2003 GMC Yukon Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 6%of 204 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 60,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2003 GMC Yukon, 6% of the 204 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 60,000 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.
“We came home from vacation to find our 2003 Yukon's battery dead. My husband jumped it and took it for a ride. It wouldn't run over 20 MPH. The reduced engine power light is on. He shut it off and it's running ok right now. I check out a couple of forums on this problem. I'm afraid to drive it because endless numbers of consumers report the same problem coming back even when they have had it serviced by the dealer. This problem seems to come without any notice to the driver and has almost cause accidents. …”
NHTSA complaint #10420832, filed 2011-08, 98,000 miles“As I was driving on 95n of college park, md, my vehicle power seem to shutdown on the highway and the reduce power engine message appeared in my instrumentation panel. Fortunately I was close to the emergency pull off of the left lane to get out of traffic. I turned the truck off and back on, and the message went a way. I was able to continue to with my journey. However, just recently, it has done it again, this time my speed was around 35mph. Once again, I turned it off, than on and the message went away and I had power in my acceleration again. This is very dangerous. …”
NHTSA complaint #10594335, filed 2014-05, 232,710 miles“Reduced engine power. Truck goes into traction control while driving or turning stability control is off. Check engine lite goes on and off while driving mass flow sensor keeps coming on.”
NHTSA complaint #10557656, filed 2013-12, 150,000 miles“While driving over fifteen minutes consumer heard a noise coming from the engine, it sounded like dripping water. Vehicle had been several times at the dealership, and dealership could not duplicate or correct the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10058036, filed 2004-02, 2,000 miles“Engine ticking on startup, lasts for 5 minutes currently - longer on cold starts or after letting the car sit overnight. Progressively has gotten louder and longer in duration since reporting the failure last year to the dealership. This piston slap noise described appears to be manufacturer defect in 5.3 liter engine where shipment of engines with cylinder heads that are oversized or pistons shipping as undersized is causing warping on piston head, hence the reason why the noise progressivly gets louder and longer lasting as time progresses. …”
NHTSA complaint #10170876, filed 2006-10, 53,836 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10251887Mar 14, 2024This bulletin advises the technician of possible location of an internal coolant leak from a specific cylinder head and location.
- 10251890Mar 13, 2024This 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…
- 10250775Feb 22, 2024This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large…
- 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…
- 10242262Aug 24, 2023This service bulletin provides graphics, information and guidelines for engine component wear to assist service personnel as a guideline to perform necessary engine repairs and…
- 10236164Apr 24, 2023This 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…
- 10235802Apr 24, 2023This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
- 10234141Mar 23, 2023This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
- 10234110Mar 17, 2023This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 12 | 11% |
| 2023 | 14 | 6% |
| 2022 | 13 | 7% |
| 2021 | 32 | 9% |
| 2020 | 1 | 3% |
| 2019 | 1 | 2% |
| 2018 | 1 | 1% |
| 2017 | 1 | 1% |
| 2015 | 1 | 0% |
| 2013 | 1 | 1% |
| 2012 | 1 | 2% |
| 2011 | 1 | 1% |
| 2009 | 2 | 2% |
| 2008 | 2 | 1% |
| 2007 | 11 | 3% |
| 2006 | 1 | 4% |
| 2005 | 2 | 2% |
| 2004 | 5 | 3% |
| 2003 | 12 | 6% |
| 2002 | 5 | 3% |
| 2001 | 9 | 5% |
| 2000 | 2 | 1% |
| 1999 | 12 | 6% |
| 1998 | 3 | 4% |
| 1997 | 7 | 5% |
| 1996 | 9 | 13% |
| 1995 | 3 | 3% |
| 1993 | 1 | 6% |
Other parts of the 2003 GMC Yukon
59 complaintsElectrical system
53 complaintsFuel system
15 complaintsVehicle speed control
13 complaintsEngine
12 complaintsSteering
11 complaintsTires
9 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
9 complaintsAir bags
8 complaintsBody and structure
8 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
8 complaintsElectronic stability control
7 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 GMC Yukon
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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