2003 GMC Yukon Denali
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › GMC › Yukon Denali › 2003
These records cover every 2003 GMC Yukon Denali. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
1 recall names the 2003 GMC Yukon Denali. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
Remedy
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. owners may contact poli-auto at 305-477-1356.
Owner complaints
72 complaints6 involved a crash1 involved a fire1 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electronic stability control (esc) · Unknown or other
Loss of power without warning , while on highway. From 65mph to 0 without warning. Almost caused a crash pile up....was almost rear ended. Very dangerous...whole family children and all was in the vehicle.
- Structure › Body
I live in florida- it was approx 8 am, sitting outside drinking coffee on my porch. vehicle had been parked since prior afternoon and was locked (alarm engaged). suddenly, my rear window spontaneously 'exploded'. there was glass everywhere both inside and outside of the vehicle. after…
I live in florida- it was approx 8 am, sitting outside drinking coffee on my porch. vehicle had been parked since prior afternoon and was locked (alarm engaged). suddenly, my rear window spontaneously 'exploded'. there was glass everywhere both inside and outside of the vehicle. after researching what could've caused something like this to happen, there are innumerable reports of this happening to other GMC owners without any plausible explanation. this IS a very concerning issue as glass flew everywhere in and around my vehicle and it IS by pure luck that my 15 year old daughter and usually at least 1-2 of her friends, along with my one year old daughter, who naturally, IS in the rear of the vehicle. myself or anyone else merely walking by the vehicle could've been injured just walking by. Had someone been near my vehicle in a public place, i.e. Grocery store parking lot, etc. They could've been injured by the shards of glass that shot out and landed 4+ feet from the vehicle, leaving me at risk of further civil actio and possible suit. I am also a protective investigator for the state of florida and often times have other children in my vehicle. this IS both a huge civil, and most importantly, safety concern. this IS not okay and IS not a fluke incident based upon so many reported incidents from so many other GMC owners. GMC refuses to help. a recall on these rear windshields are a must and I cannot believe that one IS not been issued in all of the years that this has been happening to people. This IS not okay.
- Electronic stability control (esc) · Engine · Vehicle speed control
I have a 2003 yukon denali I purchased and it has given me the reduced engine power light and almost had a few accidents on the highway because it drops the speed to 20 mph also it has the check engine codes as p0120 and p2135 I have been aware that gm has not found a solution to this and wanted…
I have a 2003 yukon denali I purchased and it has given me the reduced engine power light and almost had a few accidents on the highway because it drops the speed to 20 mph also it has the check engine codes as p0120 and p2135 I have been aware that gm has not found a solution to this and wanted to see if there IS any recalls as I am very afraid of being in a very serious accident with my children in the car. the consumer stated the vehicle was repaired and requested withdraw the complaint. *Js
- Electrical system
My vehicle, due to factory alarm system, IS unsafe and unfit to drive -- a death trap on wheels. it turned the vehicle off, while driving, and locked me inside! I was thankfully driving down the fl keys, on a bridge but at the end of the bridge, so I was able to coast down and off the bridge to…
My vehicle, due to factory alarm system, IS unsafe and unfit to drive -- a death trap on wheels. it turned the vehicle off, while driving, and locked me inside! I was thankfully driving down the fl keys, on a bridge but at the end of the bridge, so I was able to coast down and off the bridge to a shoulder... If it had died anywhere else on the bridge or on an flat road I may have been stuck there, blocking traffic at the minimum, in an accident and dead if rear-ended and pushed off bridge...because the doors locked and I would have been unlikely to escape my sinking truck...to say nothing of the fall itself. if I had been going on the interstate and I was in a middle lane for example, I could have easily died because my truck suddenly stopped, without indication, and I got rear ended by any number of vehicles, including large semi trucks. if I had a dead keychain fob for the alarm, I would have been locked inside the truck as well -- because only the keychain was able to unlock the doors. if my phone had died or I had no signal, I would be trapped inside as well if and until help arrived unless I got desperate enough to smash out a window. all the mechanics I have taken it to have struggled to resolved the issue, but it IS something the truck should have been recalled for and fixed for free by GMC -- a serious safety issue. I have researched and seen other similar trucks by GMC having the same problem with factory alarms and my mechanic says he has had 2 other, different makes/models, just arrive with nearly same problem, as if by fate and he IS having trouble fixing those as well -- because its a factory embedded alarm problems. it remains unfixed to this day and I am not able to drive the vehicle until it IS fixed.
- Air bags · Suspension · Wheels
I was traveling south on summit crossing rd. Fredericksburg va. 22408 at approx.45 mil.per hr. ,When I heard a big bang ,the steering locked ,the vehicle went directly hard left,and struck large trees destroying the front end. About 3 minutes after the crash the steering wheel air bag went off in my face.i exited the vehicle to find a damaged front wheel and broken axle assembly near the vehicle.
- Service brakes
Brakes lines rusted which led to catastrophic failure of brake system. Repair cost $1,000. There are multiple thousands of complaints regarding this type of brake failure in this make, model, & year. This should be a mandatory factory recall. Someone IS going to die because gm IS not being forced…
Brakes lines rusted which led to catastrophic failure of brake system. Repair cost $1,000. There are multiple thousands of complaints regarding this type of brake failure in this make, model, & year. This should be a mandatory factory recall. Someone IS going to die because gm IS not being forced to fix their faulty equipment. My vehicle was in motion and when I depressed the brake pedal the pedal went completely to the floorboard. I was driving straight ahead in moderate city traffic & narrowly missed striking the vehicle in front of me on a city street. My master cylinder was completely empty of brake fluid when examined. I was traveling 25 mph and my vehicle has 110,000 miles. (The next page wouldn't allow me to enter the speed & mileage information where it was requested)
- Service brakes
Brakes failed while driving on city street with no warning could not stop at red light. Immediately pulled over and noticed brake fluid leaking from left side of vehicle from a broken brake line.
- Electrical system · Electronic stability control (esc) · Exterior lighting
Truck started to have major eletrical issues. Blubs burning out often sockets burning out had to replace too often. Light covers melting. Headlights out and will not come back on for days, have to tap them to get them to come back on. Horn blows from alarm all times of the day and night. Inside…
Truck started to have major eletrical issues. Blubs burning out often sockets burning out had to replace too often. Light covers melting. Headlights out and will not come back on for days, have to tap them to get them to come back on. Horn blows from alarm all times of the day and night. Inside lights on dash, steering wheel and doors will not work at times all lights are not functioning correctly. Lights at times too often will not work at all. Stability warning light comes often. afraid truck will catch fire from the electrical issues.. Please help!!!!
- Electronic stability control (esc)
My wife was driving 75 mph on the interstate when she heard a "ding" and the information center said "service stability" "engine power reduced" it then took all engine power from the vehicle immediately causing it to slow to a very unsafe 20 mph almost instantly and caused her to narrowly avoid…
My wife was driving 75 mph on the interstate when she heard a "ding" and the information center said "service stability" "engine power reduced" it then took all engine power from the vehicle immediately causing it to slow to a very unsafe 20 mph almost instantly and caused her to narrowly avoid being hit from behind. this happened several more times. We took the vehicle in for service and were told we needed a new throttle body cable which we bought and had them install, but the problem has never gone away. I have read many many complaints about this on the internet but after years of complaining nothing has been done. Does someone have to die before something IS done? It certainly seems like it. I filed a complaint with the government several years ago about this issue and I am sure many others have as well. Nothing has ever been done. to cap it off, and the reason I am on this again, IS because this past weekend I rented a buick enclave from budget rental cars in little rock arkansas. This was a new vehicle that had only 5 miles on it when I left the lot. At around 65 miles later the vehicle did the same exact thing, and reduced my speed to 25 with an 18 wheeler behind me that had to swerve to miss me as I swerved to the shoulder to get out of the way. please do something before someone IS killed!!! *tr
- Service brakes
My daughter was driving and when slowing down the brakes failed to work. The vehicle was not able to stop and collided with the vehicle in front. Luckily nobody was injured in this collision. After inspection, I noticed fluid on the ground at the rear left (driver's side rear), and looked under…
My daughter was driving and when slowing down the brakes failed to work. The vehicle was not able to stop and collided with the vehicle in front. Luckily nobody was injured in this collision. After inspection, I noticed fluid on the ground at the rear left (driver's side rear), and looked under the vehicle to see where the fluid may be coming from. I saw that there was fluid coating a large area of the underbody, and also see the brake line attached to the frame as wet and rusted. I have pictures saved as a reference. *tr
- Engine · Power train
TL* the contact owns a 2003 GMC yukon denali. The contact stated that the vehicle decelerated and stalled. The reduced engine power indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer six times to repair the throttle body, pedal switch, and wiring harness, but the failure recurred. The failure mileage was 220,000. updated 10/02/14*lj updated 3/9/2015 *js
- Engine
We have a 2003 yukon that will shuts down anywhere and anytime, the following example has happened more than once. We were driving on the highway when "reduced engine power" "stability traction loss" appeared on display - I pressed the accelerator and the vehicle would not move. I had to completely…
We have a 2003 yukon that will shuts down anywhere and anytime, the following example has happened more than once. We were driving on the highway when "reduced engine power" "stability traction loss" appeared on display - I pressed the accelerator and the vehicle would not move. I had to completely shut down the engine wait a few minutes then restart in order for the vehicle to operate correctly and a couple miles down the road, it happened again. It was a snowy mess out side which made the situation worse. this IS a major safety concern as I am unable to accelerate in order to avoid an accident. I get scared because there could be a semi behind us and it will just plow into us because we can not do anything until we shut down the engine and restart. Very scary. We researched this issue to find other people are in the same situation and no one seems to know how to fix it. this IS a long standing issue, gm IS aware of this issue but will not issue a recall. Gm seems to be having alot of problems that they are not dealing with. Shame on gm! *tr
- Engine
Engine leaking oil rear crank seal and plate. GMC said seal will not be enough, need to replace plate. Defective. My mechanic charged me $710.41. GMC should be reimbursing me. *tr
- Service brakes
Driving along when all of a sudden I needed to brake for curve and the brake pedal went down to the floor. I ran off into a grassy field to prevent a serious injury. *tr
- Electrical system · Engine · Vehicle speed control
Driving on hwy going aprx 65mph. Vehicle said reduced engine power and started slowing down. I had to pull to side of the road. I managed not to be rear ended. This has happened often. It IS a potentially life threatening situation. GMC know about this problem and how difficult it IS to find the proper fix. Someone IS going to die due to their lack of action. It's not safe. *tr
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 2003 GMC yukon denali. The contact stated that the traction control and the reduced engine power warning lights illuminated and caused the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to restart the engine, which resumed normally. The failure was recurring. The vehicle was taken to…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 GMC yukon denali. The contact stated that the traction control and the reduced engine power warning lights illuminated and caused the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to restart the engine, which resumed normally. The failure was recurring. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to diagnose the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure and current mileage was 213,000.
- Electronic stability control (esc) · Engine · Vehicle speed control
The service engine light and traction control turn on and the information center on my cluster reads "engine power reduced" and "stability system disable", then my speed IS reduced and only runs between ten and twenty miles per hour. I have to turn off my truck and turn it back on after a few…
The service engine light and traction control turn on and the information center on my cluster reads "engine power reduced" and "stability system disable", then my speed IS reduced and only runs between ten and twenty miles per hour. I have to turn off my truck and turn it back on after a few minutes to continue, but this problem has happened on a daily basis. I think GMC IS responsible for this and more similar problems. *tr
- Engine · Vehicle speed control
I was driving approximately 65 mph uphill when my engine and traction light came on. My speed was immediately reduced to about 35 mph even though I tried to accelerate. I drove home about 8 miles at a reduced speed because I had my children in the truck and it was raining. I took the truck to a…
I was driving approximately 65 mph uphill when my engine and traction light came on. My speed was immediately reduced to about 35 mph even though I tried to accelerate. I drove home about 8 miles at a reduced speed because I had my children in the truck and it was raining. I took the truck to a mechanic the next day and he replaced the throttle body. I picked up the truck that evening and as I was driving home the same thing happened again. I took the truck back to the mechanic, the check engine light and tc light was on again however he said that there was nothing wrong. His thought was to replace the throttle body again. Two replacements later, the problem remains. *tr
- Service brakes
I was driving home at night after getting gas in the middle of the gas shortage during the major snow storm in the north eastern united states. As I was approaching a light I pressed on the brakes and it went straight to the floor. I then brought it to a mechanic and when it was placed on a lift…
I was driving home at night after getting gas in the middle of the gas shortage during the major snow storm in the north eastern united states. As I was approaching a light I pressed on the brakes and it went straight to the floor. I then brought it to a mechanic and when it was placed on a lift they noticed the entire bottom of the car was rusted including the brake lines. They ended up replacing the entire brake line system due to excessive rust. *js
- Service brakes
After stepping on my brakes aggressively to stop for a dog crossing the road. I received a brake stability notice on my dash. Since I was in the middle of the road, I put the car into drive to get over to the side of the road. The car did not slow down after I pumped the brakes, and tried to throw…
After stepping on my brakes aggressively to stop for a dog crossing the road. I received a brake stability notice on my dash. Since I was in the middle of the road, I put the car into drive to get over to the side of the road. The car did not slow down after I pumped the brakes, and tried to throw the car in reverse to reduce the speed. I coasted into a parked subaru on the side of the road and because of the rear impact the subaru that I hit pushed into toyota highlander in front of it. Therefore three cars affected by the accident. my children were in the car with me and that was the worst part, I would have coasted right into a busy intersection on main street had I not stopped the way that I did. After taking the truck to my mechanic he mentioned that I popped two brake lines. *tr
- Service brakes
I was traveling down a city street and went to stop at a red light. I applied the brakes and the pedal was very soft so I pushed a little harder and the pedal went to the floor. I had to swerve into a gas station parking lot to avoid an accident and apply the emergency brake to stop the vehicle. I…
I was traveling down a city street and went to stop at a red light. I applied the brakes and the pedal was very soft so I pushed a little harder and the pedal went to the floor. I had to swerve into a gas station parking lot to avoid an accident and apply the emergency brake to stop the vehicle. I crawled under the vehicle and saw that there was brake fluid dripping from the floor and the hard lines under the driver side floor. it IS getting taken to the dealer tonight to have the issue fixed. Please make gm responsible for this issue and to pay us back as this IS a very dangerous problem and very expensive to fix. if I would have hit the brake a couple seconds later I would have missed the entrance to the gas station and rear-end the vehicle in front of me. *tr
- Electrical system
I have a 2003 GMC yukon denali, it recently begin a skipping like motion on the speedometer. Then after about a week it started reading off by about 30 mph now when driving its sits at zero 90 percent of the time, the other 10 percent of the time it stay at 15 mph no matter how fast or slow I am moving. *tr
- Seat belts · Traction control system · Vehicle speed control
The seat belts in my 2003 GMC yukon denali keep coming unbuckled. No matter how many I replace. Also I've have a problem with the traction control coming on. It's almost caused a couple of accidents. I've taken the vehicle to the GMC dealership and they've informed me that they've come across this…
The seat belts in my 2003 GMC yukon denali keep coming unbuckled. No matter how many I replace. Also I've have a problem with the traction control coming on. It's almost caused a couple of accidents. I've taken the vehicle to the GMC dealership and they've informed me that they've come across this issue a number of times and have never fixed the issue and to just tap my gas pedal twice to take the vehicle out of the traction control. *Tr
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2003 yukon denali. The contact stated that the engine was started and both the driver and passenger side frontal air bags deploy inadvertently. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to have a diagnostic performed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was not injured. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The current and failure mileage was 113,000.
- Service brakes
Rusted brake lines caused immediate loss with no warning. loss of brakes were catastrophic with only emergency brakes available. car came to a controlled stop on median but could of been much worse given no other vehicles in the vicinity. *tr
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Parking brake failure
Odi's review of complaint data received since the close of ea04-011 revealed no indication that the investigation should be re-opened.more details can be found in the federal register notice enclosed in the dp05-009 public file.odi reserves the right to reopen the investigation in the future should conditions warrant.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 11007208This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire calibration for tires that have been sized, tested and designed for the vehicle in question and its applications. Technician should not use the information that is provided by the antilock braking system tire size selection.
- 11006621Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). The updating of modules is completed in parallel instead of the technician needing to update one module at a time. This allows a more streamlined approach for dealers and customers.
- 11006421GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or inadequate packaging or shipping. This bulletin advises the dealers to be more careful not to damage the transmissions during removal and to package the core properly for return.
- 11004761This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
- 11004557This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
- 11002312This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and resolution information.
- 11000576This Warranty Administration bulletin provides retail and wholesale service personnel with the policies/procedures and the warranty transaction submission procedures that support the Personal Property Damage process.
- 10252735This bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement fasteners with conductive finish.
- 10252163XM Audio Traffic And Travel Link Availability And Operation.
- 10251890This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
- 10251887This bulletin advises the technician of possible location of an internal coolant leak from a specific cylinder head and location.
- 10250775This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system.
- 10249590This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
- 10249579This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10249011This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage.
- 10248444Vehicle Recalls
- 10247748Speedometer Needle Accuracy Information.
- 10247747Speedometer Needle Accuracy Information
- 10247693Suspension.
- 10247681Information On Requests To Add OnStar Bluetooth Option.
- 10247552This service bulletin provides information on Concerns or Questions Regarding Installation of Dealer Installed Accessories.
- 10247093Speedometer Needle Accuracy Information.
- 10247092Speedometer Needle Accuracy Information
- 10246952Programming And Activation Of Replacement OnStar Modules.
- 10246951Programming And Activation Of Replacement OnStar Modules.
- 10246631Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- 10245951Canadian Customers Unable To Place Calls And Turn By Turn Inoperative In The United States.
- 10245950Canadian Customers Unable To Place Calls In The United States
- 10245332Suspension.
- 10244274This service bulletin provides information about the Hunter wheel Road Force balancers that should be utilized for all repairs requiring balance and Road Force measurement.
- 10244214This informational bulletin provides information for the IPC odometer programming method quick reference guide.
- 10244201This service bulletin provides information for dealers on how to submit a product information report (PIR) (Canada Only).
- 10242843The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the customer that it is normal for the delay.
- 10242262This service bulletin provides graphics, information and guidelines for engine component wear to assist service personnel as a guideline to perform necessary engine repairs and prevent unnecessary engine replacement.
- 10235802This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
- 10235799This service bulletin provides information about the Hunter wheel Road Force balancers that should be utilized for all repairs requiring balance and Road Force measurement.
- 10235713This bulletin provides information on Warranty Administration Required Operating Procedures - 8 Points (U.S. Only).
- 10234141This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
- 10234110This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
- 10232287This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
Every GMC Yukon Denali model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.