2003 GMC Sonoma Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 13%of 39 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 47,850miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2003 GMC Sonoma, 13% of the 39 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 47,850 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.
“It has been determined that water has contaminanted the oil in the rear differential causing a mechanical failure. I have been informed that my extended warranty does not cover this issue even though Gmc is aware that problem with a vent tube location is one source for water infiltration. I have a Gmc document with specific instructions for mechanics to check for the improper vent tube location if water is indeed found in the rear axle fluid.”
NHTSA complaint #10154676, filed 2006-04, 50,700 miles“While driving on the pa turnpike the driveshaft fell out of the bottom of the truck and dented various parts underneath the truck. After having the driveshaft replaced a click still occurred with the back of the truck. The mechanic believed it was a problem with the entire back axle.”
NHTSA complaint #10193549, filed 2007-06, 72,995 miles“While driving or accelerating from a complete stop the gear shifter pops out of gear into neutral. This occurred when the rubber boot around the gear shifter handle slides up. The dealership slid the boot back into place but the problem recurred. The dealer installed a new boot but the problem still occurred.”
NHTSA complaint #10050229, filed 2004-01, 10 miles“The contact owns a 2003 Gmc Sonoma. In june of 2004, the differential was failing and the paint was deteriorating on the vehicle. The contact attempted to repair the vehicle himself, but the part was unavailable. The manufacturer advised him to have the vehicle diagnosed. The contact feels that the part should be available and is not willing to pay for a diagnostic. The failure mileage was 45,000 and current mileage was 65,000. Updated 5/14/09 updated 05/14/09.”
NHTSA complaint #10267138, filed 2009-04, 45,000 miles“Dt: contact states above the rear end differential there is a vent tube placed between where the truck bed stops and the cap starts, and there is about 1 -1/2 inch space left between. This space lets water collect, running down the tube, destroying the oil, and causing the lubrication on the rear end differential to be destroyed. A technical service bulletin for september 2004 discusses the same component. The rear seal had blown out which caused grease to escape. The consumer was told the entire rear end including the axle bearing and seals had to be replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10125513, filed 2005-06Related 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.
- 10224273Sep 1, 2022This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician to not remove the torque converter bolts and start the engine as this may cause damage to the…
- 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…
- 10143757Jul 9, 2018This Preliminary information communicates to the dealer technician thatLight Duty Trucks equipped with automatic transmissions and 4 wheel drive may exhibit a condition of…
- 10096073Feb 17, 2016This preliminary information communication provides information to the technician about vehicle that after a transmission or torque converter replacement the vehicle may have a…
- 10201098Dec 1, 2015OEM and Remanufactured Engine and Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Identification
- 10190503Dec 1, 2015OEM and Remanufactured Engine and Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Identification
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 5 | 13% |
| 2002 | 4 | 7% |
| 2001 | 10 | 11% |
| 2000 | 8 | 6% |
| 1999 | 8 | 14% |
| 1998 | 11 | 7% |
| 1997 | 9 | 8% |
| 1996 | 16 | 11% |
| 1995 | 7 | 3% |
| 1994 | 10 | 4% |
| 1993 | 7 | 12% |
| 1992 | 3 | 12% |
| 1991 | 2 | 7% |
Other parts of the 2003 GMC Sonoma
7 complaintsBody and structure
6 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
5 complaintsEquipment
4 complaintsFuel system
4 complaintsSeats
3 complaintsTires
3 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
3 complaintsAir bags
2 complaintsSuspension
2 complaintsVehicle speed control
2 complaintsElectrical system
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 GMC Sonoma
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