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2003 GMC Sonoma recalls and problems

The 2003 GMC Sonoma has 1 safety recall and 39 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any GMC dealer.

Recalls
1
Complaints
39
Crashes / fires
2 / 1
Injuries / deaths
2 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2003 GMC Sonoma vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2003 GMC Sonoma recalls

Recall 04V-132: Equipment

Reported Mar 18, 2004 · 183,922 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Problem: Certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 208, "occupant crash protection."

Risk: Some of these vehicles include incorrect statements on one of the air bag warning labels.

Fix: 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.

2003 GMC Sonoma problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Power Train7
Structure6
Latches/Locks/Linkages5
Fuel System, Gasoline4
Service Brakes, Hydraulic4
Equipment4
Visibility3
Seats3
Tires3
Vehicle Speed Control2
Parking Brake2
Suspension2

Most reported parts

  • Power Train › Driveline › Differential Unit — 3
  • Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch — 3
  • Parking Brake › Conventional › Mechanical › Linkage and Cable — 2
  • Tires › Temporary/Emergency Spare Tire — 2
  • Electrical System › Wiring — 1
  • Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly › Filler Pipe and Cap — 1
  • Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer — 1
  • Power Train › Manual Transmission › Floor Shift Assembly — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 43,239 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 Sonoma complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Seats · reported Mar 9, 2020
The vehicle is kept in a garage and when outside I use a screen protector. The dash and many other interior parts of the car are simply falling apart
Air Bags · at 81,000 miles · reported Jun 13, 2016
The contact owns a 2003 gmc sonoma. While driving approximately 55 MPH, the air bag light illuminated on and off without warning. The failure recurred and was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 81,000.
Service Brakes · at 75,000 miles · reported Oct 2, 2015
While driving the truck the brakes failed, pedal going to the floor. Took the truck to a repair shop and they stated that all the brake lines were rusted through, and more importantly, where the leaf springs attached to the underside of the car was completely rusted and the truck was unsafe to drive. The shop could not repair the car, and knew no one locally who could repair the car. There have been numerous rust issues with the truck over the years as follows: spare tire mounting rusted through and the spare tire flew off the truck in traffic; the fuel line had to be replaced twice due to…
Engine · at 92,984 miles · reported Apr 3, 2014
The contact owns a 2003 gmc sonoma. The contact stated while he drove 73 MPH the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact was able to coast onto the emergency lane. The local mechanic performed a diagnostic test and was unable to locate a failure code. The vehicle was taken to a second dealership for additional inspection that advised that the spark plug and the fuel cap needed to be replaced. The spark plug and fuel cap was replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure and current mileage was 92,984. Updated 07/28/14 ma updated 07/29/14
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · at 43,239 miles · reported Aug 28, 2013
About a year ago had one steel brake linbe bust because of rusted. Now today in my yard hit brake pedal right to floor again. Rusted brake line again. Have other brake lines rusted very bad.

Other GMC Sonoma years

20042003200220012000

Compare all GMC Sonoma years · All GMC models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 GMC Sonoma have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2003 GMC Sonoma: 04V-132 (equipment). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2003 GMC Sonoma?

Owners report power train problems most often (7 reports), followed by structure (6). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 43,239 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.