2002 GMC Yukon XL 1500

The 2002 GMC Yukon XL 1500 is a full-size SUV known for its spacious interior, towing capacity, and comfortable ride. Available engine options include the 5.3L Vortec V8 (285 hp, 325 lb-ft of torque), the 6.0L Vortec V8 (320 hp, 360 lb-ft of torque), and the 8.1L Vortec V8 (340 hp, 455 lb-ft of torque). All engines are paired with the 4L60E four-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praise its reliability and ample cargo space, while common complaints revolve around fuel economy and age-related issues.

Engine

5.3L Vortec V8

• Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption, sometimes without visible leaks. May lead to engine knocking or damage if oil levels are not monitored.
  • Solution: Replacing valve seals and/or piston rings may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
• Intake Manifold Gasket Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks near the front or rear of the engine, rough running, white smoke from the exhaust, and/or low coolant levels.
  • Solution: Replacement of the intake manifold gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800
• Knock Sensor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Check engine light, reduced engine power, poor fuel economy.
  • Solution: Replacement of the knock sensors and potentially the wiring harness.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $250 - $500

6.0L Vortec V8

• Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption, sometimes without visible leaks. May lead to engine knocking or damage if oil levels are not monitored.
  • Solution: Replacing valve seals and/or piston rings may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
• Exhaust Manifold Bolts
  • Description/Symptoms: Broken exhaust manifold bolts which cause an exhaust leak and a ticking noise.
  • Solution: Broken bolts need to be extracted and replaced, along with a new exhaust manifold gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300-$600

8.1L Vortec V8

• Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption, sometimes without visible leaks. May lead to engine knocking or damage if oil levels are not monitored.
  • Solution: Replacing valve seals and/or piston rings may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Exhaust Manifold Bolts
  • Description/Symptoms: Broken exhaust manifold bolts which cause an exhaust leak and a ticking noise.
  • Solution: Broken bolts need to be extracted and replaced, along with a new exhaust manifold gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300-$600

Transmission

4L60E Four-Speed Automatic

• Transmission Slipping/Harsh Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Slipping between gears, delayed engagement, hard shifts, or failure to shift properly.
  • Solution: Replacement of the transmission or a full rebuild is often required.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,800 - $3,500+
• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering at low speeds, stalling, or complete transmission failure.
  • Solution: Replacement of the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,200
• PWM Solenoid Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Erratic shifts, failure to shift to 4th gear.
  • Solution: Replacement of the PWM solenoid.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200-$400
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Ride Height Sensor Failure (Autoride)
  • Description/Symptoms: Sagging rear suspension, error messages on the dash, poor ride quality.
  • Solution: Replacement of the affected ride height sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500 per sensor
  • Recalls: None Found
• Air Compressor Failure (Autoride)
  • Description/Symptoms: Inability of the rear suspension to maintain proper ride height, noisy compressor operation, suspension warning lights.
  • Solution: Replacement of the air compressor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800
• Front Suspension Ball Joints
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises coming from the front suspension, loose steering, uneven tire wear.
  • Solution: Replacement of the ball joints.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500 per side

Electrical

• Instrument Cluster Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Gauges malfunctioning (speedometer, fuel gauge, etc.), dim or flickering display, or complete failure of the instrument cluster.
  • Solution: Repair or replacement of the instrument cluster.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $700
• Power Window/Door Lock Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Intermittent or complete failure of power windows or door locks.
  • Solution: Replacement of the window motor, door lock actuator, or related wiring.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400 per window/lock
• Fuel Pump Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty starting, stalling, loss of power, or complete failure to start.
  • Solution: Replacement of the fuel pump.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800

Exterior

• Door Handle Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Broken or loose door handles, making it difficult to open the doors.
  • Solution: Replacement of the door handle.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200 per handle
• Running Board Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Running boards may be stuck in either the extended or retracted position.
  • Solution: Replacement of the running board motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300-$600
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• HVAC Blower Motor Resistor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Blower motor only working on certain speeds or not working at all.
  • Solution: Replacement of the blower motor resistor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200
• Rear Hatch Latch Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rear hatch will not latch closed.
  • Solution: Replacement of the rear hatch latch.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100-$300
  • Recalls: None Found
• Seat Heater Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Seat heaters will not turn on or do not heat up.
  • Solution: Replacement of the seat heater element.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200-$400
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary: The 2002 GMC Yukon XL 1500, while generally reliable, is prone to age-related issues across various systems. Engine problems such as oil consumption and intake manifold leaks are common. Transmission issues such as slipping and harsh shifting can be costly to repair. Suspension issues with the Autoride system, along with electrical issues affecting the instrument cluster and power accessories, are also frequently reported. While some repairs are relatively inexpensive, others, such as engine and transmission rebuilds, can be significant investments.