There are no safety recalls for the 2003 GMC Denali, but owners have filed 32 complaints with NHTSA.
2003 GMC Denali problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|
| Electrical System | 6 | |
| Steering | 5 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 5 | |
| Power Train | 3 | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 3 | |
| Seat Belts | 2 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 2 | |
| Exterior Lighting | 2 | |
| Electronic Stability Control (ESC) | 2 | |
| Service Brakes | 2 | |
| Suspension | 1 | |
| Parking Brake | 1 | |
Most reported parts
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 3
- Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel — 3
- Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist System — 1
- Steering › Column Locking › Anti-Theft Device — 1
- Suspension › Front — 1
- Steering › Linkages — 1
- Seat Belts › Front › Retractor — 1
- Seat Belts › Front — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 50,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2003 GMC Denali complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Service Brakes · at 120,000 miles · reported Jan 8, 2019
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!!!!
Exterior Lighting · at 12,000 miles · reported Mar 15, 2016
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.
Tires · at 120,000 miles · reported Oct 29, 2014
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.
Service Brakes · at 63,000 miles · reported Jun 4, 2014
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 except for minimal capability near the end of pedal travel. Preliminary inspection…
Engine · at 75,000 miles · reported Feb 21, 2014
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 will never own up to the fact that these vehicles are defective. After going through…
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2003 GMC Denali have any recalls?
No. NHTSA has no safety recalls for the 2003 GMC Denali as of this update. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the latest status.
What is the most common problem with the 2003 GMC Denali?
Owners report electrical system problems most often (6 reports), followed by steering (5). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 50,000 miles.
Are GMC recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized GMC dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.