2003 GMC Denali problems
The 2003 GMC Denali has 40 complaints on file with NHTSA. The largest share (18%) concerns brakes. After that come electrical system (15%) and cruise control (12%).
At a glance
- Complaints
- 40 filed with NHTSA
- Most reported
- Brakes 18% of complaints
- Crashes and fires
- 4 and 0
- Injuries and deaths
- 1 and 0
- Typical mileage
- 63,000 miles 29 complaints with mileage
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
Where the complaints are
Share of this model year's complaints by the part of the car involved. One complaint can name more than one part, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
When problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 5 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 3 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 6 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 4 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 2 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 1 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 5 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 0 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 2 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 1 |
| 200k+ miles | 0 |
What the data shows
Among the 29 complaints that report mileage, the typical (median) problem appeared at about 63,000 miles.
Safety-related details: 4 complaints mention a crash; 1 injury reported.
Looking only at complaints filed within five years of the model year (so older and newer years are comparable), the 2003 ranks 2nd most-complained-about out of 5 model years of the GMC Denali with enough data (25 complaints in that window).
What owners wrote
A few complaints as filed, shortened and with personal details removed. The first ones are among the most serious reports for this model year; the rest are typical.
Faulty pully assembly on 2003 GMC vechicles their is a service bulletin out about the problem in 2004. I learned of the report 8/7/08.after replacing 5 belts and tensioners. After compressor breaks apart while under car trying to fine this horrible noise upon acceleration.while under warranty I carried the car in 4 times for noises on the passenger side front never to be resolved ,now it is so bad it is obvious where the problem is. Their is no recall yet but should be,the mech.
2003 GMC yukon denali xl purchased 10/02 new from dealer: country GMC huntington n.y. Car started to roll down the street when brake interlock feature did not prevent vehicle from coming out of park. Ignition switch was in the first forward click position. In this only ignition switch position, gear lever easily comes out of park to any mobile gear. Vehicle was parked with engine off. *nlm
I have had the break/steering fluid booster replaced 3 times in a 6 month period. How GMC can call this a "problem" but not a safety issue is beyond me. I have looked it up and thousands have had problems with this along with alike vehicles from the same years. The breaks and steering lock up while driving especially around turns. It is extremely dangerous!!!!! I guess not enough people have died....uugghhh .... So frustrating!!!!
Parking brake does not release when release handle is pulled. Releases after vehicle placed in drive and moved forward slightly or placed in reverse and moved back slightly.
The speedometer shows inaccurate and erratic readings. Speed appears to be 20 MPH off and will jump to different speeds. No specific event caused this to happen, it just started about a month ago and has progressively gotten worse over time.