VehicleVerdict

2004 GMC Yukon XL problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 118 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.5 times the median Yukon XL year — the 2004 model ranks #9 of 28 Yukon XL years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Electrical System leads the complaint categories with 35 reports (30% of the total).

118

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

0

Investigations

10

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

4

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2004 compare to other Yukon XL years?

Yukon XL NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 highlighted404 complaints1999: 3 complaints2000: 77 complaints2001: 151 complaints2002: 114 complaints2003: 115 complaints2004: 118 complaints2005: 58 complaints2006: 24 complaints2007: 123 complaints2008: 86 complaints2009: 32 complaints2010: 37 complaints2011: 67 complaints2012: 22 complaints2013: 26 complaints2014: 13 complaints2015: 404 complaints2016: 267 complaints2017: 206 complaints2018: 68 complaints2019: 79 complaints2020: 57 complaints2021: 271 complaints2022: 203 complaints2023: 269 complaints2024: 90 complaints2025: 39 complaints2026: 32 complaints
Yukon XL NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Yukon XL years to avoid →

What are the most common 2004 GMC Yukon XL problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System3530%
Brakes1412%
Steering1210%
Engine1210%
Airbags54%
Other54%
Fuel System43%
Visibility & Wipers43%
Speed Control43%
Body & Structure43%
Transmission43%
Latches & Locks33%
Tires & Wheels33%
Seats22%
Lighting22%
Suspension22%
Seat Belts11%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)11%
Child Seat11%

Does the 2004 GMC Yukon XL have recalls?

4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

07E106000Tires & WheelsDecember 17, 2007 · 130,000 units

Defect

CERTAIN FEDERAL-MOGUL REPLACEMENT WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLIES WITH THE BRAND NAMES: NATIONAL, CARQUEST P/NOS. 515020, 515021, 515025, 515053, 515054, 515059, AND 515060, SHIPPED BETWEEN JANUARY 23, 2006, AND DECEMBER 20, 2007, SOLD FOR LIGHT DUTY AND MEDIUM DUTY TRUCKS. THE INBOARD RETENTION NUT USED TO MAINTAIN HUB BEARING ASSEMBLY CAN LOOSEN RESULTING IN AN ABS LIGHT INDICATION, NOISE, AND/OR WHEEL SEPARATION.

Consequence

WHEEL SEPARATION CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY CUSTOMERS AND WILL REPLACE THE HUB ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 7, 2008. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL TOLL-FREE AT 877-489-6659.

06V289000EngineAugust 3, 2006 · 38,439 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH AN 8.1L V8 (RPO L8-VIN G) ENGINE HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH THE ENGINE FUEL RAIL PULSE DAMPER RETAINER CLIP MAY FRACTURE RESULTING IN INADEQUATE RETENTION OF THE DAMPER.

Consequence

IF THE DAMPER COMES LOOSE, A FUEL LEAK MAY RESULT. FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ENGINE FUEL RAIL PULSE DAMPER RETAINER CLIP FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 31, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 AND GMC TRUCKS AT 1-866-996-9463.

05V043000BrakesFebruary 8, 2005 · 77,411 units

Defect

CERTAIN TRUCKS, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND VANS EQUIPPED WITH BOSCH HYDRO-BOOST BRAKE ASSEMBLIES, THE HYDRAULIC BRAKE BOOSTER PRESSURE ACCUMULATOR MAY CRACK AND SEPARATE FROM THE HYDRO-BOOST ASSEMBLY DURING NORMAL OPERATING CONDITIONS.

Consequence

IF A SEPARATION OCCURRED AND THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE WERE OPEN, FRAGMENTS FROM THE ACCUMULATOR COULD CAUSE INJURY TO PEOPLE IN THE IMMEDIATE AREA. THE PRESENCE OF THIS CRACK OR FRACTURED SURFACE COULD ALLOW THE HYDRAULIC FLUID TO LEAK FROM THE ACCUMULATOR CIRCUIT OF THE BOOSTER ASSEMBLY. THE LOSS OF FLUID WOULD CAUSE INCREASED STEERING AND BRAKING EFFORT AND A CRASH MAY OCCUR WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL TEST THE HYDRO-BOOST ASSEMBLY FOR FUNCTIONAL OPERATION OF THE TWO-FUNCTION VALVE. IF THE HYDRO-BOOST ASSEMBLY FAILS THE TEST, DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 23, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC TRUCKS AT 1-866-996-9463 AND HUMMER AT 1-800-732-5493.

04V045000BrakesFebruary 4, 2004 · 68,875 units

Defect

CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, PICKUP TRUCKS, AND PASSENGER VANS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 135, ?PASSENGER CAR BRAKE SYSTEMS.? SOME OF THESE VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH AN OUT-OF-SPECIFICATION BRAKE HYDRO-BOOST HOUSING RELIEF VALVE BORE.

Consequence

CONSEQUENTLY, THE VALVE O-RING SEAL MAY FRACTURE. STEERING EFFORTS MAY BE SLIGHTLY INCREASED WHILE BRAKING OR PARKING. UNDER CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS, A FRACTURED SEAL MAY REQUIRE A SLIGHT INCREASE IN THE APPLIED BRAKE PEDAL EFFORT TO ACHIEVE THE SAME VEHICLE DECELERATION RATE AS PRIOR TO THE SEAT FRACTURE.

Remedy

DEALERS ARE TO REPLACE THE HYDRO-BOOST RELIEF VALVE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 18, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339; CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438; GMC AT 1-866-996-9463; OR HUMMER AT 1-866-486-6376.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“ON ARRIVAL FROM 80-MILE TRIP, WE PARKED VEHICLE AND TURNED-OFF IGNITION. UPON ALIGHTING FROM VEHICLE, WE DETECTED A BURNING ODOR. INSPECTION REVEALED SMOKE RELEASED THROUGH FRONT GRILLE. RELEASE OF HOOD ALLOWED SMOKE TO BILLOW-OUT. FLAMES EMERGED IMMEDIATELY, SPREADING QUICKLY FROM ENGINE BAY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 17, 2005 · fire

“While driving on the freeway at 75 mph I felt significant reduction in speed and the rpms went pretty high. It felt as if I had my foot on the accelerator and the brake at the same time. There was also a burnt smell. After a few minutes it went back to normal. This continued to happen sporadically…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · April 17, 2020 · fire

“SINCE FIRST PURCHASE, THE EVER PRESENT CONCERNS, INHERENT WITH OUR GENERAL MOTORS GMC YUKON XL, HAVE GROWN; TO WHEREBY, THEY ARE SAFETY, SECURITY, AND WELL-BEING CONCERNS: A) THE SQUEAKING, CLUNKING, LOCKING STEERING, WHEN TURNING: SERVICE BULLETIN NUMBER: 01863. THE NHTSA ITEM NUMBER: 10006616. B)…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 1, 2010 · crash

“HERE IS ONLY ONE OF THE NUMEROUS, SAFETY, SECURITY, AND WELL-BEING CONCERNS, INHERENT WITH OUR GENERAL MOTORS GMC YUKON XL; THOUGH REPORTED, THAT HAVE NEITHER BEEN ADDRESSED AND CORRECTED, BY THE GENERAL MOTORS GMC DIVISION: THE SQUEAKING, CLUNKING, LOCKING STEERING, WHEN TURNING: SERVICE BULLETIN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · January 1, 2010 · crash

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 GMC YUKON XL. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, A VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE SIDE MIDDLE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE ROLLED OVER AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE AIR BAGS SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED SOFT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · January 4, 2008 · crash

2004 GMC Yukon XL — common questions

Is the 2004 GMC Yukon XL reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 118 complaints put the 2004 model at #9 of 28 Yukon XL years. It is one of the Yukon XL years to avoid.

What are the most common 2004 Yukon XL problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (35 complaints), brakes (14 complaints), steering (12 complaints).

Does the 2004 GMC Yukon XL have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2004 GMC Yukon XL. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which GMC Yukon XL years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Yukon XL years to avoid are 2015, 2021, 2023, 2016, 2017, 2022, 2001, 2007, 2004, 2024, 2008, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2013, 2012, 2014. The cleanest record among Yukon XL years belongs to 1999.

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.