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Engine & cooling

2003 GMC Envoy Engine problems

Owners have filed 54 complaints about the 2003 GMC Envoy's engine & cooling with NHTSA - 8% of all its complaints, most recently on March 12, 2026. They describe 1 crash, 3 fires and 1 injury. Stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating, head gaskets, timing chains and engine failure.

Complaints
54
Recalls
0
Crashes
1
Fires
3
Injuries
1
Deaths
0

Engine complaints

Electrical systemEngine & cooling

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.

Filed Incident Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 11723763
Engine & coolingFuel system

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.

Filed Incident Engine · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11299450
Electrical systemAcceleration & cruise controlEngine & cooling

I was driving down the road when the car shut down everything I was scared because I had traffic right behind me going 45mph and then they car would not run again. I was right in the middle of an inter section at hall road and 59 it was the scariest thing that has happened to me. I bought this vehicle as a used auto and I'm not sure if the emmission system ever got changed and this happened once before and the dealer said not to drive with my house keys attached. I had to get the auto towed home.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Vehicle speed control · EngineNHTSA 11193870
Engine & cooling

Gradual coolant loss over time and no evidence of leak. This was due to a crack in the cylinder head that gm admitted to knowing about in tsb 06-06-01-019b on june 12, 2007). Coolant was slowly leaking into the oil, but was unnoticeable until it started to affect oil pressure from the oil becoming slushy and ruining the engine. This ended up resulting in resulted in the low engine oil light suddenly coming on and the car to stop running on a highway. The engine started steaming and the car was overheating. Mechanic...

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is now saying the engine is in an unoperable shape due to driving with continued low oil pressure (no light had appeared until day of incident). Gm had sent out a bulletin admitting to the issue but did nothing to notify their customers. They should immediately recall the affected vehicles and/or pay for a replacement. I had just put in a new transmission to my gmc envoy, expecting it to last for years.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11113393
Electrical systemLightsEngine & cooling

While driving on the highway at 65 mph, the third row floor got really hot and my children were saying their feet were really hot and we smelled something like plastic melting and my 15 year old cousins boot melted and the carpet melted and you can see metal. Once we arrived home the blinker stayed on and did not shut off until the battery died. Just before this happed the vehicle lost power and my husband had to put his foot on the gas all the way.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Exterior lighting · EngineNHTSA 11104092
Electrical systemEngine & cooling

Car dies when driving, car wont start sometimes and hour or 2 later starts mechanic said alternator and battery are good, in parking lot and driving in the city

Filed Incident Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 11003993
Body, doors & structureEngine & coolingFuel system

It started with engine misfiring causing engine to jolt which damaged #4 coil pack seal to failed allowing water intrusion. In 2008, the gmc mechanic replaced all six coils seals but in 2013-present p0440 engine code is a leak in the evaporative emission (evap). Loose fuel tank filler cap is the most common cause that triggers the p0440 code. I failed a few smog check spending hundreds of thousands of dollars yet my problem still existence. I've contacted the bureau of automotive repair because purrfect auto in...

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fullerton,ca lied about fixing my car. The bar made purrfect auto replace the gas tank and gas cap yet the engine light is still on displaying code p0440. Its been 14 years and I'm still dealing with this problem.

Filed Incident Structure · Engine · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 10983794
Engine & coolingFuel system

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 gmc envoy xl. While the vehicle was stationary, the engine warning indicator remained illuminated. It was diagnosed that the fuel tank fractured. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 155,000.

Filed Incident Engine · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 10919676
Fuel systemEngine & cooling

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 gmc envoy. The contact stated that a strong fuel odor emitted inside and outside of the vehicle continuously. Additionally, the engine warning indicator illuminated whenever the vehicle was in operation. The contact received notification of the manufacturer customer satisfaction program related to the fuel tank inlet valve replacement. The remedy part needed to perform the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. On november 23, 2015. The failure mileage was 119,292. Updated 07/05/16 *bf

Filed Incident Fuel system, gasoline · EngineNHTSA 10864094
Engine & cooling

While filling up my vehicle with gas at samsclub, it began leaking continuously from the tank. We replaced the filler neck hose, but it turns out the gas tank has a crack at the top. When you walk by, you could smell the fumes.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 10838812
Engine & cooling

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 gmc envoy. While operating the vehicle, the service engine light illuminated. While in four wheel drive mode, the vehicle would not accelerate. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the icv was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 150,000.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 10819707
Engine & coolingFuel system

My car will shut off when I am either turning or slowing down without any warning, I put the car in neutral, turn the key off then on again and it starts like nothing happened. The engine doesn't show any warning lights it just shuts off. This has happened now about 6 times. I don't have the money to take it to the dealer, but if I am given an idea of what to look for I can take it to my mechanic who is very qualified and did replace a sensor that went bad. Please help

Filed Incident Engine · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 10812023
Engine & cooling

My 2003 gmc envoy just turns off at any given moment. Out of no where, while driving, waiting at a red light or stopped at a stop sign my car just shuts down/turns off. It's been doing this for years. Very dangerous and unsafe. Secondly the "service engine soon" light on my 2003 gmc remains on. Took it into been serviced by the gmc dealer service department and they couldn't figure out the problem. Now I cannot get my car to pass inspection nor get it register. This is a major problem.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 10732038
Electrical systemEngine & coolingFire

I noticed a electrical burning smell while driving on a side street. The engine made an unusual noise so I pulled over, turned the car off and put on the hazard lights. While waiting for the tow truck, the car started with no key in the ignition. The car ran for a short time then stopped and attempted to restart itself about 5 times. Our mechanic took a look at it and said there had been a fire in the fuse box. I took pictures of the charred remains of the fuse box, cover and connectors. Most of the plastic...

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connectors under the fuse box could not be removed because they had melted and were fused onto the box. He noted the fire seemed to originate from fuse 46, the headlamp driver module. For the past few years, I had been experiencing headlight and tail light issues involving bulbs that were burning out frequently or were going out then coming back on.

Filed Incident Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 10724178
Fuel systemEngine & cooling

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 gmc envoy. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 mph, the check engine light would illuminate and the vehicle would stall on numerous occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who replaced the fuel pump. The repairs did not remedy the failure. The independent diagnosed that the fuel tank needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vin was unavailable. The approximate failure mileage was 137,000.

Filed Incident Fuel system, gasoline · EngineNHTSA 10620835
SteeringEngine & cooling

All of a sudden the power steering of the envoy slt 2003 was completely interrupted due to a broken shaft in the power steering pump. As a result the serpentine belt slipped on the edge of the power steering pump pulley and was wearing out quickly, which would have resulted in a broken belt. *Tr

Filed Incident Steering · Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 10564651
Electrical systemEngine & cooling

I got home one evening and when I turned the ignition key to shut the truck off the engine continued to run. I was concerned; as I could not leave the vehicle running all night; at that point I tried to engage the key again and the vehicle was still running . I became concerned and started to fiddle with the knobs and was surprised when after turning the highlight switch the engine shut off. The next morning I hestitately attempted to start the vehicle and when I was successful I headed straight to the gmc...

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dealer. The dealer said that it was a wiring problem and the ignition wiring had to be redone; (the cost was $1600.00) I started a dialog with gm and they engaged me with several conversations; which led me to believe that they would pick up the cost; as electrical components were not part of any scheduled maintenance that I as a owner would be responsible for. When I made a request for reimbursement I was told that because of the mileage there was nothing they could (or would do). I could see if it were related to an oil change. Brakes,filters,etc. But as a owner this item is outside of my area of responsibility. Gm should stand behind their products and make me and others whole. Ps. *Tr

Filed Incident Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 10525566
Engine & cooling

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 gmc envoy. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 mph, the check engine warning light illuminated and there was loss of engine power. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic where it was diagnosed that the sensor pedal, the clutch fan, wiring terminals, and accelerator pedal needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The approximate failure mileage was 170,000 and the current mileage was 175,00. *Tr

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 10510918
Engine & cooling

The cataytic converter broke into pieces and the car would not go above 25 mph. *Js

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 10464192
Engine & coolingFire

Tl* the contact owned a 2003 gmc envoy. The contact stated that while driving 30 mph, the engine compartment engulfed into flames without warning. The fire department was notified and no injuries were reported. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and did not offer any assistance. The vin was not available. The vehicle was declared destroyed. The failure and current mileages were 79,000.

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 10457763
Engine & coolingTransmission & drivetrain

One of the oil cooler line on my 2003 gmc envoy is cracked and leaking transmission fluid on the cataylic converter. This is a serious fire hazard due to the extremely high temperature of the converter during normal operations. *Kb

Filed Incident Engine and engine cooling · Power trainNHTSA 10446679
Engine & coolingFuel system

Check engine light illuminated on instrument cluster. Diagnostics indicated a code po 442. This code is indicative of a fuel system leak in the evaporative emission system. Replaced gas cap. Problem not resolved. Filled vehicle with gasoline in october 2010 and several times since. Strong odor of gasoline is present. Each time fuel nozzle fails to shut off fuel from gasoline pump and gasoline is spilled on the ground near driver side rear door creating an environmental and major safety hazard. Vehicle never...

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in accident or modified in any way. Vehicle has 62,000 miles. A courtesy general motors repair program is in place for these vehicles if the long wheelbase models. Numerous occurrences in the short wheelbase models also. This is a known defect according to the gm dealer that services the vehicle, but they want over $1500 to replace the fuel tank and the tank unit which includes the fuel pump, gauge, and hose connections. There is no guarantee this will fix the diagnostic code that sets the check engine lamp, or the problem of gasoline leakage/spillage. The vehicle will not pass a state safety inspection and therefore is not allowed on the road. A forced recall should absolutely be made for these vehicles. At a cost of over $35,000 for this vehicle, and the hazards it represents, it is a total travesty that gm refuses to stand behind their product. *Tr

Filed Incident Engine and engine cooling · Fuel system, gasolineNHTSA 10372565
Engine & cooling

2003 Gmc envoy - check engine light & reduced engine power light. Vehicle slows to 20 mph losing power. My daughter was almost hit in the side of the vehicle as she lost power in the intersection. Thankfully, the oncoming vehicle was able to stop. *Tr

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 10353311
Engine & cooling

No events led up to failure. Exhaust manifold is cracked and leaking. Gmc envoy xl slt 6 liter. Have not yet received new part. Will be replacing this week. *Tr

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 10317396
Engine & coolingLights

Throat of gas tank leaking on a 2003 envoy. Reviewing internet, found many similar problems on the envoy's and stated in 2007 that nhtsa was investigating. Mechanic stated very unusual to leak in that spot. Also, have replaced both head light sockets due to burning up. Have talked to many envoy owners with the same problem. When bulb burns out and the recommended bulb is put in place the socket and wiring gets so hot that the socket is charred and is no longer functional. Wires have to be cut and a new socket wired in. *Tr

Filed Incident Engine and engine cooling · Exterior lightingNHTSA 10313459

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Envoy engine problems, every year

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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

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