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!!!!
Vehicle safety record
2003 GMC Denali Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 32 complaints about the 2003 GMC Denali with NHTSA, most often about the brakes (7) and the electrical system (6). Those complaints describe 3 crashes and 1 injury. There are no recalls for it. For comparison, the 2002 has 0.
NHTSA data checked
FFar more problems than a typical Denali year, for its age
#172 most complained-about 2003 vehicle
- Complaints
- 32
- Recalls
- 0
- Crashes
- 3
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 1
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 2003 GMC Denali problems
Share of all 32 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
No recalls for the 2003 GMC Denali
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2003 GMC Denali. Recalls can be announced at any time - this page updates daily.
What owners say
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32 complaints about the 2003 GMC Denali
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 2.
Tl* the contact owns a 2015 (na) gmc denali. The contact stated that the exterior lighting was dim. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the headlight bulbs failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 12,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 gmc denali equipped with michelin ltx ms20 tires, size: lt245/75r16. The contact stated that all four tires cracked on the sidewall. The contact also stated that all the tires had tread separation and loss of air pressure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle and tire failure mileage was 120,000. The vin was not available.
On june 4, 2014, driving on a clear, dry and sunny day in my 2003 gmc sierra denali pickup truck. On virginia drive heading eastbound in montgomery county, pa, at 32 mph; with normal braking action heading into a curve, the brake pedal surprisingly went to the floor and experienced loss of braking. Fortunately I was able to negotiate the turn, narrowly escaping running off the road, only because it was two lane road in each direction and there was no nearby traffic at the time. Brake functionality never returned...
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except for minimal capability near the end of pedal travel. Preliminary inspection after parking the vehicle indicates the brake lines showed rusting in general on the vehicle (and also the adjacent fuel lines), mostly near the front section of the vehicle; and the failure seemed to be in the hose-to-line coupling from the brake valve near the master cylinder to what appears to be the abs control assembly mounted on the frame under the driver's seat area. The lines in that suspected failure area appeared most seriously rusted and bulged. Currently speaking with a gmc dealer to understand the repair options and possible recalls. *Tr
After just a few years of ownership, my 2003 denali, which I purchased brand new, started to have "power down" issues. While driving, the vehicle would just loose power and I would have to pull over and restart the vehicle. Gmc has always acted as if it was not a big deal and have offered many expensive solutions. Early on I tried their recommendations and it would help for a while but the problem always comes back. Further, all of my gauges have quit working. Again, gm offers very expensive solutions, but...
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will never own up to the fact that these vehicles are defective. After going through this for several years, I googled these issues and discovered that there are pages and pages of complaints about the same issues. I love my vehicle and now have 230,000 miles on it. However, I know that this is very dangerous and I am always conscious that it can happen at any time. I am always prepared to pull over but there have been times when I was nearly rear-ended because of this issue. Also, I rarely let any other family member drive the vehicle and when I do I warn them of the issue so that they are prepared. This issue is first and foremost very dangerous and secondly a true hassle and inconvenience. My check engine light comes on every time the vehicle powers down. This has caused me to have trouble passing emissions as well. I have wanted to trade or sell the vehicle but I am concerned about my liability knowing about this issue. *Tr
I am filing a complaint due to a reduced engine problem and stability control which keeps enabling me to drive the vehicle. Once this light and power reduces I need to pull over from my destination and turn engine off completely. I count about ten seconds in order to restart the vehicle... Only to start it and having it reduce again. Several lights on dash board remain on such as engine. I have tried fixing the problem but I guess no one really knows how to repair and this has been costly. I have read...
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resources/consumers with the same year and vehicle make, and have found that they have occurred the same problem. I would like to know if this has been a recall on the gmc co. And or what the problem is. I feel this is a safety issue and apparently it does have to do with gmc the manufacture and would like to resolve this problem. *Tr
Within about 10 miles of a moderate braking situation and reaching home, brake pedal became progressively softer at each successive stop until complete brake failure occurred near home. The emergency brake was used to slow and stop vehicle in driveway (home). Right front steel brake line was found to have burst due to extensive rust/corrosion. Extensive corrosion of most brake lines was found and repaired at considerable cost as a preventive measure to help avoid accident or injury. The local gmc dealer was...
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not aware of a related recall for this vehicle and would only repair the suv at the prevailing rate since a warranty was not in effect. This vehicle should be recalled and repaired by the manufacturer to address this potentially catastrophic defect. *Js
I have a 2003 yukon denali and when it hit the 65,000 miles mark the fuel gauge stopped working leaving me to tell how much gas I had left using the automatic computer telling you how many miles to empty. Next the oil gauges stopped working. Finally reaching 80,000 miles my speed odometer quite working leaving me to not knowing the speed I am traveling this quite working while I was driving down a highway. To make matters worse my rpms are starting to go goofy which means that to is going to stop working as well. I...
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was told that having my dash taken off and fixed could run anywhere between 1,000.00 Not including labor fees. Which is crazy that gmc doesn't stand behind its work. People cant afford to be paying for this to get fixed let alone speeding tickets. I believe something needs to be done after reading about so many people have this same problem with the all having the same year yukon denali.. You pay all this money for a vehicle and something like this happens!!! *Tr
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 gmc denali. The contact was driving approximately 40 mph when the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact stated that after a few minutes, the vehicle was restarted yet the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the technician could not diagnose the failure. The failure persisted intermittently but recurred most during warmer temperatures. The vehicle was taken to two different dealers and an independent mechanic. The throttle body, wiring harness and sensors...
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were replaced. The tires were rotated and the pressure was checked but to no avail. The throttle body was replaced a second time but still there was no resolution to the failure. When performing a diagnostic on the vehicle, the same exact failure codes were always generated advising of a throttle body failure. The vehicle was not further repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000. Updated 5/2/11 *cn updated 1/11/11 *cn
Brake failure due to rusting out of main brake line to rear of vehicle. *Tr
Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.S.C. 552(B)(6) march 10, 2010 please report status of case [[redacted]] u.S. Department of transportation subject; brake line failure problems on general motors trucks gentlepersons I would like to report to you a major safety issue with gmc and chevrolet pick up trucks that will result in death. I have a gmc 2003 sierra denali...
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pick up truck that has experienced this defect on two separate occasions and I reported my concern to general motors when I first experienced the loss of my brakes in a letter dated april 10, 2008. As the vehicle was under extended warranty only the right rear brake line was replaced. The second time I lost my brakes was on february 23, 2010 the dealer replaced the entire brake line system and charged me over $2,000.00 And the truck was not under warranty at that time. I am certain that this defect was a result of the general motors supplier producing parts that were not to specification (most likely made in china). All the automobile companies place the quality responsibility on the supplier of the components and that supplier is supposed to be iso, qs or now ts certified. This quality system is supposed to be self auditing by use of statistical process control so therefore it is up to the supplier who is selling the components to be honest and trust worthy and not ship any substandard parts. I have enclosed supporting documentation along with reports from other people who I have found with a brief search on the internet who have had the same problem. [[redacted]] *tr
The suv has intermittent stops/stalls in the middle of moving traffic. At that point the traction almost as quick as the motor powers down it resets and goes again. The gmc dealer has never been able to fix it so we went to a highly rated angies list auto repair shop and they suggested replacing the transmission which we have donor last april. Unfortunately that was no help either. I have had no luck finding a solution on the internet as well. *Tr
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 gmc denali. While driving 2-5 mph, the contact struck a bump or pothole in the road. He heard a loud boom similar to a gunshot. The side air bags deployed and the contact maneuvered to the side of the road. Onstar noticed the air bag deployment and called to see if medical assistance was needed. The dealer stated that the vehicle could be repaired at the cost of $5,000. The manufacturer sent a third party engineer to investigate the vehicle. He reviewed the event data recorder and decided that gmc would not assist with the repairs. The failure and current mileages were less than 90,000.
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. Says they replace 2 compressors a...
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week. Someones safety is going to be challenged be for thier is a recall. This is more dangerous than a seatbelt latch or speed control not to mention costly. Please contact me for a full story. *Tr
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. *Tr
Speedometer defective. Sometimes reads 120mph when not moving. Sometimes never moves. Don't feel safe with wife driving with kids. *Tr
Analog speedometer, intermittent, won't always set to zero. Shows inaccurate speeds. Going 65 mph, speedometer registers 110 mph. *Ak
I have a 2003 gmc yukon denali and the speedometer has stopped providing accurate speed readings. I can be traveling 10 mph according to my gps and the speedometer may read 100 mph. This is random and frequent. *Nm
Headlight flicker with stabiltrak engaged related to steering wheel position and/or car attitude (bumps,etc.)*Jb
When vehicle is driven then turned off the exhaust system, while cooling down, cracks and pops. Volume is extremely loud. More so than any vehicle I have heard in the past. This is worse in cold weather than warm.*Ak
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.*Ak
Dt*: the contact stated the left front brake pipe fully fractured while driving at 25 mph. There is a nhtsa recall, # 03v151000, regarding the brake piping. The vehicle has the same problems as indicated in the recall; however it is not included in the recall due to the vin. The vehicle was driven to the local independent repair shop for repairs. *Nm
Consumer requesting that gmc replace current denali with like model. *Bf the consumer complained about a steering problem with the vehicle. *Jb
The speedometer does not register at all. Consumer took the vehicle to the dealer, who stated the part was on back order.*Ak
The vehicle was parked and running, when the consumer shifted the gear from park to drive the transmission failed. The consumer shifted the gear back and forth in order for the gears to shift properly. The consumer drove to the dealer, however the mechanic was not able to duplicate the problem. The consumer informed the mechanic this problem has occurred more than once and has not been resolved. *Jb
GMC Denali: every year compared
All Denali years2003 GMC Denali vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 GMC Denali | 32 | 0 | F | |
| 2003 GMC Envoy XL | 642 | 3 | C | Compare |
| 2003 GMC Envoy | 642 | 8 | F | Compare |
| 2003 GMC C4500 | 6 | 1 | C | Compare |
| 2003 GMC C/K Series | 4 | 0 | D | Compare |
| 2003 GMC C5500 | 2 | 0 | A | Compare |
| 2003 GMC Conventional | 1 | 0 | - | Compare |
| 2003 GMC C7500 | 1 | 0 | A | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 2003 GMC Denali
Does the 2003 GMC Denali have any recalls?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2003 GMC Denali right now. Recalls can be announced at any time, and this page checks NHTSA every day. You can also check your exact vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 GMC Denali?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the brakes (7), electrical system (6), acceleration & cruise control (5).
How many complaints has the 2003 GMC Denali had?
32 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on May 24, 2003 and the latest on January 8, 2019. Of these, 3 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 1 injury and 0 deaths.
Is the 2003 GMC Denali a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 2 out of 100 (grade F: far more problems than a typical GMC Denali year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
What should I do if my 2003 GMC Denali has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data