2003 GMC Sierra 1500 HD Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 13%of 16 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 140,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the engine of the 2003 GMC Sierra 1500 HD, 13% of the 16 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 140,000 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.
“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 am an ase master technician, I own an auto/truck repair facility. We are a state of oregon authorized deq repair facility, state of oregon das fleet repair facility, us army base vehicle repair shop and more. Driving my truck to tacoma washington. I was towing a vehicle on in the right slow lane, and reduced engine power light came on. Engine vibrated and runs on 1/2 cylinders. Cannot brake or steer, total lack of power. Semi-truck nearly rear ends me as I cannot go over 10 MPH. No throttle response, period. …”
NHTSA complaint #10679355, filed 2015-01, 165,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11012907Dec 18, 2024This service bulletin explains how to measure for oil consumption and possible reasons for loss of oil.
- 11010544Oct 7, 2024This service bulletin explains how to measure for oil consumption and possible reasons for loss of oil.
- 11004761Jun 28, 2024This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or…
- 10211658May 2, 2022This service bulletin provides policy information on warranty administration guidelines for multiple repairs with independent causes (GM Canada Dealers Only).
- 10082869Aug 29, 2016This informational bulletin provides additional information on how to install pistons and suggest what tools to use.
- 10082814Aug 2, 2016This informational bulletin provides information to gm dealers on the correct cleaning methods when cleaning engine gasket sealing surfaces.
- 10201098Dec 1, 2015OEM and Remanufactured Engine and Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Identification
- 10190503Dec 1, 2015OEM and Remanufactured Engine and Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Identification
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 2 | 18% |
| 2003 | 2 | 13% |
Other parts of the 2003 GMC Sierra 1500 HD
6 complaintsElectrical system
4 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
3 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