VehicleVerdict

2004 GMC Yukon Xl 1500 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 46 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.8 times the median Yukon Xl 1500 year — the 2004 model ranks #3 of 13 Yukon Xl 1500 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

The trouble concentrates in one system: electrical system issues account for 46% of all reports (21 of 46), far ahead of engine at 7.

46

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2004 compare to other Yukon Xl 1500 years?

Yukon Xl 1500 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 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, 2004 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Yukon Xl 1500 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2004 GMC Yukon Xl 1500 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System2146%
Engine715%
Brakes49%
Speed Control37%
Body & Structure24%
Fuel System24%
Suspension24%
Tires & Wheels24%
Child Seat12%
Steering12%
Transmission12%

Does the 2004 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.

“SPEEDOMETER FAILED TO FUNCTION, GAVE INCONSISTENT, INCORRECT SPEED. GM DEALER REPORTS THIS AS COMMON AND ACKNOWLEDGED BY GM IN THIS YEAR/MODEL, SUCH THAT GM EXTENDED WARRANTY TO 72,000 MILES. SINCE THIS WAS NOTICED PAST 72,000, GM OFFERS TO FIX, FOR A SUBSTANTIAL FEE. NOT KNOWING SPEED, OR BEING…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · October 5, 2011

“WAS DRIVING ON I-75 WHEN VEHICLE KEPT STALLING HAPPENED 3 TIMES WITH NO WARNING CALLED GMC AND THEY SAID THERE IS NO REASON FOR IT AND THEY COULD NOT HELP. LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE BECAUSE IT TOTALLY SHUT DOWN HAD NO STEERING AND HAD TO JAM FOOT HARD ON BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP VEHICLE. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 9, 2009

“BRAKE HOSE IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT DEVELOPED PINHOLE LEAK DUE TO HEAVY RUST. BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. BRAKE BLEEDER SCREWS RUSTED SOLID- CAN'T BLEED LINES AFTER REPAIRS. IT APPEARS THAT INFERIOR QUALITY METAL BRAKE LINES WERE USED THAT RUST EASILY. THIS IS A VERY LOW MILEAGE VEHICLE. THIS IS A…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · July 7, 2012

“MY SPEEDOMETER STARTING GOING FROM 0 TO 100. THEN IT WAS STUCK ON 40 FOR A WHILE AND NOW IT HAS BEEN STUCK ALL THE WAY OVER TO THE RIGHT FOR OVER TWO WEEKS. THERE ARE ABOUT 95,000 MILES ON IT SO IT IS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · December 15, 2008

“BRAKE HOSE IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT DEVELOPED PINHOLE LEAK DUE TO HEAVY RUST. BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. BRAKE BLEEDER SCREWS RUSTED SOLID- CAN'T BLEED LINES AFTER REPAIRS. IT APPEARS THAT INFERIOR QUALITY METAL BRAKE LINES WERE USED THAT RUST EASILY. THIS IS A VERY LOW MILEAGE VEHICLE. THIS IS A…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · July 7, 2012

2004 GMC Yukon Xl 1500 — common questions

Is the 2004 GMC Yukon Xl 1500 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 46 complaints put the 2004 model at #3 of 13 Yukon Xl 1500 years. It is one of the Yukon Xl 1500 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2004 Yukon Xl 1500 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (21 complaints), engine (7 complaints), brakes (4 complaints).

Does the 2004 GMC Yukon Xl 1500 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2004 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.