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2003 GMC Sonoma Problems and Recalls

Owners filed 39 complaints with NHTSA about the 2003 GMC Sonoma, most often about the brakes (18% of complaints, typically around 35,000 miles). It is 4th of 5 Sonoma model years by number of complaints and has 1 recall.

Complaints39
Recalls1
Crashes reported2
Fires reported1
Injuries reported2

Most common 2003 GMC Sonoma problems

  1. Brakes

    7 complaints · 18%

    Half of these problems showed up before 35,000 miles. Parts named most often: conventional, foundation components.

    : the contact stated while driving 35 MPH attempting to apply brake pressure the vehicle was involved in a crash and the frontal airbags did not deploy. The driver was wearing a seat belt and a police report was filed at the scene. The vehicle sustained frontal damage and was able to be driven home. The dealership was…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2006, at 35,000 miles
    About a year ago had one steel brake linbe bust because of rusted. Now today in my yard hit brake pedal right to floor again. Rusted brake line again. Have other brake lines rusted very bad.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2013, at 43,239 miles

  2. Body and structure

    6 complaints · 15%

    Parts named most often: body, frame and members.

    Driving over a speed bump I heard my spare tire hit the ground with the support cable and other metal pieces. Looked under the truck and found that the cable just snap.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2010, at 135,000 miles

  3. Transmission

    5 complaints · 13%

    Parts named most often: driveline, axle assembly, manual transmission.

    It has been determined that water has contaminanted the oil in the rear differential causing a mechanical failure. I have been informed that my extended warranty does not cover this issue even though GMC is aware that problem with a vent tube location is one source for water infiltration. I have a GMC document with…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2006, at 50,700 miles
    While driving on the pa turnpike the driveshaft fell out of the bottom of the truck and dented various parts underneath the truck. After having the driveshaft replaced a click still occurred with the back of the truck. The mechanic believed it was a problem with the entire back axle.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2007, at 72,995 miles

  4. Doors and locks

    5 complaints · 13%

    Parts named most often: doors.

    : the contact stated the rear left door handle detached and moved freely when the contact attempted to open the door. This prevented the door from being opened from the outside. The vehicle was taken to a private repair shop, who was unable to determine the cause of the problem. The door handle had previously been…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2006, at 6,980 miles
    The 3rd door latch on chevrolet/GMC extended cabs is subject to failure with fewer than 1000 openings. I am quadriplegic and store my wheel chair using the space; and have had 2 failures in less than 1 year. Reading blocs it has been a continued reported issue. Since there is only the one door release, and I have been…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2007, at 31,198 miles

  5. Fuel system

    4 complaints · 10%

    Parts named most often: storage, delivery.

    Fuel filler neck regularly allows gasoline to overflow while filling the gas tank. I have taken the vehicle to the dealer twice and contacted the manufacturer. General motors and the dealer told me there is nothing that can be done. The fuel filler neck has been narrowed to comply with emission standards. I owned a…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2003, at 12,500 miles
    The contact owns a 2003 GMC Sonoma. While driving approximately 45 MPH the "check engine" warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for inspection. The technician stated the failure was contributed to the fuel system; tank assembly filler pipe. The repair was…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2009, at 54,348 miles

  6. Equipment

    4 complaints · 10%

    Parts named most often: other.

    My 2003 GMC Sonoma just quit starting(standard), so I pushed it to get it home, I went to a friends house the next day( it started), when I got ready to leave the truck wouldn't start again and I smelled something burning, (my wife had kept telling me she smelled rubber burning) well the wires under the dash were on…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2005, at 46,350 miles

  7. Visibility and wipers

    3 complaints · 8%

    Parts named most often: windshield wiper/washer, defroster/defogger/hvac system.

    Windshield wipers stop in center of windshield when on, usually at early morning startup. Windshield wipers park in center of windshield. Rental vehicle.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2003, at 15,000 miles
    Tl contact owns a 2003 GMC Sonoma. The contact stated that the defroster failed in the vehicle. The dealer stated that they needed a new havac control head, three mode actuators, and the storage tank and switch line needed to be flushed out. The current mileage was 102,000 and failure mileage was 100,000. Updated…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2008, at 100,000 miles

  8. Seats

    3 complaints · 8%

    Parts named most often: front assembly.

    Dt: the rail on which the seat slides has a sharp edge. On, monday the vehicles wife cut her leg on this sharp edge. She had to have 15 stitches for the cut. The problem has been reported to the dealer or manufacturer.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2005, at 25,000 miles
    Dt: the contact stated the seat frame will slide backward. He believed the locking mechanism broke. The repairs have not been done.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2005, at 35,000 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 Sonoma recalls

  1. Equipment: labels

    NHTSA 04V132000 · March 18, 2004 · 183,922 vehicles

    Risk: Some of these vehicles include incorrect statements on one of the air bag warning labels.

    Fix: Owners will be provided with correct labels and installation instructions. Owner notification began on june 4, 2004. Owners should contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or gmc at 1-866-996-9463.

    Full defect summary

    Certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 208, "occupant crash protection."

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 Sonoma

What are the most common problems with the 2003 GMC Sonoma?
By NHTSA owner complaints: brakes (7 complaints, typically around 35,000 miles); body and structure (6 complaints); transmission (5 complaints).
How many recalls does the 2003 GMC Sonoma have?
1 recall listed by NHTSA, the latest from March 18, 2004 (equipment). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
Is the 2003 a bad year for the GMC Sonoma?
It is 4th of 5 Sonoma model years by number of complaints, with 39 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 Sonoma years

GMC Sonoma problems by year