2003 GMC Envoy XL
Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2002 | 70 |
| 2003 | 228 |
| 2004 | 187 |
| 2006 | 109 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
17% of complaints: electrical system — 39 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 65 MPH, THE THIRD ROW FLOOR GOT REALLY HOT AND MY CHILDREN WERE SAYING THEIR FEET WERE REALLY HOT AND WE SMELLED SOMETHING LIKE PLASTIC MELTING AND MY 15 YEAR OLD COUSINS BOOT MELTED AND THE CARPET MELTED AND YOU CAN...
NHTSA ODI report, 20180626
11% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 24 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
MY DAD WAS DRIVING HIS 2003 GMC ENVOY XL HOME FROM WORK AND HE FELT A SMALL EXPLOSION AND SAW BLACK SMOKE OUT OF HIS REAR VIEW MIRROR. SO HE PULLED OVER, GOT OUT, AND THERE WERE FLAMES UNDERNEATH THE CAR. WITHIN 5-10 MINUTES THE CAR EXPLODED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130713
5% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 12 distinct reports on file.
5% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 12 distinct reports on file.
INJURY4% of complaints: visibility — 10 distinct reports on file.
INJURYShow complaint excerpts
MY 14 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER AND 11 YEAR OLD SON OPENED THE REAR GLASS HATCH TO GRAB A SHOPPING BAG OUT OF THE BACK. AS THE GLASS HATCH OPENED IT SHATTERED SPRAYING GLASS ON BOTH OF THEM CAUSING MINOR CUTS TO THEIR FACE, HANDS SCALP.
NHTSA ODI report, 20121214
SAFETY TIMELINE
FUEL SPILLAGE DURING REFUELING
CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES HAVE WINDSHIELD WIPER SYSTEMS THAT WILL NOT TURN ON, CEASE OPERATION WHILE IN USE, FAIL TO TURN OFF/ON BY THEMSELVES (MOISTURE SENSITIVE WIPER SYSTEM), OR HAVE CONTINUOU
Remedy: DEALERS WILL COVER THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MODULE VENT HOLE WITH A PATCH. ALSO, THE WIPER MOTOR, CIRCUIT BOARD, AND ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR WILL BE INSPECTED TO SIGNS OF WATER INTRUSION AND/OR CORROSION AN
Campaign 04V046000 — check if this car was fixed
BRAKE LAMP FAILURE
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, VIBRATION AND HEAT MAY CAUSE THE TAIL LAMP/STOP LAMP BULB TO LOOSEN IN ITS SOCKET. IF THIS OCCURS, THE BULB MAY FLICKER AND EVENTUALLY BECOME INOPERATIVE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TAIL LAMP/STOP LAMP ASSEMBLIES, AND IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THEM. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 22, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, OLDSMOBILE AT 1-8
Campaign 04V527000 — check if this car was fixed
CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES HAVE A REAR SIDE CLOSURE LATCH THAT MAY NOT LATCH OR UNLATCH DUE TO CORROSION CAUSED BY ROAD SPLASH, SUCH AS WATER AND ROAD SALT. THESE VEHICLES WERE ORIGINALLY SOLD IN
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SEAL ALONG THE LOWER PART OF THE ROCKER PANEL TO PREVENT INTRUSION OF CORROSIVE MATERIAL, AND INSPECT THE REAR SIDE CLOSURE LATCHES. FUNCTIONAL LATCHES WILL BE CLEANED AND LUBR
Campaign 05V494000 — check if this car was fixed
FUEL PUMP MODULE LEAKS GASOLINE
FUEL TANK LEAK
FUEL PUMP MODULE LEAKS GASOLINE
Loss of Headlights
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2003 GMC Envoy XL — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (39 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (24 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (12 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 04V046000 (visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 04V527000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 05V494000 (latches/locks/linkages) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2003 GMC Envoy XL reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 GMC Envoy XL?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 17% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2003 GMC Envoy XL have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.