2003 GMC Yukon Denali XL Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 16%of 32 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 181,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the engine of the 2003 GMC Yukon Denali XL, 16% of the 32 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 181,000 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.
“Driving to work and reduce engine power came on. Engine stalled out and would not gain speed. I was in a lot of traffic when this happen and my vehicle cause a incident because of the sudden engine reduced all speed. Gmc should do some research about this problem and inform the public of all the dangers these vehicles are causing for public transportation. This is ludicrous that Gmc does not have these vehicle off he streets and destroyed knowing that they are putting people lives in danger. I will never ever buy a Gmc vehicle again.”
NHTSA complaint #10543184, filed 2013-09, 181,000 miles“Vehicle powers down without any pattern, rhyme or reason. It will do it at 5 MPH, and at 55 MPH, when driven a lot, and when not. Reduced engine power light turns on, vehicle suddenly slows to 25 MPH max, steering becomes hard, brakes too. Then will totally shut off immediately. I have replaced the battery, throttle body assembly and wiring harness twice. Fuses, fuel pump and filters, oil, and everything else as recommended. It put me in the ditch. It stranded me in the center of a freeway in winter. When it sits for a while, it resets, only to do it again. T/c light turns on also. …”
NHTSA complaint #10660403, filed 2014-11, 145,000 miles“Purchased 2003 yukon xl failed state inspection because of broken manifold exhaust bolts caused leaking manifold gasket. Emission and possible fire potential due to leaking manifold. Repair cost estimated in access of $1,700.”
NHTSA complaint #10461361, filed 2012-06, 155,000 miles“Intermittently at hwy and side road speeds, truck will shut down, check engine light comes on and extremely rough idle and loss of engine power occurs. Have followed all recommended fixes but problem persists. Engine code 1516, throttle position sensor out f range +- .05 volts. Scary problem, as this occurs without warning and causes immediate loss of speed. Many many complaints posted on the internet of this same problem but no Gmc recommended fixes or assistance. Refuse to take this to a dealer and let them poke around at $95 / hour and or to throw parts at truck in hopes of correcting. …”
NHTSA complaint #10558879, filed 2014-01, 195,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11012907Dec 18, 2024This service bulletin explains how to measure for oil consumption and possible reasons for loss of oil.
- 11010544Oct 7, 2024This service bulletin explains how to measure for oil consumption and possible reasons for loss of oil.
- 11004761Jun 28, 2024This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or…
- 10211658May 2, 2022This service bulletin provides policy information on warranty administration guidelines for multiple repairs with independent causes (GM Canada Dealers Only).
- 10176607May 8, 2020This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank…
- 10099252Sep 9, 2016This preliminary information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a malfunction indicator lamp on or engine misfire, rough idle, extended…
- 10082869Aug 29, 2016This informational bulletin provides additional information on how to install pistons and suggest what tools to use.
- 10082814Aug 2, 2016This informational bulletin provides information to gm dealers on the correct cleaning methods when cleaning engine gasket sealing surfaces.
- 10201098Dec 1, 2015OEM and Remanufactured Engine and Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Identification
- 10190503Dec 1, 2015OEM and Remanufactured Engine and Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Identification
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 2 | 7% |
| 2015 | 4 | 6% |
| 2013 | 1 | 8% |
| 2012 | 1 | 4% |
| 2011 | 3 | 4% |
| 2010 | 2 | 7% |
| 2009 | 3 | 14% |
| 2008 | 4 | 10% |
| 2007 | 7 | 11% |
| 2006 | 2 | 18% |
| 2005 | 3 | 9% |
| 2004 | 4 | 8% |
| 2003 | 5 | 16% |
Other parts of the 2003 GMC Yukon Denali XL
16 complaintsElectronic stability control
8 complaintsElectrical system
7 complaintsEngine cooling
4 complaintsVehicle speed control
4 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsSteering
3 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 GMC Yukon Denali XL
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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