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2003 GMC Sierra 1500 problems

The most common problem on the 2003 GMC Sierra 1500 is brakes, typically around 77,448 miles. It has fewer complaints than a typical Sierra 1500 model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
77/100
Owner complaints
180
Recalls
1
Service bulletins
181
Worst area
Brakes
Fuel economy
13-16mpg

The worst 2003 GMC Sierra 1500 problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Brakes
    105
  • Electrical
    43
  • Steering
    15
  • Airbags
    7
  • Fuel system
    7
  • Engine
    6
  • Transmission
    6
  • Body
    4
  • Visibility
    4
  • Lights
    2
  • Seat belts
    2
  • Suspension
    2
  • Acceleration
    1
  • Tires
    1

Specific symptoms reported on the 2003 GMC Sierra 1500

Brake failure 38ABS 16Harsh shifting 5

Recalls 1

Equipment adaptive/mobilityReported November 26, 2004 · 1,660 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain vans equipped with sure-lok wheelchair securement systems, the sprocket teeth of the retractor assembly is out of alignment.
Risk
In the event of a vehicle crash, the wheelchair may not be adequately secured possibly resulting in injuries to a wheelchair occupant.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the wheelchair securement retractors as necessary. Sure-lok will handle the repairs for this campaign. Owners should contact sure-lock at 1‑908‑231‑1804 or mobilityworks at 1‑800‑769‑8267.

Recall number 04V562000 · Recall details

See all 1 recalls for the 2003 GMC Sierra 1500

Technical service bulletins for the 2003 GMC Sierra 1500 181

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 181 bulletins for the 2003 GMC Sierra 1500

2003 GMC Sierra 1500 fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
4.3L 6‑cylRWD141916
4.8L 8‑cylRWD1418-1915-16
5.3L 8‑cylRWD1317-1815
4.3L 6‑cyl4WD131714-15
4.8L 8‑cyl4WD131614
5.3L 8‑cyl4WD12-131614
6.0L 8‑cyl4WD111513

What 2003 GMC Sierra 1500 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jan 8, 2024 · Airbags · MI

Unknown

Filed Jun 11, 2023 · Electrical · NM

An accident has not occurred yet, but it something I'm concerned deeply about. Awhile back there was a recall on the instrument cluster of the gmc Sierra 1500 (possibly othets on the list, im sure). I did wind up having the cluster replaced, there didn't seem to be any issues at the time. Now...the replacement cluster has gone haywire. I notice no issues with operations at this time. But the cluster doesn't register certain things or it fluctuates on and off, or doesn't read correctly at all. Is it possible that the replacement could have been bad as well?

Filed Apr 20, 2019 · Brakes · 90,000 miles · MD

Hydraulic brake lines corroded causing leaks and brake failure

Filed Feb 2, 2019 · Brakes · 76,000 miles · TN

76000 miles; issue ongoing beginning in november 2018 on dry pavement at low speed (under 10 MPH) braking is compromised by ABS system engagement issue. Below 10 MPH, the ABS system engages causing dry pavement braking to be double or triple the normal distance to stop prior to the ABS issue. This is a safety issue since ABS system pulsing of the brakes at slow speeds on dry pavement is unexpected. At a stop sign/crosswalk, this has caused a very close encounter. Vehicle has less than 80000 miles and has been serviced routinely by a certified mechanic. Replacement/service of ABS speed sensors and rust issue did not correct the problem. I have never been contacted regarding the recall that exists for this issue. Require assistance to determine why a vehicle with this mileage has this obvious safety issue and gm has provided no relief.

Filed Jul 8, 2018 · Brakes · 203,000 miles · IL · crash

While driving approximately 35 MPH in town, the vehicle in front of me signaled to make a left hand turn. I began to slow down the vehicle and then I lost all brake pressure. I was unable to stop the truck to avoid an accident due to complete brake failure! There were no previous lights or warning signals notifying of a brake problem prior to this. The warning light came on after the accident. The brake fluid reservoir was full. After further investigation, it appears that the brake lines were corroded causing the brake failure.

Filed Jun 5, 2018 · Brakes · 127,600 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 gmc sierra 1500. While driving approximately 15 MPH in a parking lot, the contact slammed on the brake pedal to avoid another vehicle that abruptly pulled in front of his vehicle. The brake pedal traveled to the floor without stopping the vehicle immediately. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The dealer was not called; however, the contact spoke to a technician who stated that he could repair the failure by cutting out the rotted section of the brake line and replacing it with a new section. The failure was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and did not assist. The failure mileage was 127,600. The VIN was not available.

Filed Apr 30, 2018 · Brakes · 82,000 miles · MI

Loss of brakes due to rusted through brake lines. While pulling a trailer with pontoon boat, all of a sudden when stopping I suddenly had no brakes. Just came off the freeway but was going slow when the failure occurred. Need to replace now. Also, rusted through power steering lines. Already replaced. Also, rusted trans cooler lines. Will need to replace soon.

Filed Nov 30, 2017 · Engine · 80,000 miles · WI

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 gmc sierra 1500. When the vehicle was started, exhaust fumes entered the vehicle. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to john paul's buick gmc (3615 s 108th st, greenfield, wi 53228 (414) 482-6246) where it was diagnosed that there was a fractured exhaust manifold gasket. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer stated that they could not assist the contact because there was no recall issued for the vehicle. The failure mileage was 80,000. .*bf consumer stated wife smelled exhaust fumes, consumer cannot smell and was getting headaches after driving. Problem is from the exhaust fumes. Updated 8/15/18

Filed Jun 13, 2017 · Engine · 46,000 miles · VA

My 2003 gmc sierra 1500 presently has 67,631 miles on it. With about 46,000 miles on my truck at the end of 2011, I noticed low coolant, but could not find a noticeable leak. I continued to add coolant, but could never find the leak. While having my oil changed in june 2016, the dealer (where vehicle had been purchased and serviced) said coolant had leaked into the oil due to a cracked cylinder head, and estimated approx $3500 to fix it. In dec 2016, they recommended replacing the engine at $6600. In researching this problem, I found gm service bulletin #06-06-01-019b, 12 june 2007, subject information on gradual coolant loss over time with no evidence of leak found. It discusses a known manufacturing defect with castech heads used in the 5.3l vortec engine as I have in my truck. Subsequent online searches indicated this was a common problem among such gm engines. I went back to the dealer with the service bulletin and asked what gm would do to assist in the repair of this known manufacturing defect. The dealer said the vehicle wasn't under warranty so they wouldn't do help. I requested assistance through the gm regional rep, and was also told they would do nothing. In march 2017, I wrote a letter to gm customer assistance center requesting assistance. Gm responded with a letter two weeks later stating that for service request number 8-2815264552, they "cannot provide any cost assistance on the engine issue on the vehicle." further they stated there is no recall or special coverage for the issue. The faulty casting of the castech cylinder head in the 5.3l vortec engine is a known defect in about 5 years of gm vehicles which gm refuses to acknowledge to customers, but clearly acknowledges through its service bulletin. Gm should provide a recall or at least financial assistance to correct this known defect.

Filed Jun 5, 2017 · Brakes · 117,000 miles · MI

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 gmc sierra 1500. The contact observed an abnormal sound from the rear brakes without warning. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer (betten baker gmc located at 749 w main st, lowell, mi, 49331) where it was diagnosed that the rear brakes had failed. The vehicle was repaired. Two weeks later, the contact observed a puddle under the front driver door and realized it was brake fluid. In addition, the contact observed that the paint on the frame was failing and was wet due to the excessive leakage of the brake fluid. The contact researched online to see the complaints on his vehicle and found a closed investigation due to brake line corrosion under the federal safety agency action number: ea11001 (brakes). The vehicle was not diagnosed again. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 117,000.

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Compare the 2003 GMC Sierra 1500

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Other model years

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Questions about the 2003 GMC Sierra 1500

Is the 2003 GMC Sierra 1500 reliable?

Owners have filed 180 complaints about the 2003 GMC Sierra 1500, fewer than a typical Sierra 1500 model year.

What is the 2003 GMC Sierra 1500 year score?

The 2003 GMC Sierra 1500 scores 77 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the GMC Sierra 1500: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2003 GMC Sierra 1500?

Brakes, with 105 complaints, typically around 77,448 miles. Next is electrical (43).

How many recalls does the 2003 GMC Sierra 1500 have?

1 recall, covering equipment adaptive/mobility.

What year does the GMC Sierra 1500 have bad brakes?

The GMC Sierra 1500 model years with the most brakes complaints are 2015 (229 complaints), 2014 (144 complaints) and 2000 (131 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2003 GMC Sierra 1500 get?

Official estimates for the 2003 GMC Sierra 1500 range from 13 to 16 mpg combined. The most efficient version (4.3L 6-cyl, RWD) gets 14 city and 19 highway.

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