2003 GMC Sierra 2500
This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.
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
- 160
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Service brakes
Campaigns on file for 2003
None on file
46% of complaints
Complaints per year
2003: 160 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1994 | 1 |
| 1997 | 14 |
| 1998 | 15 |
| 1999 | 36 |
| 2000 | 48 |
| 2001 | 134 |
| 2002 | 134 |
| 2003 | 160 |
| 2004 | 143 |
| 2005 | 115 |
| 2006 | 66 |
| 2007 | 83 |
| 2008 | 63 |
| 2009 | 31 |
| 2010 | 10 |
| 2011 | 63 |
| 2012 | 30 |
| 2013 | 46 |
| 2014 | 30 |
| 2015 | 89 |
| 2016 | 59 |
| 2017 | 37 |
| 2018 | 35 |
| 2019 | 32 |
| 2020 | 79 |
| 2021 | 51 |
| 2022 | 45 |
| 2023 | 32 |
| 2024 | 104 |
| 2025 | 28 |
| 2026 | 14 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Service brakes
46% · 73 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic and electric.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2016-11-28
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..
NHTSA ODI report, 2016-10-04
Brakes are spongy not right power steering whines as do brakes
NHTSA ODI report, 2019-02-01
Electrical system
23% · 36 reportsMost commonly citing instrument cluster/panel and interior/under dash.
Show complaint excerpts
The vehicle has had failure of the air conditioner and heating. Resulted in fired in the dash board wiring twice. Had been in the shop for heating and air conditioner eight times.
NHTSA ODI report, 2006-06-11
Power train
10% · 16 reportsMost commonly citing transfer case (4-wheel drive) and driveshaft.
Steering
6% · 10 reportsMost commonly citing shaft sector.
Show complaint excerpts
2003 GMC 2500HD durmax truck. When you apply brakes hard the steering locks up and you can't turn. GM says this is standard operating for this truck. This truck has ABS. ABS gives you the ability to steer while breaking.
NHTSA ODI report, 2004-01-11
Suspension
4% · 7 reportsMost commonly citing leaf and wheel bearing.
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2003Complaint volume 160 complaints filed for this model year.
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2006-10-18Fuel system, gasoline06E043000 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…
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).
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Date not on fileSteering06E010000 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.
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.
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Date not on fileService brakes, air06E050000 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.
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.
Buy-smart checklist
2003 GMC Sierra 2500 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Service brakes: 73 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 36 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 16 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 06E010000 · Steering
- Recall 06E050000 · Service brakes, air
- Recall 06E043000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2003 GMC Sierra 2500 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2003 GMC Sierra 2500 is rated "significantly worse".
- What are the most common problems with the 2003 GMC Sierra 2500?
- The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 46% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2003 GMC Sierra 2500 have?
- 3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.