2003 GMC Sierra 1500 Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 43about this part
- Share
- 24%of 180 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 72,151miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 43 complaints about the electrical system of the 2003 GMC Sierra 1500, 24% of the 180 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 72,151 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My 2003 Gmc 1500 extended cab pickup's instrument cluster is not working. Speedometer doesn't even work. This is not safe. I have to park my truck, or even get it taken for speeding. Not to mention if there is an accident because GM has a faulty part. That is not fair. I and thousands of others have complained to them but no solution. Plus I have less than 70,000 miles on my truck.”
NHTSA complaint #10267824, filed 2009-05, 66,667 miles“My speedometer on my 2003 Gmc speedometer has not worked properly for over a year. I now have 75,000 miles on my truck and Gmc says it will not cover the expense of repairing it. This is an extremely dangerous situation that is occurring across the country and general motors is screwing its loyal customers. After numerous calls to customer service I was told that the company extended its warranty to seven years or 70000 miles in sept. And all GM owners were notified. …”
NHTSA complaint #10208238, filed 2007-11, 60,000 miles“My speedo was acting erratically and finally has stop working at all. It happened out of nowhere and I am hearing alot of complaints from friends and the company I work for who has several of these vehicles they are all going bad. My vehicle is 03 Gmc sierra and most the others I know of are similar trucks and suvs. I have been pulled over for speeding twice now but have never been pulled over for speeding until my speedo quit working. I would like to see a recall I here this is a expensive problem to fix .”
NHTSA complaint #10262963, filed 2009-03, 157,000 miles“Started vehicle in morning and noticed no readings from any gages, (oil press., temp., tach., fuel, speed) nor could I read odometer. Surrounding dash lights functional. While driving, I hit a bump in the road .... Everything began to work. At end of day leaving work, no problem ..... Stopped on way home, restarted, problem returned. Turned steering wheel, problem gone. Arrived home, turned vehicle off ..... Restart, problem back again. Search on net says it is the instrument cluster. What is the cost for new/used cluster? Is it easy to install?”
NHTSA complaint #10432810, filed 2011-10, 120,250 miles“Speedometer on my 03 Gmc sierra truck stops working then works erratically,shows im going 120 when only traveling at 35 or so. I have been reading post on forum sites and seems to be a chronic problem from GM.”
NHTSA complaint #10182922, filed 2007-02, 62,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11017252Mar 28, 2025This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on OnStar Module 2G Sunset Information.
- 11009156Oct 25, 2024This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 11006621Aug 26, 2024Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which…
- 11006274Aug 13, 2024This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the speedometer needle appears to be inaccurate. Dealer should advise the…
- 11002312Jun 6, 2024This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414…
- 10252735Mar 28, 2024This bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement fasteners with conductive finish.
- 10244214Sep 21, 2023This informational bulletin provides information for the IPC odometer programming method quick reference guide.
- 10230605Jan 6, 2023This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on OnStar Module 2G Sunset Information.
- 10225615Oct 19, 2022This service bulletin provides information on Module Harvesting.
- 10160679Apr 18, 2019This Preliminary information communicates the need to contact SPAC until GM CCA has sufficient stock.
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 20 | 14% |
| 2025 | 26 | 21% |
| 2024 | 43 | 11% |
| 2023 | 64 | 13% |
| 2022 | 83 | 14% |
| 2021 | 76 | 13% |
| 2020 | 81 | 17% |
| 2019 | 95 | 14% |
| 2018 | 43 | 14% |
| 2017 | 54 | 15% |
| 2016 | 54 | 16% |
| 2015 | 96 | 13% |
| 2014 | 129 | 17% |
| 2013 | 6 | 5% |
| 2012 | 8 | 7% |
| 2011 | 17 | 6% |
| 2010 | 10 | 6% |
| 2009 | 20 | 9% |
| 2008 | 31 | 8% |
| 2007 | 22 | 8% |
| 2006 | 20 | 14% |
| 2005 | 67 | 38% |
| 2004 | 81 | 38% |
| 2003 | 43 | 24% |
| 2002 | 3 | 2% |
| 2001 | 7 | 5% |
| 2000 | 5 | 3% |
| 1999 | 8 | 5% |
| 1998 | 3 | 5% |
| 1997 | 2 | 2% |
| 1996 | 1 | 20% |
Other parts of the 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
105 complaintsSteering
15 complaintsAir bags
7 complaintsFuel system
7 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
6 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaintsEngine
3 complaintsEngine cooling
3 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsSeat belts
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
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