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2003 GMC Yukon XL 1500 Problems and Recalls

Owners filed 63 complaints with NHTSA about the 2003 GMC Yukon XL 1500, most often about the electrical (38% of complaints, typically around 94,000 miles). It is the most complained-about Yukon XL 1500 model year since 2000.

Complaints63
Recalls0
Crashes reported5
Fires reported0
Injuries reported8

Most common 2003 GMC Yukon XL 1500 problems

  1. Electrical

    24 complaints · 38%

    Half of these problems showed up before 94,000 miles. Parts named most often: instrument cluster/panel.

    2003 yukon xl speedometer on 75 MPH at rest and reading 120+ on highway. Stopped toward end of highway trip, car slowed speedometer stuck and seemed like needle gearing skipped. Accelerate and 0 equals 75 and 65 equals 120+. Looked for repair advice and found many with same problem.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2007, at 95,000 miles
    In late august 2009, the speedometer on our 2003 GMC yukon xl stopped working. When reported to the dealer, his response was this is a common problem with GMC vehicles of this vintage and requires replacement of the instrument cluster. Cost to repair is $550. It is not safe to drive without a working speedometer, the…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2009, at 93,000 miles

  2. Brakes

    16 complaints · 25%

    Half of these problems showed up before 132,500 miles. Parts named most often: foundation components.

    Driving vehicle when brakes went soft and failed pulled over to side of road, towed car home replacing all brake lines due to excessive corrosion.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2014, at 130,000 miles
    Iwas driving at low speed went to stop at stop sign when brake peddle went to floor.I crashed into stop sign to stop . Truck was towed to dealer. I was told to major brake line burst. Truck is now at dealer being fixed. At a price of 2800.00. Something has to be done. This can't go on any longer.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2015, at 135,000 miles

  3. Speed control

    8 complaints · 13%

    Half of these problems showed up before 105,000 miles.

    When starting my 2003 GMC yukon the dash says reduced engine power..it won't go over 15 MPH....it happens everyday! I have to keep restarting it and let it get warm before I can go anywhere. If this happens while I am driving it, and someone hits me I will sue gm, as I have been a loyal gm customer for 35 yrs...if you…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2012, at 105,000 miles
    My speedometer has been sticking. Sometimes it resets sometimes it doesn't. Recently it has been stuck past the 120 MPH. Repair shops recommend taking it to the dealer for service but have not done so yet. This has been happening off and on for at least 4 months.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2006, at 75,000 miles

  4. Engine

    8 complaints · 13%

    Half of these problems showed up before 152,500 miles.

    When driving the vehicle it drives fine but when it gets to speeds around 50-60 it will completely shut off I have to put it on n and turn the key all the way back and then try starting it again. After it turns off the first time then it will start turning off more randomly. I have been reading online and it seems to…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2012, at 156,000 miles
    While driving posted speed on expressway vehicle suddenly shut off. Leaving no power steering no power brakes. I see many complaints on your website as well as online. Are you doing anything about this issue? It is the same issue that you are currently requiring gm to recall over 1 million vehicles for. Your current…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2014, at 149,000 miles

  5. Steering

    7 complaints · 11%

    Half of these problems showed up before 50,500 miles.

    I have a 2003 GMC yukon xl which both front wheel bearings failed at the same time at ~51,280 miles. These are sealed bearings that were supposed to last the lifetime of the vehicle. I was able to avoid a catastrophic failure by replacing both front wheel bearing assemblies, $692.49, when I heard the bearing grinding…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2006, at 51,280 miles
    We have had problems with steering knuckle/column from the very beginning. Dealer would diagnose as "just the way those cars are, nothing is wrong". Steering does not feel safe for a large car like the yukon. I purchased an SUV to feel safer with family. But steering always feels loose especially when turning or going…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2008, at 33,000 miles

  6. Transmission

    6 complaints · 10%

    Half of these problems showed up before 67,000 miles. Parts named most often: driveline.

    Taking off from a stop or accelerating from a low speed the traction control message comes on and vehicle looses power. Happens several times everytime I drive the vehicle. I have 3 children under the age of 10 that have been with me when this happens. I fear we will be involved in an accident because of this power…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2009, at 67,200 miles
    Front differential fails on AWD versions of yukon/denali models. Unusual front driveline noise is experienced especially during light acceleration or load. Noise is a whine type of load. This one failed @ 54,000 causing dealer to rebuild front differential with new bearings and seals. Old bearings were badly scored…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2008, at 54,357 miles

  7. Body and structure

    4 complaints · 6%

    Parts named most often: body.

    The hinge holding the rear window to the liftgate is pulling away from the glass. I am afraid that the window is going to fall off of the vehicle. Also, the window has shifted from its intended position so that whenever I open the liftgate, the top of the window catches on the top of the body.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2006, at 63,000 miles
    The rear hinge on the lft glass came away from the glass, leaving the rear window unsafe. Fortunately I noticed and had it repaired (replaced) before an accident occurred.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2008, at 77,350 miles

  8. Visibility and wipers

    3 complaints · 5%

    Parts named most often: power window devices and controls.

    Tl contact owns a 2003 GMC Yukon XL 1500. The contact started the vehicle, activated the heater, and closed the door. He stepped away from the vehicle and, upon returning, he noticed a five inch hole in the driver's side window and door and the glass shattered in his wife's face. The failure has only occurred once…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2009, at 97,000 miles

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 Yukon XL 1500 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.

Questions about the 2003 GMC Yukon XL 1500

What are the most common problems with the 2003 GMC Yukon XL 1500?
By NHTSA owner complaints: electrical (24 complaints, typically around 94,000 miles); brakes (16 complaints, typically around 132,500 miles); speed control (8 complaints, typically around 105,000 miles).
How many recalls does the 2003 GMC Yukon XL 1500 have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2003 GMC Yukon XL 1500. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls in case one is issued later.
Is the 2003 a bad year for the GMC Yukon XL 1500?
It is the most complained-about Yukon XL 1500 model year since 2000, with 63 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 Yukon XL 1500 years

GMC Yukon XL 1500 problems by year