Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2004 GMC Yukon owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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..
It is just like the the service bulletin out for the 2006 and later gmc sierra except it's for a 2004 gmc Yukon slt 4x4 4.8L. It is going into reduced engine power mode and it has to do with the throttle actuator control module. Throws code P2108
Engine losing coolant, with no apparent signs of leakage. Coolant appears to be leaking into the engine oil, causing it to sludge, thereby causing engine failure. GM is aware of an issue and issued TSB 06-06-01-019b for defective cylinder head casting. I bought this car used last year and now owe 10000 for a car that needs a 6000 engine replacement. GM should be made accountable for this since they are well aware of the issue, per their own directive.
Surge happens while driving, then engine light comes on, decreased engine power occurs, tracktion stability indictors comes on. Car looses power. I have to pull over off the road, put into park,cut ignittion off, wait a few minutes and then restart the car. This could happen several times while driving.the vehicle is in motion and this is a driving hazard and big safety issue, it has happened on city street and on a highway. It happens daily.
Driving vehicle at 30 MPH. Lost all power and engine. No brakes, no power steering, no dash lights, engine quit running, no exterior lights. Parked vehicle in parking lot. No power at all. After about 20 minutes of waiting vehicle started again and had minimal acceleration/power.
Tl contact owns a 2004 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the failure was unable to be determined. The contact mentioned that the vehicle failed to restart. The failure mileage was 147,000.
Faulty castech head caused coolant fluid to drain into block therefore destroying motor. GM has known about these faulty heads and refuses to work to resolve problem. Technical service bulletin 06-06-01-019b.
Dt: vehicle is a 2004 GMC Yukon denali. While driving 25-35 MPH the vehicle will shut off on the consumer. This problem has happened twice in the same day, which was on 6-24-05. The brake light will come on then the vehicle loses all power. The consumer can get the vehicle to stop by applying extreme pressure to the brakes. The first time it occurred while consumer was stopping at a stop light. Less than 5 minutes later she was able to get the vehicle to start again. Afterwards she was pulling into a gas station when the vehicle shut off the second time. The consumer had taken it to the dealership the same day. The vehicle remained there until 7-2, and at this time they told her that they could not find a problem with the vehicle. The third time the vehicle shut down was on 7-3. This occurred while the consumer was driving 30-35 MPH. …
The "stability control disabled" sensor comes on followed by "reduced engine power" and my vehicle won't go faster than 5mph. This has happened at least 6 times in the past several months only upon start up of the vehicle. Sometimes, if I wait a couple of minutes and restart my car, it'll start just fine but the check engine light comes on. I first brought it into hendrick Chevrolet on 10/15/12. They charged me almost $700 to replace "app sensor assembly". Then I brought it in again on 11/6/12 for the same issue. They replaced the "connector at the throttle body" and charged me $223.09. The issue temporarily went away. I then brought it back on 12/20/12 with the same issue but this time the check engine won't turn off as a result of the reduced engine power-stability control disabled warning. They simply reset the warning and that was it. …
Engine complaints in other Yukon years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2004 GMC Yukon?
NHTSA has 25 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2004 GMC Yukon, 9% of the model year's 268 complaints. The component named most often is exhaust system › manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2004 GMC Yukon engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2004 GMC Yukon, though it has 2 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2004 GMC Yukon engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 124,000 miles, and 25% before 25,000 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.