2003 GMC Yukon Denali XL Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 6%of 32 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 170,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2003 GMC Yukon Denali XL, 6% of the 32 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 170,000 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.
“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“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
- 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
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 3 | 10% |
| 2015 | 9 | 14% |
| 2012 | 1 | 4% |
| 2009 | 1 | 5% |
| 2008 | 2 | 5% |
| 2007 | 1 | 2% |
| 2006 | 1 | 9% |
| 2005 | 4 | 12% |
| 2004 | 2 | 4% |
| 2003 | 2 | 6% |
Other parts of the 2003 GMC Yukon Denali XL
16 complaintsElectronic stability control
8 complaintsElectrical system
7 complaintsEngine
5 complaintsEngine cooling
4 complaintsVehicle speed control
4 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsSteering
3 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