2003 GMC Sonoma SL
1GTCS14H438214816
Vehicle history report for the 2003 GMC Sonoma SL (VIN 1GTCS14H438214816). White. 219,725 mi reported. Registered in Tx. 1 open safety recall. Unlock full title, salvage, lien & accident history.
At a glance
Vehicle identity & specifications
What's a 2003 GMC Sonoma worth?
What comparable 2003 GMC Sonoma vehicles are listed for — a quick gut-check before you negotiate.
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See this car's exact value →Full vehicle history report
What a full report checks for VIN 1GTCS14H438214816
A full report searches national title databases (NMVTIS) and licensed history providers for this VIN and shows whatever records are on file — not every vehicle has every record type. The decode, safety recalls and owner complaints above are always free.
Safety recalls 1
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION."
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA Campaign #04V132000 · 18/03/2004We'll email you the moment a new safety recall is issued — no spam, unsubscribe any time.
Common problems & what to inspect
Based on 40 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2003 GMC Sonoma, here are the most-reported problem areas — and exactly what to check before you buy.
💥 2 involved a crash
🔍 Check tread depth, the DOT age date, and that all four tires match with even wear. Look for bulges or cracks.
🔍 Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
🔍 Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
🔍 Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
🔍 Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
🔍 Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Pre-purchase checklist
- Match the VIN on the dash, door jamb and title — they must be identical.
- Cold-start the engine; listen for knocks and check for blue or white exhaust smoke.
- Test-drive through all gears at low and highway speed — no slipping, shudder or pulling.
- Confirm every warning light clears at startup (none should stay on).
- Check fluids — oil, coolant, transmission — for level, color and leaks.
- Look underneath for rust, fresh undercoating or signs of collision repair.
- Always get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic.
Owner complaints 40
Complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of the 2003 GMC Sonoma.
SEATS
THE VEHICLE IS KEPT IN A GARAGE AND WHEN OUTSIDE I USE A SCREEN PROTECTOR. THE DASH AND MANY OTHER INTERIOR PARTS OF THE CAR ARE SIMPLY FALLING APART
Crash · NHTSA ODI #11316940TIRES
I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO AMREICAN TIRE DEPOT ON 5/23/18. I HAD TWO FLAT TIRES AND A BENT RIM, I EXPLAINED WHAT I NEEDED AND THEY CONFIRMED. DANIEL WHO ASSISTED ME INFORMED ME HE HAD TO SELL ME FOUR TIMES BECAUSE MY TIRES WERE WORN. I SAID THAT WAS FINE ALTHOUGH MY TIRES WERE NOT THAT BAD. I WAS CHARGED $419.80 AND TOLD TO RETURN IN A FEW DAYS TO GET THE RIM …
NHTSA ODI #11102919AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 GMC SONOMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON AND OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 81,000.
NHTSA ODI #10873984SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
WHILE DRIVING THE TRUCK THE BRAKES FAILED, PEDAL GOING TO THE FLOOR. TOOK THE TRUCK TO A REPAIR SHOP AND THEY STATED THAT ALL THE BRAKE LINES WERE RUSTED THROUGH, AND MORE IMPORTANTLY, WHERE THE LEAF SPRINGS ATTACHED TO THE UNDERSIDE OF THE CAR WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED AND THE TRUCK WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE SHOP COULD NOT REPAIR THE CAR, AND KNEW NO ONE LOCALLY…
NHTSA ODI #10779311FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 GMC SONOMA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE HE DROVE 73 MPH THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO COAST ONTO THE EMERGENCY LANE. THE LOCAL MECHANIC PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST AND WAS UNABLE TO LOCATE A FAILURE CODE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A SECOND DEALERSHIP FOR ADDITIONAL INSPECTION THAT ADVISED THAT THE SPAR…
NHTSA ODI #10577113SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
ABOUT A YEAR AGO HAD ONE STEEL BRAKE LINBE BUST BECAUSE OF RUSTED. NOW TODAY IN MY YARD HIT BRAKE PEDAL RIGHT TO FLOOR AGAIN. RUSTED BRAKE LINE AGAIN. HAVE OTHER BRAKE LINES RUSTED VERY BAD. *TT
NHTSA ODI #10537777ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE,EQUIPMENT,ENGINE
WAS SLOWING DOWN FOR UPCOMING LIGHT AND OUT THE CORNER OF MY EYE I SAW A DEER LEAP OVER TALL GRASS ON LEFT ONCOMING SIDE OF ROAD, WAS ALREADY AT 40 MILES HIT BRAKE TO HOPEFULLY NOT HIT HER SO BY THE TIME SHE AND I HAD IMPACT THE VEHICLE WAS GOING BOUT 35 MILES PER HOUR. TORE UP RIGHT SIDE OF FENDER, DOOR, HOOD, FRONT GRILL, AND SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE MOTOR…
Crash · NHTSA ODI #10472055TIRES,EQUIPMENT
2003 GMC SONOMA. CONSUMER STATES WHILE DRIVING THE SUPPORT CABLE HOLDING THE SPARE TIRE RUSTED THROUGH AND THE TIRE FELL OFF, ROLLED DOWN THE ROAD AND HIT ANOTHER CAR *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED NO DAMAGE WAS DONE AND THE POLICE WERE NOT NOTIFIED. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10429873+ 32 more complaints on record.
