2004 GMC Yukon Denali problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 141 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.5 times the median Yukon Denali year — the 2004 model ranks #2 of 20 Yukon Denali years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 5 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.
The trouble concentrates in one system: electrical system issues account for 54% of all reports (76 of 141), far ahead of brakes at 15.
141
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
6
Crash-involved
7
Fires reported
5
Injuries
1
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2004 compare to other Yukon Denali years?
What are the most common 2004 GMC Yukon Denali problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 76 | 54% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 15 | 11% | — flat |
| Engine | 8 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Airbags | 6 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Lighting | 5 | 4% | — flat |
| Fuel System | 5 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Tires & Wheels | 4 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 3 | 2% | — flat |
| Transmission | 3 | 2% | — flat |
| Seats | 3 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 3 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Body & Structure | 3 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Other | 2 | 1% | ▲ up |
| Latches & Locks | 2 | 1% | ▲ up |
| Suspension | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 1 | 1% | — flat |
| Visibility & Wipers | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“TRUCK HAD A FAULT CODE FLASH ON DASH TRUCK DID NOT INCREASE SPEED AS PULLING OUT ONTO A HIGHWAY. TRUCK WAS HIT ON SIDE OF DOOR. THIS HAS HAPPENED AFTER A REAR AIR RIDE CODE FLASHES. THIS IS THE 5TH TIME IN TWO WEEKS. *TR”
“DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO APPLY BRAKE PRESSURE AT 65 MPH THE BRAKES FAILED RESULTING IN A CRASH. THIS OCCURRED ON A NORMAL ROAD DURING NORMAL BRAKING WITHOUT WARNING AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR INSPECTION. THEY WERE UNABLE TO…”
“BROKEN EXHAUST BOLTS ON GM ENGINES. THIS IS A WELL KNOWN DEFECT AND FAILURE ON THESE ENGINES AND IS PART OF THE VEHICLE EMISSIONS SYSTEMS. THIS IS ALSO A VERY SERIOUS SAFETY DEFECT, POSSIBLE ISSUES WITH THIS FAILURE INCLUDE; CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING AND ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE. *TR ”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 YUKON DENALI. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE MERGING INTO TRAFFIC, THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE DOOR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE FRONT PASSENGER…”
“THE DRIVER WISHING TO SIGNAL A TURN BY MOVING THE DIRECTIONAL SIGNAL LEVER, (UP OR DOWN) MAY CAUSE THE FRONT MARKER/TURN LIGHTS AND REAR TURN LIGHTS TO FLASH IN A MANNER SIMILAR TO HAZARD WARNING, RATHER THAN FLASHING ON THE DESIRED SIDE ONLY. SAME AS NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 05V198000 WHY WASN'T…”
2004 GMC Yukon Denali — common questions
Is the 2004 GMC Yukon Denali reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 141 complaints put the 2004 model at #2 of 20 Yukon Denali years. It is one of the Yukon Denali years to avoid.
What are the most common 2004 Yukon Denali problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (76 complaints), brakes (15 complaints), engine (8 complaints).
Does the 2004 GMC Yukon Denali have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2004 GMC Yukon Denali.
Which GMC Yukon Denali years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Yukon Denali years to avoid are 2007, 2004, 2011, 2003, 2015, 2010, 2008, 2005. The cleanest record among Yukon Denali years belongs to 2018.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.