GMC Envoy XL Problems by Year
NHTSA has 594 owner complaints and 8 safety recalls on file for the GMC Envoy XL, across 4 model years (2002–2006). The 2003 model year has the most complaints (228). The most reported problem area overall is electrical system.
GMC Envoy XL years to avoid? What the complaint data shows
These model years drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical Envoy XL year: 2003. Look at what owners reported before buying one, and check the VIN for open recalls.
Model years with the most complaints
- 2003 Envoy XL: 228 complaints, 3 recalls
- 2004 Envoy XL: 187 complaints, 1 recall
- 2006 Envoy XL: 109 complaints, 5 recalls
Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold or how long each year has been on the road, so newer and less popular years naturally have fewer complaints. Use them to spot problem patterns, not as a safety ranking.
Most common GMC Envoy XL problems (all years)
| Problem area | Complaints | Model years | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System problems | 170 | 4 | 3 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline problems | 142 | 4 | 0 |
| Power Train | 54 | 4 | 1 |
| Visibility | 47 | 4 | 0 |
| Exterior Lighting | 42 | 4 | 3 |
| Structure | 36 | 4 | 2 |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 35 | 4 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 27 | 4 | 0 |
| Air Bags | 23 | 4 | 15 |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 23 | 4 | 0 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 21 | 4 | 2 |
| Engine | 13 | 4 | 0 |
| Equipment | 13 | 4 | 0 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 13 | 4 | 2 |
| Steering | 13 | 4 | 0 |
| Suspension | 13 | 4 | 1 |
| Tires | 12 | 3 | 0 |
| Seat Belts | 10 | 4 | 3 |
| Fuel System, Other | 8 | 2 | 0 |
| Electronic Stability Control (esc) | 7 | 3 | 0 |
| Seats | 6 | 2 | 0 |
| Visibility/wiper | 6 | 4 | 0 |
| Wheels | 4 | 2 | 1 |
| Interior Lighting | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Service Brakes | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Service Brakes, Air | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Traction Control System | 1 | 1 | 0 |
GMC Envoy XL problems by model year
Problem areas with enough reports for their own page.
- 2006: fuel system, gasoline (59)
- 2004: electrical system (81)
- 2003: electrical system (53) · fuel system, gasoline (50)
All GMC Envoy XL model years
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls | Crash rating | Top problem | Compared with other years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 Envoy XL | 109 | 5 | — | Fuel System, Gasoline | Fewer complaints than other years |
| 2004 Envoy XL | 187 | 1 | — | Electrical System | More complaints than other years |
| 2003 Envoy XL | 228 | 3 | — | Electrical System | Far more complaints than other years |
| 2002 Envoy XL | 70 | 3 | — | Electrical System | Far fewer complaints than other years |
More from GMC: all GMC models · GMC VIN decoder
Frequently asked questions
Which GMC Envoy XL years should you stay away from?
By NHTSA complaints, 2003 (228) drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical Envoy XL year. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, and newer years have had less time to collect complaints.
What is the biggest problem with the GMC Envoy XL?
Electrical System, with 170 complaints across 4 model years.
How many recalls does the GMC Envoy XL have?
8 safety recalls across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.