2003 GMC Yukon XL
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › GMC › Yukon XL › 2003
These records cover every 2003 GMC Yukon XL. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
4 recalls name the 2003 GMC Yukon XL. Newest first.
Certain federal-mogul replacement wheel hub assemblies with the brand names: national, carquest p/nos. 515020, 515021, 515025, 515053, 515054, 515059, and 515060, shipped between january 23, 2006, and december 20, 2007, sold for light duty and medium duty trucks. the inboard retention nut used to maintain hub bearing assembly can loosen resulting in an ABS…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Wheel separation can result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Federal-mogul will notify customers and will replace the hub assembly free of charge. the recall began on february 7, 2008. owners can contact federal-mogul toll-free at 877-489-6659.
Certain sport utility vehicles, pickup trucks, and passenger vans fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 135, ?passenger car brake systems.? some of these vehicles were produced with an out-of-specification brake hydro-boost housing relief valve bore.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Consequently, the valve o-ring seal may fracture. steering efforts may be slightly increased while braking or parking. under certain driving conditions, a fractured seal may require a slight increase in the applied brake pedal effort to achieve the same vehicle deceleration rate as prior to the seat fracture.
Remedy
Dealers are to replace the hydro-boost relief valve. the recall began on june 18, 2004. owners should contact cadillac at 1-866-982-2339; chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438; GMC at 1-866-996-9463; or hummer at 1-866-486-6376.
Certain sport utility vehicles fail to comply with requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 214, "side impact protection." these vehicles are built with four welds on the rear door upper hinge. on some of these vehicles, one or two of the welds may not be to specification.
Risk and remedy
Risk
As a result, the door strength may be degraded during a side impact vehicle crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the welds on the left rear door upper hinge. if a weld IS found out-of-specification, a bolt will be installed to secure the hinge. owner notification began february 17, 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 cadillac at 1-800-458-8006, chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC at 1-800-462-8782.
On certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles, vehicles, during a 30 degree left angle frontal impact of sufficient severity, a tear could develop in the mid-frame cross member at its attachment to the left frame rail. if the mid-frame cross member tears during frontal impact and produces a sharp edge, contact of the sharp edge with the fuel tank…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will install a fuel tank shield. owner notification began february 20, 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 or GMC at 1-800-462-8782.
Owner complaints
102 complaints3 involved a crash3 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system › Instrument panel › Speedometer/odometer
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2003 GMC Yukon XL. It was later discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale on January 26th, 2026. At the time of purchase and at the time of the vehicle registration, the vehicle mileage was 186,000. While applying for…
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2003 GMC Yukon XL. It was later discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale on January 26th, 2026. At the time of purchase and at the time of the vehicle registration, the vehicle mileage was 186,000. While applying for insurance on February 20, 2026, the contact was informed that the vehicle was due for a 300,000-mile maintenance plan. The contact confirmed through the Carfax Report that the actual mileage was 300,000. The dealer was contacted and informed of the odometer fraud discovery; however, the dealer refused further contact to resolve the issue. The odometer fraud was also reported to the State Consumer Protection Division.
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 2003 GMC yukon XL. The contact stated that when the key chain was attached to the keys, the vehicle failed to start however, when the key chain was removed, the vehicle start as designed. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer nor an independent mechanic for diagnostic…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 GMC yukon XL. The contact stated that when the key chain was attached to the keys, the vehicle failed to start however, when the key chain was removed, the vehicle start as designed. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer nor an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 220,000.
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting
Headlights as well as daytime running lights do not come on highbeams do however
- Suspension
Concerned about the service notice on my dic with the auto ride suspension system. p0660 code detection. No indication of what the condition of the system IS inoperable and if the vehicle IS in a safe mode until repairs or replacement of parts are made.currently the vehicle has locked the air…
Concerned about the service notice on my dic with the auto ride suspension system. p0660 code detection. No indication of what the condition of the system IS inoperable and if the vehicle IS in a safe mode until repairs or replacement of parts are made.currently the vehicle has locked the air ride suspension to which the compressor will not activate. Shocks are in a maintained pressure to which the vehicle IS operated in a firm pressure making a solid ride as if the vehicle would be if in tow mode.not sure if the characteristics of the handling are effective.
- Service brakes
Brake failure due to leak from rusted out brake line under driver seat area and loss of brake fluid.
- Electronic stability control (esc)
TL* the contact owns a 2003 GMC yukon XL. While driving 35 mph, the stability control failed and the vehicle lost power. The stability control active warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact mentioned that there was also a grinding sound. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failures. The failure mileage was approximately 195,633.
- Electrical system
Instrument cluster. Gauges randomly stick or falsely read to include speedometer. Sometimes it will stick at a random speed. Other times it will peg at its max. Unknown if odometer IS involved. Sometimes they reset after repeated start/off cycles. Was covered under a gm recall bulletin no: 07187b…
Instrument cluster. Gauges randomly stick or falsely read to include speedometer. Sometimes it will stick at a random speed. Other times it will peg at its max. Unknown if odometer IS involved. Sometimes they reset after repeated start/off cycles. Was covered under a gm recall bulletin no: 07187b, page 8. Current odometer IS 145,369. Should gm not repair this after the warranted period? This IS just as dangerous now than it was at 70,000 miles. Oil pressure gauge very rarely reads correctly. I trailer tow often and correct oil pressure IS imperative as IS a correct speedometer reading. On the top of the page I downloaded from nhtsa IS the number csc-10026542-8984. Please note that this began two years ago with a faulty amp gauge but within the last several months it has now affected all gauges but the fuel gauge, water temp and transmission temp. Possibly related IS the heated seat on the drivers side. The heat IS on all the time (on hi) and can only be shut off by unplugging the seat which deactivates the air bag sensor, power seat control and the like. I have not contacted gm at this time. Please advise me as to my course of action.
- Service brakes
The brakes failed while driving on a city street causing my vehicle to nearly strike a number of children at a crosswalk. After examination by a mechanic, it was determined that the brake line had corroded and burst under pressure. I have received no notice of this potential failure from GMC even…
The brakes failed while driving on a city street causing my vehicle to nearly strike a number of children at a crosswalk. After examination by a mechanic, it was determined that the brake line had corroded and burst under pressure. I have received no notice of this potential failure from GMC even though it has been investigated by the nhtsa. Shouldn't the manufacturer have an obligation to repair this potentially lethal problem? At a minimum I feel that GMC and/or the nhtsa have a moral obligation to notify owners of affected vehicles that they are driving a potentially deadly vehicle.
- Air bags
Both driver and passenger side airbags deployed without any accident or impact. The airbags deployed while the car was parked and when the ignition key was turned.
- Service brakes
Brake failed when applied.mechanic said line IS rusted causing leak. *js
- Electrical system
While driving on the highway and keeping up with traffic, I noticed my speed was 75mph. Slowing down to the posted speed limit I was suddenly getting passed up by everyone. It wasn't until I exited the highway and while waiting at a stoplight I noticed the speedometer was reading 10mph (while…
While driving on the highway and keeping up with traffic, I noticed my speed was 75mph. Slowing down to the posted speed limit I was suddenly getting passed up by everyone. It wasn't until I exited the highway and while waiting at a stoplight I noticed the speedometer was reading 10mph (while standing still). Checking GMC and chevrolet forums online, this seems to be a common problem and a definite safety concern. The reading on the speedometer while in park now varies between 10-20 mph, and I have absolutely no idea how fast I'm actually traveling while driving. I've made an appt with the dealer to have it checked out, and I'm sure the repairs will be expensive! *Tr
- Service brakes
Total brake failure, no brakes. steel brake line rusted through on frame rail near gas tank causing fluid container to empty completely. no advanced warning lamp or indication of failure. to replace the line, the fuel tank must be removed. dealer charge $800.00 and up. *tr
- Service brakes
I had a panic stop while driving my SUV, and the brake pedal went to the floor, offering almost no braking ability. this caused me to sharply swerve around the car in front of me, drive through a red light at a busy intersection into oncoming traffic, and find a safe place to land. I had my 11 year old daughter and 9 year old son with me, this could have been deadly. *tr
- Service brakes
Car pulled in front of me, had to apply maximum braking effort. pedal went to the floor and the truck gradually slowed. further attempts to drive and brake were futile. *tr
- Service brakes
I was driving on the highway at approx. 60 mph... When all of a sudden I heard a chiming noise and my "service brake system" alert came on! I then attempted to slow down and to my unfortunate discovery the brake pedal went straight to the floor. (Scary) I let the vehicle coast a bit to slow down…
I was driving on the highway at approx. 60 mph... When all of a sudden I heard a chiming noise and my "service brake system" alert came on! I then attempted to slow down and to my unfortunate discovery the brake pedal went straight to the floor. (Scary) I let the vehicle coast a bit to slow down and tried pumping my brakes.. Now please keep in mind I was driving with my 2 children in the back seat. (Scarier) I was able to slowly stop and pull over. I discovered the rear brake line was leaking.. Long story short my husband came and was able to drive it home.. But basically by the grace of god!!! I did some researching- calling a few different dealership and service locations and was told it would cost anywhere from $1,500 to $600.00 to have the lines replaced,ect. I am furious that gm IS trying to throw this on the consumer stating this was a "maintenance issue"... I have read numerous stories of people (real people) having this same problem, but gm wants to say this IS out fault!!?!?!? no way... IS there any recourse? thank god we did not have an accident. *my husband had a friend of his who works on vehicles take a look and stated the lines were completely rusted and corroded!!* *tr
- Service brakes
I was driving our 2003 GMC yukon XL home and the brakes went the floor, let me tell you this IS very scary especially with such a large vehicle. luckily I was a block away and made it home pumping the brakes. the brake lines broke just above the rear axle. both lines come out of a connector and…
I was driving our 2003 GMC yukon XL home and the brakes went the floor, let me tell you this IS very scary especially with such a large vehicle. luckily I was a block away and made it home pumping the brakes. the brake lines broke just above the rear axle. both lines come out of a connector and they were very severely rusty, it IS tough to see unless you remove the spare tire. if you look at the same brake lines that run across the rear axle, they look fine. don't let that fool you, they may be very rusty up farther where you can't see. doesn't make sense to me, but we also lost our brakes with no warning in our 2002 GMC yukon. this has happened with 2/2 GMC from 2002 and 2003 there must be many others and accidents from this happening, its a very fast loss of brake fluid with no warning. gm has to do something about this if they want our business again. *tr
- Service brakes
I was driven my vehicle and my ABS and service brake system light came on and the vehicle wouldn't stop. I ran off the road into a field my pads and brake fluid IS good. I check online and discovered recalls on this make and model year of this vehicle. The recall # IS 75641 wheel cap cover hub…
I was driven my vehicle and my ABS and service brake system light came on and the vehicle wouldn't stop. I ran off the road into a field my pads and brake fluid IS good. I check online and discovered recalls on this make and model year of this vehicle. The recall # IS 75641 wheel cap cover hub recall date dec 17,2007. Also the was recall on service brakes hydraulic recall # 42659 recall date feb 2004. I contacted GMC 800# and spoke with [xxx] his agent I.D # [xxx] he had a specialist contact me and he gave me reference# of[xxx]. I went local GMC spoke with a[xxx] and GMC specialist [xxx] don't refuse to inspect without a charge. My SUV doing the same as recall stated they said no recalls on this vehicle. information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *tr
- Equipment › Appliance › Air conditioner
The air conditioner switches to heat while driving. *js
- Service brakes
Traveling at 25 mph, the brakes were applied and the pedal went all of the way to the floor. pumping the brakes helped stop the vehicle. the vehicle was driven a short distant to the nearest dealer. upon their inspection, they stated the brake lines had corroded and the fluid had leaked out. fortunately the vehicle was traveling at a low rate of speed and traffic was not in the way at the time of failure. *tr
- Service brakes
Brake failure due to rusted through line. Upon diagnosis all lines rusted and require replacement. Had to push pedal all the way to floor hard to come to soft stop. *tr
- Service brakes
On 1/4/14 my wife was sitting in the drive thru lane and when she went to put the truck in drive the pedal went all the way to the floor. had it towed and found a rusted and leaking brake line. second incident on 2/1/14 while driving and approaching a red light I applied the brakes and the pedal…
On 1/4/14 my wife was sitting in the drive thru lane and when she went to put the truck in drive the pedal went all the way to the floor. had it towed and found a rusted and leaking brake line. second incident on 2/1/14 while driving and approaching a red light I applied the brakes and the pedal went all the way to the floor. I pumped the brakes enough to where I got the vehicle stopped after going through the intersection without being hit. I got it off the road and had it towed once again. another brake line had burst and fluid leaked out. the mechanic states that all of the brakes lines are rusted, some more than others so I am having all of the lines replaced. some type of recall needs to be done as I am reading on line of other owners having problems with premature rusting.two lines leaking within one month IS unacceptable. *tr
- Service brakes
My wife was driving our kids in the neighborhood for halloween. there were lots of people and small children walking from house to house. she went to put the brakes on an the truck would not stop. she was able to blow the horn and avoid hitting anyone and came to a stop after rolling through a…
My wife was driving our kids in the neighborhood for halloween. there were lots of people and small children walking from house to house. she went to put the brakes on an the truck would not stop. she was able to blow the horn and avoid hitting anyone and came to a stop after rolling through a stop sign. I inspected the brake lines. the brake line that goes above the rear driver side tire IS completely rusted and failed. after further inspection all of the brake lines will need to be replaced to avoid this from happening again. this should be recalled. you can bet if someone was injured this would be a much bigger problem. why do we have to wait for someone to be killed from poor design and poor materials? *tr
- Engine · Fuel/propulsion system
Engine went into reduced engine power (rep) mode and 4 diagnostic troubleshooting codes (dtc's) were set all relating to the throttle activation circuit (tac). When this happens the engine power IS shut off immediately and the engine will only idle. This IS a known issue with gm and IS a…
Engine went into reduced engine power (rep) mode and 4 diagnostic troubleshooting codes (dtc's) were set all relating to the throttle activation circuit (tac). When this happens the engine power IS shut off immediately and the engine will only idle. This IS a known issue with gm and IS a potentially extremely dangerous safety issue. The entire tac system ( throttle body, tac module, pcm, wire harnesses/connectors) needs to be investigated.
- Service brakes
TL* the contact owns a 2003 GMC yukon XL. The contact stated that the braking system alarm engaged as the warning lamp illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician diagnosed that the brake control module was defective and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 55,000.
- Service brakes
Brake line popped causing my 2003 yukon XL to rear end a car stopped at a light at 30 mph glad I am not seriously injured scariest thing that ever happened in my life not being able to stop and had plenty of room. Time for a class action suit if not one already in place. This IS lives people! *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.
- Parking brake failure
In a letter dated april 20, 2005, gm notified nhtsa that it had decided that defects that relate to motor vehicle safety exist in certain model year (my) 1999-2002 c/k 1500 series (pbr parking brake system) and my 2001-2005 c/k 2500 and 3500 series (trw parking brake system) pickups with manual transmissions.according…
In a letter dated april 20, 2005, gm notified nhtsa that it had decided that defects that relate to motor vehicle safety exist in certain model year (my) 1999-2002 c/k 1500 series (pbr parking brake system) and my 2001-2005 c/k 2500 and 3500 series (trw parking brake system) pickups with manual transmissions.according to gm, some of these vehicles may have conditions that cause the friction linings to wear to an extent where the parking brake can become ineffective in immobilizing a parked vehicle.gm's action covers an estimated total of 142,585 vehicles.dealers will install a low-force spring clip retainer for vehicles equipped with the pbr parking brake system and install a redesigned parking brake cable assembly on vehicles equipped with the trw parking brake system. A total of 58 non-duplicative complaints were received by odi and gm concerning the approximately 59,000 my 1999-2002 c/k 1500 series pickup trucks with the pbr parking brake system.these included 22 alleged rollaway incidents, resulting in a rate of 38.5 rollaway incidents per 100,000 vehicles.odi IS aware of 24 complaints regarding the my 2001-2005 c/k 2500 and 3500 series manual transmission trucks recalled by gm, including 5 alleging rollaway incidents.though the conditions described in gm's letter are also present in the c/k trucks with automatic transmissions, the rollaway rate in those vehicles was similar to those observed in peer vehicles studied by odi in this investigation.this engineering analysis IS closed. For additional information, see the attached closing report.
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.
- 10240344This service bulletin explains how to measure for oil consumption and possible reasons for loss of oil.
- 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).
Every GMC Yukon XL model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.