2003 GMC Yukon Xl: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2003 GMC Yukon Xl: 3 recalls, 102 owner complaints.

Recalls
3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #03V019000 · 2003 · 5,734 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles, vehicles, during a 30 degree left angle frontal impact of sufficient severity, a tear could develop in the mid-frame cross member at its attachment to the left frame rail. If the mid-frame cross member tears during frontal impact and produces a sharp edge, contact of the sharp edge with the fuel tank could result in a puncture of the fuel tank and possible fuel…
Why it matters: Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
The fix: Dealers will install a fuel tank shield. Owner notification began February 20, 2003.
Body & structure Vehicle recall #03V037000 · 2003 · 107 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: As a result, the door strength May be degraded during a side impact vehicle crash.
The fix: 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.
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #04V045000 · 2004 · 68,875 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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…
The fix: 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.
1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Wheels Equipment recall #07E106000 · 2007 · 130,000 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: Wheel separation can result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: 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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 3 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Electrical (38): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (5), electrical failure (4), warning light on (3).
- Brakes (16): the most common themes are brake failure / soft pedal (12).
- Steering (9): the most common themes are steering problems (7), noise or vibration (4).
- Tires (7): the most common themes are tire tread / blowout (6).
The 2003 GMC Yukon Xl has 102 owner complaints, ranking #8 of 28 Yukon Xl model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 86). Complaints peaked in 2006 (16 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 70,100 miles. Neighboring years: 2002 (95 complaints, 1 recalls), 2004 (87 complaints, 3 recalls).
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2003 GMC Yukon Xl.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
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FAQ
Does the 2003 GMC Yukon Xl have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 2003 GMC Yukon Xl, plus 1 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2003 GMC Yukon Xl problems?
Owners have filed 102 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (38), brakes (16), steering (9).
Where can I get a 2003 GMC Yukon Xl repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.