2003 GMC Sierra 2500
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › GMC › Sierra 2500 › 2003
These records cover every 2003 GMC Sierra 2500. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
3 recalls name the 2003 GMC Sierra 2500. Newest first.
Certain federal-mogul national and carquest aftermarket hub assemblies, p/n 515058, sold for use on 2001-2006 general motors 1500 and 2500 4WD trucks. on the subject hub assemblies, the ABS sensor cord departs from the hub assembly at a 90 degree angle. as a result, there IS a fit issue with the brake rotor dust shield interfering with the ABS sensor…
Risk and remedy
Risk
If stopping distance IS limited, a vehicle crash could occur.
Remedy
Federal-mogul will notify its owners and will either credit the customers account or replace the unit. the recall IS expected to begin during june 2006. owners can contact federal-mogul customer service at 1-800-563-8507 ext 3530.
Certain replacement fuel filters, fram brand name p/n g3727, with date codes x52911 through x60801 sequentially or x600141 and a mexico country or origin marking on the fuel filter housing manufactured from october 18, 2005, through march 21, 2006, sold for use on the vehicles listed above and on certain school buses. (to see the school bus engine sizes…
Risk and remedy
Risk
This condition may cause an inadequate seal at the connection, potentially leading to a fuel leak. In the presence of an ignition source, a fire could occur.
Remedy
Honeywell will notify owners and replace the fuel filters free of charge. the recall began on october 18, 2006. owners may contact fram customer service at 1-800-890-2075 (option 1).
Certain fabtech aftermarket replacement pitman arms, p/nos. Fts71000 and fts71001, installed for use on certain 2001-2006 gm c/k 2500 pick up trucks and sport utility vehicles. the pin located inside the pitman arm can shear off due to a reverse bending fatigue condition, resulting in a total loss of steering control.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Loss of steering control could lead to a vehicle crash with potential injury or death.
Remedy
Fabtech will notify owners and replace the pitman and idler arms free of charge. the recall IS expected to begin during february 2006. owners may contact fabtech at 909-597-7800.
Owner complaints
160 complaints7 involved a crash4 involved a fire4 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Fuel/propulsion system · Steering
Had injectors replaced under warranty at 50000 miles after noticing excess exhaust smoke on startup and also power steering hoses were leaking, again at 105000 miles they totally failed as I was bringing my wife home from hospital on I-15 in ca. Up cajon pass and had to be towed to dealer, but gm…
Had injectors replaced under warranty at 50000 miles after noticing excess exhaust smoke on startup and also power steering hoses were leaking, again at 105000 miles they totally failed as I was bringing my wife home from hospital on I-15 in ca. Up cajon pass and had to be towed to dealer, but gm dealer would not cover injectors under warranty as truck was11 years old and their coverage was for 7 years only, now again had to have them replaced at 147000 miles because of excessive smoke on startup. This time I went to an independent shop as they were $1000 cheaper and stated these upgraded injectors should last 150000 miles not 50000. Had to have power steering hoses replaced again also along with power brake servo because they were leaking again at 157000 miles. I have all of this documented in writing by service depts.
- Electrical system
Blower motor resistor does not operate. Upon inspection, harness and final stage are damaged due to excessive heat. I need to replace both components because I fear it will cause a fire. Many posts on the same thing. Why IS there nothing done about this? my BMW had same issue but it was a recall on their cars. Why IS it not a recall on gm? IS it because they are an american car company?
- Unknown or other
The horn quits working and this creates a huge safety issue. Online search shows this IS a common problem and the dealer IS unable to fix it.
- Service brakes · Steering
Brakes are spongy not right power steering whines as do brakes
- Structure › Body
TL* the contact owns a 2003 GMC sierra 2500 HD. The contact stated that the entire bottom of the truck bed was rusted, including the fuel tank. The vehicle was taken to a dealer (freedom chevrolet, 7052 w 48TH st, fremont, mi 49412, 321-403-0016) where it was diagnosed that cheap metal was used on…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 GMC sierra 2500 HD. The contact stated that the entire bottom of the truck bed was rusted, including the fuel tank. The vehicle was taken to a dealer (freedom chevrolet, 7052 w 48TH st, fremont, mi 49412, 321-403-0016) where it was diagnosed that cheap metal was used on the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and did not provide any additional information. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
- Vehicle speed control
Complaint involves reduced power mode while driving. This has become a safety concern because of the rapid drop in speed while driving. It IS unsafe trying to exit traffic lanes with no response from throttle pedal and appears to be a common problem with drive by wire vehicles produced by general…
Complaint involves reduced power mode while driving. This has become a safety concern because of the rapid drop in speed while driving. It IS unsafe trying to exit traffic lanes with no response from throttle pedal and appears to be a common problem with drive by wire vehicles produced by general motors. Vehicle has been to dealership twice with no resolution of the problem. This failure has occurred at various speeds, times of day, temperatures etc. It will enter reduced power once to twice a day. thank you for your time.
- Electrical system · Electronic stability control (esc) · Exterior lighting
GMC 2500 diesel HD sle sierra rearwheel drive instrument panay IS inoperative. have to use iphone for speed and guess at gas effecting cruise control interior lights fan speed and cd player
- Service brakes
Brake failure upon slowing down at off ramp. Avoided accident but had total brake failure. Pulled into parking lot, checked fluid levels, were ok, tried brakes again and they were working. Have not had a problem since.have heard reports of similar nature. Some think it IS a problem in the valving.hope you can find a cure.
- Service brakes
I was driving on I 75 doing 70 mph I had to come to a sudden stop I applied brakes and there was no brakes., I ended up putting truck in the ditch to avoid serious accident. It ended both brake lines from master cylinder both blew up from corrosion these lines went to the ABS module. I was some what injured. *tr
- Service brakes
ABS comes on at low speed.. It increases stopping distance.. I have once rear ended a vehicle because of this. There was no damage to either vehicle.. also my ABS light come on for a few seconds maybe two or three times a month..
- Service brakes
Brake line failed, no brakes while heading for a red light. Drive off road till vehicle stopped. Brake line from master cylinder to ABS control , rotted out. Upon further inspection, all brake lines are rotted out. My mechanic states they all need to be replaced, it will happen again.
- Engine · Power train
TL* the contact owns a 2003 GMC sierra 2500. While driving at any speed, the vehicle stalled, lost power, and the service engine light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was unable to diagnose the failure. The failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 GMC sierra 2500. While driving at any speed, the vehicle stalled, lost power, and the service engine light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was unable to diagnose the failure. The failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to take the vehicle to a local dealer for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 180,000.
- Fuel/propulsion system · Service brakes
Brake line rusted through and lost all braking capability. luckly it happened pulling into my driveway and not on the highway! fuel lines rusted through and leaking fuel puddling onto the ground.
- Fuel/propulsion system
TL* the contact owns a 2003 GMC sierra 2500. The contact stated that after inspecting the vehicle, he noticed that the oil level was elevated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the fuel injectors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 GMC sierra 2500. The contact stated that after inspecting the vehicle, he noticed that the oil level was elevated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the fuel injectors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred after approximately 30,000 miles and the vehicle was emitting smoke. The vehicle was repaired with new fuel injectors but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 209,000.
- Service brakes
Severely rusted brake lines that split. main line from master cylinder to ABS module and rear line just inboard of lh rear tire. pedal went to the floor on city street when driving.
- Service brakes
I was moving the vehicle in the driveway when the break pedal went to the floor. the truck stopped so I got out and looked under it and saw break fluid pouring out of a break line that had completely rusted through. the former owner had already had another break line replaced because his breaks…
I was moving the vehicle in the driveway when the break pedal went to the floor. the truck stopped so I got out and looked under it and saw break fluid pouring out of a break line that had completely rusted through. the former owner had already had another break line replaced because his breaks had ruptured due to the lines rusting through while driving at highway speeds and towing a fifth wheel camper. he was able to avoid wrecking and came to a stop. this truck has low miles and about 90% of its use has been during the summer so it has had limited contact with salted roads yet the entire undercarriage of the vehicle IS rusting at an incredible rate. I am fortunate that I was simply moving the truck rather than hauling my camper on the highway which IS it's typical use; I and/or others could have been severely injured or killed. the rusting through of the break lines IS a safety issue!
- Electrical system · Fuel/propulsion system
(Electrical) as an ongoing issue, the dashboard gauges/indicators (i.e. Tach, speedometer, etc..) will sometimes not register until several minutes after the vehicle has been running (this could be for up to miles) it has not affected vehicle performance to date. (fuel/propulsion system) I have…
(Electrical) as an ongoing issue, the dashboard gauges/indicators (i.e. Tach, speedometer, etc..) will sometimes not register until several minutes after the vehicle has been running (this could be for up to miles) it has not affected vehicle performance to date. (fuel/propulsion system) I have begun having issues where it goes into "reduced engine power". further diagnostic attempts have led me to believe that it IS due to a faulty throttle position sensor (part of the throttle body), tac module, or app assembly (accelerator pedal). most likely cause may be due to the throttle position sensor, as this issue has happened when the vehicle IS on "cruise control". however, due to the inferior design of the throttle body unit itself, the manufacture has made it difficult or if designed to be impossible to replace just the tps, by riveting the tps to the throttle body, and may have to replace the whole throttle body. I am having the vehicle serviced for a complete diagnostic and repair, and will elaborate further upon successful repair if desired. *tr
- Service brakes
Came to intersection for turn, broke and pedal went to floor. *tr
- Fuel/propulsion system
TL* the contact owns a 2003 GMC sierra 2500. While driving various speeds, the contact noticed excessive fumes coming from the exhaust of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer. The technician diagnosed that four fuel injectors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, however, the failure recurred on multiple occasions. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 118,736.
- Structure › Frame and members › Underbody shields
The front and rear bumpers have rusted so bad that they have big holes in them. I was told I have to replace them both before I can get an inspection sticker on the pick up, at the cost of over $1000.00 for parts and labor. I have seen many more pick ups with the same rusted bumpers. IS there a recall for bumper replacement on these pickups?? *tr
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings · Power train › Automatic transmission › Cooling unit and lines · Service brakes
Brake line leaks, brake stopped working because of rusted brake lines. also fuel and transmission lines are rusted badly. *tr
- Service brakes
Complete brake failure while pulling a 10000 pound trailer in camp ground. The brake lines under the drivers side broke appeared to be corrosion. Truck was towed to repair location. All brake lines were replaced, cost $ 950 dollars. *tr
- Service brakes
II put new brake calipers on my truck today and had my wife pumping the brake peddle as I bled the brakes and got to the last caliper rears then the 2 fronts when she told me the brake peddle was not holding like it was , and then smoke came out from under the truck and I looked underneath & seen…
II put new brake calipers on my truck today and had my wife pumping the brake peddle as I bled the brakes and got to the last caliper rears then the 2 fronts when she told me the brake peddle was not holding like it was , and then smoke came out from under the truck and I looked underneath & seen brake fluid everywhere below drivers door the fluid under pressure blew over against the hot engine components as u have to run engine when bleeding the lines lucky I guess it did not catch fire, but after I got on the internet trying to find a replacement I found that IS a common problem , I did see the other lines looked bad also the fuel lines looked the same good thing it happened in the driveway at home . Maybe would have been better off if it burnt down , g.m should fix all of these problems with these trucks on their dime as much as these trucks cost. !! *tr
- Engine · Fuel system, diesel
I own a 2003 GMC duramax 167000 miles, it has been a great truck until recently, after engine gets hot it will not start back up until it has cooled off! Have not been able to find the problem yet, but found a lot of complaints online from people with the same problem, [injectors], very expensive to repair!!! This problem IS very frustrating, would be great if general motors would correct this problem!!!! *tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
TL* the contact owns a 2003 GMC sierra 2500 HD. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 mph, the brake pedal traveled to the floorboard when depressed. The vehicle eventually came to a stop and was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that both rear brake lines were…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 GMC sierra 2500 HD. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 mph, the brake pedal traveled to the floorboard when depressed. The vehicle eventually came to a stop and was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that both rear brake lines were corroded and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the defect. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000. updated 08/12/2014*lj
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.
- 11010544This service bulletin explains how to measure for oil consumption and possible reasons for loss of oil.
- 11007208This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire calibration for tires that have been sized, tested and designed for the vehicle in question and its applications. Technician should not use the information that is provided by the antilock braking system tire size selection.
- 11006621Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). The updating of modules is completed in parallel instead of the technician needing to update one module at a time. This allows a more streamlined approach for dealers and customers.
- 11006421GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or inadequate packaging or shipping. This bulletin advises the dealers to be more careful not to damage the transmissions during removal and to package the core properly for return.
- 11004761This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
- 11004557This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
- 11002312This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and resolution information.
- 11000576This Warranty Administration bulletin provides retail and wholesale service personnel with the policies/procedures and the warranty transaction submission procedures that support the Personal Property Damage process.
- 10252735This bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement fasteners with conductive finish.
- 10252163XM Audio Traffic And Travel Link Availability And Operation.
- 10251890This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
- 10251887This bulletin advises the technician of possible location of an internal coolant leak from a specific cylinder head and location.
- 10250775This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system.
- 1025004605500 ignition distributor system corrosion inspect / replace
- 10250012Duramax Diesel Glow Plugs Difficult to Install Due to Carbon Buildup - New Glow Plug Bore Reamer Available
- 10249980This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vibration complaints that are one of the most challenging complaints to accurately diagnose and repair. Technician will need to use Pico Oscilloscope Diagnostic Kit to effectively diagnosis vehicles. Technician should drive the vehicle will using the Pico Oscilloscope to record data. After the data is recorded it should be reviewed to determine the root cause of the concern. If a repair attempt made the concern better but not eliminated or had no affect at all, and are requesting assistance from General Motors Technical Assistance Center record another Pico file and save it to the computer. After the new Pico Oscilloscope data has been saved email the data to General Motors Technical Assistance Center in the subject line include ?Vibration? ?Business Associate Code? and the last 8 of the Vehicle Identification Number.
- 10249590This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
- 10249579This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10249011This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage.
- 10248444Vehicle Recalls
- 10247780This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
- 10247748Speedometer Needle Accuracy Information.
- 10247747Speedometer Needle Accuracy Information
- 10247681Information On Requests To Add OnStar Bluetooth Option.
- 10247552This service bulletin provides information on Concerns or Questions Regarding Installation of Dealer Installed Accessories.
- 10247093Speedometer Needle Accuracy Information.
- 10247092Speedometer Needle Accuracy Information
- 10246952Programming And Activation Of Replacement OnStar Modules.
- 10246951Programming And Activation Of Replacement OnStar Modules.
- 10246647Pre-Formed and Pre-Flared Hydraulic Brake Pipe Kits Now Available for Service
- 10246645Pre-Formed and Pre-Flared Hydraulic Brake Pipe Kits Now Available for Service
- 10246631Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- 10246499Duramax Diesel Glow Plugs Difficult to Install Due to Carbon Buildup - New Glow Plug Bore Reamer Available
- 10245951Canadian Customers Unable To Place Calls And Turn By Turn Inoperative In The United States.
- 10245950Canadian Customers Unable To Place Calls In The United States
- 10244274This service bulletin provides information about the Hunter wheel Road Force balancers that should be utilized for all repairs requiring balance and Road Force measurement.
- 10244214This informational bulletin provides information for the IPC odometer programming method quick reference guide.
- 10244201This service bulletin provides information for dealers on how to submit a product information report (PIR) (Canada Only).
- 10242843The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the customer that it is normal for the delay.
- 10242298This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308 and/or P050D
Every GMC Sierra 2500 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.