2003 GMC Sonoma: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2003 GMC Sonoma: 1 recall, 39 owner complaints and up to 22 mpg combined.
Recalls
1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Equipment Vehicle recall #04V132000 · 2004 · 183,922 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 208, "occupant crash protection."
Why it matters: Some of these vehicles include incorrect statements on one of the air bag warning labels.
The fix: Owners will be provided with correct labels and installation instructions. Owner notification began on June 4, 2004. Owners should contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or GMC at 1-866-996-9463.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 2 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Body & structure (6): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Transmission & drivetrain (5): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Latches & locks (5): the most common themes are door / lock issues (4).
- Brakes (hydraulic) (4): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2003 GMC Sonoma has 39 owner complaints, ranking #11 of 16 Sonoma model years for complaints (well below the 84 average). Complaints peaked in 2005 (9 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 2 years old, at a median of 39,119 miles. Neighboring years: 2002 (57 complaints, 0 recalls), 2004 (0 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.2 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 | 25 | 22 | Regular |
| 2.2 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 23 | 19 | Regular |
| 4.3 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 21 | 17 | Regular |
| 4.3 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 22 | 17 | Regular |
| 4.3 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 18 | 15 | Regular |
| 4.3 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 12 | 17 | 14 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2003 GMC Sonoma.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2003 GMC Sonoma have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 2003 GMC Sonoma. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2003 GMC Sonoma problems?
Owners have filed 39 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are body & structure (6), transmission & drivetrain (5), latches & locks (5).
What gas mileage does the 2003 GMC Sonoma get?
EPA ratings run up to 22 mpg combined (2.2 L, Manual 5-spd), across 6 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2003 GMC Sonoma repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.