2003 GMC Yukon Denali
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1999 | 27 |
| 2000 | 18 |
| 2001 | 35 |
| 2002 | 29 |
| 2003 | 72 |
| 2004 | 109 |
| 2005 | 49 |
| 2006 | 21 |
| 2007 | 120 |
| 2008 | 58 |
| 2009 | 46 |
| 2010 | 53 |
| 2011 | 96 |
| 2012 | 28 |
| 2013 | 29 |
| 2015 | 73 |
| 2016 | 18 |
| 2017 | 12 |
| 2018 | 2 |
| 2019 | 3 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
18% of complaints: electrical system — 13 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
MY VEHICLE, DUE TO FACTORY ALARM SYSTEM, IS UNSAFE AND UNFIT TO DRIVE -- A DEATH TRAP ON WHEELS. IT TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF, WHILE DRIVING, AND LOCKED ME INSIDE!
NHTSA ODI report, 20180104
14% of complaints: service brakes — 10 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING AND WHEN SLOWING DOWN THE BRAKES FAILED TO WORK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT ABLE TO STOP AND COLLIDED WITH THE VEHICLE IN FRONT. LUCKILY NOBODY WAS INJURED IN THIS COLLISION.
NHTSA ODI report, 20141003
DRIVING ALONG WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN I NEEDED TO BRAKE FOR CURVE AND THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT DOWN TO THE FLOOR. I RAN OFF INTO A GRASSY FIELD TO PREVENT A SERIOUS INJURY. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20140222
AFTER STEPPING ON MY BRAKES AGGRESSIVELY TO STOP FOR A DOG CROSSING THE ROAD. I RECEIVED A BRAKE STABILITY NOTICE ON MY DASH. SINCE I WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD, I PUT THE CAR INTO DRIVE TO GET OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130819
11% of complaints: engine — 8 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
I HAVE A 2003 YUKON DENALI I PURCHASED AND IT HAS GIVEN ME THE REDUCED ENGINE POWER LIGHT AND ALMOST HAD A FEW ACCIDENTS ON THE HIGHWAY BECAUSE IT DROPS THE SPEED TO 20 MPH ALSO IT HAS THE CHECK ENGINE CODES AS P0120 AND P2135 I HAVE BEEN AWARE...
NHTSA ODI report, 20180321
11% of complaints: electrical system — 8 distinct reports on file.
10% of complaints: electronic stability control (esc) — 7 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
I HAVE A 2003 YUKON DENALI I PURCHASED AND IT HAS GIVEN ME THE REDUCED ENGINE POWER LIGHT AND ALMOST HAD A FEW ACCIDENTS ON THE HIGHWAY BECAUSE IT DROPS THE SPEED TO 20 MPH ALSO IT HAS THE CHECK ENGINE CODES AS P0120 AND P2135 I HAVE BEEN AWARE...
NHTSA ODI report, 20180321
SAFETY TIMELINE
PARKING BRAKE FAILURE
CERTAIN POLI-AUTO COMBINATION HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES, P/NOS. 11-728, 11-728D, 11-710, 11-419, 11-713, 11-703, 11-704, 11-708P, 11-735, 11-725, 11-726, 11-716 (P&C), 11-721-1, 11-733, 11-729, 11-730, AND
Remedy: POLI-AUTO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE HEADLAMPS AT ITS ORIGINAL PURCHASE PRICE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING APRIL 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT POLI-AUTO AT 305-477-1356.
Campaign 06E025000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2003 GMC Yukon Denali — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (13 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (10 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 06E025000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2003 GMC Yukon Denali reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2003 GMC Yukon Denali is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2003 GMC Yukon Denali?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 18% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2003 GMC Yukon Denali have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.