2003 GMC Sierra 1500 Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 1%of 180 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 50,422miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2003 GMC Sierra 1500, 1% of the 180 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 50,422 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.
“2003 Gmc sierra truck, steering, has a clunking noise started about 5,000 miles, told by mechanic to take to a dealer, was not the first time he had heard of this problem and was not something he wanted to undertake due to liability, another problem with to much play or (slap) in the drive shaft, took it to dealer they replaced drive shaft, did not solve problem , so apparently they did not know how to solve problem and basically were grabbing at straws, I still have problem, front running lights keep burning out (electrical problem).”
NHTSA complaint #10315609, filed 2010-03, 20,000 miles“The contact owns a 2003 Gmc SIERRA 1500. The headlights dim and the engine shuts off when the contact depresses the brake pedal. The steering wheel does not move and the contact was almost involved in a crash. The dealer could not determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer would not assist the dealer in locating the failure. The current and failure mileages were 80,845. Updated 4/2/08 the consumer stated when the engine shuts off and vehicle is still, the steering wheel becomes inoperable. Updated 04/02/08”
NHTSA complaint #10219136, filed 2008-02, 80,845 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10249011Jan 12, 2024This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage.
- 10232136Feb 15, 2023This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water Leaks and Replacement Guidelines.
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 3 | 2% |
| 2024 | 15 | 4% |
| 2023 | 11 | 2% |
| 2022 | 1 | 0% |
| 2021 | 2 | 0% |
| 2020 | 3 | 1% |
| 2019 | 11 | 2% |
| 2018 | 3 | 1% |
| 2017 | 9 | 3% |
| 2016 | 4 | 1% |
| 2015 | 93 | 13% |
| 2014 | 148 | 20% |
| 2013 | 3 | 3% |
| 2011 | 5 | 2% |
| 2010 | 2 | 1% |
| 2009 | 3 | 1% |
| 2008 | 2 | 1% |
| 2007 | 2 | 1% |
| 2006 | 5 | 3% |
| 2005 | 4 | 2% |
| 2004 | 3 | 1% |
| 2003 | 2 | 1% |
| 2002 | 3 | 2% |
| 1998 | 1 | 2% |
| 1997 | 1 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
105 complaintsElectrical system
43 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 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 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