Most common 2004 GMC Yukon XL problems
Share of the 87 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
GMC Yukon XL complaints by model year
Best Yukon XL years: 2014, 2012, 2013. Years to avoid: 2023, 2022, 2021, 2015, 2024. Compare all years →
2004 GMC Yukon XL recalls (3)
Engine and engine cooling
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.
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.
Service brakes, hydraulic
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.
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.
Service brakes, hydraulic
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.
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.
What 2004 GMC Yukon XL owners say
Electrical system all 30 →
Since first purchase, the ever present concern, inherent within our general motors GMC Yukon XL, have grown; to whereby, they are safety, security, and well-being concerns; as yet, neither addressed nor corrected by the general motors company GMC division. With just one of the many concerns, the squeaking, clunking locking steering, when turning: service bulletin number: 01863, NHTSA item number: 10006616. Since first purchase, we have been ignored, LED on, and misled, which created time expiration. Since the beginning, with the ever present concerns, we questioned the build quality of our general motors GMC Yukon XL; without any response, at all! Safety, security, and well-being concerns should neither have a time limit nor constraints.
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 rearward, engulfing entire vehicle, which was destroyed, along with other vehicle parked alongside. Fire department responded to immediate call for help and extinguished all fires within 30 minutes of call.
Brakes
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. …
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.
Steering
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. …
Since first purchase, the ever present concern, inherent within our general motors GMC Yukon XL, have grown; to whereby, they are safety, security, and well-being concerns; as yet, neither addressed nor corrected by the general motors company GMC division. With just one of the many concerns, the squeaking, clunking locking steering, when turning: service bulletin number: 01863, NHTSA item number: 10006616. Since first purchase, we have been ignored, LED on, and misled, which created time expiration. Since the beginning, with the ever present concerns, we questioned the build quality of our general motors GMC Yukon XL; without any response, at all! Safety, security, and well-being concerns should neither have a time limit nor constraints.
2004 GMC Yukon XL engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5.3L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 14 / 18 / 15 |
| 5.3L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 13 / 17 / 14 |
| 6.0L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 12 / 16 / 13 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2004 GMC Yukon XL a good car?
Based on 87 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2004 Yukon XL rates avoid: 2.1× as many complaints as a typical year of the Yukon XL at the same age. It is one of the Yukon XL years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2004 GMC Yukon XL?
The electrical system — 30 complaints, 34% of all complaints for this model year, most often about instrument cluster/panel. Next are the brakes (14) and steering (12).
How many recalls does the 2004 GMC Yukon XL have?
There are 3 recalls for the 2004 GMC Yukon XL, the most recent from August 3, 2006 (engine and engine cooling). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the GMC Yukon XL?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2014, 2012 and 2013. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2023, 2022, 2021, 2015 and 2024. See the full GMC Yukon XL years comparison.
At what mileage do 2004 GMC Yukon XL problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 46,000 miles; 54% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.