CarRecallDB

2003 GMC Sierra 1500 recalls and problems

1 recall and 180 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2003 GMC Sierra 1500.

1
recalls
180
owner complaints
13
complaints mentioning a crash
4
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 Sierra 1500 recalls

Equipment adaptive/mobility

NHTSA campaign 04V562000 · reported November 26, 2004 · MOBILITY WORKS · 1,660 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
On certain vans equipped with sure-lok wheelchair securement systems, the sprocket teeth of the retractor assembly is out of alignment.
The risk
In the event of a vehicle crash, the wheelchair may not be adequately secured possibly resulting in injuries to a wheelchair occupant.
The fix
Dealers will inspect and replace the wheelchair securement retractors as necessary. Sure-lok will handle the repairs for this campaign. Owners should contact sure-lock at 1-908-231-1804 or mobilityworks at 1-800-769-8267.

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 8, 2024 · Air bags

UNKNOWN

Jun 11, 2023 · Electrical system

An accident has not occurred yet, but it something I'm concerned deeply about. Awhile back there was a recall on the instrument cluster of the gmc Sierra 1500 (possibly othets on the list, im sure). I did wind up having the cluster replaced, there didn't seem to be any issues at the time. Now...the replacement cluster…

Apr 20, 2019 · Service brakes · 90,000 miles

HYDRAULIC BRAKE LINES CORRODED CAUSING LEAKS AND BRAKE FAILURE

Feb 2, 2019 · Service brakes · 76,000 miles

76000 MILES; ISSUE ONGOING BEGINNING IN NOVEMBER 2018 ON DRY PAVEMENT AT LOW SPEED (UNDER 10 MPH) BRAKING IS COMPROMISED BY ABS SYSTEM ENGAGEMENT ISSUE. BELOW 10 MPH, THE ABS SYSTEM ENGAGES CAUSING DRY PAVEMENT BRAKING TO BE DOUBLE OR TRIPLE THE NORMAL DISTANCE TO STOP PRIOR TO THE ABS ISSUE. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE…

Jul 8, 2018 · Service brakes · 203,000 miles · crash reported

WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH IN TOWN, THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME SIGNALED TO MAKE A LEFT HAND TURN. I BEGAN TO SLOW DOWN THE VEHICLE AND THEN I LOST ALL BRAKE PRESSURE. I WAS UNABLE TO STOP THE TRUCK TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT DUE TO COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURE! THERE WERE NO PREVIOUS LIGHTS OR WARNING SIGNALS NOTIFYING OF…

Sierra 1500 model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2000 1181100
2001 2140100
2002 1166170
2003 1180134
2004 221281
2005 017749
2006 014585

Across all years, the 2014 Sierra 1500 has the most complaints (743). All GMC Sierra 1500 years →

Questions

Does the 2003 GMC Sierra 1500 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2003 GMC Sierra 1500, the most recent reported on November 26, 2004 (Equipment adaptive/mobility). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 GMC Sierra 1500?
Owners have filed 180 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is service brakes (55 complaints), followed by service brakes, hydraulic (50).
How many 2003 GMC Sierra 1500 complaints mention a crash or fire?
13 of 180 complaints report a crash and 4 a fire; 9 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 8, 2024.