NHTSA vehicle safety data

2004 GMC Yukon XL Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

The 2004 GMC Yukon XL has 4 NHTSA recall campaigns and 87 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized GMC dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2004 GMC Yukon XL, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

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2004 GMC Yukon XL owner complaints

Owners have filed 87 complaints with NHTSA about the 2004 GMC Yukon XL, describing incidents dated December 30, 2003 to February 1, 2022.

Most-cited components

Electrical System 30 complaints
Service Brakes 14 complaints
Steering 12 complaints
Engine 11 complaints
Air Bags 5 complaints
Equipment 5 complaints

Of the 87 complaints on file, 5 report a crash and 2 a fire; across all 87 complaints, owners report 2 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #11462501 · Filed April 27, 2022
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…
ODI #11461307 · Filed April 19, 2022
A severely cracked dashboard in 5 different places right over the air bags.
ODI #11458569 · Filed March 28, 2022
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Read all 87 complaints

REPLACEMENT WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLIES

NHTSA #07E106000 · Wheels — Hub · NHTSA notice

Reported December 17, 2007 · FEDERAL-MOGUL CORPORATION

Potentially affected: 130,000 vehicles

Owners notified February 7, 2008

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

WHEEL SEPARATION CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO REPLACEMENT NATIONAL, CARQUEST WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLIES AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BY GENERAL MOTORS OR FORD.CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

FUEL RAIL DAMPER RETAINER CLIP/WORKHORSE

NHTSA #06V289000 · Engine and Engine Cooling · NHTSA notice

Reported August 3, 2006 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Potentially affected: 38,439 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign 06080 · Owners notified August 31, 2006 · Vehicles built March 31, 2003 – June 30, 2004 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

GM RECALL NO. 06080.CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

HYDRO-BOOST/HYDRAULIC BRAKE/BOSCH

NHTSA #05V043000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · NHTSA notice

Reported February 8, 2005 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Potentially affected: 77,411 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign 05006 · Owners notified March 23, 2005 · Vehicles built February 1, 2004 – August 31, 2004 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

GM RECALL NO. 05006.CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

GM/FMVSS 135/BRAKE VALVE

NHTSA #04V045000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · NHTSA notice

Reported February 4, 2004 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Potentially affected: 68,875 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign 04004 · Owners notified June 18, 2004 · Vehicles built May 1, 2003 – June 30, 2003 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

GM RECALL NO. 04004.CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

2004 GMC Yukon XL 4-DR.

—

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Not Rated

Frontal Crash

Not Rated

Driver: 4, Passenger: 3

Side Crash

Not Rated

Driver: Not Rated, Passenger: Not Rated

Side Pole

Not Rated

Rollover

Not Rated

Safety Technology

87 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2004 GMC Yukon XL.

Steering; Service Brakes

ODI #11462501

Fire

Incident: April 17, 2020 · Filed: April 27, 2022

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 so I took it to my mechanic he inspected the vehicle could not find an issue he also ran a code scan. No codes pertaining to this issue only knocker sensor and O2 sensor. I replaced those anyway. Then a few days later I was driving to work at it happened again going about 55 mph it felt like the transmission had downshift to a very low gear there was smoke and really bad burning smell. I pulled over immediately and called my mechanic. He towed the vehicle to his shop still could not find a problem. After several months of sitting I had to drive the vehicle home. After approximately 5 miles there was smoke and small flames coming from behind the front drivers side wheel. My mechanic checked the brake, it had engaged without me pressing the pedal and stuck. Now we are having issues getting brake fluid to the rear brakes. Possibly the proportioning valve.

Unknown or Other

ODI #11461307

Incident: February 1, 2022 · Filed: April 19, 2022

A severely cracked dashboard in 5 different places right over the air bags.

Seats

ODI #11458569

Crash

Incident: March 31, 2004 · Filed: March 28, 2022

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Wheels; Electronic Stability Control (ESC); Service Brakes

ODI #11337242

Incident: June 30, 2020 · Filed: July 2, 2020

2004 YUKON XL WITH 91,880 MILES. REPLACEMENT LEFT FRONT WHEEL BEARING/HUB FAILED CATASTROPHICALLY AT 6,046 MILES OF SERVICE. THE BEARING SEPARATED COMPLETELY LEADING TO A TOWING EVENT. VEHICLE WAS ON AN INTERSTATE HIGHWAY AND TRAVELING AT 70 MPH, IN A STRAIGHT LINE WHEN THIS OCCURRED. SERVICE TECHNICIAN SAID THE DRIVE SHAFT ON THE 4WD VEHICLE WAS THE ONLY THING RETAINING THE WHEEL. THE PRIOR BEARING WAS REPLACED AT 85,878 MILES. THE BEARING WAS INSTALLED AT AFTERMARKET SERVICE CENTER. THE HUB FACE HAS THE FOLLOWING NUMBERS ETCHED ON IT. 730-0093, 12FR18107. WHEN I LOOK THIS UP IT APPEARS TO BE A BEARING MADE BY GNB. *TR

Electrical System; Exterior Lighting; Vehicle Speed Control

ODI #11328724

Incident: February 9, 2020 · Filed: June 14, 2020

CLUSTER DASHBOARD FAILS TO LIGHT UP WHEN THE KEY TURNS ON THE VEHICLE. NONE IS THE DASHBOARD INDICATORS MOVE OR LIGHT UP, NOT ABLE TO SEE SPEED, MILES, GAS GAGE, ETC. IT TAKES 40 MINUTE INTO A DRIVE BEFORE IT TURNS ON RANDOMLY.

Exterior Lighting

ODI #11315571

Incident: March 1, 2020 · Filed: March 2, 2020

INSTRUMENT PANEL SHORTING OUT AND FLASHES BACK ON WITH DIFFERENT LANGUAGES.

Power Train; Engine

ODI #11149781

Incident: November 6, 2018 · Filed: November 6, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 GMC YUKON XL. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 182,000.

Service Brakes

ODI #10875944

Incident: June 4, 2015 · Filed: June 22, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 GMC YUKON XL. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND APPLYING THE BRAKES, THE PEDAL WOULD STIFFEN AND NOT MOVED DOWNWARD COMPLETELY. THE FAILURE RECURRED CONTINUOUSLY. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO A MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER ASSIST BRAKE SYSTEM FAILED. THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V045000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.

Structure

ODI #10812016

Incident: December 19, 2015 · Filed: December 24, 2015

WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY THE HOOD OPENED CAUSING THE DRIVER TO NOT BE ABLE TO SEE. UPON INVESTIGATION THE WELDS THAT SECURE THE HOOD LATCH BROKE LOOSE.

Electrical System; Electronic Stability Control (ESC); Service Brakes

ODI #10780294

Incident: October 6, 2015 · Filed: October 6, 2015

MY 2004 YUKON HAS AT LEAST THREE MAJOR LEAKS IN THE BRAKE LINES CAUSED BY CORROSION. RESEARCH FOUND THAT THIS DEFECT WAS IDENTIFIED SHORTLY AFTER THE VEHICLES WERE SOLD NEW BUT REFUSED TO ISSUE RECALLS. I WAS IN A NEAR ACCIDENT WHEN MY BRAKES WENT COMPLETELY TO THE FLOOR SUDDENLY. ALSO THE STABILIZER SYSTEM FAILS WITHOUT NOTICE AND THE DASH INSTRUMENT CLUSTER (GAS GAUGE, TEMP GAUGE, VOLTAGE AND OIL PRESSURE GAUGES WORKS ON AND OFF.

Other GMC Yukon XL model years

Check your 2004 GMC Yukon XL VIN

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