Most common 2004 GMC Yukon problems
Share of the 268 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
GMC Yukon complaints by model year
Best Yukon years: 2014, 2020, 2019. Years to avoid: 2023, 2021, 2015, 2022, 2024. Compare all years →
2004 GMC Yukon recalls (2)
Seat belts › Rear/other
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.
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.
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 owners say
Electrical system all 114 →
The contact owns a 2004 GMC Yukon. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle started losing motive power. The check engine warning light and another unknown warning light were illuminated, and a message was displayed that the gas port was reducing power. On a separate occasion, the vehicle started to lose motive power and then the vehicle started to shake. The vehicle was losing power and shaking until the vehicle was turned off. The vehicle was restarted and drove normally for six months without failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with throttle body failure; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted three more times with different diagnoses. The vehicle was taken to other independent mechanics however, the cause for the failure was not yet determined. …
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2004 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while attempting to trade the vehicle in, the dealer discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy, per the Carfax report. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 165,563. The actual mileage could not be determined because the Carfax report displayed that the mileage had drastically fluctuated over the years. No other agency was contacted.
Brakes all 53 →
My kids and I was on the interstate and all of sudden my yukon reduce engine power.Dropping to 30 in a speed zone of 70.I was very afraid for our safety and appreciate there concerns for reducing engine power to save the truck,but that's very dangerous. So I paid to replace the throttle body and gas pedal cause that was the codes for the problem. But it's still doing the same thing and I don't have money to keep buying parts.Plus it a gm problem and I really need some help with the fixture..
There are several complaints, on the 2004 GMC denalis. It's like it starts slow your gauges go out. You have no idea how fast you are going! Then the oil, temp for engine, and transmission. Which I had to replace. Then the brakes get a mind of their own. Recently the radio & lights are acting up which is scary, I have a 7 yr. Old. The heat in the back doesn't work for her, so I have several blankets for her. The television quit long ago, it was one of the reasons we bought the car, so kids could watch television on long trips, or whenever. We paid a lot for this vehicle, I would think GMC would step up and do the right thing and correct the product they stand by,and are very proud of. I would love to just purchase a new vehicle. I do not have that luxury, I lost my job, we are pay check to pay check with my husbands income. …
Engine & cooling all 25 →
The contact owns a 2004 GMC Yukon. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle started losing motive power. The check engine warning light and another unknown warning light were illuminated, and a message was displayed that the gas port was reducing power. On a separate occasion, the vehicle started to lose motive power and then the vehicle started to shake. The vehicle was losing power and shaking until the vehicle was turned off. The vehicle was restarted and drove normally for six months without failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with throttle body failure; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted three more times with different diagnoses. The vehicle was taken to other independent mechanics however, the cause for the failure was not yet determined. …
My kids and I was on the interstate and all of sudden my yukon reduce engine power.Dropping to 30 in a speed zone of 70.I was very afraid for our safety and appreciate there concerns for reducing engine power to save the truck,but that's very dangerous. So I paid to replace the throttle body and gas pedal cause that was the codes for the problem. But it's still doing the same thing and I don't have money to keep buying parts.Plus it a gm problem and I really need some help with the fixture..
2004 GMC Yukon engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.8L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 14 / 18 / 15 |
| 5.3L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 14 / 18 / 15 |
| 4.8L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 13 / 17 / 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 a good car?
Based on 268 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2004 Yukon rates use caution: 1.4× as many complaints as a typical year of the Yukon at the same age. It is one of the Yukon 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?
The electrical system — 114 complaints, 43% of all complaints for this model year, most often about instrument cluster/panel. Next are the brakes (53) and engine & cooling (25).
How many recalls does the 2004 GMC Yukon have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2004 GMC Yukon, the most recent from April 22, 2005 (rear/other). 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?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2014, 2020 and 2019. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2023, 2021, 2015, 2022 and 2024. See the full GMC Yukon years comparison.
At what mileage do 2004 GMC Yukon problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 74,000 miles; 27% 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.