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2003 GMC Sierra 2500 Problems and Recalls

Owners filed 160 complaints with NHTSA about the 2003 GMC Sierra 2500, most often about the brakes (45% of complaints, typically around 76,000 miles). It is the most complained-about Sierra 2500 model year since 2000.

Complaints160
Recalls0
Crashes reported7
Fires reported4
Injuries reported4

Most common 2003 GMC Sierra 2500 problems

  1. Brakes

    72 complaints · 45%

    Half of these problems showed up before 76,000 miles. Parts named most often: foundation components, power assist, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip.

    The contact owns a 2003 GMC Sierra 2500. The contact stated while driving the service brake light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who performed a diagnostic test that located the failure within the brake and fuel lines. The brake and fuel lines were corroded which caused the brake fluid and fuel…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2011, at 76,000 miles
    The contact owns a 2003 GMC Sierra 2500 hd. While driving approximately 15 MPH, the contact depressed the brakes and the brake pedal abnormally traveled to the floorboard. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The tow truck driver noticed that brake fluid was leaking onto the rear axle. The…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2012, at 76,000 miles

  2. Electrical

    36 complaints · 23%

    Half of these problems showed up before 92,000 miles. Parts named most often: instrument cluster/panel, wiring.

    Speedometer , fuel gauge etc. Went at 93,000 miles. GMC knows of this problem and will only fix it on a limited basis. Not every one was informed of this problem and they will only fix it if you are under 70k miles.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2008, at 92,000 miles
    Tl contact owns a 2003 GMC Sierra 2500 hd. The contact stated that the instrument panel failed and prevented him from knowing how fast he is traveling, or any other pertinent information. The dealer stated that there was no recall for the failure. The VIN and recall number were unknown. The failure mileage was 90,000.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2008, at 90,000 miles

  3. Fuel system

    15 complaints · 9%

    Half of these problems showed up before 118,500 miles. Parts named most often: delivery, storage.

    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…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2015, at 118,736 miles
    Tl contact owns a 2003 GMC Sierra 2500 hd. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired two months ago for the fuel filter housing, which caused the vehicle to immediately stall. Since july 3, 2009, the failure has been recurring while driving 20 MPH. Gm stated that they did not have any parts available to repair…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2009, at 117,000 miles

  4. Transmission

    13 complaints · 8%

    Half of these problems showed up before 42,000 miles. Parts named most often: transfer case (4-wheel drive), driveline, automatic transmission, axle assembly.

    Vehicle started to make noise. Consumer took the vehicle to the dealer to have the tires checked. Front tire axle nut was found to be loose. Also, the rotors and bearings had to be replaced.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2004, at 43,000 miles
    Front brake lines failed on boat ramp on 9/15/2010 rear brake lines failed on 7/20/2011, transmission lines fail on 5/10/2012 I am sure gas lines are next. Truck is a complete rust bucket underneath.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2012, at 41,000 miles

  5. Engine

    11 complaints · 7%

    Half of these problems showed up before 90,000 miles. Parts named most often: cooling system, engine, exhaust system.

    4 broken exhaust bolts on my 2003 serra 2500hd (pickup) v8 engine. Please watch the video of the same problem I have. Www.youtube.com/watch?v=0yg6wlbnzgi.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2011, at 90,000 miles
    The contact owns a 2003 GMC Sierra 2500 hd. The contact stated that while traveling various speeds, the vehicle suddenly stalled. The contact also mentioned that the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted about the failure. The failure mileage was…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2013, at 90,000 miles

  6. Steering

    10 complaints · 6%

    Half of these problems showed up before 53,000 miles. Parts named most often: gear box.

    2003-? GMC truck, steering intermediate shaft. Had shaft replaced at 17,000 miles due to rattle and thumping in steering column. Replaced again at 53,000 miles. Possible loss of vehicle control due to manufacture, engineering or design. Problem not corrected by gm only replaced with same type of shaft. Upon online…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2010, at 53,000 miles
    Power steering cooler and lines rusted through and leaking, engine oil cooler lines rusted through and leaking, transmission oil cooler lines rusted through and leaking. All had to be replaced. Work donea t GMC dealer.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2012, at 69,671 miles

  7. Body and structure

    5 complaints · 3%

    Parts named most often: body, frame and members.

    Many components under the truck are severely rusted. Two brake lines failed in august 2011 due to rust. The rest are ready to fail soon. The power steering line rusted out this month (december). Rust at sensors of ABS system causes erratic ABS operation.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2011, at 99,000 miles
    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, [phone]) where it was diagnosed that cheap metal was used on the vehicle. The vehicle was…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2018, at 120,000 miles

  8. Suspension

    5 complaints · 3%

    Parts named most often: front, rear.

    Vehicle started to make noise. Consumer took the vehicle to the dealer to have the tires checked. Front tire axle nut was found to be loose. Also, the rotors and bearings had to be replaced.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2004, at 43,000 miles
    On sierra 1500 hd, rear leaf spring washers routinely come loose and fall off, causing rear springs to slap excessively, causing rear of vehicle to shake excessively, making it more difficult to steer.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2006, at 25,000 miles

Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.

2003 GMC Sierra 2500 recalls

NHTSA lists no recalls for this model year.

Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.

Questions about the 2003 GMC Sierra 2500

What are the most common problems with the 2003 GMC Sierra 2500?
By NHTSA owner complaints: brakes (72 complaints, typically around 76,000 miles); electrical (36 complaints, typically around 92,000 miles); fuel system (15 complaints, typically around 118,500 miles).
How many recalls does the 2003 GMC Sierra 2500 have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2003 GMC Sierra 2500. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls in case one is issued later.
Is the 2003 a bad year for the GMC Sierra 2500?
It is the most complained-about Sierra 2500 model year since 2000, with 160 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.

Other GMC Sierra 2500 years

GMC Sierra 2500 problems by year