NHTSA lists 14 safety recalls and 570 owner complaints for the 2002 GMC Envoy. Most complaints involve power train (97) and engine and engine cooling (92). The EPA rates it 16 mpg combined.
CERTAIN MAXZONE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES, DEPO BRAND, P/NO 335-1120L-AS, SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DURING PRODUCTION THE LAMP HOUSING SHAPE DEFORMED DISTORTING THE ASSEMBLY ANGLE OF THE REFLECTOR AND INFLUENCED THE AIMING POSITION. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
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.
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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“The contact owns a 2002 GMC Envoy. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was shaking. Upon inspection, the contact noticed that the rear subframe had fractured and detached. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the subframe needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.”
“SUBMISSION FROM CONSTITUENT RE GMC EXECUTIVE LETTER REPLY IN ENGINE STALLING/STOPPING WHILE BEING DRIVEN ON THE FREEWAY OF CALIFORNIA. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE STALLED SEVERAL TIMES. ALSO, THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT ILLUMINATED, DUE TO A FAULTY IGNITION COIL. THE DEALER ALSO REPLACED THE IGNITION SWITCH, AS THE POSSIBLE CAUSE OF THE ENGINE STALLING. THE CONSUMER CONTINUED TO EXPERIENCE STALLING ISSUES, AS THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE. WHEN THE VEHICLE STALLED, THE ABS AND BRAKE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER FOUND THE REAR SPEED SENSOR CONNECTOR BROKEN AND NOT SITTING PROPERLY IN THE SENSOR. THEY REPOSITIONED THE CONNECTOR AND SECURED IT TO THE SENSOR. THE CONSUMER DISCOVERED A RECALL, WHICH DESCRIBED THE SAME SYMPTOMS HE EXPERIENCED. RECALL # 04V289000. *JB”
“SEVERE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS IN VEHICLE,EVERYTHING STOPPED WORKING ON IT!!!! VEHICLE SHUT DOWN IN A MIDDLE OF A BUSY INTERSECTION, I REPLACED TRANSMISSION 2 TIMES AS WELL!!!!HAD NO LIGHTS,TURNING SIGNALS,NO HEAT HEAT THEN THE VEHICLE JUST STOPPED COMPLETELY NOTHING JUST DEAD!!! HAD BATTERY CHECKED WASNT THAT!!!! THEY TOLD ME ELECTRICAL ISSUES NOT SURE WHAT ONLY HAD VEHICLE 3 MONTHS!!! I HAD HAD 2004 TRAILER BLAZER BEFORE THIS SAME ISSUES!!!! ONLY HAD IT 2 MONTHS AND TRANSMISSION WENT OUT PD THAT THEN ONCE AGAIN ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS!!!!!”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Envoy 2WD Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 4.2 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 20 | 16 | $4,000 | 555 |
| Envoy 4WD Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 4.2 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 19 | 16 | $4,000 | 555 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
14 safety recalls as of Oct 28, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 570 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (97), engine and engine cooling (92), electrical system (86). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2002 GMC Envoy at 16 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).