2004 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
- 87
- Recalls
- 4
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Electrical system
Campaigns on file for 2004
None on file
36% of complaints
Complaints per year
2004: 87 complaints
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 | 308 |
| 2016 | 201 |
| 2017 | 146 |
| 2018 | 56 |
| 2019 | 68 |
| 2020 | 47 |
| 2021 | 230 |
| 2022 | 172 |
| 2023 | 224 |
| 2024 | 74 |
| 2025 | 26 |
| 2026 | 38 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Electrical system
36% · 31 reportsMost commonly citing instrument cluster/panel and horn.
Show complaint excerpts
I purchased a 2004 Yukon XL on 10-19-04 and I have had problems with the vehicles air bag system ever since. I have taken my vehicle in on at least 12 occasions, with repeat visits for same problem usually the same day.
NHTSA ODI report, 2006-09-25
Also filed under Air bags
On arrival from 80-mile trip, we parked vehicle and turned-off ignition. Upon alighting from vehicle, we detected a burning odor. Inspection revealed smoke released through front grille. Release of hood allowed smoke to billow-out.
NHTSA ODI report, 2005-08-07
Service brakes
16% · 14 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
While driving on the freeway at 75 mph I felt significant reduction in speed and the rpms went pretty high. It felt as if I had my foot on the accelerator and the brake at the same time. There was also a burnt smell.
NHTSA ODI report, 2022-04-27
Also filed under Steering
While driving/ braking normally, brake pedal sunk down to floor. Luckily I was driving slow and no other cars were around because stopping at 30 MPH took a very long space.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-09-11
Steering
14% · 12 reportsMost commonly citing pump and column.
Engine and engine cooling
11% · 10 reportsMost commonly citing engine and manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe.
Show complaint excerpts
This is second GM vehicle that I have had this problem it goes into reduced engine power often.spent over 3,000.00 trying to fix first vehicle and never did. Dealers don't know how to fix.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-03-30
Also filed under Electronic stability control (esc)
Air bags
6% · 5 reportsMost commonly citing sensor/control module.
Safety timeline
4 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2004-06-18Service brakes, hydraulic04V045000 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…
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…
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2005-03-23Service brakes, hydraulic05V043000 Certain trucks, sport utility vehicles, and vans equipped with bosch hydro-boost brake assemblies, the hydraulic brake booster pressure accumulator may crack and separate from the hydro-boost…
Remedy: Dealers will test the hydro-boost assembly for functional operation of the two-function valve. If the hydro-boost assembly fails the test, dealers will replace the assembly free of charge. The…
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2006-08-31Engine and engine cooling06V289000 On certain trucks equipped with an 8.1L V8 (Rpo L8-VIN g) engine have a condition in which the engine fuel rail pulse damper retainer clip may fracture resulting in inadequate retention of the damper.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the engine fuel rail pulse damper retainer clip free of charge. The recall began on August 31, 2006. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 and GMC trucks at…
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2008-02-07Wheels07E106000 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…
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.
Buy-smart checklist
2004 GMC Yukon XL — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 31 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 14 reports on file for this year.
- Steering: 12 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 04V045000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
- Recall 05V043000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
- Recall 06V289000 · Engine and engine cooling
- Recall 07E106000 · Wheels
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2004 GMC Yukon XL reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2004 GMC Yukon XL is rated "typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2004 GMC Yukon XL?
- The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 36% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2004 GMC Yukon XL have?
- 4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.