2003 GMC Yukon Denali XL
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › GMC › Yukon Denali XL › 2003
These records cover every 2003 GMC Yukon Denali XL. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
32 complaints3 involved a crash
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system · Electronic stability control (esc) · Unknown or other
The cluster from all the dashboard has stop working the speedometer the gauges everything
- Electronic stability control (esc) · Service brakes
There IS no warning code for the hydraulic brake booster when it starts to go bad that shows up on the abs/odb scanner. You will be driving and all of the sudden your steering gets stiff, the brake pedal IS hard to press and you can't stop as good as your used to in the vehicle. This issue can cause accidents if someone stops suddenly in front of you.
- Electronic stability control (esc) · Service brakes
The stability control warning has come on several times on my vehicle. the brakes do not work, as you have to push all the way to the floor and sometimes it takes time before the vehicle stops. I have had brake lines repairs and the problem still IS there. we cannot use vehicle until the issue…
The stability control warning has come on several times on my vehicle. the brakes do not work, as you have to push all the way to the floor and sometimes it takes time before the vehicle stops. I have had brake lines repairs and the problem still IS there. we cannot use vehicle until the issue IS resolved. our mechanic advised us to file a complaint on this issue because it IS an active issue with GMC denali yukon's for years. we need assistance to have this resolved to use our vehicle.
- Service brakes
I let my freind take vehicle and she said when she braked the pedal went to floor.she was half mile away and made it back .i looked at level in master cylinder and had to put fluid in.noticed brake fluid on the undercarrige which led me to rusted brake line up front.
- Service brakes
I was driving with my 14month old baby in the car and all of a sudden I had no brakes at all. my parking brake couldn't stop me either so I put the car in neutral and then forced it into park so I didn't crash. the brake lines are completely corroded and I didn't have any notice or idea until the brakes were already gone.
- Electrical system · Electronic stability control (esc)
Just bought car electrical has been acting up for a while now (30 days) and now dash has gone out sunroof wont open pr close and driver side passenger window doesnt work auto store wont fix or take back car
- Service brakes
A dog ran out in front of me I applied my brakes and the pedal went to the floor had it checked at bale chevrolet in little rock ark. Wanted to charge me 6800.00 to repair had it towed back to il. Where I live that cost was 500.00 besides 200 miles that was covered by aaa i,m a 62 yr old woman had…
A dog ran out in front of me I applied my brakes and the pedal went to the floor had it checked at bale chevrolet in little rock ark. Wanted to charge me 6800.00 to repair had it towed back to il. Where I live that cost was 500.00 besides 200 miles that was covered by aaa i,m a 62 yr old woman had my grandchildren with me in little rock ark this experience was the scariest time in my lifetime no warning just all of a sudden no brakes in the worst traffic ever. The money spent on this trip was very expensive not to mention the stress. *tr
- Electrical system · Electronic stability control (esc) · Engine
Vehicle went into reduced engine power and stabiltrak warning light came on. reduced speed from 60 to 10mph. now occurs on a regular basis. *tr
- Service brakes
Brake pipe blew out from corrosion... Light front damage to GMC and rear end damage to car in front from lack of braking power. *tr
- Engine · Power train · Vehicle speed control
Vehicle powers down without any pattern, rhyme or reason. It will do it at 5 mph, and at 55 mph, when driven a lot, and when not. Reduced engine power light turns on, vehicle suddenly slows to 25 mph max, steering becomes hard, brakes too. Then will totally shut off immediately. I have replaced the…
Vehicle powers down without any pattern, rhyme or reason. It will do it at 5 mph, and at 55 mph, when driven a lot, and when not. Reduced engine power light turns on, vehicle suddenly slows to 25 mph max, steering becomes hard, brakes too. Then will totally shut off immediately. I have replaced the battery, throttle body assembly and wiring harness twice. Fuses, fuel pump and filters, oil, and everything else as recommended. It put me in the ditch. It stranded me in the center of a freeway in winter. When it sits for a while, it resets, only to do it again. T/c light turns on also. I found out that I can manually reset the reduced engine power for a few moments (to get out of the center of the road) by turning the ignition switch on and off very fast. It IS a extreme safety hazard! I haven't driven it in months due to absolute fear for my life. When its in reduced engine power mode, I can't get it to go above 25, and going up hills can't go above 5MPH. If I am pulling a trailer, it starts to go backwards. This thing IS going to kill someone! Please help *tr
- Service brakes
The problem: brakes failed while vehicle was running. After a hard brake at a stoplight and driving briefly, the brake pedal went straight to the floor barely stopping the vehicle. Brakes were extremely mushy to non-existent at times. repair work: local GMC service department indicated the…
The problem: brakes failed while vehicle was running. After a hard brake at a stoplight and driving briefly, the brake pedal went straight to the floor barely stopping the vehicle. Brakes were extremely mushy to non-existent at times. repair work: local GMC service department indicated the brake line had rusted out and they replaced it for close to $1,600. per the invoice repairs included: brake system repair/labor, brake flush kit, pipe kit and fluid. (when asked about brake line issues later, the dealership stated they have never heard of any problems regarding them with gmcs.) how it happened: while driving with my wife and children in the vehicle, I had to break hard when I came around a bend to a red stoplight. Though the brakes worked, they felt like they were giving just a little after I finally came to a stop. we preceded another 15-miles with no incident and pulled into restaurant drive-thru. while sitting in the drive-thru lane with the vehicle in gear and my foot on the brake, all of a sudden my foot went to straight to the floor and the vehicle jumped forward. thankfully there was enough space between my vehicle and the vehicle in front of me so that I didn' hit them. I immediately shifted it out of gear to stop the vehicle from moving forward. At this time I noticed a warning light had come on indicating to check brakes and that the ABS was off. I tested the vehicle in a nearby empty parking lot to see if it was still drivable and the brakes appeared to have only a little bit of 'stoppage' though the pedal was to the floor. I realized it took 50-100 yards to stop the vehicle with brake fully pressed and no gas when we were going 20-25 m/h. *tr
- Steering
TL* the contact owns a 2003 GMC yukon denali XL. the contact stated that while driving 1 mph and making a left into a parking lot, the vehicle power steering failed. the vehicle was shifted into neutral and was able to resume to normal. the failure occurred on numerous occasions. the vehicle…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 GMC yukon denali XL. the contact stated that while driving 1 mph and making a left into a parking lot, the vehicle power steering failed. the vehicle was shifted into neutral and was able to resume to normal. the failure occurred on numerous occasions. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,000 and the current mileage 91,000. updated 9/18/14*cn the consumer stated the failure only occurred while making a left turn. Updated 2/11/2015 *js
- Service brakes
TL - the contact owns a 2003 GMC yukon denali XL. The contact stated that while driving 10 mph, the ABS engaged without any warnings. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the speed sensor was defective and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 176,000. Pm
- Electronic stability control (esc) · Service brakes
I was driving down the road to work and I hit the brakes and the brake pedal was not firm. I hit the brake pedal again and the brake pedal went to the floor. I had a hard time stopping the big SUV and would have hit another car had this happened at a stop light or anywhere where I have to rely on my brakes as the stopping distance was easily quadrupled if not more. *tr
- Electronic stability control (esc) · Engine · Power train
Intermittently at hwy and side road speeds, truck will shut down, check engine light comes on and extremely rough idle and loss of engine power occurs. Have followed all recommended fixes but problem persists. Engine code 1516, throttle position sensor out f range +- .05 volts. scary problem, as…
Intermittently at hwy and side road speeds, truck will shut down, check engine light comes on and extremely rough idle and loss of engine power occurs. Have followed all recommended fixes but problem persists. Engine code 1516, throttle position sensor out f range +- .05 volts. scary problem, as this occurs without warning and causes immediate loss of speed. Many many complaints posted on the internet of this same problem but no GMC recommended fixes or assistance. Refuse to take this to a dealer and let them poke around at $95 / hour and or to throw parts at truck in hopes of correcting. GMC needs to address this potentially fatal problem. *tr
- Electrical system · Engine · Vehicle speed control
Driving to work and "reduce engine power" came on. Engine stalled out and would not gain speed. I was in a lot of traffic when this happen and my vehicle cause a incident because of the sudden engine reduced all speed. GMC should do some research about this problem and inform the public of all the…
Driving to work and "reduce engine power" came on. Engine stalled out and would not gain speed. I was in a lot of traffic when this happen and my vehicle cause a incident because of the sudden engine reduced all speed. GMC should do some research about this problem and inform the public of all the dangers these vehicles are causing for public transportation. This IS ludicrous that GMC does not have these vehicle off he streets and destroyed knowing that they are putting people lives in danger. I will never ever buy a GMC vehicle again. *tr
- Service brakes
The brake lines on the entire vehicle were found to be severely rusted after the rear lines burst while attempting to stop from 25 mph. *tr
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
Have a 2003 yukon denali and when it hit the 131000 miles mark the fuel gauge stopped working leaving me to tell how much gas I had left using the automatic computer telling you how many miles to empty. Next the oil gauges stopped working. my speedometer quite working leaving me to not knowing the…
Have a 2003 yukon denali and when it hit the 131000 miles mark the fuel gauge stopped working leaving me to tell how much gas I had left using the automatic computer telling you how many miles to empty. Next the oil gauges stopped working. my speedometer quite working leaving me to not knowing the speed I am traveling this quite working while I was driving down a highway. To make matters worse my rpms are starting to go goofy which means that to IS going to stop working as well. I was told that having my dash taken off and fixed could run anywhere between 700$ not including labor fees. Which IS crazy that GMC doesn't stand behind its work. People cant afford to be paying for this to get fixed let alone speeding tickets. I believe something needs to be done after reading about so many people have this same problem with the all having the same year yukon denali.. You pay all this money for a vehicle and something like this happens!!! *tr
- Steering
TL* the contact owns a 2003 yukon denali XL. The contact stated that while driving 70 mph, he noticed that the steering wheel began to shake excessively. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection where they stated that the shocks needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 66,000.
- Service brakes
Brakes failed while stopping at cross walk. cause of failure was rotted brake lines. *tr
- Engine
Purchased 2003 yukon XL failed state inspection because of broken manifold exhaust bolts caused leaking manifold gasket. Emission and possible fire potential due to leaking manifold. Repair cost estimated in access of $1,700. *tr
- Steering · Traction control system
TL* the contact owns a 2003 GMC yukon denali XL. The contact was traveling 20-25 mph when the traction control warning light illuminated and the power steering failed. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was not contacted and the vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 90,000.
- Electronic stability control (esc) · Engine and engine cooling · Service brakes, hydraulic · Vehicle speed control
When driving at low speeds (less than 10 miles per hour) or starting from a stop, the traction control will automatically engage when the gas pedal IS applied. when the traction control engages, a total loss of input to the engine results and the vehicle does not move (it essentially stalls). I…
When driving at low speeds (less than 10 miles per hour) or starting from a stop, the traction control will automatically engage when the gas pedal IS applied. when the traction control engages, a total loss of input to the engine results and the vehicle does not move (it essentially stalls). I was almost struck in an intersection while waiting to make a left turn on a green light in early december of 2011. I was stopped in the middle of the intersection waiting to turn left. when I attempted to turn left, I gave the gas pedal some input, the traction control engaged, and my vehicle stopped because there was no engine input and was almost hit by an on-coming car. luckily, this had happened before and I knew to either floor the gas pedal or to let off the gas entirely and then floor it again to get the traction control to disengage and get power to the engine. another related issue IS the ABS engaging for no reason. this also happens at low speeds (less than 10 mph). when the ABS engages, the vehicle will travel another two to three feet prior to stopping. the ABS issue resulted in my hitting a pole in a parking lot. it took several years to finally determine what the issue was and it turns out it was a result of front wheel speed sensor corrosion and an increased air gap between the wheel speed sensor and the reluctor ring due to rust and debris built up on the sensor mounting surface. gm acknowledged this with a safety recall (#05068c: product safety) for some vehicle model years 1999-2002. this IS a serious safety issue and gm fails to recognize that vehicles like mine (a 2003) and even later models have the same problem. what IS even more frustrating IS that the dealership could not properly diagnose the problem for several years because they could not "replicate the problem ." I would encourage the nhsta to investigate this issue. *kb
- Service brakes, hydraulic
When attempting to brake to a normal stop at an intersection after exiting I-10 east at pascagoula, ms, the brake pedal went almost to the floor, the brake failure and ABS brake failure alarms came on both audibly and visually. Upon releasing and reapplying the brakes, I found I had sufficient…
When attempting to brake to a normal stop at an intersection after exiting I-10 east at pascagoula, ms, the brake pedal went almost to the floor, the brake failure and ABS brake failure alarms came on both audibly and visually. Upon releasing and reapplying the brakes, I found I had sufficient brake function to stop from the relatively low speed in a longer than normal but reasonable distance. I then pulled into the nearest parking lot and started searching the yellow pages for the nearest GMC or chevrolet dealer as I was 160 mi from home and needed immediate repair. The dealership found that the brake lines were all severely corroded and that one or both of the lines going to the master cylinder had started leaking. They replaced the lines and attempted to bleed the brakes but they were not totally successful due to a combination of the sophistocation of the ABS system and the inexperience of the mechanic on duty at the time. After I returned home, I was able to find a more competent repair facility at 47,780 miles. They confirmed the severe corrosion of the entire brake line system, including the brake hoses and calipers. They replaced an additional left front brake hose and properly bled the brakes to restore total function. this held until a couple of months ago when I noticed fluid loss from the brake reservoir starting to accelerate. It took two months to find a shop that would do the work, but I now have an appointment this week to have an independent shop in baton rouge to replace all brake lines, hoses, etc as needed. When I had searched the web for recalls, etc, I noticed that the nhtsa was studying this same issue, so that IS why I'm filing this claim. this vehicle was sold and operated in new jersey for 36,000 miles until april 08 and has been in louisiana since then with approximately 85000 total miles. Let me know if you need any further information.
- Engine and engine cooling · Vehicle speed control
I was driving my yukon 2003 denali and the error message showed up "reduced engine power". I wasn't able to get the speed up to 30 mph on the highway. I pulled into a parking lot and had someone come pick me up. when I went to pick up my vehicle, the message no longer appeared and it functioned at normal speeds. I am nervous about traveling with my family in the vehicle now. *tr
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.
- 11010544This service bulletin explains how to measure for oil consumption and possible reasons for loss of oil.
- 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
- 10246624Car and Truck Fix it Right the First Time Issues
- 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.
Every GMC Yukon Denali XL model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.