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 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.
36% of complaints: electrical system — 31 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing instrument cluster/panel and horn.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow 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, 20060925
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, 20050807
16% of complaints: service brakes — 14 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.
CRASH FIREShow 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, 20220427
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, 20120911
14% of complaints: steering — 12 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing pump and column.
CRASH FIRE11% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 10 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe.
CRASHShow 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, 20120330
Also filed under ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
6% of complaints: air bags — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing sensor/control module.
CRASH INJURYSAFETY TIMELINE
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
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 ASSEMBLY
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 RECALL
Campaign 05V043000 — check if this car was fixed
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 1-866-996-9
Campaign 06V289000 — check if this car was fixed
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
2004 GMC Yukon XL — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (31 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (14 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (12 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 04V045000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 05V043000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06V289000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
- Verify recall 07E106000 (wheels) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
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 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.