2003 GMC Yukon Denali Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 11%of 72 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 140,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the engine of the 2003 GMC Yukon Denali, 11% of the 72 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 140,000 miles.
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 on hwy going aprx 65mph. Vehicle said reduced engine power and started slowing down. I had to pull to side of the road. I managed not to be rear ended. This has happened often. It is a potentially life threatening situation. Gmc know about this problem and how difficult it is to find the proper fix. Someone is going to die due to their lack of action. It's not safe.”
NHTSA complaint #10563226, filed 2014-02, 125,000 miles“I have a 2003 Yukon Denali I purchased and it has given me the reduced engine power light and almost had a few accidents on the highway because it drops the speed to 20 MPH also it has the check engine codes as p0120 and p2135 I have been aware that GM has not found a solution to this and wanted to see if there is any recalls as I am very afraid of being in a very serious accident with my children in the car. The consumer stated the vehicle was repaired and requested withdraw the complaint.”
NHTSA complaint #11080681, filed 2018-03, 152,000 miles“The service engine light and traction control turn on and the information center on my cluster reads engine power reduced and stability system disable , then my speed is reduced and only runs between ten and twenty miles per hour. I have to turn off my truck and turn it back on after a few minutes to continue, but this problem has happened on a daily basis. I think Gmc is responsible for this and more similar problems.”
NHTSA complaint #10551843, filed 2013-11, 83,000 miles“I was driving approximately 65 MPH uphill when my engine and traction light came on. My speed was immediately reduced to about 35 MPH even though I tried to accelerate. I drove home about 8 miles at a reduced speed because I had my children in the truck and it was raining. I took the truck to a mechanic the next day and he replaced the throttle body. I picked up the truck that evening and as I was driving home the same thing happened again. I took the truck back to the mechanic, the check engine light and tc light was on again however he said that there was nothing wrong. …”
NHTSA complaint #10548538, filed 2013-10, 128,000 miles“We have a 2003 yukon that will shuts down anywhere and anytime, the following example has happened more than once. We were driving on the highway when reduced engine power stability traction loss appeared on display - I pressed the accelerator and the vehicle would not move. I had to completely shut down the engine wait a few minutes then restart in order for the vehicle to operate correctly and a couple miles down the road, it happened again. It was a snowy mess out side which made the situation worse. This is a major safety concern as I am unable to accelerate in order to avoid an accident. …”
NHTSA complaint #10567596, filed 2014-03Related service bulletins
- 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).
- 10178387Jul 27, 2020This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about finding needle bearings during an oil change. Technician will gain access to the roller…
- 10176326May 21, 2020This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308…
- 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…
- 10173398Feb 28, 2020This diagnostic tip provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
- 10167437Oct 14, 2019This Preliminary information communicates to the technician the need to inspect the induction system for potential icing issues in very cold ambient temperatures. To allow the…
- 10160987May 7, 2019This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician to not remove the torque converter bolts and start the engine as this may cause damage to the…
- 10160983May 6, 2019This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about finding needle bearings during an oil change. Technician will gain access to the roller…
- 10156912Mar 6, 2019This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on the steps to diagnose and repair vehicles that may have a Service Engine Soon Malfunction…
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 2 | 17% |
| 2016 | 1 | 6% |
| 2015 | 4 | 5% |
| 2013 | 1 | 3% |
| 2012 | 2 | 7% |
| 2011 | 1 | 1% |
| 2010 | 6 | 11% |
| 2007 | 11 | 9% |
| 2006 | 4 | 19% |
| 2005 | 2 | 4% |
| 2004 | 6 | 6% |
| 2003 | 8 | 11% |
Other parts of the 2003 GMC Yukon Denali
25 complaintsBrakes
18 complaintsElectronic stability control
7 complaintsVehicle speed control
5 complaintsEngine cooling
4 complaintsAir bags
3 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
3 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
3 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsSeat belts
2 complaintsSteering
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 GMC Yukon Denali
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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