RoadVitals

2003 GMC Envoy Xl Body & structure Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the body or structure system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Body & structure reportsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
22
Latest Feb 8, 2018
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
10%
of 228 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
1
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
11

What this page shows

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2003 GMC Envoy Xl submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 22 reports on file name it.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Owner reports naming body or structure

Shown in the owner’s own words, exactly as filed

Body & structureSuspension
Filed Feb 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.

NHTSA ID
11071689
Incident
Jan 8, 2018
Mileage
90,000 mi
Body & structure
Filed Jul 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?

NHTSA ID
11006030
Incident
Jul 16, 2017
Body & structure
Filed Apr 19, 2016

THE REAR GLASS ON THE LIFT GATE COMPLETELY SHATTERED/EXPLODED WHILE IN GARAGE. THE CAR WAS STATIONARY.

NHTSA ID
10860232
Incident
Apr 19, 2016
Mileage
104,000 mi
AirbagsBody & structureElectrical
Filed Oct 21, 2015
Crash reported1 injury reported

I WAS IN A MVA JULY 22, 2015 I WAS TBONED ON THE DRIVERS SIDE AND THE WENT HEADON WITH A LIGHT POLE AND MY AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED. I HAD MANY PROBLEMS WITH THE ELECTRICAL IN THE TRUCK SINCE I PURCHASED THE TRUCK. IT WAS AN AS IS WITH NO WARRANTY AND I WASNT GIVEN ANY KNOWLEDGE OF PROBLEMS OR RECALLS. I SUFFERED EXTENSIVE INJURIES TO MY BODY AND MY TRUCK WAS A TOTAL LOSS $10000 IN DAMAGES TO THE VEHICLE.

NHTSA ID
10785134
Incident
Jul 22, 2015
Mileage
196,000 mi
Body & structure
Filed Mar 30, 2015

THE REAR DOOR CLOSURE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE FLUNG OPEN UPON ENTERING THE ON RAMP FOR THE HIGHWAY. THIS VEHICLE NOW HAS TWO DOORS THAT WILL NOT LATCH, DUE TO A MANUFACTURING PROBLEM AND RECALL. THE DEALERSHIP REFUSES TO REPLACE STATING THAT THE REPAIR FOR THE RECALL ALREADY TOOK PLACE, BUT HAS NOT... *TR

NHTSA ID
10702553
Incident
Mar 28, 2015
Mileage
182,000 mi
Body & structure
Filed Jul 21, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 GMC ENVOY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, HE NOTICED THAT THE REAR DOORS WERE CORRODED WHICH CAUSED THE DOORS NOT TO LATCH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURE WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 208,000.

NHTSA ID
10614927
Incident
Jun 16, 2014
Mileage
208,000 mi
Body & structureVisibility
Filed Sep 1, 2013
1 injury reported

I WAS DROPPING MY BOAT OFF AT THE LOCAL STORAGE YARD WHERE I KEEP IT. I OPENED THE REAR HATCH OF MY ENVOY TO GET A BUCKET OUT OF THE INSIDE WHERE I KEEP THE BOAT'S ACCESSORIES.. THE HATCH WAS OPEN FOR APPROXIMATELY 2 MINUTES WHEN IT EXPLODED AND RAINED GLASS ALL OVER ME AND INTO MY RIGHT EYE. IT SOUNDED LIKE A SHOTGUN WENT OFF, BUT I WAS THE ONLY PERSON AROUND. APPROXIMATELY ONE YEAR EARLIER, THE CHMSL PLASTIC FLEW OFF ON THE HIGHWAY ALMOST HITTING ANOTHER CAR THAT SWERVED TO AVOID IT BEHIND ME. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM AS I HAVE COME TO FIND OUT AND GM HAS REDESIGNED THE BACK DOOR . MINE SITS IN THE DRIVEWAY AND I AM NOT ABOUT TO SPEND 700 ON GLASS SO IT CAN HAPPEN AGAIN AND POSSIBLY HURT SOMEONE ELSE. *JS

NHTSA ID
10538282
Incident
Aug 30, 2013
Mileage
95,000 mi
Body & structureVisibility
Filed Dec 14, 2012
2 injuries reported

MY 14 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER AND 11 YEAR OLD SON OPENED THE REAR GLASS HATCH TO GRAB A SHOPPING BAG OUT OF THE BACK. AS THE GLASS HATCH OPENED IT SHATTERED SPRAYING GLASS ON BOTH OF THEM CAUSING MINOR CUTS TO THEIR FACE, HANDS SCALP. I WAS JUST WALKING UP TO THEM WITH MY 1 YEAR OLD SON AND HAD GLASS FLUNG ONTO US WITH NO INJURIES. *TR

NHTSA ID
10488856
Incident
Dec 14, 2012
Mileage
125,311 mi
Body & structure
Filed Sep 24, 2012

HEAVY CLEAR COAT AND PAINT ISSUES. CLEAR COAT CHIPPING, PEELING AND FLAKING OFF OF PAINT, PAINT FADING. THE PROBLEM IS SEVERE, AND HAPPENS IN A VERY SHORT AMOUNT OF TIME. *TR

NHTSA ID
10476849
Incident
Apr 11, 2012
Mileage
115,000 mi
Body & structure
Filed Apr 3, 2012

WE WERE DRIVING ON THE ROAD AT 60 MPH AND THE CENTER HIGH MOUNT STOP LIGHT ASSEMBLY BLEW OFF. IT WAS HELD ON BY THE WIRES UNTIL WE COULD GET STOPPED AND SECURE IT. *TR

NHTSA ID
10453947
Incident
Mar 3, 2012
Mileage
86,000 mi
Body & structureVisibility
Filed Jan 2, 2012

AFTER UNLOCKING AND USING THE REAR WINDOW GLASS MULTIPLE TIMES DAILY, AND TWICE EARLIER TODAY, IT EXPLODED ON THE WAY UP. THIS OCCURRED WITHIN THE FIRST 1 INCH OF TRAVEL SWINGING UP AND REARWARD FROM BEING CLOSED WITH VERY MINIMAL MANUAL FORCE APPLIED. THE TEMPERATURE TODAY IS 27DEG.F , WHICH IS NOT THE COLDEST USE THIS VEHICLE HAS SEEN. THERE HAS NOT BEEN ANY PREVIOUS DAMAGE TO THE REAR GLASS OR GATE, OR ANYTHING IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. I WRITE THIS AT THE ADVICE OF MANY ONLINE FORUM POSTS AND COMPLAINTS THAT I READ THROUGH. I AM HOPING THERE IS SOME TIME DEVOTED BY GENERAL MOTORS TO FINDING A SOLUTION TO THIS. I JUST HAD TO RIDE HOME WITH WIFE AND 4 KIDS SHIVERING BECAUSE OF THIS. THERE SEEM TO BE HUNDREDS OF THESE SPONTANEOUS OCCURRENCES HAPPENING IN ALL TYPES OF CLIMATES AND CONDITIONS, WHICH IS WHAT CONVINCED ME I NEED TO SHARE MY INCIDENT TO FUEL THE CAUSE. THANK GOD EVERYONE IS OK. IT WAS COLD AND MY KIDS HAD THEIR HOODS UP AND WERE LOOKING DOWN WHEN THIS HAPPENED. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN MUCH WORSE. *TR

NHTSA ID
10442135
Incident
Jan 2, 2012
Mileage
170,000 mi
Body & structureInterior & seatsVisibility
Filed Sep 20, 2010

MY 2003 GMC ENVOY XL SLE HAS A LATCH PROBLEM ON THE BACK DOORS, IT HAS ALREADY BEEN FIXED BUT ISN'T RESOLVED AND THE DRIVER HEADLAMP CONSTANTLY BURNS OUT, 3 TIMES IN THE LAST 2 MONTHS. I CALLED ON A RECALL BUT THERE ISN'T ONE. ITS GOING TO CAUSE AN ACCIDENT AT SOME POINT. THE LAST TIME I TRIED TO FIX IT THE SOCKET WAS BURNT AND PLASTIC MELTED, THAT COULD'VE CAUSED A MAJOR FIRE. I AM VERY UNHAPPY AND DON'T KNOW WHAT CAN BE DONE HERE, IM GOING TO GET IN BIG TROUBLE BECAUSE I CAN'T PUT IN ANOTHER BULB IT WILL CAUSE MORE FIRE. *TR

NHTSA ID
10356617
Incident
Sep 10, 2010
Mileage
85,000 mi
Body & structureExterior lighting
Filed Mar 12, 2009

WHILE DRIVING @ 35 MPH I NOTICED A VERY LOUD RATTLE AND HEARD A NOISE LOOKING IN MY REARVIEW MIRROR A SAW THE WHOLE PLASTIC TOP THAT FITS OVER THE HATCH BACK AND HOUSES THE THIRD BRAKE LIGHT, FLY OFF INTO THE AIR AND LAND IN THE OTHER LANE OF TRAFFIC. IT RIPPED THE BRAKE LIGHT WIRE RIGHT OUT. LUCKILY NO ONE WAS COMING AROUND THE TURN AT THE TIME. HAD TO STOP TRAFFIC TO GET IT OUT OF THE ROAD. THIS IS A BUSY SIDE ROAD THAT COMES TO A STOP LIGHT. *TR

NHTSA ID
10261690
Incident
Mar 9, 2009
Mileage
59,720 mi
Body & structure
Filed Mar 12, 2009

WHEN OPENING THE TRUNK RELEASE TO PLACE GROCERIES IN BACK, THE GLASS WINDOW IN THE BACK DOOR SHATTERED WITH A LOUD EXPLOSION SOUND. *TR

NHTSA ID
10261653
Incident
Mar 11, 2009
Mileage
124,000 mi
Body & structure
Filed Jan 8, 2009

I HAVE A 2003 GMC ENVOY, THAT IS RUSTING BADLY. RECENTLY THIS CAUSED THE TRANSMISSION COOLER TO FAIL. ALSO THE REAR BRAKE SHOE BACKING PLATES, THE SPARE TIRE CARRIER, THE TAIL GATE, ALONG WITH OTHER PARTS. GMC HAS RECOGNIZED THE FUEL FILLER NECK CORROSION, BUT NOT THE ENTIRE VEHICLE. *TR

NHTSA ID
10254260
Incident
Oct 1, 2008
Mileage
105,200 mi
Body & structureEngineInterior & seats+1 more
Filed Oct 1, 2008
1 injury reported

THE REAR DRIVER DOOR POPPED OPEN AND WON'T CLOSE. THE FAN CLUTCH FAILED 2 WEEKS AFTER I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. I THOUGHT THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT BECAUSE IT WAS WINDING REALLY HIGH AND NOT DRIVING NORMALLY. ALSO THE REAR PASSENGER DOORS ON BOTH SIDES HAVE MALFUNCTIONED. THE WINDOW ON THE PASSENGER REAR WENT OUT. I HAVE NOT CORRECTED THE FAILURES AS OF NOW. *TR

NHTSA ID
10244088
Incident
Aug 24, 2007
Mileage
81,324 mi
Body & structure
Filed Aug 9, 2007

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 GMC ENVOY XL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LIFTGATE WINDOW DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE GLUE FAILED THAT HELD THE WINDOW TO THE LIFTGATE. THE DEALER SATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER 05V494000 (LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH). THE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 66,824 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 66,780.

NHTSA ID
10199024
Incident
Aug 3, 2007
Mileage
66,780 mi
Body & structure
Filed May 30, 2006

I OPENED UP MY HATCHBACK AND HEARD A NOISE LIKE SOMETHING IS BREAKING. I CLOSED THE HATCHBACK AND LOOKED ABOVE TO SEE IF THERE WAS SOMETHING STUCK ABOVE IN THE HATCHBACK DOOR. THERE WAS NOTHING THERE AND NOTHING FOUND TO BE BROKEN. I AGAIN TRIED TO OPEN IT AND AGAIN HEARD A CLICKING, CRACKING, BREAKING TYPE NOISE. I CALLED THE DEALER AND THEY SAID THEY WOULD LOOK AT IT. ALTHOUGH I HAD JUST BOUGHT MY CAR THEY REFUSED TO REPAIR THIS BECAUSE THEY SAID IT WAS NOT COVERED BY MY WARRANTY BECAUSE IT IS CONSIDERED "COSMETIC". I WAS TOLD THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE HINGES THAT HOLD THE DOOR. THAT DOES NOT SOUND COSMETIC. I WAS ALSO TOLD THAT THE DOOR COULD FALL OFF AT ANYTIME (NOT SURE IF THIS IS TRUE OR A SCARE TACTIC TO GET ME TO SPEND BIG BUCKS TO GET IT FIXED) BUT THAT ALSO DOES NOT SOUND LIKE SOMETHING COSMETIC. IT SOUNDS MUCH MORE SERIOUS TO ME AND I AM PRETTY UPSET THAT THEY ARE NOT RECALLING THIS SINCE IT SEEMS LIKE A SERIOUS ISSUE THAT I WAS TOLD IS A COMMON OCCURRENCE IN MY TYPE OF VEHICLE. *JB

NHTSA ID
10158541
Incident
Dec 12, 2005
Body & structure
Filed Mar 15, 2006

I TOOK MY 2003 GMC ENVOY TO THE DEALER TO HAVE THE BACK LIFT GATE CHECKED BECAUSE I NOTICED THAT THE PLASTIC SHIELD ON TOP DID NOT SEEM TO BE ALIGNED CORRECTLY AND WHEN I OPEN THE LIFT GATE IT MAKES A CRACKING SOUND. I WAS INFORMED BY MY DEALER THAT THE BRACKETS THAT SECURE THE LIFT GATE ARE SEPARATING AND NEED TO BE REPLACED. I HAVE NOT HAD A CRASH OR INJURY YET RELATED TO THIS. *NM

NHTSA ID
10152766
Incident
Mar 10, 2006
Body & structureHeating & air conditioningElectrical+2 more
Filed Mar 16, 2005
5 injuries reported

THE 2003 ENVOY WE PURCHASED GAVE US NUMEROUS PROBLEMS, INCLUDING A NUMBER OF THE ONES OTHER OWNERS MENTIONED HERE, LIKE THE GLASS LIFTGATE THAT DOES NOT OPERATE PROPERLY, VARIOUS ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS, BUT ESPECIALLY THE OUTSIDE REAR VIEW MIRRORS THAT MOVE ON THEIR OWN NO MATTER HOW MANY TIMES THEY WERE SUPPOSEDLY FIXED BY SERVICE TECHNICIANS. THEY DO NOT STAY IN THE POSITION WE SET THEM IN, AND THE FUEL TANK LEAKING IS VERY DANGEROUS AS WELL AS INHALING FREON BECAUSE OF MALFUNCTIONING A/C SYSTEM. WHY IS GMC DOING NOTHING TO SOLVE THESE PROBLEMS? I CAN'T UNDERSTAND HOW THEY ARE GETTING AWAY WITH THIS SEEING THAT SO MANY OWNERS ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS. WHAT DO WE HAVE TO DO TO GET SOME HELP?*AK

NHTSA ID
10114201
Incident
Feb 7, 2003
Mileage
500 mi
Body & structure
Filed Jul 19, 2004

REAR HATCH STRUTS ON 2003 GMC ENVOY FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. DOOR COULD HAVE FALLEN AND INJURED FAMILY MEMBERS. IT IS TOO HEAVY TO LIFT. DEALER SAID PART WAS ON 7 DAY BACKORDER. *JB

NHTSA ID
10082228
Incident
Jul 15, 2004
Body & structureVisibility
Filed Jul 13, 2004
1 injury reported

THIS WAS ORIGINALLY SUBMITTED ON 10/14/2003, BUT BECAUSE I DON'T SEE IT ON THE NHTSA WEB SITE, I AM RESUBMITTING: THE LIFTGATE WINDOW OF 2003 GMC ENVOY XL EXPLODED/SHATTERED WHEN I TRIED TO OPEN IT BEYOND THE FIRST FEW INCHES. A SHOWER OF GLASS RESULTED IN A SEVERE FACIAL LACERATION TO MY 4-YEAR OLD DAUGHTER. THERE IS NO WARNING WHATSOEVER ON THE WINDOW OR IN THE VEHICLE OPERATING GUIDE REGARDING SUCH A DANGER. THIS DEFECT IS A MAJOR DANGER THAT COULD HAVE RESULTED IN EVEN GREATER PHYSICAL INJURY AND HAS LEFT A SCAR ON MY DAUGHTER'S FACE. *LA

NHTSA ID
10081011
Incident
Oct 11, 2003
Mileage
13,520 mi

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

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Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .