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2003 GMC SonomaProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 39 owner complaints about the 2003 GMC Sonoma, most often about the structure. It is covered by 1 safety recall.

2003 GMC Sonoma
70
CarFlaw IndexOne of the best years57% below the Sonoma median · #11 of 13 years by complaints
Safety recalls1Free fix at dealersOwner complaints395 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage30kStructure, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through March 9, 2020. Updated daily. Photo: Xnatedawgx, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Complaints by system

Where the 2003 GMC Sonoma has problems

39 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Structure60
Latches/locks/linkages50
Power train50
Service brakes, hydraulic41
Equipment41
Visibility30
Fuel system, gasoline30
Seats32
Tires30
10 other systems141

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

1 recall

2003 GMC Sonoma recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with GMC.

Best & worst years

2003 vs. every other Sonoma year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Sonoma median. How we score

'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
NHTSA crash tests

2003 GMC Sonoma safety ratings

2003 GMC Sonoma Extended Cab in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.

  • Stability control: No
  • Forward collision warning: No
  • Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words

What Sonoma owners report

Recent structure complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

DRIVING OVER A SPEED BUMP I HEARD MY SPARE TIRE HIT THE GROUND WITH THE SUPPORT CABLE AND OTHER METAL PIECES. LOOKED UNDER THE TRUCK AND FOUND THAT THE CABLE JUST SNAP. *TR
Complaint 10353611 · Sep 2, 2010 · 135,000 miles
TAILGATE FELL OFF TRUCK WHILE BEING DRIVEN. SAFETY CABLES HAD RUST, METAL FATIGUE, AND BROKE ALLOWING TAILGATE TO COMPLETELY DETACH FROM VEHICLE. NO OTHER VEHICLES OR PEOPLE INJURED. TAILGATE WAS RECOVERED. *TR
Complaint 10344477 · Jul 21, 2010
WHEN STANDING ON THE TAILGATE THE TAILGATE SUPPORT STRAPS SNAPPED. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK
Complaint 10109476 · Feb 1, 2005 · 30,000 miles

Own a 2003 Sonoma?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.