KnownCarProblems2002 GMC Envoy Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 487 complaints with NHTSA about the 2002 GMC Envoy, most often about the engine (21% of complaints, typically around 59,000 miles). It is the 2nd most complained-about Envoy model year since 2000 and has 13 recalls.
Most common 2002 GMC Envoy problems
Engine
104 complaints · 21%Half of these problems showed up before 59,000 miles. Parts named most often: engine, cooling system, exhaust system.
Engine tended to rev at a high level until warmed up. Finally would not come down to a normal level due to a failed fan clutch. Vehicle was out of warranty, and dealer quoted $800 for repairs. Had the fan clutch replaced independently, which now has US back to the original high level of revving for several minutes…
2002 GMC Envoy has a lower engine noise. Under extended warranty, adjuster is holding up repair for over two weeks. Vehicle has had regular oil changes. Vehicle has only 57,800 miles. Was recalled for pmc valve and had trans problem brand new. Totally disgusted with this truck.
Transmission
83 complaints · 17%Half of these problems showed up before 58,500 miles. Parts named most often: automatic transmission, transfer case (4-wheel drive), driveline, axle assembly.
2002 GMC Envoy slt 60k...went outside to start car and had a loud swishing sound...tried to put in reverse...would not go...had to push out to get to work...extremely high rpms (3500-4500) to get through first...it also is jumping gears...if you try to go over 50 MPH the car will redline...was told reverse reaction…
56,779 mile and transmission failed on my 2002 Envoy. Dealer told me they had never saw this happen. We had just made a 2300 mile trip to the 'no man land' of colorado. The next day my wife came to a stop sign, said the car made a weird noise and would not go. No reverse or drive but crippled it home in low. Was very…
Electrical
70 complaints · 14%Half of these problems showed up before 70,000 miles. Parts named most often: ignition, wiring.
After starting the car, a burning smell entered the cabin. Noticed the volt gauge was only reading about 9 volts instead of the usual 14. Took car in for check up, and found the alternator had failed. After removing alternator found that the pulley could not be turned as the unit had seized up. This also damaged the…
Over the years I owned this vehicle, I had it serviced numerous times for engine failure. The last and final time, the dealership (ewing automotive) could not find anything wrong. However, while traveling on the highway at 60 miles an hour with a full tank of gas, I lost all power steering control and the car stopped…
Fuel system
56 complaints · 12%Half of these problems showed up before 100,000 miles. Parts named most often: storage, delivery, fuel injection system.
The contact owns a 2002 GMC Envoy. The contact was driving approximately 10 MPH when fuel began to spray out of the fuel tank and onto the ground. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for diagnosis. The technician stated that the fuel pump module retainer would need to be replaced. There was a recall…
I smelled a strong odor of gasoline while the vehicle was parked outside my residence. Performed a walk around inspection and found no visible signs of fuel leakage. Opened the hood and had no visible signs of leakage. Envoy is hard to start but once started continues to run with no issues. Gasoline fumes are evident…
Visibility and wipers
52 complaints · 11%Half of these problems showed up before 27,500 miles. Parts named most often: rearview mirrors/devices, windshield wiper/washer, power window devices and controls, rear window wiper/washer.
Mirrors will not stay in position ,and that makes it hard to drive in traffic. Dealer has replaced several parts. However, the mirrors are still defective. The consumer stated that the mirrors must be reset every time the vehicle is started. The vehicle was in an accident due to the mirror defect while driving at…
Vehicle was brought in for several problems. Side view mirror problem [not staying set] was resolved until today when side view mirror again malfunctioned within one week of being repaired by dealer.
Air bags
41 complaints · 8%Half of these problems showed up before 48,500 miles. Parts named most often: frontal, side/window.
Rear end collision sent 2002 GMC Envoy into freeway center median, vehicle then rolled over onto passenger side. Front/side driver and passenger air bags failed to deploy. Approximate speed of vehicle at impact, 40-45 MPH. Driver suffered minor injuries, passenger (14-yr old) rendered unconscious and suffered…
While driving 30 MPH the vehicle was impacted on it's passenger side. The vehicle flipped over three times before coming to a stop. The consumer was wearing a seat belt at the time, but none of the six air bags deployed. The consumer suffered cuts, bruises and blood loss. The manufacturer and the dealer have not been…
Suspension
35 complaints · 7%Half of these problems showed up before 81,500 miles. Parts named most often: front, rear.
Tl contact owns a 2002 GMC Envoy. The contact heard a loud, squeaky noise when she applied the brakes at 25 MPH. The dealer stated that the failure was caused by the control arm. The dealer also stated that the component was recalled. The recall number was unknown. The current mileage was 84,000 and failure mileage…
Tl contact owns a 2002 GMC Envoy. While applying pressure to the brake pedal, the contact heard a loud noise coming from the front end of the vehicle. A mechanic stated that the cause of the failure was the suspension system. She took the vehicle to an authorized local dealer and they stated that the VIN was not…
Lights
26 complaints · 5%Half of these problems showed up before 79,000 miles. Parts named most often: brake lights, headlights, fog lights, turn signal.
Consumer was unable to have the repairs on the brake light recall done since the parts have not been made available to the dealers in the consumer's area.
The contact owns a 2002 GMC Envoy. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH, the passenger's side low beam head lamp failed to function. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, who diagnosed that the electrical connector needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. However, the failure recurred on numerous…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2002 GMC Envoy recalls
Engine: engine and engine cooling
Risk: If the spike damages the PCM, the vehicle may not restart. If this happens while the vehicle is moving, a crash could occur without prior warning.
Fix: Dealers will install a wiring harness. The recall will begin on august 19, 2004. Owners should contact oldsmobile at 1-800-630-6537 or gmc at 1-866-996-9463.
Full defect summary
Some sport utility vehicles equipped with an electronically controlled air suspension (ecas) have a condition in which the ecas may produce a brief electrical spike while the vehicle is operating. This electrical spike can disrupt the powertrain control module (PCM) causing the vehicle to stall.
Seat belts
Risk: If this were to occur, the safety belt may not restrain the occupant as intended during a crash, and could result in injury to the occupant.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the driver and front passenger safety belt retractors, and replace them if necessary. Owner notification began on june 24, 2004. Owners should contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, gmc at 1-866-996-9463, or oldsmobile at 1-800-630-6537.
Full defect summary
Certain light duty pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles fail to conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 209, "seat belt assemblies." one of the two sensors in the driver's and front passenger's seat belt retractors could be inoperative. The seat belt retractors will lock when the belt webbing is extracted during a crash; however, the mechanism that locks the seat belt retractor when the vehicle decelerates quickly, such as heavy braking, may not operate as intended.
Visibility and wipers: windshield wiper/washer
Risk: Depending on the occurrence and weather situation, driver visibility could be reduced, which could result in a crash.
Fix: Dealers will cover the windshield wiper module vent hole with a patch. Also, the wiper motor, circuit board, and electrical connector will be inspected to signs of water intrusion and/or corrosion and be replaced as required. The recall began july 6, 2004. Owners should contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438; oldsmobile at 1-800-630-6537; or gmc at 1-866-996-9463.
Full defect summary
Certain sport utility vehicles have windshield wiper systems that will not turn on, cease operation while in use, fail to turn off/on by themselves (moisture sensitive wiper system), or have continuous windshield washer pump operation because the presence of water within the wiper modules can either cause a short circuit or can lead to the corrosion of components within the module.
Equipment: owners/service/other manual
Risk: This does not meet the requirements of the standard.
Fix: Owners will be provided with a supplement for their owner's manual. This supplement describes and shows the location symbols for the child restraint anchors that are located in the vehicle and on the child restraint or booster cushion. Owner notification began august 18, 2003. Owners should contact buick at 1-866-608-8080, cadillac at 1-866-982-2339, chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, gmc at 1-866-996-9463, pontiac at 1-800-620-7668, or oldsmobile at 1-800-630-6537.
Full defect summary
Certain minivans, passenger and sport utility vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 225, "child restraint anchorage system." the owner's manual does not explain the meaning of the location symbols for the child restraint lower universal anchorage system.
Electrical: interior/under dash
Risk: These vehicles do not comply with the standard.
Fix: Dealers will reprogram the instrument panel cluster. Owner notification began may 29, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, gmc at 1-800-462-8782, or oldsmobile at 1-800-442-6537.
Full defect summary
Certain sport utility vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standards no. 101, "control location, identification, and illumination" and no. 208, "occupant crash protection." these vehicles have an intermittent condition during vehicle start-up in which the instrument panel cluster may not properly power up, resulting in most of the displays, telltale lights, and functions (except the service engine light, turn signal indicators, and the instrument panel cluster backlighting) being inoperative.
Transmission: automatic transmission
Risk: These overrides are not permitted unless the vehicle has a locking steering column.
Fix: Dealers will eliminate these conditions by disabling the overrides. Owner notification began on may 29, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, gmc at 1-800-462-8782, oldsmobile at 1-800-442-6537, or hummer at 1-866-486-6376.
Full defect summary
Certain sport utility vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 114, "theft protection." these vehicles are equipped with a mechanical override that could allow the ignition key to be removed with the shift lever in a position other than park. In addition, these vehicles have an override that can allow the transmission to be shifted out of park with the ignition in the off position.
Body and structure: body
Risk: In a crash, missing welds could degrade performance of the third row seat and safety belt anchorage and occupants could receive greater injuries.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the vehicle for missing welds. If missing welds are found, gm will exchange the vehicle for an equivalent vehicle or provide a refund of the purchase price. Owner notification began october 4, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020 or gmc at 1-800-462-8782.
Full defect summary
Certain sport utility vehicles are missing welds on the rear floor plan.
Fuel system: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Risk: If the fitting becomes disconnected while the vehicle is in motion, the engine would stop due to inadequate fuel supply and cause a loss of power steering assist. If an ignition source were present, fuel leakage from a disconnected fuel filter fitting could result in a fire.
Fix: Dealers will replace the fuel filter quick connect retainers. Owner notification began september 20, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020. Gmc at 1-800-462-8782, or oldsmobile at 1-800-442-6537.
Full defect summary
On certain sport utility vehicles, a fuel filter fitting can become disconnected. If this were to occur while attempting to start the engine, a no-start condition would result and fuel would be pumped out the fuel filter onto the ground.
Air bags: frontal
Risk: Pieces of the inflator could strike and injure vehicle occupants and the air bag cushion would not inflate fully, reducing the capability of the bag to protect the driver.
Fix: Dealers will inspect, and replace, if necessary, the air bag module assembly on the driver's side. Owner notification began august 15, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact buick at 1-800-521-7300, cadillac at 1-800-458-8006, chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, gmc at 1-800-462-8782, oldsmobile at 1-800-442-6537, or pontiac at 1-800-762-2737.
Full defect summary
Certain passenger, mini vans, and sport utility vehicles have an air bag inflator on the driver's side that could fracture at a weld during a deployment.
Transmission: transfer case (4-wheel drive)
Risk: If the gear is not engaged, the vehicle can roll when the transmission is in "park" and a crash could result without warning.
Fix: Dealers will update the transfer case control module calibration to increase gear engagement. Owner notification began november 6, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020 or gmc at 1-800-462-8782.
Full defect summary
Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles equipped with 4-wheel drive. The calibration of the transfer case control module could cause insufficient high speed gear engagement.
Transmission: transfer case (4-wheel drive)
Risk: This condition could result in a complete fracture of the range shift collar and subsequent loss of vehicle forward and reverse gears, and the inability to maintain "park" position. This increases the risk of a vehicle crash resulting from unintended movement of a parked vehicle.
Fix: Dealers will replace the transfer cases and update the control module calibration. Owner notification began september 6, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020 or gmc at 1-800-462-8782.
Full defect summary
Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles (4 wheel-drive). Some of these vehicles were built with a range shift collar in the transmission transfer case that contains cracks.
Body and structure: body
Risk: In the event of a crash, the console cover could open and the cover or items stored under it could injure an occupant.
Fix: Dealers will replace the console latch mechanism and install a striker plate. Owner notification began july 16, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact gmc at 1-800-462-8782.
Full defect summary
Vehicle description: certain sport utility vehicles fail to comply with requirements of fmvss no. 201, "occupant protection in interior impacts." these vehicles have a console cover/armrest lid latch that could release at less than the 10g vertical load requirement of the standard.
Suspension: lower arm
Risk: A separation could result in loss of vehicle control, resulting in a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the left and right front lower control arm brackets. Owner notification began by telephone on april 4, 2001. The followup letter to consumers was mailed may 3, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, oldsmobile at 1-800-442-6537, or gmc at 1-800-462-8782.
Full defect summary
Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. Under certain circumstances the front lower control arm brackets may fracture. This fracture could result in separation of the front lower control arm from the frame.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
NHTSA defect investigations
Loss of headlights
Summary
The subject vehicles are model year (my) 2002-2009 chevrolet trailblazer, gmc envoy, 2004-2007 buick rainier, 2003-2008 isuzu ascender, 2005-2009 saab 9-7x, 2002-2004 oldsmobile bravada, 2003-2006 chevrolet ssr, 2005-2009 buick lacrosse, and 2006-2008 pontiac grand prix. This scope includes the trailblazer/envoy variants: 2002-2006 envoy xl/trailblazer ext and 2004-2005 envoy xuv. The original scope of this investigation was expanded to include all vehicles equipped with the subject headlight driver module (hdm). The focus of the investigation was to determine whether actions performed by general motors adequately addressed any unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety in the subject vehicle
Hazard light switch failure
Summary
On november 30, 2001, general motors (gm) conducted safety recall 01v-364 for the subject vehicles built between september 16, 1999 and august 28, 2001 to remedy a defective hazard switch that would cause a loss of hazard and stop lamp illumination.the hazard switch is contained within the vehicle multifunction switch.odi opened this investigation based on reports that some consumers were not notified of the original recall or that they had repairs done under 01v-364 but experienced subsequent multifunction switch failures.the multifunction switch supports the operation of cruise control, windshield wipers, exterior lighting and turn signals in addition to hazard and stop lamps. On may 21, 2
Fuel pump module leaks gasoline
Summary
During the course of this ea investigation, odi observed that the majority of the complaints (88%) and warranty claims (94%) were reported for vehicles that are registered for use in the salt belt region of the US.this area includes 20 states in the northeast, mid atlantic and the midwest regions and the district of columbia.consumers in the salt belt region reported to odi that they could smell fuel vapors in their vehicles while driving.upon further examination of their vehicles, they discovered that fuel vapors were coming out of the top of the fuel tank. This condition is caused by corrosion of the return and sender lines of the fuel pump module.water and road salt collect on top of the
Fuel pump module leaks gasoline
Summary
Odi has received reports that the fuel pump module leaks fuel and or vapor underneath the vehicle.gm states, the failure mechanism is corrosion of the fuel pump module flange which may lead to a fuel leak.corrosion of the fuel pump module flange is the result of the vehicle operating in a corrosive environment.odi has upgraded this pe to engineering analysis (ea07-009) to further assess this issue.
Brake lamp failure
Summary
Gm states that some brake/tail lamp bulbs can prematurely become inoperative due to malfunctioning brake/tail lamp sockets.on march 2, 2004, gm initiated a 6-year/72,000 mile special policy for 989,487 subject vehicles to inspect and replace the rear brake/tail lamp bulb socket assemblies.on april 4, 2004, the office of defects investigation (odi) opened a preliminary evaluation (pe04-032) based on consumer complaints alleging brake lights not operating when the brake pedal is depressed.on august 3, 2004 odi upgraded pe04-032 to an engineering analysis (ea04-021).by letter dated october 27, 2004 gm notified NHTSA that it will conduct a safety recall (NHTSA # 04v527) covering subject vehicles
Windshield wiper failure
Summary
On september 17, 2003, the office of defects investigation (odi) opened a preliminary evaluation (pe03-042) to investigate alleged windshield wiper failure in certain model year (my) 2002 and 2003 chevrolet trailblazer and trailblazer ext, gmc envoy and envoy xl, and oldsmobile bravada vehicles.the investigation was upgraded to an engineering analysis on january 6, 2004, and the scope was expanded to include certain my 2003 isuzu ascender vehicles.all subject vehicles are built on general motors? Gmt360 and gmt370 platforms and were originally equipped with a windshield wiper assembly referred to as the family design module (p/n 15171306 base, p/n 15171307 for vehicles equipped with rainsens
Windshield wiper failure
Summary
The subject vehicles (chevrolet trailblazer (ext), gmc envoy (xl), and oldsmobile bravada) are built on the gmt360 and gmt370 platforms and were originally equipped with a windshield wiper assembly referred to as the ?family? Design module (p/n 15171306 base, p/n 15171307 for vehicles equipped with rainsense automatic moisture sensitive wipers).the windshield wiper assembly is located inside the plenum at the base of the windshield and is mounted on an incline approximately equal to the rake of the windshield.gm reports that vehicles are subject to a quality assurance water test at the assembly plant.the test exposes the vehicles to an amount of water that exceeds the plenum?s capability to
Engine stall
Summary
Model year (my) 2002 bravada and certain my 2002 envoy vehicles with optional electronically controlled air suspension (ecas) may be subject to engine stall caused by an errant voltage spike transmitted to the powertrain control module (PCM).in addition to engine stall, if the spike damages the PCM, the vehicle may not restart.on october 31, 2001 gm introduced into production a wiring harness containing an inductor that was added to the ecas wiring to reduce the magnitude of the voltage spike.on december 6, 2001 gm introduced into production a modified PCM with protection from errant voltage spikes and also ceased use of the wiring harness with the inductor.the office of defects investigatio
Engine stall
Summary
Of the 697 total complaints, 240 were received for theenvoy and 457 for the bravada.gm has identified about 5,000 warranty claims related to stalling in the subject vehicles.gm reports that a transient voltage spike generated in the ecas degrades the performance of the PCM resulting in engine stall.gm modified the ecas wiring bundle and the PCM for vehicles built after december 6, 2001 to address the stalling problem.
2002 trailblazer/envoy fuel tank leaks
Summary
See attached report.
Questions about the 2002 GMC Envoy
- What are the most common problems with the 2002 GMC Envoy?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: engine (104 complaints, typically around 59,000 miles); transmission (83 complaints, typically around 58,500 miles); electrical (70 complaints, typically around 70,000 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2002 GMC Envoy have?
- 13 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from June 23, 2004 (engine). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2002 a bad year for the GMC Envoy?
- It is the 2nd most complained-about Envoy model year since 2000, with 487 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.