2002 GMC Yukon Denali: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2002 GMC Yukon Denali: 0 recalls, 29 owner complaints and up to 12 mpg combined.

Recalls
0 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E025000 · 2006 · 1,450 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain poli-auto combination headlamp assemblies, p/nos. 11-728, 11-728d, 11-710, 11-419, 11-713, 11-703, 11-704, 11-708p, 11-735, 11-725, 11-726, 11-716 (p&c), 11-721-1, 11-733, 11-729, 11-730, and 11-732, sold as replacement lamps for use on certain passenger vehicles. Some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, "lamps,…
Why it matters: Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
The fix: Poli-auto will notify owners and offer to repurchase the headlamps at its original purchase price. The recall is expected to begin during April 2006.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 3 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Brakes (hydraulic) (8): the most common themes are rust / corrosion (2).
- Brakes (8): the most common themes are brake failure / soft pedal (4).
- Airbags (3): the most common themes are fails to deploy (2).
- Electrical (3): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2002 GMC Yukon Denali has 29 owner complaints, ranking #11 of 20 Yukon Denali model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 45). Complaints peaked in 2014 (5 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 7 years old, at a median of 82,870 miles. Neighboring years: 2001 (35 complaints, 1 recalls), 2003 (72 complaints, 0 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6.0 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 10 | 14 | 12 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2002 GMC Yukon Denali.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/moHeads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure
FAQ
Does the 2002 GMC Yukon Denali have any recalls?
NHTSA doesn't list any vehicle recalls for the 2002 GMC Yukon Denali, but 1 equipment or tire recalls may apply. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to be sure.
What are the most common 2002 GMC Yukon Denali problems?
Owners have filed 29 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are brakes (hydraulic) (8), brakes (8), airbags (3).
What gas mileage does the 2002 GMC Yukon Denali get?
EPA ratings run up to 12 mpg combined (6.0 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2002 GMC Yukon Denali repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.