VehicleVerdict

2003 GMC Yukon Xl 1500 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 87 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.4 times the median Yukon Xl 1500 year — the 2003 model ranks #1 of 13 Yukon Xl 1500 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 19 injuries in total across these filings.

Electrical System leads the complaint categories with 26 reports (30% of the total).

87

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

7

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

19

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2003 compare to other Yukon Xl 1500 years?

Yukon Xl 1500 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 highlighted87 complaints2000: 19 complaints2001: 33 complaints2002: 26 complaints2003: 87 complaints2004: 46 complaints2005: 33 complaints2006: 6 complaints2007: 85 complaints2008: 27 complaints2009: 14 complaints2010: 9 complaints2011: 16 complaints2012: 6 complaints
Yukon Xl 1500 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Yukon Xl 1500 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2003 GMC Yukon Xl 1500 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System2630%
Brakes1821%
Engine89%
Speed Control89%
Transmission78%
Steering78%
Body & Structure45%
Visibility & Wipers33%
Other22%
Suspension11%
Tires & Wheels11%
Fuel System11%
Airbags11%

Does the 2003 GMC Yukon Xl 1500 have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

06E043000Fuel SystemMay 19, 2006 · 88,303 units

Defect

CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.

Remedy

HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“MY SPEEDOMETER BEGAN ACTING ERRATICALLY, INDICATING 80 MPH WHEN SITTING AT A STOP LIGHT, STICKING WHILE ACCELERATING OR DECELERATING. SOMETIMES IT INDICATES 20 MPH WHEN I AM ON THE FREEWAY. I RESEARCHED THIS ON THE INTERNET AND DISCOVERED OVER 1,000 POSTS FROM CHEVROLET AND GMC OWNERS WITH THE SAME…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · September 17, 2007 · crash

“IWAS DRIVING AT LOW SPEED WENT TO STOP AT STOP SIGN WHEN BRAKE PEDDLE WENT TO FLOOR.I CRASHED INTO STOP SIGN TO STOP . TRUCK WAS TOWED TO DEALER. I WAS TOLD TO MAJOR BRAKE LINE BURST. TRUCK IS NOW AT DEALER BEING FIXED. AT A PRICE OF 2800.00. SOMETHING HAS TO BE DONE. THIS CAN'T GO ON ANY LONGER.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · June 17, 2015 · crash

“THERE IS AN ERROR MESSAGE THAT DISPLAYS ON THE DASH FOR MYSELF AND THOUSANDS OF OTHERS WHO OWN GMC/CHEVY TRUCKS WITH THESE MOTORS. THEY HAVE A DEFECTIVE THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR WITH THE TRUCK WHERE IT SAYS "REDUCED ENGINE POWER". I'VE FOUND 2 TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINS THAT SOMEWHAT ADDRESS THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · September 17, 2015 · crash

“WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE IT DRIVES FINE BUT WHEN IT GETS TO SPEEDS AROUND 50-60 IT WILL COMPLETELY SHUT OFF I HAVE TO PUT IT ON N AND TURN THE KEY ALL THE WAY BACK AND THEN TRY STARTING IT AGAIN. AFTER IT TURNS OFF THE FIRST TIME THEN IT WILL START TURNING OFF MORE RANDOMLY. I HAVE BEEN READING…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · November 15, 2012

“I HAVE A 2003 GMC YUKON XL WHICH BOTH FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS FAILED AT THE SAME TIME AT ~51,280 MILES. THESE ARE SEALED BEARINGS THAT WERE SUPPOSED TO LAST THE LIFETIME OF THE VEHICLE. I WAS ABLE TO AVOID A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE BY REPLACING BOTH FRONT WHEEL BEARING ASSEMBLIES, $692.49, WHEN I HEARD…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · March 23, 2006

2003 GMC Yukon Xl 1500 — common questions

Is the 2003 GMC Yukon Xl 1500 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 87 complaints put the 2003 model at #1 of 13 Yukon Xl 1500 years. It is one of the Yukon Xl 1500 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2003 Yukon Xl 1500 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (26 complaints), brakes (18 complaints), engine (8 complaints).

Does the 2003 GMC Yukon Xl 1500 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2003 GMC Yukon Xl 1500. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which GMC Yukon Xl 1500 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Yukon Xl 1500 years to avoid are 2003, 2007, 2004. The cleanest record among Yukon Xl 1500 years belongs to 2012.

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.