2003 GMC GMC Truck
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 2003 GMC GMC Truck. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
18 complaints
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Engine and engine cooling · Power train · Service brakes, hydraulic
Brake lines, transmission lines and engine coolant lines all failing on 2003 GMC 2500 HD sierra as well as on 2004 chevy silverado HD 3500. these problems have caused numerous amounts of time to repair and replace, and today there was a catastrophic brake failure on the 2003 HD GMC which almost…
Brake lines, transmission lines and engine coolant lines all failing on 2003 GMC 2500 HD sierra as well as on 2004 chevy silverado HD 3500. these problems have caused numerous amounts of time to repair and replace, and today there was a catastrophic brake failure on the 2003 HD GMC which almost resulted in a deadly accident. these lines should not have rusted they way they are especially on two (2) different vehicles from the same manufacturer. these vehicles were produced with inadequate parts for all lines on the underside of vehicle. there should not be 1,000 plus complaints from consumers regarding the rusting of these components, of which have caused several major and life safety issues. the brake lines are an integral part of any vehicle and to have them rust thru to the degree of all the complaints there IS obviously an issue with the component the manufacturer installed on these vehicles. between our 2003 and 2004 GMC and chevy trucks respectively, we have replaced all of the transmission coolant lines in both vehicles, oil engine line in 1 vehicle, ready to change in other vehicle due to rust, and now brake lines in the 2003 and will need to replace in 2004 due to rust as well. the entire underside components are completely rusted through. in addition, the straps that hold the fuel tank are also needing to be replaced due to rust. *Tr
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel · Fuel system, other
I have a 2003 GMC sierra 4WD truck and the speedometer cluster IS bad. I see that thousands of other people have the same problem. The speedometer register erratically and sometimes stays on 0 mph while driving down the highway. I here the fuel gauge IS next to go bad. These two problems together…
I have a 2003 GMC sierra 4WD truck and the speedometer cluster IS bad. I see that thousands of other people have the same problem. The speedometer register erratically and sometimes stays on 0 mph while driving down the highway. I here the fuel gauge IS next to go bad. These two problems together on a busy highway can and will cause accidents where someone will get hurt or killed. Gm has agreed to recall these vehicles with under 70,000 miles and 5 yrs. Old. This does nothing to this safety problem but lower the odds a little bit. What about the safety of the balance of owners of the remaining vehicles and every person on us highways? Doesn't anyone care? Please look into this safety problem for it happens all of the sudden. This failure happens and then it works fine off and on or it just totally fails all at once. You have no idea how fast you are driving which affects public safety and running out of fuel on a snow covered or dry freeway or rte. And not being able to steer the truck can definitely cause accidents. People have no clue when or where these problems will occur. I hope that you are also concerned about the vehicles with this problem on the roads with more than 70,000 miles and older than 5years. I am a certified automotive mechanic and have been for 30 years. What scares me IS the older the vehicle the more chance of hydraulic brake lines failing from rust and not knowing if they are driving too fast for conditions with a brake line failure IS going to happen if not already. Please protect everyone and yourself from general motors corporation's shotty recall. *Tr
- Electrical system
Speedometer failure in 2003 GMC sierra, I feel that this type of failure should be considered a saftey defect and be covered by the gm corp. I have been fighting with the corp for the past three months to cover this it was a defective stepper motor in all the instrument clusters and the part number…
Speedometer failure in 2003 GMC sierra, I feel that this type of failure should be considered a saftey defect and be covered by the gm corp. I have been fighting with the corp for the past three months to cover this it was a defective stepper motor in all the instrument clusters and the part number was xc5-168 the new part number IS x25-168 why was this never considered a saftey recall, IS the speedometer not considered part of the safety recalls on our roadways? The fact that I can drive down the highway at "according to my speedometer" at 120 mph and cars are passing me, or the fact that I might be doing only 30mph in the same situation, IS this not considered part of a saftey recall? It IS and has been known that these steppers motors in the instrument clusters has been bad, and not the fault of any driver but the fault of the gm corp., do we have to wait until someone IS killed by something like this thinking that ther only doing 30mph but in fact are running down the road at 80mph.... sure the more experienced driver might know the differencebut what about the less experienced, like your child? I would never want this to happen, and you have to admit that it could, something should be done about this... A saftey recall, not just some service bulletin, that the dealer mails to some of the owners, if in fact they have the name on file, someone could have bought this used for thier child. under speedometers on ebay there IS proof that the clusters are bad, guys are fixing them with the new stepper motors, why IS this not gm's responsibility? *Tr
- Power train › Transfer case (4-wheel drive)
Transfer case has holes in it & fluid leaked out. *tr
- Power train › Automatic transmission
I purchased a 2003 GMC sonoma for my son, in july of 2003 and we have had nothing but problems with it. we were told yesterday we need a new transmission and was quoted a price from $1,500.00-$2,500.00. we are going to pay it because we still are paying a payment on it and cannot afford to get…
I purchased a 2003 GMC sonoma for my son, in july of 2003 and we have had nothing but problems with it. we were told yesterday we need a new transmission and was quoted a price from $1,500.00-$2,500.00. we are going to pay it because we still are paying a payment on it and cannot afford to get another vehicle. my question IS isn't general motors responsible for the products they sell. I do not have an american vehicle and I would like to buy american but they do not stand behind their products. *jb
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
Speedometer fails to work. *tr
- Steering › Rack and pinion
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 GMC truck. the contact heard a clicking noise coming from the left side of the vehicle. the sound IS similar to that of a shock that has failed. the failure occurred one year after the vehicle was purchased. the rack and pinion has been replaced five times. the…
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 GMC truck. the contact heard a clicking noise coming from the left side of the vehicle. the sound IS similar to that of a shock that has failed. the failure occurred one year after the vehicle was purchased. the rack and pinion has been replaced five times. the bearings and shocks have also been replaced. over one year later, the failure has recurred. the dealer has made nine unsuccessful attempts to diagnose the cause of failure. gm stated that the failure could be related to the steering gears and advised the dealer to replace them instead of looping the gears. the manufacturer also authorized the dealer to replace the shock and spring mounts. there was an attempt to repair the bearing gear inside the rack and pinion, but the failure continued. the vin and fuel system were unavailable. the contact has copies of the related invoices. the current mileage IS 33,000 and failure mileage was 12,000.
- Equipment
My 2003 GMC sierra 2500hd just started having speedometer problems. All of a sudden I was driving down a country road traveling about 45 mph but my speedometer said I was going 90 mph. Then it all of a sudden went to 120 mph and eventually it pegged out completely. When I turn my engine off all of…
My 2003 GMC sierra 2500hd just started having speedometer problems. All of a sudden I was driving down a country road traveling about 45 mph but my speedometer said I was going 90 mph. Then it all of a sudden went to 120 mph and eventually it pegged out completely. When I turn my engine off all of the other gages go off but the speedometer stays at 120 mph +. Sometimes it fluctuates between 70 and 120 + but it IS never correct. This seems like a huge safety issue and it appears from reading online that there are tons of other people out there with the same problem. This seems like something tha GMC should fix for free considering the safety issues. We dont have the money to spend on something that IS obviously the manufacutrers fault.
- Power train › Automatic transmission
03 GMC sierra got used in aug 06 with 31000 miles now has 36000 miles and transmission has clunk between 2 &3 gears from all the research I have done it seems this IS happening to lots of people I will bring this to gm`s attention because it still under GMC certified warranty but I don`t think it will get me anywhere please help. *nm
- Tires › Tread/belt
Firestone steeltex radial tires lt245-75-r16 isn't anybody listening to all of us regarding these tires? I have just spent hrs. Reading complaints and I know we have never been contacted except through firestone (of course they want to stop what ever complaints continue) a trip to firestone…
Firestone steeltex radial tires lt245-75-r16 isn't anybody listening to all of us regarding these tires? I have just spent hrs. Reading complaints and I know we have never been contacted except through firestone (of course they want to stop what ever complaints continue) a trip to firestone dealership ended with blame on the truck. I have a complaint odi #10166588. I am amazed that these tires have not been recalled. firestone did tell me they were "discontinued" last year. how many people have to die before someone does something??????? *nm
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Loud clunk in drivetrain when transmission upshifts 2-3 and downshifts 3-2. vehicle IS 2003 GMC pick-up truck 4X4. dealer #1 replaced driveshaft. no change. dealer #2 diagnosed the clunk as a momentary torque reversal of the output shaft when the clutch IS applied and the 2-4 band…
Loud clunk in drivetrain when transmission upshifts 2-3 and downshifts 3-2. vehicle IS 2003 GMC pick-up truck 4X4. dealer #1 replaced driveshaft. no change. dealer #2 diagnosed the clunk as a momentary torque reversal of the output shaft when the clutch IS applied and the 2-4 band released. see gm information bulletin #01-07-30-042c (sept. 27, 2005) gm says this IS normal and no repairs should be attempted. this constant clunking IS not normal and IS aggravating to the driver and owner. a new vehicle should be free of mechanical defect as the warranty states. this condition may be worse in 4X4 vehicles due to tolerances in the transfer case. gm will not rectify this defect while under original warranty. it IS their duty to sell a defect free vehicle. I have discussed this problem with gm, bbb, a truck dealer and a transmission repair shop. my conclusion IS that a reprogramming of the bands in the transmission case will correct this defect. gm IS not willing to make this remedy available to the vehicle. my expectation IS that the vehicle should be defect free during warranty period. the standoff! the federal government should protect the unwitting buyer from the failures of auto makers to warrant a defect free product as they claim when they sell the product. otherwise, it IS a gross misrepresentation of a promise and fraud. *Jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
I noticed since I bought my 2003 GMC envoy that the motor would race in the am upon starting. I took this as normal until the racing never stopped one day. I took it to my local gm dealer and they informed me the fan clutch had failed and repaired it for over 700$. Upon research later on this part…
I noticed since I bought my 2003 GMC envoy that the motor would race in the am upon starting. I took this as normal until the racing never stopped one day. I took it to my local gm dealer and they informed me the fan clutch had failed and repaired it for over 700$. Upon research later on this part I noticed people saying these are failing at a regular basis. Now, I'm not a mechanic, but I think had I not the knowledge I do of automobiles, I would have continued to drive and possibly could have had a major engine failure of some sorts. This could have resulted in a serious incident on the roads. My vehicle had only 40,000 miles on it. Not many, considering the important of operation of this part. *nm
- Parking brake · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc
Dt: consumer states: parking brake does not work properly, it will not work when inclined on a hill, facing backwards. Took vehicle to the vehicle to the dealer, and dealer said that it was normal, they said they used a different system from the disc brakes.*ak
- Tires › Tread/belt
While driving 55 mph tread separated and wrapped around the axle on rear driver's side tire. Consumer had the vehicle towed. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. firestone at, p265/75r16. *ak
- Exterior lighting › Headlights
Hid headlights especially driving lights on GMC cars are too bright! Driving two lane roads at night are something I avoid if I can.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine · Power train › Automatic transmission
Missing and they seem not able to fix it some times it shifts hard other times it backfires it has been in the shop twice all they can say IS the computer shows nothing and that how the engine runs and that IS unacpectable to me for a new truck. *la
- Structure › Body › Bumpers
Rust developing on rear section of front bumper, 2003 GMC sierra 1500 pickup. *ak
- Vehicle speed control
Purchased 2003 GMC sierra denali with the 6.0L engine. the accelerator pedal can be depressed part way without any change to the engine rpms, causing the driver to press the pedal even further. this could be dangerous: a) delayed vehicle response when depressing gas pedal, b) driver depressing…
Purchased 2003 GMC sierra denali with the 6.0L engine. the accelerator pedal can be depressed part way without any change to the engine rpms, causing the driver to press the pedal even further. this could be dangerous: a) delayed vehicle response when depressing gas pedal, b) driver depressing the pedal too far causing the vehicle to lurch forward. took the vehicle to the dealer, response was that this IS within specs. not all 2003 sierra denali's are like this, some have immediate response when depressing the pedal. *nlm
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10042986General motors: information provided by bulletin for all 2012 and prior general motor trucks and passenger vehicles regarding the adjustable comfort and custom upholstery of the driver and the passenger head restraint.
- 10037570Gm: on some truck models there IS some frame corrosion. Updated on 5/2/2012.
- 10032462Saab/hummer/gm: diagnostic tips/recommendations when power steering pump replacement IS necessary. Analysis of returned power steering (ps) pumps that had been replaced for noise, no power assist, no or low pressure and leaking conditions has indicated a high number of no trouble found results. All 1997-2010 vehicles and light trucks; 2010 and prior hummers H2/H3 and saab 9-7X vehicles.
- 10003734Replacement of factory-equipped tires with LT rated tires. Full-size 1500 series utility trucks.
- 10003636New tech line software available to reduce indicator bulb illumination by 65% due to reports that the instrument cluster highbeam indicator IS too bright. 2003 chevrolet, GMC and cadillac full-size pick-up and utility trucks.
- 10002746New transmission oil cooling system flushing tool. 1998 and 2003 chevrolet and GMC medium duty trucks equipped with 4l80e automatic transmissions.
- 10002537New calibration released under tis 2000, version 2.0 to address the remote keyless entry inop concern on 2003 model year full-size pick-ups, full-size utilities and hummer H2 vehicles built between december 23 and january 23, 2003.
- 10001891A clunk noise coming from under the hood that also can be felt in the steering wheel.
- 10001875New outside rearview power camper mirrors, on 2003 full-size pick-ups may not fully extend and a clicking noise may be heard.
- 10001873Engine fan rubbing noise during turns, more commonly found on left turns on 2003 st pick-ups and class style utilities.
- 637351Subject regarding the Y92 special edition package for the 2003 hummer H2 with options Y92 or VS1 and V33.
- 637347Subject regarding 2003 hummer H2 accessories.
- 637346Subject regarding 2003 hummer H2 loose windshield to a-pillar moldings.
- 637344Subject regarding white stains on the rear end gate, license plate pocket or bumper cover of the 2003 hummer H2.
- 637332Subject regarding 2003 hummer H2 vehicles with option 1SC having an upper chrome trim piece on the license plate pocket.
- 637331Information on servicing a gap between the headliner and the sunroof trim molding on 2003 hummer H2.
- 637329Information on requesting 2003 hummer H2 owners manual.
- 637311Subject regarding feedback on H2.
- 636573Subject regarding the new model features seminar.
- 634683Information regarding engine crankcase flush for 2003 and prior gm cars and trucks and isuzu light and medium duty trucks with gasoline engines.
- 634208Customer satisfaction program regarding engine oil contamination for certain models including the 2003 GMC medium duty.
Every GMC GMC Truck model year
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