2003 GMC Sierra: harsh or hard shifting

13 of the 206 complaints about the 2003 GMC Sierra describe harsh or hard shifting.

owner complaints: 13
of this car's complaints: 6%
typical mileage: 12,000
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 112 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Harsh or hard shifting by model year

2017
3
2010
1
2007
1
2005
1
2004
5
2003
13
2002
2
2001
1
2000
5
1999
6
1998
1
1997
3
1996
3
1991
1

What owners say

Filed Feb 18, 2007 · Electrical, Transmission · 3,000 miles · MD

The transmission clunks when shifting from 2nd - 3 rd and at times the engine will rev and finally it will take off, this has caused an issue when going through an intersection. The dealership attempted four repairs and it is not fixed. The issue started when the vehicle had 6k miles on it and it is getting worse. The speedometer is sporadic in that it will show speed reduction/increase in segments - as if it were sticking. The erroneous speed indication causes an issue when going too slow or too fast in traffic.

Filed Jan 16, 2007 · Steering · 10,100 miles · AZ

On 08/10/04 rattle or clunk can be felt in steering. Gmc service department verified concern and lubed the steering shaft. On 09/09/04 clunk in steering column came back. Gmc service department replace intermediate steering shaft, reference to bulletin 00-02-35-003f. This is a safety concern when so many vehicles are involved.

Filed May 17, 2006 · Steering · 49,108 miles · CA

Dt*: the contact stated while traveling at various speeds, the steering wheel felt loose. The problem was more obvious while turning or driving at lower speeds. This also caused the front end to make a clunking noise. The dealership replaced the intermediate steering shaft once and lubed the component three times. The problem returns after 10,000 miles.

Filed Mar 10, 2006 · Steering · 12,000 miles · IN

I own (2) 2003 gmc trucks and they both started this "clunking" noise in the steering. I have taken both of them back to the dealer to repair under warranty. The first time they just re-lubed the intermediate shaft in the steering. This worked for awhile, but the noise soon returned. I took them back again and this time they replaced the shaft. Again, the clunking noise has returned and it is getting louder. I am in the process of taking the trucks back in to have them look at them again. However, my warranties are about to expire. If this occurs out of warranty and it is not repaired again I feel that my steering is in jeopardy. The longer it goes the louder it gets. Something is causing this shaft to wear out.

Filed Feb 3, 2006 · Brakes, Steering · 19,010 miles · MA

My 2003 gmc sierra 1500 has a "clunking" sound, coming from the steering column, when I turn the steering wheel while the vehicle is moving. Also, my front brakes have a "rubbing sound" and the peddle gets "spongy" when I activate the brakes at a low speed.

Filed Oct 25, 2005 · Steering · 42,671 miles · MA

I bought the 2003 sierra new in 2003. After a short period of time a clunking occurred when going around gradual curves and over small bumps. When it got worse I brought it into the dealer and they said the steering shaft was low on lubricant. They filled it up no charge under warranty and the steering felt like new again. Not too long afterwards, the same problem happened, gradually at first then worsening. I brought it back to the dealer and they were going to replace the part this time instead of refilling it. That was covered under warranty and the steering felt good again. Now its october 25, 2005 and I am going to have to bring it in again for the same part problem. This time I am over the 36,000 mile warranty and have to pay for it. At this rate I will have to do this every year.

Filed Oct 11, 2005 · Transmission · 4,000 miles · AL

Transmission has "clunking" noise when vehicle shifts from second to third gear when starting and down shifting when stopping. The noise started at approximately 4000 miles and continues to progressively get louder as the vehicle continues to be driven. The transmission has not failed to operate at this time but expect it to fail sometime in the near future.

Filed Apr 4, 2005 · Steering · 25,000 miles · TX

Steering assembly knocks, clunks, rattles, can feel in the steering wheel and can hear audibly, especially at speeds under 30mph. Feels dangerous.

Filed Feb 6, 2005 · Steering · 31,500 miles · CO

Continued problems with intermediate shaft. Clunking noise and steering wheel pulse presents a driving hazard. Gm needs to fix the problem as the current tsb only provides a temporary remedy.

Filed Nov 3, 2004 · Transmission · 150 miles · NJ

I have a 2003 gmc sierra pickup.my problem is the transmission does not work properly.I had 150 miles on the vehicle when the trans blew,now a clunkling noise every time the vehicle shifts.gm calls this a downshift clunk noise and has issued a tsb requesting dealers not to attempt repair.this is a loud clunk which slams into the differential.I have contacted gm to no avail etc runaround. Is there any place to get help for me and possibly many others?

Filed Oct 19, 2004 · Steering · TX

Steering problems on my 2003 gmc sierra 1500hd. It makes a "clunk" sound when turning. It has been to the shop 4 times. The last time they installed an re-engineered steering column, but problems still persists.

Filed Feb 10, 2004 · Transmission · 2,800 miles · TN

2003 gmc sierra manual transmission - slop or clunk in drive train..