KnownCarProblems2003 GMC Denali Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 32 complaints with NHTSA about the 2003 GMC Denali, most often about the brakes (22% of complaints, typically around 48,000 miles). It is the most complained-about Denali model year since 2000.
Most common 2003 GMC Denali problems
Brakes
7 complaints · 22%Half of these problems showed up before 48,000 miles. Parts named most often: foundation components, conventional, supply.
Parking brake does not release when release handle is pulled. Releases after vehicle placed in drive and moved forward slightly or placed in reverse and moved back slightly.
Within about 10 miles of a moderate braking situation and reaching home, brake pedal became progressively softer at each successive stop until complete brake failure occurred near home. The emergency brake was used to slow and stop vehicle in driveway (home). Right front steel brake line was found to have burst due to…
Electrical
6 complaints · 19%Parts named most often: instrument cluster/panel, wiring.
The speedometer shows inaccurate and erratic readings. Speed appears to be 20 MPH off and will jump to different speeds. No specific event caused this to happen, it just started about a month ago and has progressively gotten worse over time.
After just a few years of ownership, my 2003 Denali, which I purchased brand new, started to have "power down" issues. While driving, the vehicle would just loose power and I would have to pull over and restart the vehicle. GMC has always acted as if it was not a big deal and have offered many expensive solutions.…
Steering
5 complaints · 16%Parts named most often: hydraulic power assist system, column locking, linkages.
I have had the break/steering fluid booster replaced 3 times in a 6 month period. How GMC can call this a "problem" but not a safety issue is beyond me. I have looked it up and thousands have had problems with this along with alike vehicles from the same years. The breaks and steering lock up while driving especially…
Speed control
5 complaints · 16%Half of these problems showed up before 75,000 miles. Parts named most often: cruise control.
After just a few years of ownership, my 2003 Denali, which I purchased brand new, started to have "power down" issues. While driving, the vehicle would just loose power and I would have to pull over and restart the vehicle. GMC has always acted as if it was not a big deal and have offered many expensive solutions.…
The contact owns a 2003 GMC Denali. The contact was driving approximately 40 MPH when the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact stated that after a few minutes, the vehicle was restarted yet the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the technician could not diagnose the failure. The…
Transmission
3 complaints · 9%Parts named most often: automatic transmission.
2003 GMC yukon Denali xl purchased 10/02 new from dealer: country GMC huntington n.y. Car started to roll down the street when brake interlock feature did not prevent vehicle from coming out of park. Ignition switch was in the first forward click position. In this only ignition switch position, gear lever easily comes…
Engine
3 complaints · 9%Parts named most often: exhaust system, engine.
When vehicle is driven then turned off the exhaust system, while cooling down, cracks and pops. Volume is extremely loud. More so than any vehicle I have heard in the past. This is worse in cold weather than warm.
Faulty pully assembly on 2003 GMC vechicles their is a service bulletin out about the problem in 2004. I learned of the report 8/7/08.after replacing 5 belts and tensioners. After compressor breaks apart while under car trying to fine this horrible noise upon acceleration.while under warranty I carried the car in 4…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2003 GMC Denali recalls
NHTSA lists no recalls for this model year.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
NHTSA defect investigations
Parking brake failure
Summary
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
Summary
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 park
Questions about the 2003 GMC Denali
- What are the most common problems with the 2003 GMC Denali?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: brakes (7 complaints, typically around 48,000 miles); electrical (6 complaints); steering (5 complaints).
- How many recalls does the 2003 GMC Denali have?
- NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2003 GMC Denali. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls in case one is issued later.
- Is the 2003 a bad year for the GMC Denali?
- It is the most complained-about Denali model year since 2000, with 32 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.
Other GMC Denali years
- 2003