2003 GMC Yukon Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 4%of 204 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 38,900miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2003 GMC Yukon, 4% of the 204 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 38,900 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.
“I was driving down interstate 55 coming from sikeston mo headed to st louis with my family. As I was driving I heard a loud bang and the truck had begun to vibrate after pulling of I noticed that there was fluid leaking out. I had to have the truck towed back the mechanic assumed that the transfer case was gone out but upon removing the transfer case it was the transmission adapter had shatter I had many dealers look at the piece and they said they have never seen nothing like it. The metal gave away for no apparent reason nothing else was damaged except that transmission adapter. …”
NHTSA complaint #10644995, filed 2014-10, 145,000 miles“2003 Gmc Yukon awd w/ stabilitrak. 40,000 mi.: when accelerating from a stop, the traction active dash display will very often come on, the powertrain disengages and I have to let up on gas until transmission re-engages. This has been occurring since september, numerous times a day. I have almost been rear-ended, since the drivers behind me presuppose I will continue accelerating. A GM dealer, after exam & diagnostics, could find no problem, even after being advised about possible wheel corrosion. In the meantime of course, it continues. …”
NHTSA complaint #10173159, filed 2006-11, 42,800 miles“We purchased a 2003 Gmc Yukon. Before it had reached 3000 miles the neutral light came on on the 4x4 unit. From there it would shift itself into 4 low. We have had it into the dealer a total of 6 times now and they have replaced one of the components 3 times, two of the other components once. After the secon d replacement it started showing neutral again on the 4x4 unit. It seems as though the problems do not arise until after 1000 miles. The dealership service department told me that they have had a lot of problems with these units. …”
NHTSA complaint #10051244, filed 2003-12, 2,600 miles“The vehicle had been placed in park with the engine running in which the consumer exited the vehicle. The consumer had gone to the back of the vehicle to the cargo door but the vehicle begun to move forward and crashed into the house. The transmission was in park the entire time.”
NHTSA complaint #10046051, filed 2004-03, 705 miles“Vehicle keeps shifting to 4 low on its own. Dealer replaced some parts, but consumer does not know which parts. 2003 Gmc Yukon shifting to four low on its own. Problem started at 3,000 miles and has even occured after components were replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10049986, filed 2003-12, 3,000 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.
- 10224273Sep 1, 2022This 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…
- 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…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 11 | 25% |
| 2025 | 7 | 12% |
| 2024 | 13 | 12% |
| 2023 | 47 | 19% |
| 2022 | 29 | 16% |
| 2021 | 55 | 16% |
| 2020 | 15 | 41% |
| 2019 | 13 | 24% |
| 2018 | 18 | 26% |
| 2017 | 48 | 24% |
| 2016 | 36 | 13% |
| 2015 | 46 | 9% |
| 2014 | 3 | 5% |
| 2013 | 5 | 4% |
| 2012 | 1 | 2% |
| 2011 | 7 | 4% |
| 2010 | 3 | 3% |
| 2009 | 4 | 4% |
| 2008 | 8 | 4% |
| 2007 | 21 | 5% |
| 2006 | 2 | 7% |
| 2005 | 8 | 9% |
| 2004 | 4 | 3% |
| 2003 | 8 | 4% |
| 2002 | 10 | 6% |
| 2001 | 13 | 7% |
| 2000 | 8 | 5% |
| 1999 | 14 | 7% |
| 1998 | 8 | 10% |
| 1997 | 15 | 11% |
| 1996 | 8 | 11% |
| 1995 | 4 | 4% |
| 1994 | 2 | 3% |
| 1993 | 1 | 6% |
| 1992 | 2 | 11% |
Other parts of the 2003 GMC Yukon
59 complaintsElectrical system
53 complaintsFuel system
15 complaintsVehicle speed control
13 complaintsEngine
12 complaintsEngine cooling
12 complaintsSteering
11 complaintsTires
9 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
9 complaintsAir bags
8 complaintsBody and structure
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 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