2003 GMC GMC Truck Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 33%of 18 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 51,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2003 GMC GMC Truck, 33% of the 18 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 51,500 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“03 Gmc sierra got used in aug 06 with 31000 miles now has 36000 miles and transmission has clunk between 2 &3 gears from all the research I have done it seems this is happening to lots of people I will bring this to GM`s attention because it still under Gmc certified warranty but I don`t think it will get me anywhere please help.”
NHTSA complaint #10174628, filed 2006-11, 33,000 miles“I purchased a 2003 Gmc sonoma for my son, in july of 2003 and we have had nothing but problems with it. We were told yesterday we need a new transmission and was quoted a price from $1,500.00-$2,500.00. We are going to pay it because we still are paying a payment on it and cannot afford to get another vehicle. My question is isn't general motors responsible for the products they sell. I do not have an american vehicle and I would like to buy american but they do not stand behind their products.”
NHTSA complaint #10206696, filed 2007-10, 85,000 miles“Brake lines, transmission lines and engine coolant lines all failing on 2003 Gmc 2500 hd sierra as well as on 2004 chevy silverado hd 3500. These problems have caused numerous amounts of time to repair and replace, and today there was a catastrophic brake failure on the 2003 hd Gmc which almost resulted in a deadly accident. These lines should not have rusted they way they are especially on two (2) different vehicles from the same manufacturer. These vehicles were produced with inadequate parts for all lines on the underside of vehicle. …”
NHTSA complaint #10377916, filed 2011-01, 70,000 miles“Missing and they seem not able to fix it some times it shifts hard other times it backfires it has been in the shop twice all they can say is the computer shows nothing and that how the engine runs and that is unacpectable to me for a new truck.”
NHTSA complaint #10041693, filed 2003-10, 300 miles“Loud clunk in drivetrain when transmission upshifts 2-3 and downshifts 3-2. Vehicle is 2003 Gmc pick-up truck 4x4. Dealer #1 replaced driveshaft. No change. Dealer #2 diagnosed the clunk as a momentary torque reversal of the output shaft when the clutch is applied and the 2-4 band released. See GM information bulletin #01-07-30-042c (sept. 27, 2005) GM says this is normal and no repairs should be attempted. This constant clunking is not normal and is aggravating to the driver and owner. A new vehicle should be free of mechanical defect as the warranty states. …”
NHTSA complaint #10144992, filed 2005-12, 8,977 milesTransmission and drivetrain: other model years
Other parts of the 2003 GMC GMC Truck
3 complaintsEngine cooling
3 complaintsBrakes
2 complaintsTires
2 complaintsEquipment
1 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaintsVehicle speed control
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 GMC GMC Truck
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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