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2003 GMC Envoy lights problems

26 complaints (7% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 127,000.

owner complaints
26
of this car's complaints
7%
typical mileage
127,000
crashes
0
recalls
1

Which part fails

  • Turn signal: flasher unit
    1
  • Turn signal
    1
  • Tail lights: switch
    1
  • Headlights
    1
  • Brake lights
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

GMC Envoy lights problems in other years

19981999200020022003200420052006200720082009

Specific symptoms reported on the 2003 GMC Envoy lights

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Headlights 18

Related recalls

Exterior lighting: turn signalReported May 5, 2005 · 286,478 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain trucks and sport utility vehicles, the driver wishing to signal a turn by moving the directional signal lever, (up or down) may cause the front marker/turn lights and rear turn lights to flash in a manner similar to hazard warning, rather than flashing on the desired side only.
Risk
The driver may not be able to clearly signal their intentions to turn, change travel lanes, or potentially warn others of an impaired vehicle operating condition increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the suspect flasher modules with a new flasher module designed with sealed relays and more durable contact material inside of the relays free of charge. The recall began on august 4, 2005. Isuzu began mailing owner letters on august 4, 2005. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1‑800‑630‑2438, gmc at 1‑866‑996‑9463, isuzu at 1‑800‑255‑6727, buick at 1‑866‑608‑8080, and oldsmobile at 1‑800‑630‑6537.

Recall number 05V198000 · Recall details

Related investigations

Loss of HeadlightsOpened April 24, 2017, closed March 29, 2021

The subject vehicles are model year (MY) 2002-2009 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, 2004-2007 Buick Rainier, 2003-2008 Isuzu Ascender, 2005-2009 Saab 9-7X, 2002-2004 Oldsmobile Bravada, 2003-2006 Chevrolet SSR, 2005-2009 Buick Lacrosse, and 2006-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix. This scope includes the Trailblazer/Envoy variants: 2002-2006 Envoy XL/Trailblazer EXT and 2004-2005 Envoy XUV. The original scope of this investigation was expanded to include all vehicles equipped with the subject Headlight Driver Module (HDM). The focus of the investigation was to determine whether actions performed by General Motors adequately addressed any unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety in the subject vehicles concerning the headlights and the HDM that controls them.Under normal electrical load and environmental conditions, the HDM can overheat inside the Underhood Electrical Center (UEC). This can cause the module to fail and result in a simultaneous loss of both low beam headlights and both daytime running lights (DRLs), often with no warning or prior detectability to the driver. This failure can be intermittent or permanent. No other exterior lights are affected. High beams, turn signals, brake lights, and reverse lights are still operational.General Motors addressed this issue with 2 recalls (14V755 & 15V519) and a special coverage program (N172091910). In view of the recalls and special coverage program implemented by GM and the vehicle high beams continuing to operate, ODI has tentatively concluded that the actions taken by GM mitigate any unreasonable risk to safety posed by HDM failure in the subject vehicles.Accordingly, the investigation is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by the federal safety agency that a safety-related defect does not exist. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by new circumstances.The ODI reports cited above are available for review online at under the identification numbers in the attached document.

RQ17002

Brake lamp failureOpened August 3, 2004, closed November 4, 2004

Gm states that some brake/tail lamp bulbs can prematurely become inoperative due to malfunctioning brake/tail lamp sockets.on march 2, 2004, gm initiated a 6-year/72,000 mile special policy for 989,487 subject vehicles to inspect and replace the rear brake/tail lamp bulb socket assemblies.on april 4, 2004, the office of defects investigation (odi) opened a preliminary evaluation (pe04-032) based on consumer complaints alleging brake lights not operating when the brake pedal is depressed.on august 3, 2004 odi upgraded pe04-032 to an engineering analysis (ea04-021).by letter dated october 27, 2004 gm notified the federal safety agency that it will conduct a safety recall (the federal safety agency # 04v527) covering subject vehicles that were not already repaired under gm's special policy.my 2004 subject vehicles built after august 8, 2003 contain improved brake lamp assemblies and are not included in the recall.gm dealers will install the improved brake lamp assembly on subject vehicles built on august 8, 2003 and earlier.the action taken by gm is sufficient to resolve the issues raised by this investigation.accordingly, this investigation is closed.

EA04021

What 2003 GMC Envoy owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed May 27, 2024 · Lights · LA

ISSUE: Hazard Warning/Turn Signal Flasher Module Failure. DESCRIPTION: Right front and rear turn signal and right front and rear hazard warning not working outside or inside vehicle. Replaced burned out right front turn signal/hazard. Replaced right rear turn signal/hazard due to corrosion on base of bulb. Looked at fixtures when replacing and all appeared good but right turn signals and right hazard warnings still not operational outside or inside vehicle. AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION: Yes, upon request. RISK/DANGER: Cannot use right blinker or hazard warning flashers to notify approaching or oncoming vehicles of right turn or hazard which could cause other vehicles to crash into stopped or slowing vehichle. CONFIRMED: No. INSPECTED: Not by anyone other than myself [XXX] , daughter of [XXX] owner). ANY KIND OF WARNING & WHEN IT BEGAN: No warning or symptoms really, just didn't work one minute, then worked momentarily and then didn't work and has not worked since. Was taking vehicle in for required State inspection on when the above described issue occurred, so went back home so it would not fail inspection. Occurred during daytime hours. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Apr 5, 2023 · Electrical, Lights · IL

The contact owns a 2003 GMC Envoy. The contact stated that the headlights ceased to operate as needed. Upon taking the vehicle to a local Pep Boys, it was diagnosed that the electrical wiring harness was burned and needed to be replaced. Additionally, the bulbs needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back the local Pep Boys, who replaced the electrical wiring harness and the bulbs a second time; however, the failure persisted. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Sep 17, 2021 · Lights, Visibility · IL

Back door latches sticking/very hard to open and at times won’t open at all. Visibility from wipers is very limited and not good. Rear exterior lights at times flicker and bulbs come loose at times

Filed Oct 5, 2020 · Lights · 148,000 miles · PA

Headlights and brake lights went out at same time. High beams work, vehicle runs, has all powers. This happened when I left the house, while driving, noticed when it began to turn into early evening.

Filed Jan 23, 2020 · Lights · VA

When trailer is connected to the 7 way to box trailer connection trailer tail lamps do not light correctly. Brake and left turn signal lamps work properly. The right turn trailer lamp is partially lit when turn signal is not engaged. When right turn signal is engaged the left and right turn signals start flashing, brake lights work normal. This turn signal issue apply only when trailer electric circuit is plunged in to the trailer circuit. My understanding there was a recall regarding the flasher unit for the 2003 envoy vehicle turn signals. It appears the trailer circuit has a similar issue. Both the vehicle and trailer work off the same flasher module. See recall 05v198000. I plan to replace the flasher unit to correct this defect. If you never towed a trailer this issue would not be discovered. When towing a trailer driver could become confused when your making a right turn. This potentially could result in an accident. The trailer used was a 5x10 foot single axle box trailer with four wire electrical circuit. I had no issues when towed with a different make of truck. I did replaced both trailer tail light assembly and issue did not change.

Filed Oct 8, 2019 · Lights · 136,557 miles · TX

No damage to turn signal when I turn on left turn signal sometimes it doesn't work sometimes I can move steering wheel and it will come on for second other times nothing have to try to turn off and on sometimes works sometimes doesn't can not get a good reason why won't work. Have automotive experience at trouble shooting. Also nonsafety issue cruse control on blinker on same switch intermittent working

Filed Aug 12, 2018 · Electrical, Lights · 154,000 miles · IL

The lights come on by themselves and drains the battery. Two batteries have been installed. The car has had road service jump starts 3 times in 2 wks. The lights come on themselves when they'r'e off. The alternator was checked and is good. The vehicle was parked in a garage when this occurred and 1 time in a parking lot.

Filed Jun 12, 2018 · Electrical, Lights · 70,000 miles · PR

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 gmc envoy. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. In addition, the headlights failed to illuminate while driving at night. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing or repairs. The manufacturer was not notified of the failures. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.

Filed Oct 20, 2017 · Lights · 135,000 miles · IN

The standard headlamps inconsistently and often shut off. The bright lamps remain working, thank goodness. This happens usually when in motion, or right when the ignition is turned on. Weather does not seem to be a factor.

Filed Jan 25, 2017 · Lights · 125,000 miles · IN

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 gmc envoy. On three separate occasions, the low beam headlamps failed without warning. When the passenger's side turn signal was activated, the four-way hazard indicator illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure was intermittent. The vehicle was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 05v198000 (exterior lighting). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 125,000.

Questions about the 2003 GMC Envoy lights

Does the 2003 GMC Envoy have lights problems?

Owners have filed 26 complaints about the lights of the 2003 GMC Envoy, 7% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2003 GMC Envoy lights problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 127,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2003 GMC Envoy lights?

Yes, 1 recall: 05V198000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the GMC Envoy have the most lights problems?

The GMC Envoy model years with the most lights complaints are 2007 (55 complaints), 2006 (48 complaints) and 2005 (45 complaints).

Other 2003 GMC Envoy problems

Fuel system 94Electrical 77Visibility 40Airbags 37Transmission 37Engine 35Body 33Brakes 26Suspension 19Seat belts 15Steering 15Acceleration 10Locks 10Tires 4Seats 3Driver assistance 2Wheels 1

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