2003 GMC Sierra 2500: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 160 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is service brakes, hydraulic (25% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jun 2006
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 160 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Blower motor resistor does not operate. Upon inspection, harness and final stage are damaged due to excessive heat. I need to replace both components because I fear it will cause a fire. Many posts on the same thing. Why is there nothing done about this? My bmw had same issue but it was a recall on their cars. Why is it not a recall on gm? Is it because they are an american car company?”Owner report · Electrical System · Mar 2019
“The horn quits working and this creates a huge safety issue. Online search shows this is a common problem and the dealer is unable to fix it.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jan 2019
“Complaint involves reduced power mode while driving. This has become a safety concern because of the rapid drop in speed while driving. It is unsafe trying to exit traffic lanes with no response from throttle pedal and appears to be a common problem with drive by wire vehicles produced by general motors. Vehicle has been to dealership twice with no resolution of the problem. This failure has occurred at various speeds, times of day, temperatures etc. It will enter reduced power once to twice a day. Thank you for your time.”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Jan 2018
Show 7 more owner reports
“Brake failure upon slowing down at off ramp. Avoided accident but had total brake failure. Pulled into parking lot, checked fluid levels, were ok, tried brakes again and they were working. Have not had a problem since.have heard reports of similar nature. Some think it is a problem in the valving.hope you can find a cure.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Jul 2017
“I was driving on I 75 doing 70 mph I had to come to a sudden stop I applied brakes and there was no brakes., I ended up putting truck in the ditch to avoid serious accident. It ended both brake lines from master cylinder both blew up from corrosion these lines went to the ABS module. I was some what injured. *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes · Oct 2016
“ABS comes on at low speed.. It increases stopping distance.. I have once rear ended a vehicle because of this. There was no damage to either vehicle.. Also my ABS light come on for a few seconds maybe two or three times a month..”Owner report · Service Brakes · Sep 2016
“Brake line failed, no brakes while heading for a red light. Drive off road till vehicle stopped. Brake line from master cylinder to ABS control , rotted out. Upon further inspection, all brake lines are rotted out. My mechanic states they all need to be replaced, it will happen again.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Apr 2016
“Severely rusted brake lines that split. Main line from master cylinder to ABS module and rear line just inboard of lh rear tire. Pedal went to the floor on city street when driving.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Dec 2015
“Brake line rusted through and lost all braking capability. Luckly it happened pulling into my driveway and not on the highway! Fuel lines rusted through and leaking fuel puddling onto the ground.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Jul 2015
“The front and rear bumpers have rusted so bad that they have big holes in them. I was told I have to replace them both before I can get an inspection sticker on the pick up, at the cost of over $1000.00 for parts and labor. I have seen many more pick ups with the same rusted bumpers. Is there a recall for bumper replacement on these pickups?? *tr”Owner report · Structure · Oct 2014
When filing, owners marked a crash in 7 of these complaints and injuries in 4 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 3 campaigns
CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.
Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
CERTAIN FEDERAL-MOGUL NATIONAL AND CARQUEST AFTERMARKET HUB ASSEMBLIES, P/N 515058, SOLD FOR USE ON 2001-2006 GENERAL MOTORS 1500 AND 2500 4WD TRUCKS. ON THE SUBJECT HUB ASSEMBLIES, THE ABS SENSOR CORD DEPARTS FROM THE HUB ASSEMBLY AT A 90 DEGREE ANGLE. AS A RESULT, THERE IS A FIT ISSUE WITH THE BRAKE ROTOR DUST SHIELD INTERFERING WITH THE ABS SENSOR CORD. IF THE HUB ASSEMBLY IS INSTALLED DESPITE THIS INTERFERENCE, THE GAP BETWEEN THE ABS SENSOR AND THE TONE WHEEL MAY BE ALTERED. THIS MAY WEAKEN THE OUTPUT OF THE ABS SENSOR. DIMINISHED OUTPUT COULD RESULT IN AN UNWANTED ABS ACTIVATION AT LOW SPEEDS AND STOPPING DISTANCE COULD BE AFFECTED.
Remedy: FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY ITS OWNERS AND WILL EITHER CREDIT THE CUSTOMERS ACCOUNT OR REPLACE THE UNIT. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JUNE 2006. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-563-8507 EXT 3530.
CERTAIN FABTECH AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT PITMAN ARMS, P/NOS. FTS71000 AND FTS71001, INSTALLED FOR USE ON CERTAIN 2001-2006 GM C/K 2500 PICK UP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE PIN LOCATED INSIDE THE PITMAN ARM CAN SHEAR OFF DUE TO A REVERSE BENDING FATIGUE CONDITION, RESULTING IN A TOTAL LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL.
Remedy: FABTECH WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE PITMAN AND IDLER ARMS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING FEBRUARY 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FABTECH AT 909-597-7800.
How other years compare
Check your exact Sierra 2500 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2003 GMC Sierra 2500 reliable?
NHTSA has 160 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 2003 GMC Sierra 2500. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic (25% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2003 GMC Sierra 2500 problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 76,000 miles or less.
Does the 2003 GMC Sierra 2500 have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning fuel system, gasoline. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.