VehicleVerdict

2003 GMC Yukon problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 251 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.9 times the median Yukon year — the 2003 model ranks #9 of 37 Yukon years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 22 injuries in total across these filings.

Electrical System leads the complaint categories with 63 reports (25% of the total).

251

NHTSA complaints

6

Recalls

3

Investigations

11

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

22

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2003 compare to other Yukon years?

See all Yukon years to avoid →

What are the most common 2003 GMC Yukon problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System6325%
Brakes6124%
Engine2410%
Fuel System156%
Speed Control135%
Steering114%
Tires & Wheels104%
Visibility & Wipers94%
Airbags83%
Body & Structure83%
Transmission83%
Other52%
Lighting52%
Suspension42%
Seats31%
Latches & Locks21%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)10%
Seat Belts10%

Does the 2003 GMC Yukon have recalls?

6 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.

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).

05V163000Seat BeltsApril 22, 2005 · 1,359,824 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN CREW CAB PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE 2ND ROW CENTER OCCUPANT SEAT BELT ROUTING MAY MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO POSITION THE LAP PORTION OF THE SAFETY BELT LOW AROUND THE HIPS OF OCCUPANTS, ESPECIALLY SMALLER OCCUPANTS, SEATED IN THIS POSITION. APPROPRIATE USE OF A CHILD SEAT OR BOOSTER SEAT, AS RECOMMENDED FOR SMALL CHILDREN, DOES IMPROVE THE FIT CONDITION FOR THIS USER GROUP. IN ADDITION TO INSTRUCTIONS ON PROPER INFANT AND YOUNG CHILD RESTRAINT (WITH CHILD SEATS OR BOOSTERS), SPECIAL VERBIAGE FOR RESTRAINING OLDER CHILD IS INCLUDED IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL. ALSO, THE SUGGESTED SEAT BELT FIT/ROUTING FOR ADULTS, IRRESPECTIVE OF SEATING POSITION, IS DESCRIBED IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL TEXT.

Consequence

A LAP PORTION OF THE SEAT BELT ROUTING THAT IS NOT LOW AND SNUG ON THE HIPS CAN ALLOW THE LAP BELT TO RIDE UP ON AN OCCUPANT'S ABDOMEN INSTEAD OF FITTING LOW AROUND THEIR HIPBONES, AND THEREFORE, CAN EXPOSE THEM TO MORE RISK OF ABDOMINAL AND INTERNAL ORGAN INJURY.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL CUT OPEN THE GUIDE LOOP, REMOVE A PORTION OF THE LOOP, AND THEN THE REMAINING TWO SIDES SHOULD BE FOLDED OVER AND SECURED WITH A RETAINER FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 21, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, OR 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.

03V094000Body & StructureMarch 7, 2003 · 3,674 units

Defect

CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCK, VAN, AND MINI VAN CONVERSIONS EQUIPPED WITH SOUTHERN COMFORT BUILT RUNNING BOARDS THAT CONTAIN CERTAIN COURTESY LIGHTS MANUFACTURED BY AMERICAN TECHNOLOGY COMPONENTS, INC. THESE UNITS CONTAIN A COURTESY LIGHT OR LIGHTS THAT MIGHT OVERHEAT WHEN THE WIRE HARNESS IS EXPOSED TO EXCESSIVE MOISTURE AND ROAD SALT.

Consequence

THIS OVERHEATING CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE RUNNING BOARD TO MELT OR CAUSE A FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIRING HARNESS ON THESE RUNNING BOARDS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 7, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SOUTHERN COMFORT AT 1-800-745-6096.

03V037000Body & StructureFebruary 6, 2003 · 107 units

Defect

CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 214, "SIDE IMPACT PROTECTION." THESE VEHICLES ARE BUILT WITH FOUR WELDS ON THE REAR DOOR UPPER HINGE. ON SOME OF THESE VEHICLES, ONE OR TWO OF THE WELDS MAY NOT BE TO SPECIFICATION.

Consequence

AS A RESULT, THE DOOR STRENGTH MAY BE DEGRADED DURING A SIDE IMPACT VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE WELDS ON THE LEFT REAR DOOR UPPER HINGE. IF A WELD IS FOUND OUT-OF-SPECIFICATION, A BOLT WILL BE INSTALLED TO SECURE THE HINGE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 17, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-800-458-8006, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, OR GMC AT 1-800-462-8782.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 GMC YUKON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, SHE NOTICED THAT THE SPEEDOMETER AND TACHOMETER DISPLAYED AN ERRONEOUS READING OF ZERO. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · February 18, 2014

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING THERE WAS A SQUEALING NOISE THAT APPEARED TO BE COMING FROM THE BRAKES. DURING A NORMAL MAINTENANCE SERVICE, THE SERVICE DEALER DETERMINED THE SQUEALING NOISE WAS NORMAL. ON APRIL 4, AN APPOINTMENT WAS MADE WITH THE DEALER REGARDING THE VEHICLE'S BRAKES. THE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · April 5, 2006 · crash

REDUCED ENGINE POWER. TRUCK GOES INTO TRACTION CONTROL WHILE DRIVING OR TURNING STABILITY CONTROL IS OFF. CHECK ENGINE LITE GOES ON AND OFF WHILE DRIVING MASS FLOW SENSOR KEEPS COMING ON. *TR

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · September 14, 2011 · crash

THE CUSTOMER COMPLAINT AND REQUEST FOR REIMBURSEMENT FOR 2003 GMC YUKON.[REDACTED]NO ANSWER REQUIRED[REDACTED]. *MR (FAULTY SENDER WAS GIVING AN INACCURATE READING) THE VEHICLE STALLED AT 80 MPH. THIS MAY BE A COMMON PROBLEM IN THESE VEHICLES. THE VEHICLE REGISTERED 1/4 TANK AT THE TIME OF THE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · March 25, 2005

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. *AK *SC

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · October 22, 2003 · crash

2003 GMC Yukon — common questions

Is the 2003 GMC Yukon reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 251 complaints put the 2003 model at #9 of 37 Yukon years. It is one of the Yukon years to avoid.

What are the most common 2003 Yukon problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (63 complaints), brakes (61 complaints), engine (24 complaints).

Does the 2003 GMC Yukon have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns affecting the 2003 GMC Yukon. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2003 GMC Yukon under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 3 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which GMC Yukon years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Yukon years to avoid are 2015, 2007, 2021, 2016, 2023, 1999, 2001, 2017, 2003, 2008, 2022, 2011, 2010, 2013, 2024, 2009, 2012, 2014. The cleanest record among Yukon years belongs to 1987.

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.