2003 GMC Yukon XL: problems, recalls and reliability
4 recalls and 102 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is electrical system (36% of complaints); the 2005 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Dec 2007
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 102 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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.”Owner report · Suspension · Oct 2019
“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.”Owner report · Electronic Stability Control (Esc) · Oct 2016
“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.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Sep 2016
Show 7 more owner reports
“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.”Owner report · Electrical System · Jul 2016
“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.”Owner report · Air Bags · Nov 2015
“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”Owner report · Electrical System · Nov 2014
“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”Owner report · Service Brakes · Nov 2014
“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”Owner report · Service Brakes · Nov 2014
“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”Owner report · Service Brakes · Oct 2014
“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”Owner report · Service Brakes · May 2014
When filing, owners marked a crash in 3 of these complaints and injuries in 3 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 4 campaigns
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 COULD RESULT IN A PUNCTURE OF THE FUEL TANK AND POSSIBLE FUEL LEAKAGE.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 LIGHT INDICATION, NOISE, AND/OR WHEEL SEPARATION.
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.
How other years compare
Check your exact Yukon XL by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2003 GMC Yukon XL reliable?
NHTSA has 102 owner complaints and 4 recall campaigns on record for the 2003 GMC Yukon XL. The most complained-about area is electrical system (36% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2003 GMC Yukon XL problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 71,511 miles or less.
Does the 2003 GMC Yukon XL have open recalls?
4 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.