2003 GMC Sierra Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 29about this part
- Share
- 14%of 206 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 4,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 29 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2003 GMC Sierra, 14% of the 206 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 4,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I own a 2003 Gmc Sierra 1500 z71 off road truck. I've had it in the shop four times now due to the same problem. The problem consists of excessive play/backlash in the rearend/differential according to the dealer. This excessive play/backlash is causing the truck to jerk after shifting from first to second and second to third gears. The dealer and manufacturer say this is normal according to GM specs. …”
NHTSA complaint #10051433, filed 2003-12, 1,654 miles“I was parked on a sloped driveway (about 10 - 15 degrees). I started the engine, stepped on the brake pedal and took the car out of park into drive. Brake pedal was normal. I started to roll forward and when I pushed the brake pedal the car did not slow. I slammed the brake pedal and it went all the way to the floor. At this point I went off the end of the driveway onto a 45 degree downward sloped lawn; then into a wooded area at the top of a ravine. I slammed into a tree. The car was judged a total loss by my insurance company. I did not get a brake warning light. The airbags did not deploy. …”
NHTSA complaint #10632173, filed 2014-09, 134,652 miles“I have a 2003 Gmc Sierra pickup.my problem is the transmission does not work properly.I had 150 miles on the vehicle when the trans blew,now a clunkling noise every time the vehicle shifts.GM calls this a downshift clunk noise and has issued a TSB requesting dealers not to attempt repair.this is a loud clunk which slams into the differential.I have contacted GM to no avail etc runaround. Is there any place to get help for me and possibly many others?”
NHTSA complaint #10098231, filed 2004-11, 150 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“I own a 2003 cmg 1500 4x4 when I had 300 miles on vehichle I noticed a vibration in the drivetrain. I took to dealer, they adjusted tire air pressure. 2nd time in they changed bearing in front differential, 3rd time in they changed front differential carrier, this got rid of vibration, I still have a concern that the carrier come as a shell so it still has original ring and pinion. Don't no if this will create a problem later or not but gear patern must have changed.”
NHTSA complaint #10023845, filed 2003-06, 300 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10113664May 29, 2015This informational bulletin provides technicians with information regarding automatic transmission oil cooler flow test essential tool J-45096 TransFlow®.
- 10112401Oct 9, 2013This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have not engagement into drive, delayed, no engagement into reverse, and or…
- 10023751Feb 1, 2013Engine surge or stall at stop and/or dtc p0742 possible tcc applied. Equipped with allison lct1000 transmission rpo m74 or mw7. *nj updated 4/22/13.
- 10112697Dec 27, 2012This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a Service Engine Soon Malfunction Indicator Lamp on, engine misfire…
- 10112681Dec 17, 2012This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have a planetary gear whine noise in first and second gear. Technician…
- 10112523Oct 30, 2012This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have slip in forward ranges immediately after replacing the input housing…
- 10013129Oct 8, 2008Service engine soon light is illuminated and the vehicle may not start. Diagnostic trouble code p0706, which relates to transmission range switch performance may be stored.
- 10026804Oct 1, 2008Gmc: fluid leak from transmission oil cooler lines due to corrosion. All 2000-2006 light duty trucks equipped with the light duty automatic transmission.
- 10025462Apr 1, 2008Diagnostic information on mn8, mt1 ses/mil illuminated, dtc p0757, harsh shift, delayed 2-3 shift, 2-3 shift flare, no third gear, slips in third gear or reverse.
- 10024345Feb 1, 2008Eaton locking differential chatter shudder noise on turns, equipped with a locking rear differential rpo g80. *nj updated 7/17/2008.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 23 | 38% |
| 2015 | 6 | 11% |
| 2014 | 10 | 10% |
| 2013 | 5 | 13% |
| 2012 | 2 | 7% |
| 2011 | 6 | 14% |
| 2010 | 1 | 3% |
| 2008 | 2 | 3% |
| 2007 | 4 | 7% |
| 2006 | 2 | 4% |
| 2005 | 11 | 9% |
| 2004 | 18 | 10% |
| 2003 | 29 | 14% |
| 2002 | 18 | 7% |
| 2001 | 14 | 5% |
| 2000 | 26 | 6% |
| 1999 | 37 | 6% |
| 1998 | 15 | 8% |
| 1997 | 28 | 12% |
| 1996 | 24 | 10% |
| 1995 | 12 | 5% |
| 1994 | 6 | 3% |
| 1993 | 10 | 14% |
| 1992 | 2 | 7% |
| 1990 | 2 | 11% |
| 1988 | 1 | 17% |
Other parts of the 2003 GMC Sierra
83 complaintsElectrical system
31 complaintsSteering
27 complaintsVehicle speed control
12 complaintsEngine cooling
9 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 30, 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