2003 GMC Sierra 1500 Review
Price Estimate: $1,684 - $2,870





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GMC Sierra 1500 model years
GMC Sierra 1500 types
- Extended Cab
- Regular Cab
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Roomy extended-cab models, strong V8 engines, innovative features.
Cons
- Spotty fit-and-finish concerns, low-grade interior materials.
What’s new
The Sierra gets a revised look this year that includes a new front fascia, revised side moldings and an additional wheel design. Top-of-the-line models get power-folding heated mirrors with puddle lamps and turn signal indicators. Inside, the Sierra now offers a Bose stereo system and XM Satellite Radio. The instrument panel and center console have been redesigned, and GMC has added new seats, a more comprehensive driver information center, optional satellite steering wheel controls and a dual-zone climate control system. For increased safety, Sierras now feature a standard front-passenger-sensing system and dual-stage airbags. All 4.3-liter V6-equipped Sierras and California-emission V8s are now ULEV certified, while electronic throttle control is now standard on all V8 engines. Finally, the Autotrac four-wheel-drive system has been modified for less intrusiveness at low speeds, and the brake system received upgrades that provide better pedal feel and improved overall performance.
Edmunds says
Powerful drivetrains, classic exterior styling and unique options make the Sierra a pickup worth considering, but Fords new F-150 has it beat when it comes to interior design and overall refinement.
For sale nearby
36 listings
- 184,601 miles
- No accidents, 7 owners, personal use only
- 6'1” bed, 6l, 8cyl
- World Wide Automotive (177 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Leather Seats
- Power Driver Seat
- Multi-Zone Climate C...
- Auto Climate Control
Close
Located in Sioux Falls, SD
2003 GMC Sierra Denali 6.0L AWD Heated Leather Seats Steering Wheel Controls Touch Screen Radio with BT Power Locks/Windows Escalade Wheels Very nic...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
13 Combined MPG (11 City/15 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 2GTFK69U231270840
Stock: 2303
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 08-23-2025- 235,645 miles
- No accidents, 1 owner, personal use only
- Burgio Motors (559 mi away)
- keyless entry|Overhe...
- alarm|Power door loc...
- Front air conditioni...
Close
Located in Longmont, CO
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
Listing Information:
VIN: 1GTEK19TX3E359687
Stock: B918
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 08-26-2025
Reliability
The 2003 GMC Sierra 1500 has a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic warranty and 4 recalls. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.
Recalls
4 recalls foundChecking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.
If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).
- Recall Number:
- 07E106000
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 130000
- Defect Description:
- CERTAIN FEDERAL-MOGUL REPLACEMENT WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLIES WITH THE BRAND NAMES: NATIONAL, CARQUEST P/NOS. 515020, 515021, 515025, 515053, 515054, 515059, AND 515060, SHIPPED BETWEEN JANUARY 23, 2006, AND DECEMBER 20, 2007, SOLD FOR LIGHT DUTY AND MEDIUM DUTY TRUCKS. THE INBOARD RETENTION NUT USED TO MAINTAIN HUB BEARING ASSEMBLY CAN LOOSEN RESULTING IN AN ABS LIGHT INDICATION, NOISE, AND/OR WHEEL SEPARATION.
- Defect Consequence:
- WHEEL SEPARATION CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Corrective Action:
- FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY CUSTOMERS AND WILL REPLACE THE HUB ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 7, 2008. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL TOLL-FREE AT 877-489-6659.
- Recall Number:
- 06E050000
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 6800
- Defect Description:
- CERTAIN FEDERAL-MOGUL NATIONAL AND CARQUEST AFTERMARKET HUB ASSEMBLIES, P/N 515058, SOLD FOR USE ON 2001-2006 GENERAL MOTORS 1500 AND 2500 4WD TRUCKS. ON THE SUBJECT HUB ASSEMBLIES, THE ABS SENSOR CORD DEPARTS FROM THE HUB ASSEMBLY AT A 90 DEGREE ANGLE. AS A RESULT, THERE IS A FIT ISSUE WITH THE BRAKE ROTOR DUST SHIELD INTERFERING WITH THE ABS SENSOR CORD. IF THE HUB ASSEMBLY IS INSTALLED DESPITE THIS INTERFERENCE, THE GAP BETWEEN THE ABS SENSOR AND THE TONE WHEEL MAY BE ALTERED. THIS MAY WEAKEN THE OUTPUT OF THE ABS SENSOR. DIMINISHED OUTPUT COULD RESULT IN AN UNWANTED ABS ACTIVATION AT LOW SPEEDS AND STOPPING DISTANCE COULD BE AFFECTED.
- Defect Consequence:
- IF STOPPING DISTANCE IS LIMITED, A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR.
- Corrective Action:
- FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY ITS OWNERS AND WILL EITHER CREDIT THE CUSTOMERS ACCOUNT OR REPLACE THE UNIT. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JUNE 2006. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-563-8507 EXT 3530.
- Recall Number:
- 06E043000
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 88303
- Defect Description:
- CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.
- Defect Consequence:
- THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
- Corrective Action:
- HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
- Recall Number:
- 04V562000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- 04E-058
- Manufactured from:
- 1997-01-01 to 2004-08-01
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 1660
- Defect Description:
- ON CERTAIN VANS EQUIPPED WITH SURE-LOK WHEELCHAIR SECUREMENT SYSTEMS, THE SPROCKET TEETH OF THE RETRACTOR ASSEMBLY IS OUT OF ALIGNMENT.
- Defect Consequence:
- IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE WHEELCHAIR MAY NOT BE ADEQUATELY SECURED POSSIBLY RESULTING IN INJURIES TO A WHEELCHAIR OCCUPANT.
- Corrective Action:
- DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE WHEELCHAIR SECUREMENT RETRACTORS AS NECESSARY. SURE-LOK WILL HANDLE THE REPAIRS FOR THIS CAMPAIGN. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT SURE-LOCK AT 1-908-231-1804 OR MOBILITYWORKS AT 1-800-769-8267.
Warranty
3 years / 36,000 miles Basic Warranty- Basic Warranty
- 3 years / 36,000 miles
- Drivetrain Warranty
- 3 years / 36,000 miles
- Rust Warranty
- 6 years / 100,000 miles
- Roadside assistance Warranty
- 3 years / 36,000 miles
GMC Sierra 1500 Owner Reviews
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
just like a beautiful woman
4.25 out of 5 starspabelomeister, 03/13/2013
2003 GMC Sierra 1500 4dr Extended Cab SLE 4WD LB (5.3L 8cyl 4A)
I got this truck used with 80000. It had a bad intake gasket and got replaced. Engine has not given me any issues since. z71 4x4 is pretty dang nice, its hard to get this this thing stuck in the mud. Issue with the motor in the transfer case... but never stopped working (says service yada yada. been checked. not a big issue). basic maintenance and think I can give this vehicle to my kids … (not soon either). GMC seems like a good truck with some quirks, but solid and runs when you need it. The 5.3 has some passing power, and tows like a champ. If you like your girls a little high maintenance, go on and get it. If not, then buy an old truck and forget about all the gadgets. good luck.
Couldn't ask for anything more.
4 out of 5 starsrustysmith, 03/03/2009
2003 GMC Sierra 1500 2dr Regular Cab Rwd SB (4.3L 6cyl 5M)
6 years later, I'm still happy with my purchase. It's been a great truck with no worries. The only problem I've had is not getting the speedometer fixed before the recall ran out. My own fault. Other than that, only oil changes for over 120k miles. Reliability on these trucks is second-to-none. I have three friends with the same body style (one '04 and two '05's) and all have over 100k … miles w/only 3 problems. My speedometer went out @ 105k. On the '05, his alternator went out @ 134k and his tranny went @ 166k. Using the gold standard of reliability, he has an '01 Camry. The starter went @ 150k and the tranny @ 160k. GM seems to be catching up to the Japanese automakers. Great job.
Review
3.25 out of 5 starsR Coyle, 05/18/2010
2003 GMC Sierra 1500 4dr Extended Cab SLE 4WD LB (5.3L 8cyl 4A)
Bought new in late 2002 truck has been average for comfort and mileage is good. Reliability is not good to many small issue my truck only has 60k and have replaced both front wheel bearings, replaced two power window motors, had to replace sensor for ABS brakes, steering gear box and now the cluster is going bad. GM know the cluster unit is an issue but refused to help on the repair … cost. I think I am going to look at the Toyota Tundra for my next truck. GM just need to have a better warranty on the little things that are always going bad on their vechiles.
Super Truck
4.25 out of 5 starsRobert, 10/09/2007
2003 GMC Sierra 1500 4dr Extended Cab Denali AWD SB (6.0L 8cyl 4A)
I have just turned 70k in my 2003 Denali and its been a solid truck. Regular maintenance and I am told by the lube guy that there is a very small fluid leak from the intake. This is common in Vortec engines according too him. I guess overall I have been very impressed I just hope they have used better materials for the interior of newer models. I don't see myself ever replacing my truck … it has been a good ride so far.
2003 Sierra 1500 Highlights
Extended Cab
Work Truck
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $23,600 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 16 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $245/month |
Seating | 6 seats |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Max Towing Capacity | 8,100 lbs. |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Sierra 1500 include:
- Alarm
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalMarginal
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintPoor
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