2004 GMC Yukon XL: problems, recalls and reliability
4 recalls and 87 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is electrical system (29% of complaints); the 2005 and 2006 model years look 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 87 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“2004 yukon xl with 91,880 miles. Replacement left front wheel bearing/hub failed catastrophically at 6,046 miles of service. The bearing separated completely leading to a towing event. Vehicle was on an interstate highway and traveling at 70 mph, in a straight line when this occurred. Service technician said the drive shaft on the 4wd vehicle was the only thing retaining the wheel. The prior bearing was replaced at 85,878 miles. The bearing was installed at aftermarket service center. The hub face has the following numbers etched on it. 730-0093, 12fr18107. When I look this up it appears to be a bearing made by gnb. *tr”Owner report · Electronic Stability Control (Esc) · Jun 2020
“Cluster dashboard fails to light up when the key turns on the vehicle. None is the dashboard indicators move or light up, not able to see speed, miles, gas gage, etc. It takes 40 minute into a drive before it turns on randomly.”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Feb 2020
“Tl* the contact owns a 2004 gmc yukon xl. While driving 60 mph, the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the transmission failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 182,000.”Owner report · Engine · Nov 2018
Show 7 more owner reports
“While driving down the highway the hood opened causing the driver to not be able to see. Upon investigation the welds that secure the hood latch broke loose.”Owner report · Structure · Dec 2015
“My 2004 yukon has at least three major leaks in the brake lines caused by corrosion. Research found that this defect was identified shortly after the vehicles were sold new but refused to issue recalls. I was in a near accident when my brakes went completely to the floor suddenly. Also the stabilizer system fails without notice and the dash instrument cluster (gas gauge, temp gauge, voltage and oil pressure gauges works on and off.”Owner report · Electrical System · Oct 2015
“Tl* the contact owns a 2004 gmc yukon xl. While driving at any speed and applying the brakes, the pedal would stiffen and not moved downward completely. The failure recurred continuously. The vehicle was driven to a mechanic who diagnosed that the power assist brake system failed. The VIN was excluded from NHTSA campaign number: 04v045000 (service brakes, hydraulic). The manufacturer was notified. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 130,000.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Jun 2015
“Excessive corrosion on brake calipers, bleeders and all bolts are rusted and unmovable. Brake lines are rusted and leaking. *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes · Nov 2014
“When I start the vehicle and go to the corner store turning the vehicle off, come out of store to restart vehicle it will not start it may take me 10 minutes to 4 hours to get the vehicle started again. Meaning I have been stranded at grocery stores, work, school functions. Attempting to get the vehicle started again I am constantly turning the switch. At this present time I have not drove my truck in almost 5 months. And I have been making truck payments on a vehicle I can't drive.... At this time not sure if it is ignition switch or pass lock I know both parts should be covered because it is a default from the manufacturer. *tr”Owner report · Engine · Nov 2013
“The speedometer will work sometimes but most of time it wont. Also the other gauges in dash board will quit working. The period of time of it not working has steadily increase. It has caused both my husband tickets or warnings because it does not work. The other gauges ( the oil, temp and rpm )are unreliable. I checked with a mechanic and he says this is common for the model I have. To repair they have to remove the dashboard. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Mar 2013
“While driving/ braking normally, brake pedal sunk down to floor. Luckily I was driving slow and no other cars were around because stopping at 30 mph took a very long space. I found out that 1 brake line rotted through till it leaked and 3 others needed replacement. Gmc does not make replacement lines they need to be custom made. *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes · Sep 2012
When filing, owners marked a crash in 5 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 4 campaigns
CERTAIN TRUCKS, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND VANS EQUIPPED WITH BOSCH HYDRO-BOOST BRAKE ASSEMBLIES, THE HYDRAULIC BRAKE BOOSTER PRESSURE ACCUMULATOR MAY CRACK AND SEPARATE FROM THE HYDRO-BOOST ASSEMBLY DURING NORMAL OPERATING CONDITIONS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL TEST THE HYDRO-BOOST ASSEMBLY FOR FUNCTIONAL OPERATION OF THE TWO-FUNCTION VALVE. IF THE HYDRO-BOOST ASSEMBLY FAILS THE TEST, DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 23, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC TRUCKS AT 1-866-996-9463 AND HUMMER AT 1-800-732-5493.
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 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.
ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH AN 8.1L V8 (RPO L8-VIN G) ENGINE HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH THE ENGINE FUEL RAIL PULSE DAMPER RETAINER CLIP MAY FRACTURE RESULTING IN INADEQUATE RETENTION OF THE DAMPER.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ENGINE FUEL RAIL PULSE DAMPER RETAINER CLIP FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 31, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 AND GMC TRUCKS AT 1-866-996-9463.
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 2004 GMC Yukon XL reliable?
NHTSA has 87 owner complaints and 4 recall campaigns on record for the 2004 GMC Yukon XL. The most complained-about area is electrical system (29% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2004 GMC Yukon XL problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 48,000 miles or less.
Does the 2004 GMC Yukon XL have open recalls?
4 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning service brakes, hydraulic. 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.