2003 GMC Yukon: problems, recalls and reliability
6 recalls and 204 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is electrical system (22% 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 204 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“My 03 Yukon Denali is experiencing all of the same things that the recall on the 2021 Yukon is experiencing. What do I do? The recall notice I am referring to is N252494000”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Feb 2023
“The contact owns a 2003 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving at various speed, the vehicle would stall as the battery warning light appeared on the instrument panel. The contact also stated that the vehicle would shake upon depression of the brake pedal without warning. The vehicle was taken to the independent where the vehicle was purchased and was offered no assistance. The dealer nor the manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.”Owner report · Power Train · Jul 2022
“When I turn out of a parking spot it clicks and pops replaced ball joints shocks tie rods everything it won't go away and it does it when I pull into a parking spot”Owner report · Suspension · Apr 2020
Show 7 more owner reports
“Car looses power and goes into reduced engine power. Unable to drive over 2mph. Happens at random times, in all modes of travel, uphill, downhill, from a stop and acceleration. The worst was when it happened going 55mph on a highway. Two separate mechanics have been unable to pinpoint the problem even after $1,300 worth of work and new parts. It's been happening since mid october 2019”Owner report · Engine · Oct 2019
“For the past few months my car stalls while driving I've replaced fuel pump. Knock sensors coils and plugs and it still does it and does not throw a trouble code.”Owner report · Engine · May 2019
“The right front drivers side hubs was about to come off and my entire braking system went out while driving on the highway.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Jun 2018
“Tl* the contact owns a 2003 gmc yukon. While driving 55 mph, a loud bang was heard as the contact noticed that the rear tailgate glass shattered. Upon starting the vehicle, the contact remembered that the rear defogger was turned on; however, she was unsure if it was on at the time the glass shattered. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the rear tailgate glass was replaced. The cause of the failure was unknown. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The contact was informed that there were no recalls. The approximate failure mileage was 225,000.”Owner report · Structure · Feb 2018
“The factory installed head gasket has been said to be a defective product and needs to be replaced. This apparently is a "common" problem.”Owner report · Engine · Jun 2017
“My brake lines are rusted out as describe in the article below. Costing me over 650.00 to repair. Less than 115k on my car! Never had to replace brake lines before... I lost my brake un-expectantly during a rain storm in cohasset, ma on 1/10/2017. Luckily I was on a side road coming to a stop sign and no accident occurred nor were my 3 kids in the vehicle. I saw this article below and decided to write you. Https://www.consumeraffairs.com/news/consumers-complain-of-corroded-brake-lines-in-older-gm-trucks-013014.html”Owner report · Service Brakes · Jan 2017
“All meters on the dash board is not working correctly. Meters such as the speedometer, gas meter, rpm meter, etc are not functioning properly. When driving on small roads, highways, and freeways, it does not indicate the speed accurately. The gas meter does not indicate how much gas is in the gas tank when the car is stopped or when its driving. Rpm meter also is not functioning while we're driving.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jan 2017
When filing, owners marked a crash in 9 of these complaints and injuries in 18 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 6 campaigns
CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.
Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCK, VAN, AND MINI VAN CONVERSIONS EQUIPPED WITH SOUTHERN COMFORT BUILT RUNNING BOARDS THAT CONTAIN CERTAIN COURTESY LIGHTS MANUFACTURED BY AMERICAN TECHNOLOGY COMPONENTS, INC. THESE UNITS CONTAIN A COURTESY LIGHT OR LIGHTS THAT MIGHT OVERHEAT WHEN THE WIRE HARNESS IS EXPOSED TO EXCESSIVE MOISTURE AND ROAD SALT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIRING HARNESS ON THESE RUNNING BOARDS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 7, 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 SOUTHERN COMFORT AT 1-800-745-6096.
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.
ON CERTAIN CREW CAB PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE 2ND ROW CENTER OCCUPANT SEAT BELT ROUTING MAY MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO POSITION THE LAP PORTION OF THE SAFETY BELT LOW AROUND THE HIPS OF OCCUPANTS, ESPECIALLY SMALLER OCCUPANTS, SEATED IN THIS POSITION. APPROPRIATE USE OF A CHILD SEAT OR BOOSTER SEAT, AS RECOMMENDED FOR SMALL CHILDREN, DOES IMPROVE THE FIT CONDITION FOR THIS USER GROUP. IN ADDITION TO INSTRUCTIONS ON PROPER INFANT AND YOUNG CHILD RESTRAINT (WITH CHILD SEATS OR BOOSTERS), SPECIAL VERBIAGE FOR RESTRAINING OLDER CHILD IS INCLUDED IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL. ALSO, THE SUGGESTED SEAT BELT FIT/ROUTING FOR ADULTS, IRRESPECTIVE OF SEATING POSITION, IS DESCRIBED IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL TEXT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL CUT OPEN THE GUIDE LOOP, REMOVE A PORTION OF THE LOOP, AND THEN THE REMAINING TWO SIDES SHOULD BE FOLDED OVER AND SECURED WITH A RETAINER FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 21, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, OR HUMMER AT 1-800-732-5493.
How other years compare
Check your exact Yukon 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 reliable?
NHTSA has 204 owner complaints and 6 recall campaigns on record for the 2003 GMC Yukon. The most complained-about area is electrical system (22% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2003 GMC Yukon problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 78,813 miles or less.
Does the 2003 GMC Yukon have open recalls?
6 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning fuel system, gasoline. 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.