a driveway. In most reports a mechanic finds brake lines corroded through, often over or above the fuel tank, with fluid leaking underneath the vehicle; several owners say the lines were replaced. Complaints frequently note the failure came on suddenly with no prior warning, and some owners mention the truck was garage-kept or otherwise well maintained. Reported from roughly 55,000 to 175,000 miles, with many reports between 85,000 and 145,000 miles.
What to check: Have the brake lines inspected along their full length, especially the sections routed above the fuel tank and along the frame. Ask whether any lines have been replaced and look for fresh fluid weeping or heavy surface rust.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“On several occasions when applying brakes to stop the Yukon it fails to stop and then ABS kicks in causing brake pedal to vibrate and loss of pressure in brake pedal then truck does not stop it slides. I have replaced master cylinder did not help, truck needs all new brake lines due to rust. I have quickly move around cars to prevent a accident, due to this brake failure. …”
NHTSA complaint #10711852, filed 2015-04, 120,000 miles“I started vehicle, depressed the brake pedal, I then placed the shifter into reverse and proceeded to drive when I realized the vehicle wasn't stopping as usual. I then put the shifter into drive and parked it . I got out of the vehicle and noticed alot of fluid (on the drivers side) all over the ground. I called a tow truck to have it moved to a mechanics location for further inspection. …”
NHTSA complaint #10438719, filed 2011-12, 65,000 miles - Brakes
ABS activates at low speed, longer stops
- 36 complaints (23%)
- median 79,000 mi at 7.8 yrs old (29 state mileage)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2002–2020
Complaints describe the anti-lock system engaging during slow stops, roughly under 10 mph, with the pedal pulsing or vibrating and the vehicle taking longer to come to a halt. Owners often trace it to corrosion at the front wheel speed sensors or hub assemblies. Several say the recall service on the ABS was performed and the symptom returned, and some dealers replaced speed sensors or the brake control module without a lasting fix according to the complaints. Reported from about 29,000 to 128,000 miles, most commonly on trucks past 60,000 miles; several owners mention wet or road-salt conditions.
What to check: Ask whether the ABS recall work (campaign 05V379000) was done and keep the paperwork. Test drive slowly on a quiet road and brake gently at low speed to see whether the pedal pulses or the ABS light stays on.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Failure of antilock brakes sensor at low speeds. Resulting in multiple near misses with structures and vehicles. Happened about a dozen times in the last week. I brought my car to my texaco which diagnosed this and stated that there was a texaco bulletin on the issue. I googled and found that the problem is known by GM and caused a recall in canada. …”
NHTSA complaint #10131861, filed 2005-08, 38,000 miles“There is a recall (05v379000) and I bought my vehicle in to be taken care of in 2007, now the same thing is happening two years later and they wont cover it. I have contacted Gmc to see what they can do for me.”
NHTSA complaint #10279572, filed 2009-08, 60,000 miles - Electrical system
HVAC blower runs with the key off
- 8 complaints (5%)
- median 50,200 mi at 3.0 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
- filed 2002–2017
Complaints describe the heater or A/C blower coming on by itself, sometimes at full speed with the vehicle parked and the key removed, and continuing after the engine is shut off. Owners report pulling the HVAC fuse or disconnecting the battery to stop it, and one owner attributes it to corroded wiring under the dashboard. In another report the dealer replaced a fuel pump after the vehicle lost power and instruments on the highway. Reported from very low mileage (about 1,000 miles) up to around 183,000 miles, with no clear mileage pattern.
What to check: With the engine off and key out, listen for the blower running and check that all climate fan speeds respond normally. Ask whether the blower control module or wiring has been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Dec 24 2004 I returned to my parked car and started the engine, the front defrost blowers went to high speed and would not shut off. At my next stop I stopped and restarted the car several times but the fan kept running. Removing the keys opening the door did nothing. After removing the fuse to the front havc the fan stopped but started again when the fuse was re-installed. After returning home I disconnected the battery for a half hour the fan stayed off, the controls worked properly. …”
NHTSA complaint #10104629, filed 2004-12, 50,200 miles“Dt:consumer states: vehicle lost power going down highway at 70 MPH, vehicle lost brakes, lights, gas. Can't do anything. Took vehicle to dealer, and dealer replaced fuel pump. Normally happens when it is warm outside.”
NHTSA complaint #10123938, filed 2005-06, 35,000 miles - Air bags
Airbags did not deploy in a collision
- 10 complaints (6%)
- median 124,500 mi at 11.1 yrs old (8 state mileage, few)
- 9 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2002–2020
Owners describe frontal and rollover impacts in which the airbags did not inflate, in some cases with the airbag warning light never having come on beforehand. Several reports note occupants were injured or the vehicle was destroyed. The complaints do not describe a dealer diagnosis in most cases; a few reference the Takata recall campaign. Reported from about 38,000 to 230,000 miles, in crashes at highway and moderate speeds.
What to check: Confirm the airbag warning light comes on at startup and goes out, and check whether any open safety recalls apply to the specific vehicle by VIN before purchase.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Takata recall traveling at speed of 50 MPH on a county highway another vehicle pulled out in front of Yukon. Front of Yukon impacted the rear of other vehicle causing extensive damage to the front of Yukon. Air bags did not deploy. Yukon was totalled.”
NHTSA complaint #10937117, filed 2016-12, 230,000 miles“Vehicle was involved in a roll over one frontal car accident. Not for sure of the speed but it was oover 50 miles an hour. I hit brake going around the curve and fliiped over over five times and not yet the airbag didnt deploy. Forced cause of the seat bealt to strecch and lock in place. Police and tow truck was surprise the airbag should have deplyed. Now the truck is total which mean cant be fix destroyed and not repairable. The vehicle was in pound.”
NHTSA complaint #11298273, filed 2020-01, 290,000 miles
Buying note. Brake condition is the main thing to verify on this model year: have the lines and ABS function inspected by a shop familiar with these trucks, and confirm recall status by VIN. A slow-speed test drive and a cold-start check of the transmission round out a basic inspection.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 158 consumer complaints for the 2002 GMC Yukon. 107 of the complaints include a mileage, and 29% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 79,000 miles. Of all complaints, 15 involved a crash, 3 a fire, 12 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 407 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Brakes77 49%
- Air bags11 7.0%
- Electrical system10 6.3%
- Transmission and drivetrain10 6.3%
- Fuel system8 5.1%
- Seat belts7 4.4%
- Steering7 4.4%
- Suspension6 3.8%
- Engine cooling5 3.2%
- Tires5 3.2%
Also reported: Wheels (5), Other or unknown (4), Body and structure (4), Vehicle speed control (4), Equipment (3), Exterior lighting (3), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (3), Electronic stability control (1), Engine (1), Seats (1).
Example complaints
Brakes: “I was driving to the local supermarket and applied my brakes. Suddenly they went all the way to the floor. I could not stop and had to swerve out of the way of a vehicle in front of me to avoid a collision. I eventually stopped by applying the emergency brake.”
NHTSA complaint #10717202, filed 2015-05, 113,800 milesAir bags: “On 01/03/2012 I was involved in a frontal drivers side collision,which involved my SUV and another car traveling around 45-50 MPH. The impact smashed in the driver door and hood along with other damages. Neither front air bags delayed which resulted in me hitting my face on the steering wheel and having extensive dental damage. I am not sure what contributions are needed to deploy airbags but I do believe mine should have deployed.”
NHTSA complaint #10446881, filed 2012-02, 45 milesElectrical system: “The rear door will not open and is locked in place. It was a very hot day and I could not get my luggage out of the back of the car because the door would not open and there was no manual switch to unlock the door from the inside.”
NHTSA complaint #10616697, filed 2014-07, 36,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “Transmission fails to engage drive unless placed into reverse. When stuck in drive, pushing on the accelerating will cause car to move forward slowly, until their is a loud violent sound from the rear of the vehicle ar which point the vehicle will engage drive and proceed in a sluggish fashion. The vehicle has been at the dealer who had investigated and fixed the problem since november 2005 and the problem persists today (2-7-2006). …”
NHTSA complaint #10149686, filed 2006-02, 53,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
29% of the 107 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 43,000 and 131,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2002 GMC Yukon. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yukon · sedan | not rated | 3 / 4 | — | — | 3 |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2002 GMC Yukon version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yukon 1500 2WD | 4.8L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 13 | 18 | 15 | $4,450 |
| Yukon 1500 2WD | 5.3L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 13 | 17 | 14 | $4,800 |
| Yukon 1500 4WD | 4.8L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 13 | 16 | 14 | $4,800 |
| Yukon 1500 4WD | 5.3L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 12 | 15 | 13 | $5,150 |
| Yukon 1500 2WD | 5.3L 8-cyl · flex-fuel | 4-speed automatic | 13 | 17 | 14 | $4,800 |
| Yukon 1500 4WD | 5.3L 8-cyl · flex-fuel | 4-speed automatic | 12 | 16 | 14 | $4,800 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 05V379000Aug 29, 2005Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slipCovers: GMC Yukon 2000–2002, Chevrolet Silverado 1999–2002, GMC Sierra 1999–2002 +4 more
Certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles may experience unwanted antilock brake system (abs) activation. This condition is more likely to occur in environmentally corrosive areas. This recall will be launched in the "salt belt" states of connecticut…
- 03V094000Mar 7, 2003Body and structureCovers: GMC Yukon 2000–2003, Ford Explorer 2000–2003, Dodge Grand Caravan 2000–2003 +9 more
Certain pickup truck, van, and mini van conversions equipped with southern comfort built running boards that contain certain courtesy lights manufactured by american technology components, inc. These units contain a courtesy light or lights that might…
- 02V253000Sep 17, 2002Seats › Front assembly › Head restraintCovers: GMC Yukon 2000–2002, Chevrolet Tahoe 2000–2002, GMC Denali 2000–2002 +1 more
On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with rearward folding head restraints on the second row seats, two potential pinch points exist on each of the folding head restraints when the restraints are folded rearward as the seatback is folded down.
Recall details for the 2002 GMC Yukon → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 407 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11020816Jul 18, 2025Other or unknown. This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.
- 11009156Oct 25, 2024Electrical system. This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester…
- 11007744Sep 12, 2024Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical…
- 11007743Sep 12, 2024Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical…
- 11006621Aug 26, 2024Electrical system. Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need…
- 11006421Jul 24, 2024Transmission and drivetrain. GM 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 inadequate packaging…
- 11004761Jun 28, 2024Fuel system, Engine. This service 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 or misfire, MIL with…
- 11004557Jun 17, 2024Other or unknown. This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
- 11002312Jun 6, 2024Electrical system. This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492…
- 10252735Mar 28, 2024Electrical system. This bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement fasteners with conductive finish.
Other model years of the GMC Yukon
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 44 | 3,788 | 3 | 5 | 17 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2025 | 57 | 3,150 | 2 | 5 | 17 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2024 | 106 | 21,558 | 3 | 4 | 17 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 246 | 34,000 | 4 | 4 | 17 | 100 · More | Too new |
| 2022 | 185 | 41,000 | 5 | 4 | 17 | 100 · More | Rising |
| 2021 | 343 | 69,000 | 13 | 4 | 17 | 100 · More | Rising |
| 2020 | 37 | 44,000 | 4 | 4 | 18 | 43 · Typical | Rising |
| 2019 | 55 | 34,400 | 2 | 4 | 18 | 44 · Typical | Rising |
| 2018 | 70 | 48,500 | 3 | 4 | 19 | 46 · Typical | Rising |
| 2017 | 196 | 53,496 | 3 | 4 | 19 | 90 · More | Rising |
| 2016 | 270 | 54,000 | 5 | 4 | 18 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2015 | 529 | 59,300 | 10 | 4 | 18 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2014 | 56 | 67,000 | 3 | 4 | 17 | 17 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2013 | 117 | 68,000 | 4 | 4 | 17 | 41 · Typical | Falling |
| 2012 | 63 | 75,000 | 3 | 4 | 17 | 21 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2011 | 158 | 70,000 | 5 | 4 | 17 | 52 · Typical | Falling |
| 2010 | 105 | 76,500 | 3 | — | 17 | 25 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2009 | 94 | 81,000 | 5 | — | 16 | 47 · Typical | Falling |
| 2008 | 187 | 84,000 | 4 | — | 16 | 72 · More | Falling |
| 2007 | 428 | 87,284 | 4 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 27 | 90,000 | 2 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 85 | 70,000 | 3 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 159 | 72,000 | 2 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2003 | 204 | 76,888 | 4 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 158 | 79,000 | 3 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 197 | 70,000 | 6 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 166 | 76,200 | 6 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1999 | 204 | 90,000 | 1 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1998 | 80 | 97,925 | 2 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 133 | 100,000 | 0 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 70 | 88,000 | 3 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 90 | 92,465 | 6 | — | 12 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 58 | 139,874 | 2 | — | 12 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 17 | — | 0 | — | 13 | — | Stable |
| 1992 | 19 | — | 1 | — | 13 | — | Stable |
All GMC Yukon model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2002 GMC Yukon?
Owners of this model year most often write about brakes: two distinct patterns dominate the sample, unwanted ABS activation at low speeds and sudden loss of pedal from corroded brake lines. The issues reported most often: Brake lines rusted through, pedal goes to the floor; ABS activates at low speed, longer stops; HVAC blower runs with the key off.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2002 GMC Yukon have?
NHTSA recorded 158 consumer complaints for the 2002 GMC Yukon as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2002 GMC Yukon is reported most often?
Brakes is named most often, in 77 complaints (49% of the total), followed by air bags with 11.
Has the 2002 GMC Yukon been recalled?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2002 GMC Yukon get?
The EPA rates the 2002 GMC Yukon (Yukon 1500 2WD, 5.3L 8-cyl) at 14 mpg combined, 13 city and 17 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,800 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2002 GMC Yukon reported?
Among the 107 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 79,000 miles and the middle half falls between 43,000 and 131,000 miles; 29% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
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. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.