2003 GMC Envoy XL recalls and problems

The 2003 GMC Envoy XL has 3 safety recalls and 228 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any GMC dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

228

Crashes / fires

11 / 3

Injuries / deaths

27 / 1

Recalls may cover only some 2003 GMC Envoy XL vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2003 GMC Envoy XL recalls

Recall 05V-494: Latches/Locks/Linkages

Reported Oct 27, 2005 · 98,007 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Problem: Certain sport utility vehicles have a rear side closure latch that may not latch or unlatch due to corrosion caused by road splash, such as water and road salt. These vehicles were originally sold in or currently registered in the following states: connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, west virginia, wisconsin, and the district of columbia.

Risk: If the door is not latched properly and it goes unnoticed, it may open while the vehicle is in motion. If an unbelted occupant fell out of the vehicle, personal injuries could occur.

Fix: Dealers will install a seal along the lower part of the rocker panel to prevent intrusion of corrosive material, and inspect the rear side closure latches. Functional latches will be cleaned and lubricated. Non-functioning latches will be replaced. The recall began on february 24, 2006. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, gmc at 1-866-996-9463, or isuzu at 1-800-255-6727.

Recall 04V-527: Exterior Lighting

Reported Nov 1, 2004 · 871,473 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Problem: On certain sport utility vehicles, vibration and heat may cause the tail lamp/stop lamp bulb to loosen in its socket. If this occurs, the bulb may flicker and eventually become inoperative.

Risk: An inoperative brake lamp will not convey the driver's intention of stopping to drivers in following vehicles, and an inoperative rear turn signal lamp will not convey the driver's intention to turn to drivers in following vehicles. Both of these failures can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the tail lamp/stop lamp assemblies, and if necessary, replace them. The recall began on november 22, 2004. Owners should contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, oldsmobile at 1-800-630-6537, buick at 1-866-608-8080, or gmc at 1-866-996-9463.

Recall 04V-046: Visibility

Reported Feb 4, 2004 · 581,394 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

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.

Risk: Depending on the occurrence and weather situation, driver visibility could be reduced, which could result in a crash.

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.

2003 GMC Envoy XL problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Electrical System	54
Fuel System, Gasoline	52
Visibility	27
Structure	22
Power Train	19
Exterior Lighting	18
Latches/Locks/Linkages	15
Engine and Engine Cooling	13
Fuel/Propulsion System	12
Air Bags	11
Vehicle Speed Control	8
Suspension	7

Most reported parts

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly — 12
Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel — 10
Structure › Body — 10
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly › Filler Pipe and Cap — 8
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch — 7
Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls — 5
Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 5
Visibility › Glass, Side/Rear — 4

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 79,800 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2003 GMC Envoy XL complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Engine · reported Jan 15, 2020

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…

Electrical System · at 188,000 miles · reported Apr 4, 2019

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.

Fuel/Propulsion System · at 181,000 miles · reported Nov 23, 2018

When in park position heavy gas fumes coming from a leak at the top of the tank. You can visually see the gas stains on the sides and bottom of tank.when rolling to a stop the fumes return.I'm getting headaches and burning of my eyes and throat.I checked my VIN for recalls, the parts involved are #14423c fuel tank inlet check valve fracture,and #07076a fuel tank modular reservoir assembly corrosion #12166 fuel filler neck..I'm afraid every time I drive it that I could be bodily harmed at any given moment, a spark,someone flicking a cigarette,a accident, anything that would trigger a spark.

Electrical System · at 145,000 miles · reported Jun 26, 2018

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.

Fuel/Propulsion System · at 90,000 miles · reported Jul 19, 2017

The contact owns a 2003 gmc envoy xl. The contact stated that the filler pipe was fractured and caused the bladder to leak. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the bladder and filler neck needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.

Other GMC Envoy XL years

2006 200420032002

Compare all GMC Envoy XL years · All GMC models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 GMC Envoy XL have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2003 GMC Envoy XL: 05V-494 (latches/locks/linkages), 04V-527 (exterior lighting), 04V-046 (visibility). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2003 GMC Envoy XL?

Owners report electrical system problems most often (54 reports), followed by fuel system, gasoline (52). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 79,800 miles.

Are GMC recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized GMC dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.