The Lemon Index2002 GMC Yukon XL.
The 2002 GMC Yukon XL is better than average by owner complaints: 51 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 73, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about steering, it has 2 recalls, and it gets 12 to 14 mpg combined. The best GMC Yukon XL year is 2010.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 151 owner complaints, owners reported:
Older model year: fewer owners filed complaints back then, so treat the score as rough.
Every GMC Yukon XL year. 2002 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 46K to 121K miles on the car (128 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- brakes complaints mostly came at 44K–114K miles
- engine complaints mostly came at 70K–135K miles
Recalls 2
- wheels 2007
CERTAIN FEDERAL-MOGUL REPLACEMENT WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLIES WITH THE BRAND NAMES: NATIONAL, CARQUEST P/NOS. 515020, 515021, 515025, 515053, 515054, 515059, AND 515060, SHIPPED BETWEEN JANUARY 23, 2006, AND DECEMBER 20, 2007, …
- brakes 2005
CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE UNWANTED ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) ACTIVATION.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems GMC told dealers about
GMC sent dealers 357 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Clunking noise under hood and can be felt in steering wheel and/or steering column (replace upper
- Buick/cadillac/chevrolet/gmc/oldsmobile and hummer: information on pitman arm shaft seal…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- ClosedParking brake failure2005–2006
- ClosedUnwanted low-speed abs activation2005
- ClosedThrottle sticking closed2002–2004
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash stars (older test): front ★★★☆☆ · side — · rollover ★★☆☆☆
Fuel cost and engines
About $4600–5350 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 5.3L 8-cyl, 6.0L 8-cyl.
In owners' words
Owner complained about a steering shaft problem. The power steering became very difficult when driving. Owner took the vehicle to a service shop prior to receiving a recall notice for this defect.
2002 GMC Yukon XL owner · NHTSA complaint 10111166
More owner reports
The service dealer stated there was a tow out problem with the vehicle. The tires wore out every 5,000 miles. Please provide details.
NHTSA complaint 10020386
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
Quick answers
Is the 2002 GMC Yukon XL reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew 1.4× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 73; 100 is average, lower is better). The best GMC Yukon XL year by this measure is 2010.
What are the most common 2002 GMC Yukon XL problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are steering (22%), tires (18%) and brakes (18%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2002 GMC Yukon XL have?
2 safety recalls (latest: wheels). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2002 GMC Yukon XL get?
12 to 14 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2002 GMC Yukon XL problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 46,600 and 121,300 miles. The middle report was at 76,000 miles, from 128 complaints.
Does the 2002 GMC Yukon XL have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 16% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2002 GMC Yukon XL cost in fuel a year?
About $4600 to $5350 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2002 GMC Yukon XL have?
5.3L 8-cyl, 6.0L 8-cyl.
What GMC Yukon XL year is better than the 2002?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2010, 2012 and 2011.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works