- The problem
- Certain maxzone headlight assemblies, depo brand, p/no 335-1120l-as, sold for use as aftermarket equipment for the above listed passenger vehicles. During production the lamp housing shape deformed distorting the assembly angle of the reflector and influenced the aiming position. These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
- The risk
- Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
- The fix
- Maxzone will notify owners and offer reimbursement for any noncompliant headlights. The recall began on february 16, 2007. Owners may contact maxzone at 909-822-3288.
Vehicle safety record
2003 GMC Envoy Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 642 complaints about the 2003 GMC Envoy with NHTSA, most often about the fuel system (164) and the electrical system (136). Those complaints describe 54 crashes, 11 fires, 65 injuries and 5 deaths. It is covered by 8 recalls, the latest in February 2007 for the headlights. For comparison, the 2002 has 0 and the 2004 has 374.
NHTSA data checked
FFar more problems than a typical Envoy year, for its age
#19 most complained-about 2003 vehicle
- Complaints
- 642
- Recalls
- 8
- Crashes
- 54
- Fires
- 11
- Injuries
- 65
- Deaths
- 5
Most common 2003 GMC Envoy problems
Share of all 642 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2003 GMC Envoy recalls 8
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- On certain trucks and sport utility vehicles, the driver wishing to signal a turn by moving the directional signal lever, (up or down) may cause the front marker/turn lights and rear turn lights to flash in a manner similar to hazard warning, rather than flashing on the desired side only.
- The risk
- The driver may not be able to clearly signal their intentions to turn, change travel lanes, or potentially warn others of an impaired vehicle operating condition increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the suspect flasher modules with a new flasher module designed with sealed relays and more durable contact material inside of the relays free of charge. The recall began on august 4, 2005. Isuzu began mailing owner letters on august 4, 2005. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, gmc at 1-866-996-9463, isuzu at 1-800-255-6727, buick at 1-866-608-8080, and oldsmobile at 1-800-630-6537.
- The problem
- Certain sport utility vehicles have windshield wiper systems that will not turn on, cease operation while in use, fail to turn off/on by themselves (moisture sensitive wiper system), or have continuous windshield washer pump operation because the presence of water within the wiper modules can either cause a short circuit or can lead to the corrosion of components within the module.
- The risk
- Depending on the occurrence and weather situation, driver visibility could be reduced, which could result in a crash.
- The fix
- Dealers will cover the windshield wiper module vent hole with a patch. Also, the wiper motor, circuit board, and electrical connector will be inspected to signs of water intrusion and/or corrosion and be replaced as required. The recall began july 6, 2004. Owners should contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438; oldsmobile at 1-800-630-6537; or gmc at 1-866-996-9463.
- The problem
- Certain minivans, passenger and sport utility vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 225, "Child restraint anchorage system." The owner's manual does not explain the meaning of the location symbols for the child restraint lower universal anchorage system.
- The risk
- This does not meet the requirements of the standard.
- The fix
- Owners will be provided with a supplement for their owner's manual. This supplement describes and shows the location symbols for the child restraint anchors that are located in the vehicle and on the child restraint or booster cushion. Owner notification began august 18, 2003. Owners should contact buick at 1-866-608-8080, cadillac at 1-866-982-2339, chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, gmc at 1-866-996-9463, pontiac at 1-800-620-7668, or oldsmobile at 1-800-630-6537.
- The problem
- Certain sport utility vehicles were built with a left-front brake pipe with a circumferential score at a random location along the length of the pipe as the result of the manufacturing process. If the brake pipe partially or fully fractured, brake pedal travel would immediately increase and front brake performance would be reduced.
- The risk
- If braking performance is reduced, a crash could occur.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the left-front brake pipe. Owner notification began on may 29, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, gmc at 1-800-462-8782, or oldsmobile at 1-800-442-8006.
- The problem
- Certain sport utility vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 114, "Theft protection." These vehicles are equipped with a mechanical override that could allow the ignition key to be removed with the shift lever in a position other than park. In addition, these vehicles have an override that can allow the transmission to be shifted out of park with the ignition in the off position.
- The risk
- These overrides are not permitted unless the vehicle has a locking steering column.
- The fix
- Dealers will eliminate these conditions by disabling the overrides. Owner notification began on may 29, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, gmc at 1-800-462-8782, oldsmobile at 1-800-442-6537, or hummer at 1-866-486-6376.
- The problem
- On certain mini vans, passenger and sport utility vehicles, some of these vehicles have a driver's side air bag that may not deploy as designed. In addition, the air bag inflator could rupture.
- The risk
- This could result in reduced capability of the air bag to protect the driver. Also if the air bag inflator ruptured, pieces of the inflator could strike and injure the vehicle occupants.
- The fix
- Dealers will inspect, and if necessary, install a new driver's air bag. Owner notification began on march 11, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact buick at 1-800-521-7300, cadillac at 1-800-458-8006, chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, gmc at 1-800-462-8782, or pontiac at 1-800-762-2737.
- The problem
- Certain passenger, mini vans, and sport utility vehicles have an air bag inflator on the driver's side that could fracture at a weld during a deployment.
- The risk
- Pieces of the inflator could strike and injure vehicle occupants and the air bag cushion would not inflate fully, reducing the capability of the bag to protect the driver.
- The fix
- Dealers will inspect, and replace, if necessary, the air bag module assembly on the driver's side. Owner notification began august 15, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact buick at 1-800-521-7300, cadillac at 1-800-458-8006, chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, gmc at 1-800-462-8782, oldsmobile at 1-800-442-6537, or pontiac at 1-800-762-2737.
What owners say
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642 complaints about the 2003 GMC Envoy
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 26.
I can not put gas in my car. M garage smells of gas fumes. Very dangerous situation of possible fire or illness due to fumes ans I have no transportation. When I bought this car from GMC it had the sam problem. no recall just a safety bulletin. Manufacturer fixed it.There were no warning lights.
My windshield wipers come on when you start the car, or when you just click the switch to put windows up, but the wiper switch is off. The wipers stay operating from 5 to 10 minutes before they shut off, and I am concerned the windshield and/or wipers may become damaged. This issue has just started to occur within the last week. There have been no warning messages of any type displayed.
The contact owns a 2003 GMC Envoy. The contact stated that while in drive(D), the vehicle shut off and then restarted. The message "Service Engine Soon" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the instrument cluster needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer who installed the original instrument cluster, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 98,000.
The contact owns a 2003 GMC Envoy. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked on several occasions, there was condensation under the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer on several occasions, where it was determined that the differential needed to be repaired due to a leak coming from the axle. On several occasions, it was determined that the rear pinion seal needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the rear pinion seal was replaced on several occasions. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 66,411.
Fuel indicator bounces from Empty to full in the matter of seconds while going down the road. Also, issues with mileage range reported as the fuel indicator is fluctuating.
The car's gas gauge and fuel range indicator are problematic. The fuel gauge quickly drops from a higher reading, like 3/4 full, to empty. After this, the gauge and the fuel range both fluctuate while driving, making it impossible to determine the fuel level.
I bought a 2003 GMC Envoy 3/23/24. The main frame and sub-frame have extensive rot, and is unsafe to drive. It is available to inspect. They disguised frame damage and sold me an unsafe vehicle. I brought the car in to have the ac repaired in August 2024 and when they put it up on the lift that's when they saw the damage. This was Rogers Automotive in Westport MA. They told me at that time that it is unsafe to drive. It has not been inspected by any other parties at this time. We had no idea it was damaged, Rogers said it was sprayed to try to hide the damage.
ISSUE: Hazard Warning/Turn Signal Flasher Module Failure. DESCRIPTION: Right front and rear turn signal and right front and rear hazard warning not working outside or inside vehicle. Replaced burned out right front turn signal/hazard. Replaced right rear turn signal/hazard due to corrosion on base of bulb. Looked at fixtures when replacing and all appeared good but right turn signals and right hazard warnings still not operational outside or inside vehicle. AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION: Yes, upon request. RISK/DANGER: ...
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Cannot use right blinker or hazard warning flashers to notify approaching or oncoming vehicles of right turn or hazard which could cause other vehicles to crash into stopped or slowing vehichle. CONFIRMED: No. INSPECTED: Not by anyone other than myself [[redacted]] , daughter of [[redacted]] owner). ANY KIND OF WARNING & WHEN IT BEGAN: No warning or symptoms really, just didn't work one minute, then worked momentarily and then didn't work and has not worked since. Was taking vehicle in for required State inspection on when the above described issue occurred, so went back home so it would not fail inspection. Occurred during daytime hours. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2003 GMC Envoy. The contact stated that the headlights ceased to operate as needed. Upon taking the vehicle to a local Pep Boys, it was diagnosed that the electrical wiring harness was burned and needed to be replaced. Additionally, the bulbs needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back the local Pep Boys, who replaced the electrical wiring harness and the bulbs a second time; however, the failure persisted. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
Rear door will not open. Window works but door handles inside and outside will not unlock door to open.
Back door latches sticking/very hard to open and at times won't open at all. Visibility from wipers is very limited and not good. Rear exterior lights at times flicker and bulbs come loose at times
1. The air bag dummy light is on 2. The relay switch keeps going bad on my regular headlights, but the brights will turn on 3. Rear driver side door popped open on the highway while driving with my 12 year old nephew in the backseat. Will not latch shut.
Headlights and brake lights went out at same time. High beams work, vehicle runs, has all powers. This happened when I left the house, while driving, noticed when it began to turn into early evening.
Check engine light stays on. Had a diagnostic done and they said there's a gas leak coming from the gas tank fuel inlet valve. Common problem for the gmc envoy and correction involves replacing the whole fuel tank costing an average $1,400. Dangerous to drive if left untreated. Called gmc corporate and I didn't get any help. They said my envoy was not under any recalls. They should be held responsible for this defect.
Shift cable broke between the shifter and the transmission while shifting from drive to reverse to park on a street. If this had happen while shifting down gear to lower speed while driving down a hill, a loss of control of the vehicle would have happen that would have led to a crash with extreme property damage and most likely driver and passenger injury and possible death. The vehicle was towed to ourisman chevrolet in marlow heights maryland for repair after the tow truck driver manually shifted the...
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transmission into drive from underneath the vehicle that would've been extremely dangerous for the tow driver to do if the vehicle had been facing down hill or in a heavy traffic situation. For some reason, however, my vehicle still hasn't been repaired nor have I've been given a reason as to why.
My wife was sitting in the backseat and the back door flew open on the highway. I have also noticed the other back door is not clicking shut and this is a very dangerous situation. *Tr
U guys issued recalled all gmc vehicles for a leaking gas ck valve on gas tank no matter how long in service stationary or on motion ck with my local dealer karl chevrolet ankeny iowa they say expired I'm 2017 at 150000 your recalled as long as in service. *Tr
When trailer is connected to the 7 way to box trailer connection trailer tail lamps do not light correctly. Brake and left turn signal lamps work properly. The right turn trailer lamp is partially lit when turn signal is not engaged. When right turn signal is engaged the left and right turn signals start flashing, brake lights work normal. This turn signal issue apply only when trailer electric circuit is plunged in to the trailer circuit. My understanding there was a recall regarding the flasher unit for the...
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2003 envoy vehicle turn signals. It appears the trailer circuit has a similar issue. Both the vehicle and trailer work off the same flasher module. See recall 05v198000. I plan to replace the flasher unit to correct this defect. If you never towed a trailer this issue would not be discovered. When towing a trailer driver could become confused when your making a right turn. This potentially could result in an accident. The trailer used was a 5x10 foot single axle box trailer with four wire electrical circuit. I had no issues when towed with a different make of truck. I did replaced both trailer tail light assembly and issue did not change.
While driving the vehicle a strong odor of gas entering the cabin. Fill vehicle up and large amount of gas pours on the ground from under the vehicle. Closer inspection reveals the part that attaches to the gas tank is broken off causing vapors to escape and not providing a seal to contain the smell. While driving on the interstate at normal operating speed vehicle loses oil pressure causing it to drop to 0 and message appears to stop engine. Both incidents are safety hazards and can cause serious life an death incidents if issues are not addressed by the corporation. This occur on interstate 66 in washington, dc. Immediate recall of all vehicles from gmc neeeds to be initiated.
The fuel fill line is broken from the gas tank. I was filling the tank for holiday travel and the the tank began to leak. Every tank that is ordered by the repair shop is damaged in the same place
Bulletin no.:14423 Date: november 2015 part number: 15077622 tank, fuel (18.7 Gal.) The icv is located above the full fuel level. A fractured icv could allow fuel vapors to pass through and droplets of fuel to accumulate on the side of the fuel tank as it passes over the fracture during refueling. If the icv fractures, the vehicle's service engine soon (ses) light may illuminate, and you may notice a fuel odor and/or a few drops of fuel on the ground when refueling the vehicle. This has happen to me and...
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now my tank needs to be replaced. This is a known issue with gmc envoy regardless of year or how long they are in service. The company needs to be held accountable for poor quality of parts especially when it is a safety concern and hazard with fuel odor coming into the cab of the vehicle and spilling out when going up a hill. Being told to only fill my gas tank up half to three quarters full due to that part being broken is the wrong answer. In motion when I smell gas and then notice it when I fill the vehicle up and it started pouring out.
Vehicle caught fire under dash somewhere without vehicle being turned on.
My spouse was driving down s/b on rt 313 @ rt 290 maryland. He hit a deer and rolled my envoy and the air bags never deployed. My son was in front passager set with a set belt on and when the envoy rolled his set belt did not hold him on. My spouse told me the anit-lock breaks did not engage when he slam on the breaks .
2 Years ago the maintenance required light has been on, when checked by 2-3 mechanics they said it could be the gas cap. That didn't remedy the situation, the light stayed on, then recently the fuel gauge started dropping to empty after a little less than half a tank was used. Then filling the gas tank caused it to overflow if you fill it to full. As of today the car when shifted into reverse, something came loose inside the shifter, now it is stuck in neutral.
No damage to turn signal when I turn on left turn signal sometimes it doesn't work sometimes I can move steering wheel and it will come on for second other times nothing have to try to turn off and on sometimes works sometimes doesn't can not get a good reason why won't work. Have automotive experience at trouble shooting. Also nonsafety issue cruse control on blinker on same switch intermittent working
GMC Envoy: every year compared
All Envoy years2003 GMC Envoy vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 GMC Envoy | 642 | 8 | F | |
| 2003 GMC Envoy XL | 642 | 3 | C | Compare |
| 2003 GMC Denali | 32 | 0 | F | Compare |
| 2003 GMC C4500 | 6 | 1 | C | Compare |
| 2003 GMC C/K Series | 4 | 0 | D | Compare |
| 2003 GMC C5500 | 2 | 0 | A | Compare |
| 2003 GMC Conventional | 1 | 0 | - | Compare |
| 2003 GMC C7500 | 1 | 0 | A | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 2003 GMC Envoy
Does the 2003 GMC Envoy have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 8 recalls for the 2003 GMC Envoy: headlights (February 2007); turn signal (May 2005); windshield wiper / washer (February 2004); owners / service / other manual (July 2003) and more. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 GMC Envoy?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the fuel system (164), electrical system (136), body, doors & structure (80).
How many complaints has the 2003 GMC Envoy had?
642 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on September 18, 2002 and the latest on October 13, 2026. Of these, 54 describe a crash and 11 a fire, and together they report 65 injuries and 5 deaths.
Is the 2003 GMC Envoy a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 24 out of 100 (grade F: far more problems than a typical GMC Envoy year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which GMC Envoy years have the most complaints?
2003 (642), 2005 (624), 2006 (603). See every GMC Envoy year compared.
What should I do if my 2003 GMC Envoy has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data