2003 GMC Sierra Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 4%of 206 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 3,750miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2003 GMC Sierra, 4% of the 206 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 3,750 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
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 Sierra with a diesel engine. I have had to replace the block heater 5x in the last 3 years. It quits about every 4 months during the winter months or the first time I plug it in after the summer it fails to work.”
NHTSA complaint #10147290, filed 2006-01, 4,000 miles“Truck was entering major highway,traffic begins too slow due to rush hour ,seeing this occur I stepped on brakes expecting to slow down ,until I realized pedal had gone all the way to floor,then I let up an pushed to floor again-no brakes no room to go left or right impact was unavoidable,impacted car twice which pushed that car into another this truck was serviced by GM dealer for transmission cooling line and engine cooling lines monday tuesday and wednesday, no mention of brake lines issue, accident occurred on friday. Also had contacted GM about original work re: possible warranty. …”
NHTSA complaint #10466268, filed 2012-07, 33,338 miles“Excessive engine noise on my new Gmc Sierra 1500 series 4x4 pickup truck. I was told at 5000 miles on my first oil change that the engine sound was normal and they all sound like that. The dealer, martin Gmc in fenton, michigan made that assertion.”
NHTSA complaint #10046958, filed 2003-11, 3,500 miles“Oil leak at rear of the engine. The dealearship replaced the intake manigold gasgettwice, and replaced the valve cover gasget, twice. The truck has been taken into the dealership five times for this problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10082720, filed 2004-07, 3,000 miles“Engine check light kept coming on. The EGR valve was stuck in the open position and will not close. Consumer was told not to panic, and to drive with the engine check light continuously on.”
NHTSA complaint #10053743, filed 2004-01, 175 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10056354Sep 1, 2014Gmc/chevrolet: engines, with egr system, has leakage from egr cooler engine coolant into the combustion chamber. Model 2002-15 silverado, sierra, 2004-09 kodiak c4500-c5500…
- 10058259Jul 16, 2014General motors: an optional engine block heater plug in for onboard ac power and with continuous usage will result in shorting of wires, over heating system, electrical failure…
- 10036464May 1, 2011Buick/cadillac/chevrolet/gmc/hummer/pontiac/saab: oil consumption and/or exhaust smoke-possible pcv baffle or lifter concern. Upon inspection, obvious oil will be found in the…
- 10037933Jan 1, 2011Gm: the service engine soon light is on, there is also a misfire or engine noise. There are multiple possible causes.
- 10017214Dec 1, 2008Hard start / no start outside temperatures below freezing. *tt updated 7/13/09.
- 10024344Feb 1, 2008Possible engine oil leak due to pcv freeze-up, equipped with the 4.8, 5.3, 6.0, and 6.2 v-8 engines.
- 10024154Feb 1, 2008Chevrolet gmc service campaign: see document search button for owner letter. Special coverage adjustment - engine glow plug on certain vehicles with 6.6l diesel v8 (rpo lb7 - vin…
- 10021839May 1, 2007Diesel engine cylinder head gasket missing thickness grade markings.
- 10021021Feb 22, 2007Service vme. Supplement to 00-02-35-003l. Update on new I-shaft.
- 10011126Dec 1, 2006Various intermittent driveability conditions - hesitation, lack of power, etc.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 1 | 2% |
| 2012 | 1 | 3% |
| 2011 | 1 | 2% |
| 2010 | 1 | 3% |
| 2009 | 1 | 3% |
| 2007 | 2 | 3% |
| 2006 | 1 | 2% |
| 2005 | 9 | 8% |
| 2004 | 4 | 2% |
| 2003 | 9 | 4% |
| 2002 | 22 | 9% |
| 2001 | 22 | 8% |
| 2000 | 21 | 5% |
| 1999 | 17 | 3% |
| 1998 | 11 | 6% |
| 1997 | 15 | 6% |
| 1996 | 11 | 4% |
| 1995 | 6 | 2% |
| 1994 | 6 | 3% |
| 1993 | 7 | 10% |
| 1992 | 1 | 3% |
| 1990 | 1 | 6% |
| 1989 | 1 | 6% |
Other parts of the 2003 GMC Sierra
83 complaintsElectrical system
31 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
29 complaintsSteering
27 complaintsVehicle speed control
12 complaintsFuel system
7 complaintsBody and structure
6 complaintsSuspension
6 complaintsAir bags
5 complaintsTires
5 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsEngine
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 GMC Sierra
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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