2003 GMC Envoy Xl Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2003 GMC Envoy Xl, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Fuel system6321.9%
- Electrical5318.4%
- Visibility2910.1%
- Body & structure227.6%
- Engine186.3%
- Interior & seats175.9%
- Exterior lighting144.9%
- Airbags113.8%
- Transmission93.1%
- Driver assistance93.1%
- Suspension72.4%
- Powertrain (other)72.4%
- Tires & wheels72.4%
- Steering62.1%
- Other / unspecified62.1%
- Brakes51.7%
- Heating & air conditioning31.0%
- Seat belts20.7%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
MY VEHICLE WAS SITTING IN THE DRIVE WAY AND A LOUD SHATTERING NOISE WAS HEARD FROM THE HOUSE AND WENT OUTSIDE TO LOOK AT WHAT IT WAS AND NOTICED THAT MY BACK WINDOW OF MY VEHICLE WAS IN A MILLION PIECES ON THE GROUND AND ALL OVER MY VEHICLE AND IN MY CAR SEATS FOR MY CHILDREN. THE BLOWER MOTOR FOR THE FRONT CONTROL QUITE WORKING A WEEK AGO AND THE RIGHT BACK DOOR WILL NOT LATCH.
WHILE OPENING MY TAILGATE WINDOW TO UNLOAD GROCERIES, THE GLASS EXPLODED AND SHATTERED INTO TINY PIECES. OTHER THAN A FEW SCRATCHES, I HAD NO INJURIES DESPITE GLASS RAINING DOWN ON ME. I'VE READ MULTIPLE ACCOUNTS OF THIS HAPPENING TO OTHER ENVOY OWNERS. GMC NEEDS TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS BEFORE SOMEONE IS SERIOUSLY INJURED! *TR
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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?
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
I OWN A 2003 GMC ENVOY. THE DRIVERS SIDE REAR DOOR LATCH HAS BECOME INOPERABLE. THE DOOR LATCHES MAYBE 1 IN 10 TRIES. I FOUND A RECALL BUT THEY ARE TELLING ME MINE IS NOT COVERED UNDER THIS RECALL EVEN THOUGH IT IS THE EXACT PROBLEM AN I AM IN ONE OF THE STATES THAT IT COVERS. *TR
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
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
HEADLIGHT SWITCH OVERHEATED AND CAUSED CIRCUIT PANEL TO CATCH ON FIRE. *TR
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHEN THE DRIVER SLID ON ICE AND CRASHED INTO A TREE, THE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE DRIVER WAS INJURED
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.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
I HAVE AN 03 ENVOY SLT. THE FAN CLUTCH JUST WENT OUT 3 DAYS AGO. I HAD HEARD THE TICKING SOUND BEFORE, BUT NEVER THE LOUD AIRPLANE SOUND UNTIL IT FINALLY BROKE COMPLETELY. THE DEALER WANTS $720. AFTER CALLING GM CUSTOMER SERVICE (MANNY AT 1866-952-4368, EXT. 3-2786), HE SAID BECAUSE I HAVE 119,000 MILES ON MY CAR, THERE IS NOT MUCH THEY CAN DO. I LOOKED INTO THIS PROBLEM ONLINE AND FOUND THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM. WHEN I EXPLAINED THIS TO GM, HE STILL DOESN'T KNOW A LOT ABOUT THE ISSUE. MORE COMPLAINTS:- HTTP://WWW.CARSURVEY.ORG/REVIEWS/CHEVROLET/TRAILBLAZER/R64655/COMMENTS/ *TR
I HAVE AN 03 ENVOY SLT. THE FAN CLUTCH JUST WENT OUT 3 DAYS AGO. I HAD HEARD THE TICKING SOUND BEFORE, BUT NEVER THE LOUD AIRPLANE SOUND UNTIL IT FINALLY BROKE COMPLETELY. THE DEALER WANTS $720. AFTER CALLING GM CUSTOMER SERVICE (MANNY AT 1866-952-4368, EXT. 3-2786), HE SAID BECAUSE I HAVE 119,000 MILES ON MY CAR, THERE IS NOT MUCH THEY CAN DO. I LOOKED INTO THIS PROBLEM ONLINE AND FOUND THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM. WHEN I EXPLAINED THIS TO GM, HE STILL DOESN'T KNOW A LOT ABOUT THE ISSUE. *TR
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
I HAD BEEN DRIVING AND PULLED INTO A FAST FOOD RESTAURANT AND WHEN I GOT OUT OF MY VEHICLE I NOTICED THE SMELL OF GASOLINE BEING CLOSE TO A GAS STATION I THOUGHT NOTHING OF IT WHEN GETTING BACK IN MY VEHICLE AFTER RETRIEVING MY FOOD I NOW SMELLED THE GASOLINE INSIDE MY VEHICLE STILL THOUGHT NOTHING THAT MAYBE THE FUMES WERE JUST LINGERING UNTIL THE NEXT DAY WHEN THE SMELL WAS STRONGER SO STRONG THAT MY CHILD WITH ASTHMA IMMEDIATELY HAD TO GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE SO BEING CAUTIOUS AS ANYONE I HAD MY HUSBAND TAKE A LOOK HE SMELLED THE GASOLINE BUT COULDN'T FIND A LEAK SO HE TOOK IT TO OUR LOCAL MECHANIC WHO THEN DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AND REMOVED THE TANK AND REPLACED IT WITH A USED TANK AND WHATEVER PART WAS NEEDED TO FIX THE ISSUE SO SINCE THEN I HAVE NOT SMELLED ANYMORE GASOLINE BUT MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT REFUSES TO GO OFF NOT TO MENTION I RECEIVE A LETTER IN THE MAIL STATING THAT THERE WAS SOME SORT OF RECALL ON MY EXACT YEAR AND MAKE OF VEHICLE AND THAT I COULD SEND IN A CLAIM TO GET BACK THE $500 I PUT INTO FIXING THE VEHICLE THINKING IT WAS NOW SAFE FOR MY FAMILY SO I PAID TO FIX THE PROBLEM ONLY MY NEW TANK IS USED SO I'M GUESSING I'LL BE HAVING THIS ISSUE AGAIN AT SOME POINT WHICH IS VERY SCARY CONSIDERING I DRIVE MY CHILDREN IN THIS VEHICLE PLUS I'M OUT THE $500 STILL HAVE THE SAME ISSUE WHICH I CANNOT AFFORD TO FIX AGAIN SHOULD THE PROBLEM ARISE AND I DIDN'T KEEP THE RECEIPT FROM MY MECHANIC THINKING PROBLEM SOLVED I PUT IT ASIDE IT THREW IT AWAY SO I'M JUST CURIOUS IS THERE ANYTHING I CAN DO BECAUSE KNOWING THE TANKS HAVE ISSUES AND I'VE JUST PAID $500 FOR ANOTHER RECALLED TANK PRETTY MUCH SO I'M AT A POINT WHERE I HAVE NO OPTION BUT TO TAKE A LOSS ON THE MONEY I PAID TO FIX THE VEHICLE BEFORE I KNEW ABOUT THE RECALL NOT TO MENTION I'VE HAD TO REPLACE THE TIE RODS TWICE AND IT'S POPPING AGAIN WHEN I MAKE TURNS I LOVE THIS VEHICLE BUT NOW I'M SUPER NERVOUS OF IT
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 GMC ENVOY XL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED AND STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE REAR END ABNORMALLY ROSE HIGHER FROM THE GROUND. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING, THE REAR LOWERED NEAR TO THE GROUND. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT AT TIMES ONE SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WAS HIGHER THAN THE OTHER SIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
THIS IS THE SECOND OCCURRENCE OF AN ISSUE WITH THE VEHICLES MANUAL SWITCH FOR 2HI,AWD,4HI,4LOW. THE DEALER I BOUGHT THE USED VEHICLE FROM FIXED THE ISSUE RIGHT AFTER PURCHASE AND I'M HAVING ANOTHER PROBLEM WITH THE SWITCH. I TRY TO SELECT ANYTHING BESIDES 2HI AND THE SELECTOR WILL JUST CONTINUE TO BLINK ON THE SELECTION WITHOUT ANY ACTION. SOMETIMES THE SERVICE 4WD WILL ILLUMINATE ON THE DASH. THIS SEEMS LIKE A FREQUENT OCCURRENCE/COMPLAINT OF OTHER ENVOY OWNERS ONLINE. *TR
ONE OF THE OIL COOLER LINE ON MY 2003 GMC ENVOY IS CRACKED AND LEAKING TRANSMISSION FLUID ON THE CATAYLIC CONVERTER. THIS IS A SERIOUS FIRE HAZARD DUE TO THE EXTREMELY HIGH TEMPERATURE OF THE CONVERTER DURING NORMAL OPERATIONS. *KB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
BOUGHT MY GMC IN APRIL OF THIS YEAR 2007. NEVER HAD TO USE THE 4X4. UNFORTUNATELY WITH 9 INCHES OF SNOW TRIED THE 4X4 FOR THE FIRST TIME AND IT DID NOT WORK. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID IT WAS THE TRANSFER CASE WAS NOT WORKING AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED A 600 ESTIMATED SERVICE. *TR
I HAVE A GMC ENVOY 4WD, ON 2 OCCASIONS THE VEHICLE HAS LOCKED THE GEAR INTO 4WD AND 4HI. VEHICLE WILL NOT RESPOND TO COMMAND TO SHIFT GEARS TO NORMAL DRIVING IN 2WD. IN TURN THIS LEADS TO PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE BRAKING SYSTEM--VEHICLE TAKES TOO LONG TO STOP DURING NORMAL BRAKING. THE VEHICLE ALSO BECOMES VERY UNSTABLE ON THE ROAD--KEEPS SHIFTING SIDES MAKING HARD TO KEEP THE VEHICLE IN A STRAIGHT ALIGNMENT DURING DRIVING. I HAD THE VEHICLE INSPECTED BY A GMC AUTHORIZED DEALER IN NOVEMBER, 2005 AT WHICH POINT THEY FOUND OUT THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSFER CASE WHICH CAUSES IT TO BREAK APART. THIS IN TURN CAUSES ALL THE OTHER SYSTEMS IN THE VEHICLE TO MALFUNCTION BECAUSE IT'S A COMPUTERIZED SYSTEM. THE TRANSFER CASE WAS REPLACED WHICH TEMPORARILY FIXED THE PROBLEM UNTIL FEB, 2006 AND THE SAME PROBLEM RECURRED. I HAVE MADE GMC AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND THEY REFERRED ME TO THE DEALER. ON SPEAKING WITH THE DEALER I BECAME AWARE THAT THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH GMC ENVOY AND THE DEALER IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE ONLY WAY GMC IS RESOLVING THE PROBLEM IS REFERRING CUSTOMERS TO THE DEALER FOR A REPLACEMENT ON THE TRANSFER CASE--WHICH HAPPENS TO BE THE SAME ONE THAT KEEPS MALFUNCTIONING. AT THIS POINT GMC DOES NOT HAVE A DIFFERENT TRANSFER CASE THAT WILL RESOLVE THE ISSUE ONCE AND FOR ALL. GMC IS ALSO WILLING TO FIX YOUR VEHICLE AS LONG AS IT'S UNDER WARRANTY BUT ONCE IT'S OUT OF WARRANTY AND THE PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSFER CASE PERSIST, YOU HAVE TO PAY OUT OF POCKET. GMC IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSFER CASE BUT THEY ARE NOT LETTING THE CONSUMERS KNOW. *NM
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
VEHICLE POWER STEERING HOSE BUSTED. MY TRUCK ISN'T IDLING RIGHT IT SOUNDS LIKE MY TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING. ALSO MY TIRE TRACTION SEEMS OFF AND I REPEATEDLY HAVE TO PUT AIR IN TIRES. TIRES ALWAYS MAKES A CERTAIN SOUND ON THE HIGHWAY, I DON'T KNOW IF ITS NORMAL OR NOT. *TR
POWER STEERING HAS BEEN LEAKING. TOOK IT TO THE SHOP TO FIND IT HAS TWO LEAKS. ONE IN THE RETURN LINE ON TOP OF WHERE THE WHEEL WELL IS (UNDER A BIG PIECE OF RUBBER HOLDING IT TO THE FRAME), AND ONE IN THE POWER STEERING COOLER. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
I HAD BEEN DRIVING AND PULLED INTO A FAST FOOD RESTAURANT AND WHEN I GOT OUT OF MY VEHICLE I NOTICED THE SMELL OF GASOLINE BEING CLOSE TO A GAS STATION I THOUGHT NOTHING OF IT WHEN GETTING BACK IN MY VEHICLE AFTER RETRIEVING MY FOOD I NOW SMELLED THE GASOLINE INSIDE MY VEHICLE STILL THOUGHT NOTHING THAT MAYBE THE FUMES WERE JUST LINGERING UNTIL THE NEXT DAY WHEN THE SMELL WAS STRONGER SO STRONG THAT MY CHILD WITH ASTHMA IMMEDIATELY HAD TO GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE SO BEING CAUTIOUS AS ANYONE I HAD MY HUSBAND TAKE A LOOK HE SMELLED THE GASOLINE BUT COULDN'T FIND A LEAK SO HE TOOK IT TO OUR LOCAL MECHANIC WHO THEN DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AND REMOVED THE TANK AND REPLACED IT WITH A USED TANK AND WHATEVER PART WAS NEEDED TO FIX THE ISSUE SO SINCE THEN I HAVE NOT SMELLED ANYMORE GASOLINE BUT MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT REFUSES TO GO OFF NOT TO MENTION I RECEIVE A LETTER IN THE MAIL STATING THAT THERE WAS SOME SORT OF RECALL ON MY EXACT YEAR AND MAKE OF VEHICLE AND THAT I COULD SEND IN A CLAIM TO GET BACK THE $500 I PUT INTO FIXING THE VEHICLE THINKING IT WAS NOW SAFE FOR MY FAMILY SO I PAID TO FIX THE PROBLEM ONLY MY NEW TANK IS USED SO I'M GUESSING I'LL BE HAVING THIS ISSUE AGAIN AT SOME POINT WHICH IS VERY SCARY CONSIDERING I DRIVE MY CHILDREN IN THIS VEHICLE PLUS I'M OUT THE $500 STILL HAVE THE SAME ISSUE WHICH I CANNOT AFFORD TO FIX AGAIN SHOULD THE PROBLEM ARISE AND I DIDN'T KEEP THE RECEIPT FROM MY MECHANIC THINKING PROBLEM SOLVED I PUT IT ASIDE IT THREW IT AWAY SO I'M JUST CURIOUS IS THERE ANYTHING I CAN DO BECAUSE KNOWING THE TANKS HAVE ISSUES AND I'VE JUST PAID $500 FOR ANOTHER RECALLED TANK PRETTY MUCH SO I'M AT A POINT WHERE I HAVE NO OPTION BUT TO TAKE A LOSS ON THE MONEY I PAID TO FIX THE VEHICLE BEFORE I KNEW ABOUT THE RECALL NOT TO MENTION I'VE HAD TO REPLACE THE TIE RODS TWICE AND IT'S POPPING AGAIN WHEN I MAKE TURNS I LOVE THIS VEHICLE BUT NOW I'M SUPER NERVOUS OF IT
VEHICLE POWER STEERING HOSE BUSTED. MY TRUCK ISN'T IDLING RIGHT IT SOUNDS LIKE MY TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING. ALSO MY TIRE TRACTION SEEMS OFF AND I REPEATEDLY HAVE TO PUT AIR IN TIRES. TIRES ALWAYS MAKES A CERTAIN SOUND ON THE HIGHWAY, I DON'T KNOW IF ITS NORMAL OR NOT. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE TRAVELING AT OR LESS THAN 35 MPH, ON BRIGHT SUNNY DAY AND ON DRY PAVEMENT VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP, BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. LET IT UP AND PRESSED IT TO THE FLOOR AGAIN WITHOUT SUCCESS. ON THIRD ATTEMPT JAMMED THE PEDAL TO THE FLOOR AND THE ENTIRE CAR LOCKED UP. THE STEERING WHEEL WOULDN'T TURN, AT LEAST ONE WHEEL LOCKED, HIT THE CAR THAT WAS STOPPED AT THE STOP LIGHT. EVEN AFTER STOPPING ONLY THE SERVICE ENGINE CHECK LIGHT AND THE STOP ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE BRAKE PEDAL REMAINED TO THE FLOOR , AND I COULDN'T NOT SHIFT INTO PARK UNTIL AFTER JAMMING ON THE PEDAL SEVERAL TIMES. 9000 IN DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE, INCLUDING THE FRAME HAD TO BE PULLED, AND YET THE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. 4OOO MILES TO THE OTHER VEHICLE. NO INJURIES.*AK
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE BRAKE LIGHTS WERE LOOSE AND BECAME INOPERABLE. A NHTSA RECALL, #04V527000 WAS PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE CONCERNING, THE EXTERIOR LIGHTING; BRAKE LIGHTS HOWEVER; THE RECALL DID NOT REMEDY THE PROBLEM. THE DEALERSHIP WOULD NOT OFFER A SECOND REPAIR UNDER THE RECALL.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
SINCE WE HAVE THIS VEHICLE THE HEATING SYSTEM FAILS TO WORK PROPERLY. WE HAVE REPEATEDLY HAD THE DEALER AND A G.M. REPRESENTATIVE TRY TO REPAIR THIS PROBLEM. AFTER THEIR ATTEMPTS THE SYSTEM STILL DOESN'T OPERATE CORRECTLY AND NOW I AM LEFT WITH A DEFECTIVE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM THAT ONLY WORKS SOMETIMES. I AM HEARING FROM OTHER PEOPLE THAT KNOW WHO HAVE THIS VEHICLE AND THE CHEVROLET VERSION THE TRAILBLAZER THAT THEY HAVE VERY SIMILAR PROBLEMS. IN THE WRONG CIRCUMSTANCES NOT HAVING HEAT/DEFROSTER WORKING PROPERLY COULD BE A SAFETY HAZARD, YET THIS FAILS TO BECOME A RECALL OR ALERT TO DRIVERS. AS FAR AS THE A/C PROBLEMS MY SON ACTUALLY GOT HEAT STROKE IN THE BACK OF THE CAR ON A VERY HOT DAY DUE TO THE FACT THAT ONLY VENT WINDOWS OPEN IN THIS AREA AND UNLESS THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION IT BECOMES VERY HOT IN THE THIRD ROW OF SEATS IN THIS VEHICLE IF THE AIR IS NOT WORKING CORRECTLY. G.M. SHOULD FIX THESE VEHICLES! I HAVE REPORTED MY PROBLEMS TO THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU AND I AM HOPING TO RETURN THIS VEHICLE TO G.M. EARLY. THIS CAR HAS ALSO HAD NUMEROUS ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WITH THE RADIO. I FEEL THAT SINCE THEY TRIED TO FIX THE HEATER THEY HAVE SCREWED UP SOMETHING ELSE IN THE ELECTRIC SINCE THEY HAD TO REGROUND THE WHOLE SYSTEM AND THIS GROUND HAS ALREADY HAD TO BE REGROUND DUE TO THE FACT THAT IT DISENGAGED ITSELF FROM THE VEHICLE, DOESN'T SOUND LIKE A SAFE REPAIR TO ME. *JB
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
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 GMC ENVOY XL. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND DROVE INTO A DITCH. WHILE DRIVING OUT OF THE DITCH, SHE STRUCK A LARGE CULVERT AND THE VEHICLE WENT AIRBORNE. THE VEHICLE ROLLED SEVERAL BEFORE FINALLY COMING TO A STOP. THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT SNAPPED, WHICH CAUSED THE PASSENGER TO BE EJECTED FROM THE VEHICLE AND KILLED BETWEEN THE SECOND OR THIRD ROLLOVER. NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE DRIVER WAS HOSPITALIZED AND REMAINS IN SERIOUS CONDITION. THERE HAS BEEN NO EXPLANATION AS TO WHAT CAUSED THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT TO FAIL AND THE AIR BAGS TO NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 108,000. ADDED INFORMATION 10.27/08 *CW UPDATED 10/27/08. *JB
FAULTY DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT THAT WILL NOT RELEASE TO FASTEN. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR IN AND THE REPAIR PERSON SAID THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG, AND THAT IT JUST WAS CATCHING ON SOMETHING. ALSO, THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR BEHIND THE DRIVERS SEAT WAS VERY HARD TO OPEN THE REPAIR PERSON AT THE SAME DEALERSHIP BROKE THE HANDLE TRYING TO OPEN THE DOOR. THE REPAIR SHOP DID FIX THE HANDLE FOR FREE, HOWEVER THE DOOR REMAINS STILL VERY HARD TO OPEN AND I WOULD NOT USE THIS PARTICULAR DOOR. AFTER A WHILE THE DOOR WOULD NOT CLOSE AND THE DOOR LATCH HAD TO BE REPLACED AT MY EXPENSE. THE BACK WINDOW WOULD NOT GO ALL THE WAY UP AND THE ACTUATOR HAD TO BE REPLACED ALSO. I AM NOT SURE WHAT MONTH THE FIRST INCIDENCE TOOK PLACE, BUT EVERYTHING SEEMED TO HAPPEN QUICKLY AFTERWARDS.*JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
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.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .