Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 109 | −35% | 5 | Fuel System | Average |
| 2004 | 187 | 1.5× | 1 | Electrical | Caution |
| 2003 | 228 | 1.8× | 3 | Fuel System | Caution |
| 2002 | 70 | −62% | 3 | Fuel System | Good |
* Complaints compared with the median Envoy XL year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common GMC Envoy XL problems
Latest GMC Envoy XL recalls
Visibility › Power window devices and controls
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2006-2007 Buick Rainier, Chevrolet Trailblazer and GMC Envoy vehicles, and 2006 GMC Envoy XL and Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT vehicles.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install a new driver's door switch module, free of charge. The recall began on November 2, 2015.
Exterior lighting › Headlights
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix, 2006-2009 Buick LaCrosse, 2006-2007 Buick Rainier, Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT, GMC Envoy XL, 2006-2008 Isuzu Ascender, and Saab 9-7x vehicles.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the HDM, free of charge. The recall began on May 17, 2016. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Pontiac customer service at 1-800-762-2737.
Visibility › Power window devices and controls
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2007 SAAB 9-7x; 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT and GMC Envoy XL; and 2006-2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Buick Rainier and Isuzu Ascender vehicles.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the part number on the door module, and install a new door module if necessary, free of charge. Parts for the remedy are not currently available.
Visibility › Power window devices and controls
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2007 SAAB 9-7x; 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT and GMC Envoy XL; and 2006-2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Buick Rainier and Isuzu Ascender vehicles. Fluid may enter the driver's door module, causing corrosion that could result in a short in the circuit board.
Remedy: Owners will be contacted and dealers will test the driver's door module. If the module is functioning properly, a protective coating will be applied. If the module is not functioning properly, it will be replaced.
Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch
Certain sport utility vehicles have a rear side closure latch that May not latch or unlatch due to corrosion caused by road splash, such as water and road salt. These vehicles were originally sold in or currently registered in the following states: connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, maine, maryland, massachusetts,…
Remedy: Dealers will install a seal along the lower part of the rocker panel to prevent intrusion of corrosive material, and inspect the rear side closure latches. Functional latches will be cleaned and lubricated.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the GMC Envoy XL should you avoid?
2003 and 2004 — these years have the most complaints relative to other Envoy XL years at the same age, led by fuel & propulsion system problems in the 2003.
What is the best year for the GMC Envoy XL?
2002 has the fewest complaints compared with other Envoy XL years at the same age, followed by 2006. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common GMC Envoy XL problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the fuel & propulsion system (177), electrical system (170) and transmission & drivetrain (54). Fuel System complaints peak in the 2006 model year.
How many recalls has the GMC Envoy XL had?
8 recalls across 2002–2006. The model year with the most is 2006. See all GMC Envoy XL recalls by year.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.