2004 GMC Yukon Denali
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › GMC › Yukon Denali › 2004
These records cover every 2004 GMC Yukon Denali. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
109 complaints5 involved a crash5 involved a fire5 injuries1 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system
This IS the 2ND gm all terrain vehicle I have owned that the speedometer quits working after 50000 miles . When I research on mine there are a bunch of owners that are complaining about the same thing. And it's the instrument panel that needs to be changed
- Air bags · Electrical system · Electronic stability control (esc)
First the airbag warning light came on. This has been an ongoing issue since 2008. My speedometer registered the wrong speed. My settings for the seat and mirrors quit working over time.hot air would come out of my vents when the air conditioner was on randomly. Radio, navigation, heat, air…
First the airbag warning light came on. This has been an ongoing issue since 2008. My speedometer registered the wrong speed. My settings for the seat and mirrors quit working over time.hot air would come out of my vents when the air conditioner was on randomly. Radio, navigation, heat, air conditioner and mirrors would turn on/off randomly without touching controls. The last 3 years went through 3 batteries in 3 years. Tests showed at least 5 things are actively draining battery in the fuse box. Issues happened mostly when car was on but mirrors would randomly move when car was not on, very creepy.
- Electrical system
The engine light constantly stays on and I've taken it to a mechanic but it comes right back on again. The gas gauge doesn't work properly. When you fill the tank to full the arrow only goes to the halfway mark.
- Electronic stability control (esc)
I could be driving on the expressway and the right of come on and stability traction disabled come home and cut my power they are to 10 miles an hour while I'm driving
- Seats
Front seat heater for driver comes on when ignition IS turned on without being selected.
- Seats
When pressing more than one drivers window control, the driver's seat occasionally moves to the full forward position forcing the driver up against the steering wheel even when the vehicle IS in motion. when this happens, it IS difficult to control (steer) the vehicle.
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 2004 GMC yukon denali. The contact stated that the speedometer failed and prevented the contact from knowing how fast the vehicle was traveling. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer stated that the warranty on the speedometer cluster replacement ended in 2010. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 105,000.
- Traction control system
TL* the contact owns a 2004 GMC yukon denali. The contact stated that the traction control light illuminated and the vehicle became difficult to maneuver. When the failure occurred, the vehicle slammed to a stop as if someone struck the vehicle from the rear. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where…
TL* the contact owns a 2004 GMC yukon denali. The contact stated that the traction control light illuminated and the vehicle became difficult to maneuver. When the failure occurred, the vehicle slammed to a stop as if someone struck the vehicle from the rear. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the traction control sensor was replaced; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 116,000. The vin was not available.
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting · Service brakes
There are several complaints, on the 2004 GMC denalis. It's like it starts slow your gauges go out. You have no idea how fast you are going! Then the oil, temp for engine, and transmission. Which I had to replace. Then the brakes get a mind of their own. Recently the radio & lights are acting up…
There are several complaints, on the 2004 GMC denalis. It's like it starts slow your gauges go out. You have no idea how fast you are going! Then the oil, temp for engine, and transmission. Which I had to replace. Then the brakes get a mind of their own. Recently the radio & lights are acting up which IS scary, I have a 7 yr. Old. The heat in the back doesn't work for her, so I have several blankets for her. The television quit long ago, it was one of the reasons we bought the car, so kids could watch television on long trips, or whenever. We paid a lot for this vehicle, I would think GMC would step up and do the right thing and correct the product they stand by,and are very proud of. I would love to just purchase a new vehicle. I do not have that luxury, I lost my job, we are pay check to pay check with my husbands income. I can't fix or replace this car, that I absolutely loved before all the malfunctions/defects. I have a garmin so I can tell my speed, and have to hit the side inside the car when the lights won't work. I pray, you will look into this matter before someone IS seriously hurt, as so many have reported the same complaints. One gentlemen gave you a website I've seen myself of peoples complaints. I thank you for your time, and anything you can do to help us!! *tr
- Electrical system · Engine · Steering
Driving vehicle at 30 mph. lost all power and engine. no brakes, no power steering, no dash lights, engine quit running, no exterior lights. parked vehicle in parking lot. no power at all. after about 20 minutes of waiting vehicle started again and had minimal acceleration/power. *tr
- Air bags · Electronic stability control (esc) · Suspension
While driving my vehicle lost power slid on brakes, air bag light and stability light came on and stayed on. *tr
- Structure › Frame and members › Underbody shields
TL* the contact owns a 2004 GMC yukon denali. While driving approximately 5 mph, a loud noise emitted from the rear of the vehicle. The contact discovered that the spare tire that was located under the vehicle detached and fell to the ground. After inspecting the vehicle, the contact discovered…
TL* the contact owns a 2004 GMC yukon denali. While driving approximately 5 mph, a loud noise emitted from the rear of the vehicle. The contact discovered that the spare tire that was located under the vehicle detached and fell to the ground. After inspecting the vehicle, the contact discovered that the assembly that secures the spare tire to the bottom of the vehicle failed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no solution was offered. The failure mileage was 150,000.
- Power train
As I slowed exiting a freeway about 35 mph, I heard a screech & a bit of loss of power. when I attempted to put into reverse for parking (later) it was apparent it was the transmission. As I investigated on line it was an ongoing transmission problem due to "less than robust parts" inside the…
As I slowed exiting a freeway about 35 mph, I heard a screech & a bit of loss of power. when I attempted to put into reverse for parking (later) it was apparent it was the transmission. As I investigated on line it was an ongoing transmission problem due to "less than robust parts" inside the transmission. gm dealer-service rep. John at zubor agreed with this and told me to contact gm since it was, just over the 100,000 mile powertrain warranty. it took gm two weeks or more to reply & return my calls & emails, when of course I was told a gm dealer must diagnose the problem--vehicle was already repaired at that point by my own mechanic. I do not have another form of transportation & since it IS out of warranty I had no promise of gm assistance, I took it where I could! I paid $1850.00 for a new trans with warranty. I would not be writing except this IS an ongoing problem & the gm tech on line said there was "nothing you could do to prevent this from happening since the interior parts are weak". gm tech commented gm had began using more "robust parts for replacement, but due to high labor costs (interior parts) he suggested to replace trans so you would have a warranty". This IS also what our mechanic advised. please advise. *tr
- Electrical system
At approximately 1:54 pm I was leaving work and I didn't get about 1,000 feet when I began to see smoke coming from the center console area where the cigarette lighter was. I pulled over into a gas station and took the cup holders out trying to search where the smoke was coming from. I then saw…
At approximately 1:54 pm I was leaving work and I didn't get about 1,000 feet when I began to see smoke coming from the center console area where the cigarette lighter was. I pulled over into a gas station and took the cup holders out trying to search where the smoke was coming from. I then saw smoke coming from the vents on the dashboard. I also saw smoke coming from the battery compartment under the hood. I opened the hood and more smoke with coming from the vent. I opened the passenger side door and saw that behind the center console just under the cd play, the wires were on fire and the fire continued to become larger. I called the fire department at 1:56 pm and again at 1:59 pm when they arrived and the entire dashboard was burning. the vehicle's dashboard was completely melted along with the controls above by the sunroof. the vehicle IS a complete loss. the vehicle has been parked at my job for more than 6 hours before I took it to go home. I sustained smoke inhalation and heat burns on my face. I was transported to the local hospital, treated and release. *tr
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
I have a 2004 GMC yukon denali and as I see from the many complaints before me my cluster has went out. I have no use of my dashboard at all. No use of gas gauge. No use of speedometer. No use of oil gauge. No use of anything on dash. Why after all the complaints has GMC not done anything. If this…
I have a 2004 GMC yukon denali and as I see from the many complaints before me my cluster has went out. I have no use of my dashboard at all. No use of gas gauge. No use of speedometer. No use of oil gauge. No use of anything on dash. Why after all the complaints has GMC not done anything. If this causes an accident like what IS going on now with ignition switch they will pay so much more with lawsuits. I will be the first in line, can't tell you how many times I have ran off the road for lack of gas
- Service brakes
Driving 45 mph hit brakes and could not stop. brake failure light appeared on dashboard. Kept pumping brakes and put into first gear to slow down. Luckily was able to stop and no one was in front of my car..inspected car and rear brake line hose was blown and leaking hyd fluid. *tr
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2004 yukon denali. The contact stated while merging into traffic, the front of the vehicle crashed into the front passenger side door of another vehicle. The contact mentioned the front passenger air bag failed to deploy. A police report was filed. The front passenger…
TL* the contact owns a 2004 yukon denali. The contact stated while merging into traffic, the front of the vehicle crashed into the front passenger side door of another vehicle. The contact mentioned the front passenger air bag failed to deploy. A police report was filed. The front passenger sustained head trauma, knee and ankle was fractured. The rear drivers side passenger sustained a ripped eye lid, and the rear side passenger sustained 4 fractured teeth and damaged her intestine. A fatality was reported on the other vehicle involved. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was made aware of the crash. The failure and current mileage was unknown. The vin was not available.
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
I started my car and while I was in park the speedometer said 70mph. While I was driving it would register over 120mph. I had no idea what speed I was truly going. This IS a scary feeling especially with my three children in the car. I tried turning off the car putting it in drive and back to park thinking perhaps it was stuck, but nothing works. I see this IS a common problem...help?? *tr
- Electrical system
When we turn left, the vehicle turns off ,loses power steering, brakes, gauges light up, this only happens when turning left between 3-5 miles hour, the garage said they could not find anything wrong, and the stability control IS on to. *tr
- Latches/locks/linkages
TL* the contact owns a 2004 GMC envoy. The contact stated that both rear doors failed to close properly and erroneously opened while the contact was traveling various speeds. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was found that the latches needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was contacted about the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
- Service brakes
My wife and daughter were driving on the highway.when they went to exit, the brake pedal went to the floor.after I got it home I followed the brake fluid trail into my garage.had it inspected by my mechanic and two of the brake lines were rusted through and the others were on there way to failure…
My wife and daughter were driving on the highway.when they went to exit, the brake pedal went to the floor.after I got it home I followed the brake fluid trail into my garage.had it inspected by my mechanic and two of the brake lines were rusted through and the others were on there way to failure also.too big of a job for him so I made an appointment at the chevrolet dealer for next week at a price of around $1300 as quoted.the dealer told me there IS a repair kit for this because of so many cases of premature rust failure but gm will not incur any of the costs or admit a safety issue.the outrageous cost of the fix IS one thing but the safety of many IS totally another. *tr
- Engine
Upon start up of vehicle, a ticking noise was heard from the engine compartment. upon inspection, found that the left rear exhaust bolt on the exhaust manifold had broken off causing exhaust leak. upon investigation on the internet, this IS a very common issue with the gm 6.0 liter and other…
Upon start up of vehicle, a ticking noise was heard from the engine compartment. upon inspection, found that the left rear exhaust bolt on the exhaust manifold had broken off causing exhaust leak. upon investigation on the internet, this IS a very common issue with the gm 6.0 liter and other engines. this IS a serious safety defect and also causes the emissions controls of the engine to be inoperable. possible safety issues can and do include; carbon monoxide poisoning and the possibility of engine compartment failure. *tr
- Engine
Broken exhaust bolts on gm engines. this IS a well known defect and failure on these engines and IS part of the vehicle emissions systems. this IS also a very serious safety defect, possible issues with this failure include; carbon monoxide poisoning and engine compartment fire. *tr
- Fuel system, gasoline
My son and I were going north on rt 1 in rehoboth beach and stopped at a light and smelled gas. I pulled over to the side of the road and looked under the car and gas was leaking fast from the top of the gas tank. took it straight up to my mechanic [xxx] at emery chassisworks and left it for him…
My son and I were going north on rt 1 in rehoboth beach and stopped at a light and smelled gas. I pulled over to the side of the road and looked under the car and gas was leaking fast from the top of the gas tank. took it straight up to my mechanic [xxx] at emery chassisworks and left it for him to check. he found the metal gas pump has rusted out on top and was pumping gas all over. .He said he only found one other yukon with that problem. all the others had a plastic top (that could not rust). this was extremely dangerous (any cigarette, spark, etc.) and we were blown up. Why didn't I have the gas pump on top of the gas tank with a plastic top that doesn't rust. very dangerous. information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *tr
- Fuel/propulsion system · Service brakes
Spring of 2013 I lost my brakes ,lines and connectors totally rusted out (replaced).july 2013 my full tank of gas poured out all over the ground.sending unit ,feed line, return line totally rotted and blew out.but the pump still worked. Lol (all replaced).i bought this truck with 70000 miles on it…
Spring of 2013 I lost my brakes ,lines and connectors totally rusted out (replaced).july 2013 my full tank of gas poured out all over the ground.sending unit ,feed line, return line totally rotted and blew out.but the pump still worked. Lol (all replaced).i bought this truck with 70000 miles on it at 5 years old.from a volvo dealership.i only put 10000 miles on it in approximately 4 years.i keep it well maintained and change the oil every 3000 miles.whats next? I have driven trucks for 35 years now.never had anything like this happen before.what gives with these crappy made parts!!!!! .Make them in the u.s.a.!!!!..who are the engineers designing this vehicles.thy make it hard for the mechanics to work on without having to disassemble everything to get to the repair thats needed! Headache for them and $$$$$ unnecessary unsafe for us!!
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
- 10245395This service bulletin provides a vibration analysis worksheet the technician can use in conjunction with the appropriate Vibration Analysis-Road testing procedure when diagnosing vibration concerns.
- 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.
Every GMC Yukon Denali model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.