The vehicle is kept in a garage and when outside I use a screen protector. The dash and many other interior parts of the car are simply falling apart
The worst 2003 GMC Sonoma problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Brakes7
- Body6
- Locks5
- Transmission5
- Fuel system4
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Brakes7
- Body6
- Locks5
- Transmission5
- Fuel system4
- Seats3
- Tires3
- Visibility3
- Acceleration2
- Airbags2
- Engine2
- Suspension2
- Electrical1
- Steering1
Recalls 1
Equipment: other: labels
- What is wrong
- Certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 208, "occupant crash protection."
- Risk
- Some of these vehicles include incorrect statements on one of the air bag warning labels.
- Remedy
- 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.
Recall number 04V132000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2003 GMC Sonoma 411
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.
- This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating...
- This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the...
- This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire...
- Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles
- GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities
- This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves...
- This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as...
- This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS)...
- This Warranty Administration bulletin provides retail and wholesale service personnel with the...
2003 GMC Sonoma fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.2L 4‑cyl | RWD | 17-19 | 23-25 | 19-22 |
| 4.3L 6‑cyl | RWD | 15 | 21-22 | 17 |
| 4.3L 6‑cyl | 4WD | 12-14 | 17-18 | 14-15 |
What 2003 GMC Sonoma owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
I took my vehicle to amreican tire depot on 5/23/18. I had two flat tires and a bent rim, I explained what I needed and they confirmed. Daniel who assisted me informed me he had to sell me four times because my tires were worn. I said that was fine although my tires were not that bad. I was charged $419.80 and told to return in a few days to get the rim and fourth tire, mean while they would put the spare on so I could drive my truck. I agreed approximately one week later I called and spoke to daniel, who stated he would call me back. I waited a few days with no call back. I again called and asked to speak to daniel however he was not in. I asked to speak to the manager and eric got on the phone and stated he was the store manager. I explained the situation, eric stated he would have daniel call me back the next day. A few days after that conversation I called back and asked to speak with the district manager, again I got eric on the phone who stated the district manager was on vacation and he was acting as the district manager in his absence. I again ended my conversation without a resolution. I then called al mendoza who is the district manager. Al stated he was not on vacation as eric stated but did take "a few" days off. I informed him of the situation and he stated his employees did nothing wrong, however he would look into it and get back to me. A few days passed and nothing. On 6/20/18 o received a call stating my tire and rim were ready to be picked up. I went to the store at approximately 5:53 to get my tire put on. I was charged an additional $96.53. When my truck was ready I was called over and given the keys. I looked in the bed of my truck and noticed my spare tire in the bed of my truck. I asked them to place my spare back under the bed in its location since that is where they got it from. The tire person stated he did not have the tools to put the tire back where it belonged. I informed him they put it on my truck. Job not done
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 gmc sonoma. While driving approximately 55 MPH, the air bag light illuminated on and off without warning. The failure recurred and was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 81,000.
While driving the truck the brakes failed, pedal going to the floor. Took the truck to a repair shop and they stated that all the brake lines were rusted through, and more importantly, where the leaf springs attached to the underside of the car was completely rusted and the truck was unsafe to drive. The shop could not repair the car, and knew no one locally who could repair the car. There have been numerous rust issues with the truck over the years as follows: spare tire mounting rusted through and the spare tire flew off the truck in traffic; the fuel line had to be replaced twice due to rust; and the rear brakes rusted and had to be replaced three times.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 gmc sonoma. The contact stated while he drove 73 MPH the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact was able to coast onto the emergency lane. The local mechanic performed a diagnostic test and was unable to locate a failure code. The vehicle was taken to a second dealership for additional inspection that advised that the spark plug and the fuel cap needed to be replaced. The spark plug and fuel cap was replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure and current mileage was 92,984. Updated 07/28/14 ma updated 07/29/14
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.
2003 gmc sonoma. Consumer states while driving the support cable holding the spare tire rusted through and the tire fell off, rolled down the road and hit another car *tgw the consumer stated no damage was done and the police were not notified.
Windshield wipers stop operating unexpectedly. They will then begin operating again after being turned off for period of time. Recently in early april 2011 at about 91,000 miles. They stopped working shortly after starting the truck before leaving the parking lot.
There are 4 latches on 2003 gmc sonoma truck and three impact personal safety. Tailgate does not as person does not ride in truck bed. The passenger door latches are metal. The side door latch is plastic and broke and has been replaced twice.both time same defect. In emergency if person in jump seat can't get out due to defective door latch. Fourth latch is seat reclines via latch. Handle has broke. If seat reclines person in jump seat has trouble exiting vehicle. If seat is in recline person cannot operate vehicle safely. Latches are plastic.
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.
Compare the 2003 GMC Sonoma
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Questions about the 2003 GMC Sonoma
Is the 2003 GMC Sonoma reliable?
Owners have filed 39 complaints about the 2003 GMC Sonoma, fewer than a typical Sonoma model year.
What is the 2003 GMC Sonoma year score?
The 2003 GMC Sonoma scores 82 out of 100 (good). The score compares it with the other model years of the GMC Sonoma: 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 Sonoma?
Brakes, with 7 complaints, typically around 35,000 miles. Next is body (6).
How many recalls does the 2003 GMC Sonoma have?
1 recall, covering equipment.
What year does the GMC Sonoma have bad brakes?
The GMC Sonoma model years with the most brakes complaints are 1994 (136 complaints), 1995 (84 complaints) and 1996 (52 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2003 GMC Sonoma get?
Official estimates for the 2003 GMC Sonoma range from 14 to 22 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.2L 4-cyl, RWD) gets 17-19 city and 23-25 highway.
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