MYRModel Year Report

2003 GMC Sonoma

▲ Better than typical
2003 GMC Sonoma
RENDERED 2026-08-02T09:37:32.295Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than 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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, GMC Sonoma Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2003 highlighted. 1984: 1 complaints 1984 1990: 1 complaints 1991: 29 complaints 1992: 25 complaints 1992 1993: 58 complaints 1994: 224 complaints 1995: 213 complaints 1995 1996: 148 complaints 1997: 111 complaints 1998: 156 complaints 1998 1999: 57 complaints 2000: 136 complaints 2001: 89 complaints 2001 2002: 57 complaints 2003: 39 complaints 2003 2004: 0 complaints 2004 2005: 1 complaints 2005
2003: 39 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19841
19901
199129
199225
199358
1994224
1995213
1996148
1997111
1998156
199957
2000136
200189
200257
200339
20040
20051

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 8%

8% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 3 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH ATTEMPTING TO APPLY BRAKE PRESSURE THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH AND THE FRONTAL AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DRIVER WAS WEARING A SEAT BELT AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AT THE SCENE.

NHTSA ODI report, 20060316

POWER TRAIN 8%

8% of complaints: power train — 3 distinct reports on file.

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES 8%

8% of complaints: latches/locks/linkages — 3 distinct reports on file.

EQUIPMENT 8%

8% of complaints: equipment — 3 distinct reports on file.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

MY 2003 GMC SONOMA JUST QUIT STARTING(STANDARD), SO I PUSHED IT TO GET IT HOME, I WENT TO A FRIENDS HOUSE THE NEXT DAY( IT STARTED), WHEN I GOT READY TO LEAVE THE TRUCK WOULDN'T START AGAIN AND I SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING, (MY WIFE HAD KEPT TELLING...

NHTSA ODI report, 20050711

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 5%

5% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 2 distinct reports on file.

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20040604 — equipment

CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION."

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.

Campaign 04V132000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2003 GMC Sonoma — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (3 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for power train issues (3 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for latches/locks/linkages issues (3 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 04V132000 (equipment) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2002 ▲ 1999 ▲ 1993

WORST YEARS

■ 1994 ■ 1995 ◆ 1998

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2003 GMC Sonoma reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2003 GMC Sonoma is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2003 GMC Sonoma?

The most-reported component is service brakes, hydraulic, accounting for 8% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2003 GMC Sonoma have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.