2003 GMC Sierra 2500 Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 4%of 160 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 124,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the engine of the 2003 GMC Sierra 2500, 4% of the 160 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 124,000 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 own a 2003 Gmc duramax 167000 miles, it has been a great truck until recently, after engine gets hot it will not start back up until it has cooled off! Have not been able to find the problem yet, but found a lot of complaints online from people with the same problem, [injectors], very expensive to repair!!! This problem is very frustrating, would be great if general motors would correct this problem!!!!”
NHTSA complaint #10597728, filed 2014-06, 162,000 miles“While driving, large amount of smoke came out. Took it to GM dealer who said that it the fuel injectors were leaking. Looked online and noticed hundreds of reports of the same action. Gmc apparently did an extended warranty for the issue, but only covered it for 7 years from time of purchase and up to 200,000 miles. Talked to local dealer who denied the service and GM wont replace the fuel injectors.”
NHTSA complaint #10547854, filed 2013-10, 110,000 miles“I keep getting reduced engine power p1516 code . Reading the post's on the internet this is a real common problem.also the speedometer will display 120 MPH sitting at a traffic light.”
NHTSA complaint #10544175, filed 2013-09, 124,000 miles“The contact owns a 2003 Gmc SIERRA 2500 hd. The contact stated that while traveling various speeds, the vehicle suddenly stalled. The contact also mentioned that the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted about the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10557829, filed 2013-12, 90,000 miles“The contact owns a 2003 Gmc SIERRA 2500. While driving at any speed, the vehicle stalled, lost power, and the service engine light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was unable to diagnose the failure. The failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to take the vehicle to a local dealer for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 180,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10861591, filed 2016-04, 180,000 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…
- 10242298Aug 10, 2023This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308…
- 10211658May 2, 2022This service bulletin provides policy information on warranty administration guidelines for multiple repairs with independent causes (GM Canada Dealers Only).
- 10156912Mar 6, 2019This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on the steps to diagnose and repair vehicles that may have a Service Engine Soon Malfunction…
- 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.
- 10201100Dec 1, 2015New Tool Availability - EN-48974-EGR Cooler Pressure Tester Adapter Set to Diagnose Duramax Diesel Engine EGR Cooler Engine Coolant Leaks into Combustion Chamber
- 10201098Dec 1, 2015OEM and Remanufactured Engine and Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Identification
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 8% |
| 2025 | 4 | 14% |
| 2024 | 12 | 11% |
| 2023 | 3 | 9% |
| 2022 | 4 | 9% |
| 2021 | 8 | 15% |
| 2020 | 10 | 13% |
| 2019 | 6 | 19% |
| 2018 | 8 | 23% |
| 2017 | 6 | 16% |
| 2016 | 9 | 15% |
| 2015 | 7 | 8% |
| 2014 | 3 | 10% |
| 2013 | 1 | 2% |
| 2012 | 3 | 10% |
| 2011 | 5 | 8% |
| 2010 | 1 | 10% |
| 2009 | 2 | 6% |
| 2008 | 4 | 6% |
| 2007 | 1 | 1% |
| 2005 | 5 | 4% |
| 2004 | 9 | 6% |
| 2003 | 6 | 4% |
| 2002 | 2 | 1% |
| 2001 | 8 | 6% |
Other parts of the 2003 GMC Sierra 2500
73 complaintsElectrical system
36 complaintsFuel system
15 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
13 complaintsSteering
10 complaintsEngine cooling
5 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaintsSuspension
5 complaintsVehicle speed control
4 complaintsTires
3 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
3 complaintsEquipment
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 GMC Sierra 2500
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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