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. After approximately 5 miles there was smoke and small flames coming from behind the front drivers side wheel. My mechanic checked the brake, it had engaged without me pressing the pedal and stuck. Now we are having issues getting brake fluid to the rear brakes. Possibly the proportioning valve.
The worst 2004 GMC Yukon XL problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Electrical30
- Brakes14
- Steering12
- Engine11
- Airbags5
- Acceleration4
- Body4
- Fuel system4
- Transmission4
- Visibility4
- Driver assistance3
- Locks3
- Lights2
- Seats2
- Suspension2
- Tires2
- Seat belts1
- Wheels1
Specific symptoms reported on the 2004 GMC Yukon XL
Recalls 3
Engine and engine cooling
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- If the damper comes loose, a fuel leak may result. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
- 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.
Recall number 06V289000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- If a separation occurred and the hood of the vehicle were open, fragments from the accumulator could cause injury to people in the immediate area. The presence of this crack or fractured surface could allow the hydraulic fluid to leak from the accumulator circuit of the booster assembly. The loss of fluid would cause increased steering and braking effort and a crash may occur without prior warning.
- 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. The recall began on march 23, 2005. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1‑800‑630‑2438, gmc trucks at 1‑866‑996‑9463 and hummer at 1‑800‑732‑5493.
Recall number 05V043000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- Consequently, the valve o-ring seal may fracture. Steering efforts may be slightly increased while braking or parking. Under certain driving conditions, a fractured seal may require a slight increase in the applied brake pedal effort to achieve the same vehicle deceleration rate as prior to the seat fracture.
- 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.
Recall number 04V045000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2004 GMC Yukon XL 501
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.
- This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on OnStar Module 2G Sunset Information.
- This service bulletin explains how to measure for oil consumption and possible reasons for loss of oil.
- Unknown or other
- Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles
- GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities
- This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves...
- This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as...
- This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS)...
- This Warranty Administration bulletin provides retail and wholesale service personnel with the...
What 2004 GMC Yukon XL owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
A severely cracked dashboard in 5 different places right over the air bags.
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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.
Cluster dashboard fails to light up when the key turns on the vehicle. None is the dashboard indicators move or light up, not able to see speed, miles, gas gage, etc. It takes 40 minute into a drive before it turns on randomly.
Instrument panel shorting out and flashes back on with different languages.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 gmc yukon xl. While driving 60 MPH, the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the transmission failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 182,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 gmc yukon xl. While driving at any speed and applying the brakes, the pedal would stiffen and not moved downward completely. The failure recurred continuously. The vehicle was driven to a mechanic who diagnosed that the power assist brake system failed. The VIN was excluded from the federal safety agency campaign number: 04v045000 (service brakes, hydraulic). The manufacturer was notified. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 130,000.
While driving down the highway the hood opened causing the driver to not be able to see. Upon investigation the welds that secure the hood latch broke loose.
My 2004 yukon has at least three major leaks in the brake lines caused by corrosion. Research found that this defect was identified shortly after the vehicles were sold new but refused to issue recalls. I was in a near accident when my brakes went completely to the floor suddenly. Also the stabilizer system fails without notice and the dash instrument cluster (gas gauge, temp gauge, voltage and oil pressure gauges works on and off.
Compare the 2004 GMC Yukon XL
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Questions about the 2004 GMC Yukon XL
Is the 2004 GMC Yukon XL reliable?
Owners have filed 87 complaints about the 2004 GMC Yukon XL, 1.3 times a typical Yukon XL model year.
What is the 2004 GMC Yukon XL year score?
The 2004 GMC Yukon XL scores 65 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the GMC Yukon XL: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2004 GMC Yukon XL?
Electrical system, with 30 complaints, typically around 47,000 miles. Next is brakes (14).
How many recalls does the 2004 GMC Yukon XL have?
3 recalls, covering engine and engine cooling and service brakes, hydraulic.
What year does the GMC Yukon XL have the most electrical problems?
The GMC Yukon XL model years with the most electrical complaints are 2015 (58 complaints), 2003 (38 complaints) and 2023 (36 complaints).
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