2003 GMC Envoy Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 37about this part
- Share
- 9%of 394 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 46,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 37 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2003 GMC Envoy, 9% of the 394 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 46,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Dear sir/madam, I have a 2003 Gmc Envoy slt model 4.2l v6 4wd and as I was backing into my garage I heard a loud bang and whinning noise and I now have no reverse gear and when I select the drive gear on the automatic transmission I have a whinning noise, I have read the blogs on this issue and I believe that GM and Gmc are very aware of this problem, this repair will cost me up to $2,800.00 plus tax to have the transmission removed and a re-manufactured on replaced on my vehicle. …”
NHTSA complaint #10724164, filed 2015-06, 148,000 miles“1) sequence of events - nothing happens when we try to start. -battery voltage ok, auto-headlights on, bright - instrument panel completely dead -2 hours later, instrument on the miles per hour instrument is going wild, back and forth finally sets at zero, now engine will start. Check engine light is on for the first time - radio looses preset station memory 2) it started about a week; we had problems starting the warm engine. …”
NHTSA complaint #10147917, filed 2006-01, 8,202 miles“2003 Gmc Envoy sle with 42,000 miles. Check 4 wdrive light came on then went back off. Dealer stated that the tccm had to be reprogrammed due to a bulletin. It cost me out of pocket no warranties cover this. Also the fan clutches went out but was replaced by extended warranties. I'm also told by dealer that the steering links are worn & should be replaced. This too is at my cost. I have only had this car 1 year. These happened with just a few weeks of each other.”
NHTSA complaint #10242492, filed 2008-09, 42,000 miles“I purchased my 2003 Envoy in may 2003. Soon afterwards I started getting a feedback through the gas pedial. It was kind of like a vibratipon. They said it was the drive shaft so they replaced it. That didn't help. Each time I take it in they say it something different, but the problem still has not been resolved. It has been worked on three times for this and I am planning on taking it back in again.”
NHTSA complaint #10066358, filed 2004-04, 2,000 miles“The transmission failed in my 2003 Gmc Envoy with 82,000 miles. The problem appears to the sunshell gear which seems to be a common failure with this transmission. Because the transmission was downshifting hard, I took the car to a Gmc dealer less than 1000 miles ago to have the transmission looked at. I was told my the dealer that there was a problem but not to worry about it. Now the transmission has no reverse and the repair estimate is $1,800.”
NHTSA complaint #10172685, filed 2006-11, 82,000 milesRelated recalls
- 03V075000Mar 6, 2003Certain sport utility vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 114, "theft protection." these vehicles are…Covers: GMC Envoy 2002–2003, Oldsmobile Bravada 2002–2003, Chevrolet Trailblazer 2002–2003 +1 more
Related service bulletins
- 11006421Jul 24, 2024GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or…
- 10249579Jan 12, 2024This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10242843Sep 1, 2023The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the…
- 10222770Sep 16, 2022This service bulletin provides information on OEM and Remanufactured Engine and Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Identification.
- 10224273Sep 1, 2022This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician to not remove the torque converter bolts and start the engine as this may cause damage to the…
- 10220319Sep 1, 2022This diagnostic tip advises the tech not to separate the flexplate from the torque convertor or damage my occur if the engine is started while diagnosing for noise from the…
- 10143757Jul 9, 2018This Preliminary information communicates to the dealer technician thatLight Duty Trucks equipped with automatic transmissions and 4 wheel drive may exhibit a condition of…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 2 | 12% |
| 2008 | 5 | 6% |
| 2007 | 6 | 3% |
| 2006 | 12 | 3% |
| 2005 | 18 | 4% |
| 2004 | 15 | 4% |
| 2003 | 37 | 9% |
| 2002 | 83 | 17% |
| 2001 | 1 | 20% |
| 2000 | 4 | 18% |
| 1999 | 2 | 22% |
| 1998 | 1 | 5% |
Other parts of the 2003 GMC Envoy
94 complaintsElectrical system
77 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
40 complaintsAir bags
37 complaintsBody and structure
33 complaintsBrakes
26 complaintsExterior lighting
26 complaintsEngine cooling
25 complaintsSuspension
19 complaintsSeat belts
15 complaintsSteering
15 complaintsEngine
10 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 GMC Envoy
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology