2003 GMC Sierra 1500 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 3%of 180 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 32,150miles
- 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 Sierra 1500, 3% of the 180 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 32,150 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.
“While having my vehicle check over for the winter, the mechanic inform me that the front brake lines are very rusty as well as the fuel lines and the cooling lines going to the transmission. This situation is very disturbing since I have very low mileage. The tubing used for the brake as well as the fuel lines should be able to withstand rusting for the life of the vehicle. If the material used by GM was not up to specification as far as corrosion protection either compensation to repair it is in order a recall should be made.”
NHTSA complaint #10734179, filed 2014-12, 44,300 miles“Starting at <5k miles the vehicle power train clunked when shifting from 2nd to 3rd gear. Now at 70k miles it clunks when shifting between all gears except final drive. The dealership replaced the output shaft on the tranny, then the u-joints, and modified the electrical shift patern. It still clunks. Power steering intermittently locks up at slow speed turns, especially when braking. Light bulbs burn out almost every three months. Had to pay ($486.00) for replacing the intake manifold gasket when vehicle had little over 40k miles. …”
NHTSA complaint #10325225, filed 2010-04, 4,500 miles“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“My 2003 Gmc SIERRA 1500 sle has corroded brake, transmission and fuel lines. A certified mechanic stated that they all need replaced or breakage and leakage will occur without warning causing break, transmission or fuel delivery or fire damages. Please help with this problem asap. 00.”
NHTSA complaint #10447946, filed 2012-02“2003 Gmc sierra with several problems. Consumer states that the transmission failed. Passenger side window motor broke, speedometer failed due to stepper motor failure, truck is on the third set of front brake rotors, and upper support column bearings, and more problems. The consumer stated the dealer refused to replace the upper support bearing, but replaced the intermediate shaft instead. The rear planatery forward clutch was burnt, which caused the transmission to fail.”
NHTSA complaint #10220598, filed 2008-03Related service bulletins
- 11006421Jul 24, 2024GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or…
- 10249579Jan 12, 2024This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10242843Sep 1, 2023The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the…
- 10222770Sep 16, 2022This service bulletin provides information on OEM and Remanufactured Engine and Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Identification.
- 10220319Sep 1, 2022This diagnostic tip advises the tech not to separate the flexplate from the torque convertor or damage my occur if the engine is started while diagnosing for noise from the…
- 10201098Dec 1, 2015OEM and Remanufactured Engine and Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Identification
- 10190503Dec 1, 2015OEM and Remanufactured Engine and Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Identification
- 10139078May 30, 2013This informational bulletin provides information for Automatic Transmission Oil Cooler Flow Test Essential Tool J-45096 TransFlow.
- 10112600Nov 26, 2012This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician with the axel setup information from American Axle Manufacturing. Technician should be advised…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 35 | 24% |
| 2025 | 28 | 22% |
| 2024 | 73 | 19% |
| 2023 | 92 | 18% |
| 2022 | 113 | 19% |
| 2021 | 145 | 24% |
| 2020 | 99 | 20% |
| 2019 | 140 | 21% |
| 2018 | 131 | 43% |
| 2017 | 118 | 33% |
| 2016 | 84 | 24% |
| 2015 | 99 | 14% |
| 2014 | 69 | 9% |
| 2013 | 3 | 3% |
| 2012 | 6 | 6% |
| 2011 | 24 | 8% |
| 2010 | 4 | 2% |
| 2009 | 9 | 4% |
| 2008 | 6 | 2% |
| 2007 | 6 | 2% |
| 2006 | 13 | 9% |
| 2005 | 11 | 6% |
| 2004 | 8 | 4% |
| 2003 | 6 | 3% |
| 2002 | 5 | 3% |
| 2001 | 3 | 2% |
| 2000 | 9 | 5% |
| 1999 | 2 | 1% |
| 1998 | 7 | 12% |
| 1997 | 8 | 10% |
| 1994 | 1 | 8% |
Other parts of the 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
105 complaintsElectrical system
43 complaintsSteering
15 complaintsAir bags
7 complaintsFuel system
7 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 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