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Electrical systemPart report

2003 GMC Sierra 1500 HD Electrical system Problems

Complaints
4about this part
Share
25%of 16 total for the year
Median mileage
125,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the electrical system of the 2003 GMC Sierra 1500 HD, 25% of the 16 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 125,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.

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.

“No warning on my 2003 Gmc truck speedometer started going from 70 MPH to 120 and beyond when in reality I was going probably 30 MPH. This could be a safety issue because a man needs to know how fast he's really going after a little research there's alot of GM owners who don't know how fast there going recall anyone.”

NHTSA complaint #10375299, filed 2011-01, 135,000 miles

“I experience an intermittent problem with my truck that flashes an error code reduced engine power . This is tied to error code p1516. Usually this problem occurs in colder parts of the year, and on a cold soaked engine, but it has happened other times as well. As soon as the error occurs the throttle shuts and leaves the vehicle with only inertia to attempt to get off the road. This has happened to me on the interstate, and though I have not had an accident yet, I do consider it dangerous. …”

NHTSA complaint #10576587, filed 2014-04, 115,000 miles

“I received a letter from general motors a few years ago about a speedometer defect. The letter extended the manufactures warranty to 7 years 80,000 miles on the gauge cluster due to defects. The letter said in bold underlined words not to bring the truck in if it is not experiencing any problems. It is now past the extended warranty and the speedometer is not working. It is stuck at 80mph and will not move. I took it to the Gmc dealership and GM will not fix the unit since it is to old. …”

NHTSA complaint #10484983, filed 2012-11, 102,000 miles

“A fire in the dash board in the middle of the night while the vehicle was parked in our back yard drive way. Dash board area melted where the head unit and cigarette lighter is located. Burned the head liner where a compartment was. The windshield cracked from the inside/outward. Burned spots on the seats from the dash board burning. Everything in the front of the cab is black. All windows were up and truck was locked. Fire happened in the middle of the night when we were all asleep. We drove the truck on 2/20/14, with no problems. Parked it in the drive way about 5:30 pm on 2/20/13. …”

NHTSA complaint #10565451, filed 2014-02, 150,000 miles

Related service bulletins

Electrical system: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
200519%
2003425%
2001111%

Other parts of the 2003 GMC Sierra 1500 HD

Brakes
6 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
3 complaintsEngine
2 complaintsEngine cooling
1 complaintsEquipment
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2003 GMC Sierra 1500 HD

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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