2003 GMC Sierra 1500 HD problems

Filed Jan 28, 2015 · Brakes, Engine · 165,000 miles · OR

I am an ase master technician, I own an auto/truck repair facility. We are a state of oregon authorized deq repair facility, state of oregon das fleet repair facility, us army base vehicle repair shop and more. Driving my truck to tacoma washington. I was towing a vehicle on in the right slow lane, and "reduced engine power" light came on. Engine vibrated and runs on 1/2 cylinders. Cannot brake or steer, total lack of power. Semi-truck nearly rear ends me as I cannot go over 10 MPH. No throttle response, period. I was in road construction zone and everyone was slamming on their brakes to avoid pile-up as I had no shoulder to pull over to. A mile or so later I pulled over, and shut off truck. Restarted few minutes later and cel was on, but reduced engine power lights out. I continued my drive, but now cautiously. It happened 3 more times getting to tacoma, and 5 times returning back to pdx. Now afraid of truck. I finally arrived to my shop the next day and scanned. Codes read maf fail, tps fail. Replaced throttle pedal assy, throttle body with position sensor, wiring to the throttle body, checked grounds, replaced battery and more as stated by gm tech's. Still happens every day. Seems like under low acceleration, engine bucks then cel appears and reduced engine power returns. Gm has no offers or explanations for repairs. I am a certified ase master technician and have never seen or heard of this until I went online to see if this happens to others. This is a major problem with most gm owners in the "fly by wire" type of vehicles. No fixes, no help from gm. This has and is still occurring even today 1/27/2015 with no fixes. Vehicle is being parked until further notice as this vehicle is dangerous to drive. Ase master technician #[xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).'

Filed Apr 2, 2014 · Electrical, Engine · 115,000 miles · TX

I experience an intermittent problem with my truck that flashes an error code "reduced engine power". This is tied to error code p1516. Usually this problem occurs in colder parts of the year, and on a cold soaked engine, but it has happened other times as well. As soon as the error occurs the throttle shuts and leaves the vehicle with only inertia to attempt to get off the road. This has happened to me on the interstate, and though I have not had an accident yet, I do consider it dangerous. I have taken the vehicle to my local dealer and independent mechanics, and they have been unable to resolve the problem. This seems to be a widespread problem without a solution.

Filed Feb 22, 2014 · Electrical · 150,000 miles · CA · fire

A fire in the dash board in the middle of the night while the vehicle was parked in our back yard drive way. Dash board area melted where the head unit and cigarette lighter is located. Burned the head liner where a compartment was. The windshield cracked from the inside/outward. Burned spots on the seats from the dash board burning. Everything in the front of the cab is black. All windows were up and truck was locked. Fire happened in the middle of the night when we were all asleep. We drove the truck on 2/20/14, with no problems. Parked it in the drive way about 5:30 pm on 2/20/13. Next morning saw that the windshield was cracked, but facing outward. Opened the door and was in shock. This truck is vary special to us. It belonged to our son that past away 1/10/2013. Can't seem to find if there was any recalls for 2003 sierra 1500 hd crew cab.

Filed Dec 28, 2013 · Brakes · 84,000 miles · VA

Brake line failure due to excessive corrosion of the line. After replacing the line myself, I performed a test run and yet another line failed due to the corrosion problem. The issue has been addressed by general motors in canada, but has not been addressed in the us. I feel that ten years and only 84,000 miles is not an acceptable timeframe/mileage to be experiencing brake line corrosion failure in the state of virginia. In fact the entire undercarriage of the vehicle is corroded far worse than my 2000 honda civic which has 175,000 miles on it. General motors should be forced to address the corrosion issues with the sierra pickup line in the us.

Filed Nov 12, 2013 · Transmission · 120,000 miles · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 gmc sierra 1500 hd. The contact stated that while entering the driveway at various speeds, the vehicle failed to respond to deceleration attempts. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted about the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000.

Filed Aug 14, 2013 · Brakes · 82,000 miles · FL

Rusty brake lines failed upon application of brakes while towing a boat immediately causing complete loss of stopping ability. I had to have the lines replaced in a small shop due to location and lack of dealerships. Vehicle is meticulously maintained and only has 82000 miles.

Filed Mar 20, 2013 · Brakes · 123,500 miles · PA

Extremely well cared for vehicle - always serviced at gm dealership, and recently safety state inspected. Brake line ruptured under truck cab leading to rear wheels. Complete loss of brake pressure. Complete loss of brakes. Inspection of brake line at the frame where rupture occurred reveals all lines leading to the rear of the vehicle are so corroded and rotten that I should be grateful this didn't occur at highway speed, otherwise, I would not be making this complaint. This failure should not be happening to a vehicle of this age and mileage.

Filed Nov 16, 2012 · Electrical · 102,000 miles · FL

I received a letter from general motors a few years ago about a speedometer defect. The letter extended the manufactures warranty to 7 years 80,000 miles on the gauge cluster due to defects. The letter said in bold underlined words not to bring the truck in if it is not experiencing any problems. It is now past the extended warranty and the speedometer is not working. It is stuck at 80mph and will not move. I took it to the gmc dealership and gm will not fix the unit since it is to old. I believe it is very dangerous not to know how fast you are going, this is a known problem by gm and gm has not had to have a recall on the unit? Gm should have a recall for all the affected cars and trucks with this known problem.

Filed Sep 8, 2011 · Engine · 99,500 miles · MI

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 gmc sierra 1500 hd. The contact stated that the bolts on the manifold were fractured and caused leakage through the exhaust emission before going to the catalytic converter. The dealer was notified who advised replacing the bolts and manifold. The manufacturer was notified who stated there were no recalls and offered no further assistance. The failure mileage was 99,500. The consumer stated he first heard a ticking sound coming from the engine. He eventually found the exhaust manifold heads broken off the bolt shanks. He then found evidence due to leaking of the exhaust, gas carbon deposits on the engine by the manifold's broken bolts. Updated 10/14/11

Filed Aug 1, 2011 · Brakes · 34,000 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 general motor sierra 1500 hd. The contact stated while driving 55 miles per hour, the vehicle would not come to a complete stop until the brakes were applied repeatedly. The contact noticed the vehicle was leaking break fluid which LED to the discovery of a rusting brake line. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer, and the manufacturer was not contacted. The failure and current mileage was 34,000.