2003 GMC Sierra 2500: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2003 GMC Sierra 2500: 0 recalls, 160 owner complaints.
Recalls
0 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 3 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
3 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Steering Equipment recall #06E010000 · 2006 · 1,360 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: Loss of steering control could lead to a vehicle crash with potential injury or death.
The fix: Fabtech will notify owners and replace the pitman and idler arms free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during February 2006.
Fuel system Equipment recall #06E043000 · 2006 · 88,303 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: This condition May cause an inadequate seal at the connection, potentially leading to a fuel leak. In the presence of an ignition source, a fire could occur.
The fix: Honeywell will notify owners and replace the fuel filters free of charge. The recall began on October 18, 2006.
Brakes (air) Equipment recall #06E050000 · 2006 · 6,800 vehicles
What's wrong: 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,…
Why it matters: If stopping distance is limited, a vehicle crash could occur.
The fix: 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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 4 mention a fire, 4 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Brakes (hydraulic) (43): the most common themes are rust / corrosion (28), brake failure / soft pedal (19).
- Electrical (36): the most common themes are electrical failure (6), warning light on (3), leaks (2).
- Brakes (28): the most common themes are brake failure / soft pedal (11).
- Transmission & drivetrain (13): the most common themes are warning light on (3), noise or vibration (3), stalls / loses power (3).
The 2003 GMC Sierra 2500 has 160 owner complaints, ranking #1 of 31 Sierra 2500 model years for complaints (2.7× the average Sierra 2500 year). Complaints peaked in 2010 (22 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 7 years old, at a median of 73,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2002 (134 complaints, 1 recalls), 2004 (143 complaints, 1 recalls).
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2003 GMC Sierra 2500.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2003 GMC Sierra 2500 have any recalls?
NHTSA doesn't list any vehicle recalls for the 2003 GMC Sierra 2500, but 3 equipment or tire recalls may apply. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to be sure.
What are the most common 2003 GMC Sierra 2500 problems?
Owners have filed 160 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are brakes (hydraulic) (43), electrical (36), brakes (28).
Where can I get a 2003 GMC Sierra 2500 repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.