2003 GMC Yukon XL
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 | 3 |
| 2000 | 69 |
| 2001 | 120 |
| 2002 | 95 |
| 2003 | 102 |
| 2004 | 87 |
| 2005 | 42 |
| 2006 | 17 |
| 2007 | 97 |
| 2008 | 69 |
| 2009 | 23 |
| 2010 | 28 |
| 2011 | 47 |
| 2012 | 13 |
| 2013 | 22 |
| 2014 | 11 |
| 2015 | 306 |
| 2016 | 200 |
| 2017 | 146 |
| 2018 | 52 |
| 2019 | 67 |
| 2020 | 46 |
| 2021 | 219 |
| 2022 | 163 |
| 2023 | 210 |
| 2024 | 69 |
| 2025 | 25 |
| 2026 | 31 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
37% of complaints: electrical system — 38 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing instrument cluster/panel and speedometer/odometer.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
DUE TO AN ACCIDENT AND EVERY TIME I PUT MY TRUCK IN THE SHOP SOMETHING ELSE IS WRONG, NASTY PEOPLE AT STATEFARM INSURANCE. THERE HAS BEEN A RECALL ON MY TRUCK AND NO ONE WOULD FIX IT THE GAUGES IS ONE. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20100616
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2003 GMC Yukon XL. It was later discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale on January 26th, 2026.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260223
HEADLIGHTS AS WELL AS DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS DO NOT COME ON HIGHBEAMS DO HOWEVER
NHTSA ODI report, 20200223
22% of complaints: service brakes — 22 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
BRAKE LINE POPPED CAUSING MY 2003 YUKON XL TO REAR END A CAR STOPPED AT A LIGHT AT 30 MPH GLAD I AM NOT SERIOUSLY INJURED SCARIEST THING THAT EVER HAPPENED IN MY LIFE NOT BEING ABLE TO STOP AND HAD PLENTY OF ROOM.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130822
BRAKE FAILURE DUE TO LEAK FROM RUSTED OUT BRAKE LINE UNDER DRIVER SEAT AREA AND LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID.
NHTSA ODI report, 20191008
9% of complaints: steering — 9 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing linkages and gear box (other than rack and pinion).
7% of complaints: tires — 7 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing tread/belt.
5% of complaints: suspension — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing wheel bearing and torsion bar.
Show complaint excerpts
CONCERNED ABOUT THE SERVICE NOTICE ON MY DIC WITH THE AUTO RIDE SUSPENSION SYSTEM. P0660 CODE DETECTION.
NHTSA ODI report, 20191202
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 U
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.
Campaign 03V037000 — check if this car was fixed
ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, VEHICLES, DURING A 30 DEGREE LEFT ANGLE FRONTAL IMPACT OF SUFFICIENT SEVERITY, A TEAR COULD DEVELOP IN THE MID-FRAME CROSS MEMBER AT ITS ATTACHMENT
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUEL TANK SHIELD. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 20, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FRE
Campaign 03V019000 — check if this car was fixed
PARKING BRAKE FAILURE
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 V
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 HUM
Campaign 04V045000 — check if this car was fixed
PARKING BRAKE FAILURE
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
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.
Campaign 07E106000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2003 GMC Yukon XL — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (38 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (22 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (9 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 03V037000 (structure) has been completed.
- Verify recall 03V019000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 04V045000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 07E106000 (wheels) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
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FAQ
Is the 2003 GMC Yukon XL reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2003 GMC Yukon XL is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2003 GMC Yukon XL?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 37% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2003 GMC Yukon XL have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.