2003 GMC Denali Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 9%of 32 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 50,900miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2003 GMC Denali, 9% of the 32 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 50,900 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“2003 Gmc yukon Denali xl purchased 10/02 new from dealer: country Gmc huntington n.y. Car started to roll down the street when brake interlock feature did not prevent vehicle from coming out of park. Ignition switch was in the first forward click position. In this only ignition switch position, gear lever easily comes out of park to any mobile gear. Vehicle was parked with engine off.”
NHTSA complaint #10019218, filed 2003-05, 8,800 miles“The vehicle was parked and running, when the consumer shifted the gear from park to drive the transmission failed. The consumer shifted the gear back and forth in order for the gears to shift properly. The consumer drove to the dealer, however the mechanic was not able to duplicate the problem. The consumer informed the mechanic this problem has occurred more than once and has not been resolved.”
NHTSA complaint #10105454, filed 2004-12Related service bulletins
- 11006421Jul 24, 2024GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or…
- 10249579Jan 12, 2024This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10242843Sep 1, 2023The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the…
- 10222770Sep 16, 2022This service bulletin provides information on OEM and Remanufactured Engine and Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Identification.
- 10220319Sep 1, 2022This diagnostic tip advises the tech not to separate the flexplate from the torque convertor or damage my occur if the engine is started while diagnosing for noise from the…
- 10201098Dec 1, 2015OEM and Remanufactured Engine and Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Identification
- 10190503Dec 1, 2015OEM and Remanufactured Engine and Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Identification
- 10026804Oct 1, 2008Gmc: fluid leak from transmission oil cooler lines due to corrosion. All 2000-2006 light duty trucks equipped with the light duty automatic transmission.
- 10012557Aug 1, 2003Fluid leak from front of vehicle add teflon tape to front axle vent plug threads.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
Other parts of the 2003 GMC Denali
7 complaintsElectrical system
6 complaintsSteering
5 complaintsVehicle speed control
5 complaintsElectronic stability control
2 complaintsEngine cooling
2 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaintsAir bags
1 complaintsEngine
1 complaintsEquipment
1 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 GMC Denali
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology