2003 GMC Envoy XL recalls and problems

3 recalls and 228 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2003 GMC Envoy XL.

3
recalls
228
owner complaints
11
complaints mentioning a crash
3
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2003 GMC Envoy XL recalls

Latches/locks/linkages: doors, latch

NHTSA campaign 05V494000 · reported October 27, 2005 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP. · 98,007 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Certain sport utility vehicles have a rear side closure latch that may not latch or unlatch due to corrosion caused by road splash, such as water and road salt. These vehicles were originally sold in or currently registered in the following states: connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, west virginia, wisconsin, and the district of columbia.
The risk
If the door is not latched properly and it goes unnoticed, it may open while the vehicle is in motion. If an unbelted occupant fell out of the vehicle, personal injuries could occur.
The fix
Dealers will install a seal along the lower part of the rocker panel to prevent intrusion of corrosive material, and inspect the rear side closure latches. Functional latches will be cleaned and lubricated. Non-functioning latches will be replaced. The recall began on february 24, 2006. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, gmc at 1-866-996-9463, or isuzu at 1-800-255-6727.

Exterior lighting: brake lights

NHTSA campaign 04V527000 · reported November 1, 2004 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP. · 871,473 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
On certain sport utility vehicles, vibration and heat may cause the tail lamp/stop lamp bulb to loosen in its socket. If this occurs, the bulb may flicker and eventually become inoperative.
The risk
An inoperative brake lamp will not convey the driver's intention of stopping to drivers in following vehicles, and an inoperative rear turn signal lamp will not convey the driver's intention to turn to drivers in following vehicles. Both of these failures can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix
Dealers will inspect the tail lamp/stop lamp assemblies, and if necessary, replace them. The recall began on november 22, 2004. Owners should contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, oldsmobile at 1-800-630-6537, buick at 1-866-608-8080, or gmc at 1-866-996-9463.

Visibility: windshield wiper/washer

NHTSA campaign 04V046000 · reported February 4, 2004 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP. · 581,394 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Certain sport utility vehicles have windshield wiper systems that will not turn on, cease operation while in use, fail to turn off/on by themselves (moisture sensitive wiper system), or have continuous windshield washer pump operation because the presence of water within the wiper modules can either cause a short circuit or can lead to the corrosion of components within the module.
The risk
Depending on the occurrence and weather situation, driver visibility could be reduced, which could result in a crash.
The fix
Dealers will cover the windshield wiper module vent hole with a patch. Also, the wiper motor, circuit board, and electrical connector will be inspected to signs of water intrusion and/or corrosion and be replaced as required. The recall began july 6, 2004. Owners should contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438; oldsmobile at 1-800-630-6537; or gmc at 1-866-996-9463.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Jan 15, 2020 · Engine

WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE A STRONG ODOR OF GAS ENTERING THE CABIN. FILL VEHICLE UP AND LARGE AMOUNT OF GAS POURS ON THE GROUND FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. CLOSER INSPECTION REVEALS THE PART THAT ATTACHES TO THE GAS TANK IS BROKEN OFF CAUSING VAPORS TO ESCAPE AND NOT PROVIDING A SEAL TO CONTAIN THE SMELL. WHILE DRIVING ON…

Apr 4, 2019 · Electrical system · 188,000 miles

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WHEN THE CAR SHUT DOWN EVERYTHING I WAS SCARED BECAUSE I HAD TRAFFIC RIGHT BEHIND ME GOING 45MPH AND THEN THEY CAR WOULD NOT RUN AGAIN. I WAS RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTER SECTION AT HALL ROAD AND 59 IT WAS THE SCARIEST THING THAT HAS HAPPENED TO ME. I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE AS A USED AUTO…

Nov 23, 2018 · Fuel/propulsion system · 181,000 miles

WHEN IN PARK POSITION HEAVY GAS FUMES COMING FROM A LEAK AT THE TOP OF THE TANK. YOU CAN VISUALLY SEE THE GAS STAINS ON THE SIDES AND BOTTOM OF TANK.WHEN ROLLING TO A STOP THE FUMES RETURN.I'M GETTING HEADACHES AND BURNING OF MY EYES AND THROAT.I CHECKED MY VIN FOR RECALLS, THE PARTS INVOLVED ARE #14423C FUEL TANK…

Sep 4, 2018 · Fuel/propulsion system · 110,000 miles

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 GMC ENVOY XL. THE CONTACT NOTICED A STRONG FUEL ODOR INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO MANFREDI CHEVROLET (2519 HYLAN BLVD, STATEN ISLAND, NY 10306, [phone removed]) PER AN UNKNOWN RECALL REGARDING THE FUEL TANK. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FAILURE WAS NOT RELATED TO…

Jun 26, 2018 · Electrical system · 145,000 miles

WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 65 MPH, THE THIRD ROW FLOOR GOT REALLY HOT AND MY CHILDREN WERE SAYING THEIR FEET WERE REALLY HOT AND WE SMELLED SOMETHING LIKE PLASTIC MELTING AND MY 15 YEAR OLD COUSINS BOOT MELTED AND THE CARPET MELTED AND YOU CAN SEE METAL. ONCE WE ARRIVED HOME THE BLINKER STAYED ON AND DID NOT SHUT…

Envoy XL model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2002 37023
2003 3228113
2004 118766
2006 510932

Across all years, the 2003 Envoy XL has the most complaints (228). All GMC Envoy XL years →

Questions

Does the 2003 GMC Envoy XL have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2003 GMC Envoy XL, the most recent reported on October 27, 2005 (Latches/locks/linkages: doors, latch). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 GMC Envoy XL?
Owners have filed 228 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is electrical system (53 complaints), followed by fuel system, gasoline (50).
How many 2003 GMC Envoy XL complaints mention a crash or fire?
11 of 228 complaints report a crash and 3 a fire; 27 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received January 15, 2020.