There are no safety recalls for the 2003 GMC Sierra 1500 HD, but owners have filed 16 complaints with NHTSA.
2003 GMC Sierra 1500 HD problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|
| Electrical System | 4 | |
| Service Brakes | 4 | |
| Visibility | 3 | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 2 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 2 | |
| Engine | 2 | |
| Equipment | 1 | |
| Power Train | 1 | |
| Steering | 1 | |
Most reported parts
- Visibility › Glass, Side/Rear — 1
- Visibility › Rearview Mirrors/Devices › Exterior — 1
- Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System › Fan/Motor — 1
- Equipment › Appliance › Air Conditioner — 1
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe — 1
- Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 99,500 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2003 GMC Sierra 1500 HD complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Engine · at 165,000 miles · reported Jan 28, 2015
I AM an ase master technician, I own an auto/truck repair facility. We are a state of oregon authorized deq repair facility, state of oregon das fleet repair facility, us army base vehicle repair shop and more. Driving my truck to tacoma washington. I was towing a vehicle on in the right slow lane, and "reduced engine power" light came on. Engine vibrated and runs on 1/2 cylinders. Cannot brake or steer, total lack of power. Semi-truck nearly rear ends me as I cannot go over 10 MPH. No throttle response, period. I was in road construction zone and everyone was slamming on their brakes to avoid…
Electrical System · at 115,000 miles · reported Apr 2, 2014
I experience an intermittent problem with my truck that flashes an error code "reduced engine power". This is tied to error code p1516. Usually this problem occurs in colder parts of the year, and on a cold soaked engine, but it has happened other times as well. As soon as the error occurs the throttle shuts and leaves the vehicle with only inertia to attempt to get off the road. This has happened to me on the interstate, and though I have not had an accident yet, I do consider it dangerous. I have taken the vehicle to my local dealer and independent mechanics, and they have been unable to…
Electrical System · at 150,000 miles · reported Feb 22, 2014
A fire in the dash board in the middle of the night while the vehicle was parked in our back yard drive way. Dash board area melted where the head unit and cigarette lighter is located. Burned the head liner where a compartment was. The windshield cracked from the inside/outward. Burned spots on the seats from the dash board burning. Everything in the front of the cab is black. All windows were up and truck was locked. Fire happened in the middle of the night when we were all asleep. We drove the truck on 2/20/14, with no problems. Parked it in the drive way about 5:30 PM on 2/20/13. Next…
Service Brakes · at 84,000 miles · reported Dec 28, 2013
Brake line failure due to excessive corrosion of the line. After replacing the line myself, I performed a test run and yet another line failed due to the corrosion problem. The issue has been addressed by general motors in canada, but has not been addressed in the us. I feel that ten years and only 84,000 miles is not an acceptable timeframe/mileage to be experiencing brake line corrosion failure in the state of virginia. In fact the entire undercarriage of the vehicle is corroded far worse than my 2000 honda civic which has 175,000 miles on it. General motors should be forced to address the…
Power Train · at 120,000 miles · reported Nov 12, 2013
The contact owns a 2003 gmc sierra 1500 hd. The contact stated that while entering the driveway at various speeds, the vehicle failed to respond to deceleration attempts. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted about the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000.
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2003 GMC Sierra 1500 HD have any recalls?
No. NHTSA has no safety recalls for the 2003 GMC Sierra 1500 HD as of this update. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the latest status.
What is the most common problem with the 2003 GMC Sierra 1500 HD?
Owners report electrical system problems most often (4 reports), followed by service brakes (4). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 99,500 miles.
Are GMC recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized GMC dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.