NHTSA vehicle safety data

2003 GMC Envoy XL Recalls & Complaints

The 2003 GMC Envoy XL has 3 NHTSA recall campaigns and 228 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized GMC dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2003 GMC Envoy XL. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

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2003 GMC Envoy XL owner complaints

Owners have filed 228 complaints with NHTSA about the 2003 GMC Envoy XL, describing incidents dated July 25, 2002 to January 10, 2020.

Most-cited components

Fuel/Propulsion System 63 complaints
Electrical System 53 complaints
Visibility/Wiper 29 complaints
Structure 22 complaints
Engine 18 complaints
Power Train 18 complaints

Of the 228 complaints on file, 11 report a crash and 3 a fire; across all 228 complaints, owners report 27 injuries and 1 death (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #11299450 · Filed January 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…
ODI #11193870 · Filed April 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…
ODI #11153309 · Filed November 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…

Read all 228 complaints

Owner-reported

2003 GMC Envoy XL mileage at failure

193 of the 228 complaints on file for the 2003 GMC Envoy XL give the vehicle's mileage when the problem happened.

Mileage at failure by component, from owners' complaints to NHTSA
Component	Median	Middle half	Based on
Fuel/Propulsion System	Median 70,000 miles	Middle half 50,000–100,000 miles	Based on 53 complaints
Electrical System	Median 90,000 miles	Middle half 60,000–110,000 miles	Based on 48 complaints

A component's median is its 50th percentile, and its middle half runs from its 25th to its 75th percentile.

Owners give the mileage themselves, often as a round number, and NHTSA doesn't check it. A complaint that names several components counts under each one, and mileages that can't be right, such as 999,999, or 50 miles on a five-year-old car, are left out.

These figures describe the complaints owners filed. They don't predict when a particular vehicle will have a problem, and vehicles that never had one aren't counted.

Mileage from NHTSA's complaints file of October 31, 2026. How these figures are worked out

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2003 GMC Envoy XL in 6 investigations. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.

Recall Query RQ17-002: Loss of Headlights
Closed March 29, 2021
Engineering Analysis EA07-009: FUEL PUMP MODULE LEAKS GASOLINE
Closed August 28, 2008
Preliminary Evaluation PE07-013: FUEL PUMP MODULE LEAKS GASOLINE
Closed July 10, 2007
Preliminary Evaluation PE07-014: FUEL TANK LEAK
Closed June 12, 2007
Engineering Analysis EA04-021: BRAKE LAMP FAILURE
Closed November 4, 2004
- Recall 04V-527

1 more NHTSA investigation

Preliminary Evaluation PE04-001: FUEL SPILLAGE DURING REFUELING
Closed May 7, 2004

Open and recently closed NHTSA defect investigations

REAR SIDE DOOR LATCH

NHTSA #05V494000 · Latches/Locks/Linkages — Doors — Latch · NHTSA notice

Reported October 27, 2005 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Potentially affected: 98,007 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign 05077 · Owners notified February 24, 2006 · Vehicles built April 1, 2002 – July 31, 2003 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

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.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Notes

GM RECALL NO. 05077. CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

GM/BRAKE LAMP FAILURE

NHTSA #04V527000 · Exterior Lighting — Brake Lights · NHTSA notice

Reported November 1, 2004 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Potentially affected: 871,473 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign 04087 · Owners notified November 22, 2004 · Vehicles built April 1, 2002 – July 31, 2003 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

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.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Notes

GM RECALL NO. 04087. CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

GM/WINDSHIELD WIPER ASSEMBLY

NHTSA #04V046000 · Visibility — Windshield Wiper/Washer · NHTSA notice

Reported February 4, 2004 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Potentially affected: 581,394 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign 04005 · Owners notified July 6, 2004 · Vehicles built April 1, 2002 – November 30, 2002 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

DEPENDING ON THE OCCURRENCE AND WEATHER SITUATION, DRIVER VISIBILITY COULD BE REDUCED, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Notes

GM RECALL NO. 04005.CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

2003 GMC Envoy XL 4-DR.

—

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Not Rated

Frontal Crash

Not Rated

Driver: Not Rated, Passenger: Not Rated

Side Crash

Not Rated

Driver: Not Rated, Passenger: Not Rated

Side Pole

Not Rated

Rollover

Not Rated

Safety Technology

9 investigations

228 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2003 GMC Envoy XL.

Engine; Fuel/Propulsion System

ODI #11299450

Incident: January 10, 2020 · Filed: January 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 66 IN WASHINGTON, DC. IMMEDIATE RECALL OF ALL VEHICLES FROM GMC NEEEDS TO BE INITIATED.

Electrical System; Vehicle Speed Control; Engine

ODI #11193870

Incident: April 4, 2019 · Filed: April 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

ODI #11153309

Incident: November 12, 2018 · Filed: November 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.

Fuel/Propulsion System

ODI #11124365

Incident: September 1, 2017 · Filed: September 4, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 GMC ENVOY XL. THE CONTACT NOTICED A STRONG FUEL ODOR INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO MANFREDI CHEVROLET (2519 HYLAN BLVD, STATEN ISLAND, NY 10306, (347) 979-0291) PER AN UNKNOWN RECALL REGARDING THE FUEL TANK. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FAILURE WAS NOT RELATED TO THE RECALL. THE CONTACT THEN TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS LEAKING AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 110,000.

Electrical System; Exterior Lighting; Engine

ODI #11104092

Incident: June 24, 2018 · Filed: June 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.

Suspension; Structure

ODI #11071689

Incident: January 8, 2018 · Filed: February 8, 2018

WE PURCHASED OUR 2003 GMC ENVOY XL SLE 8 CYLINDER BRAND NEW AT ALDEN BUICK IN FAIRHAVEN, MASS IN JULY 2003; FOR THE PAST 3 YEARS WE HAD IT SERVICED AT ROBERTSSON'S GMC 2680 CRANBERRY HIGHWAY, WAREHAM, MASS.02571,508-291-0044. WE HAD IT RECONDITIONED AT THIS DEALERSHIP LAST YEAR, SPENDING $4000.00; WE HAD IT INSPECTED AT THIS DEALERSHIP WITH THE MASSACHUSETTS VEHICLE CHECK; IT PASSED THE FRONT END CHECK AND FRAME CHECK ON 8/4/17. I WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE IN LATE DECEMBER, AND HIT SEVERAL DEEP POTHOLES CAUSED BY AN ICE STORM; SHORTLY THEREAFTER I LOST STEERING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. I HAD IT TOWED TO ALDEN BUICK/GMC IN FAIRHAVEN, MASS. TO BE TOLD THAT THE ENTIRE FRAME HAD COLLAPSED DUE TO EXTENSIVE CORROSION AND RUST. I HAD IT TOWED TO ROBERTSON'S GMC IN WAREHAM AND FILED A CLAIM WITH COMMERCE INS. CO. TO HOPEFULLY COVER THE DAMAGE TO THE FRAME; COMMERCE DENIED THE CLAIM STATING"THE FRAME ASSEMBLY WAS SEVERELY ROTTED AND THIS EXTENSIVE ROT ALLOWED THE RIGHT FRONT CONTROL ARM TO BREAK AWAYFROM THE MOUNTING POINT ON THE FRAME RAIL. GMC ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN STATING THAT SOME ENVOY MODELS SUFFERED FROM EXTENSIVE FRAME CORROSION. WHY DID ROBERTSON'S GMC PASS THE VEHICLE ON THE SAFETY CHECK, AND WHY WAS I NOT INFORMED OF THE VEHICLE'S FRAME CORROSION BEFORE I SPENT THE $4000.00 RECONDITIONING IT? WHY IS FRAME CHECK AND FRONT END CHECK LISTED AS PASS ON MY VEHICLE WHEN THIS CORROSION AND RUST WAS PRESENT AT TIME OF INSSPECTION? FORTUNATELY NEITHER I NOR ANY OF MY FAMILY MEMBERS WERE INJURED WHILE DRIVING/RIDING IN THIS VEHICLE.

Fuel/Propulsion System

ODI #11006421

Incident: July 7, 2017 · Filed: July 19, 2017

TL* 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.

Structure

ODI #11006030

Incident: July 16, 2017 · Filed: July 17, 2017

THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR STOP CLOSING ....THE LATCH IS BROKEN ...THEY HAD A RECALL ON THIS IN 2005 BUT CLAIM IT'S CLOSE NOW WHAT CAN I DO?

Fuel/Propulsion System

ODI #10968654

Incident: March 20, 2017 · Filed: March 27, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 GMC ENVOY XL. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE FUEL GAUGE FLUCTUATED AND FAILED TO PROPERLY DISPLAY THE AMOUNT OF FUEL IN THE TANK. THE LACK OF FUEL CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO STALL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000.

Air Bags

ODI #10934028

Crash 1 injury

Incident: December 3, 2016 · Filed: December 9, 2016

WHEN THE DRIVER SLID ON ICE AND CRASHED INTO A TREE, THE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE DRIVER WAS INJURED

Other GMC Envoy XL model years

Check your 2003 GMC Envoy XL VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your GMC Envoy XL at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

Check a GMC VIN