2003 GMC C4500 recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-18. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Suspension
What's wrong, in plain English: Parts can break and cause loss of control. CERTAIN MEDIUM DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 11,000 LB. REAR AXLE HAVE A CONDITION WHERE THE REAR AXLE ANCHOR PLATE MAY FRACTURE. AS THE ANCHOR PLATE FRACTURES, THERE IS AN AUDIBLE "BANG." IF THIS INDICATION OF A CONDITION REQUIRING THE DRIVER'S ATTENTION WENT UNNOTICED OR WAS IGNORED, AND UNDER CERTAIN REBOUND, BRAKING, OR CORNERING MANEUVERS, THE REAR AXLE WOULD BE FREE TO MOVE FORE AND AFT AND PROVIDE UNEXPECTED STEE…
What could happen: IF THIS HAPPENS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS MOVING, A CRASH COULD RESULT.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW REAR AXLE ANCHOR PLATE AND SPACER. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 16, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020 OR GMC AT 1-800-462-878…
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2003 C4500.
- Book a repair at any authorized GMC dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 02V202000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-222-1020.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: SUSPENSION:REAR
Summary: CERTAIN MEDIUM DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 11,000 LB. REAR AXLE HAVE A CONDITION WHERE THE REAR AXLE ANCHOR PLATE MAY FRACTURE. AS THE ANCHOR PLATE FRACTURES, THERE IS AN AUDIBLE "BANG." IF THIS INDICATION OF A CONDITION REQUIRING THE DRIVER'S ATTENTION WENT UNNOTICED OR WAS IGNORED, AND UNDER CERTAIN REBOUND, BRAKING, OR CORNERING MANEUVERS, THE REAR AXLE WOULD BE FREE TO MOVE FORE AND AFT AND PROVIDE UNEXPECTED STEERING INPUTS TO THE VEHICLE.
Consequence: IF THIS HAPPENS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS MOVING, A CRASH COULD RESULT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW REAR AXLE ANCHOR PLATE AND SPACER. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 16, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020 OR GMC AT 1-800-462-8782.
Notes: ALSO, CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Useful for owners
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Transmission / drivetrain (2), Brakes (2), Hydraulic (2), Wheels / tires (1), Engine (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (6)
04/12/2010 · Wheels / tires
PURCHASES TIRES IN JUNE 2009 -- UPON INSPECTION THIS WEEKEND 4/11/2010 WE NOTICED LARGE CRACKS IN THE TIRES ALMOST LIKE IT WAS SEPARATING. WE BROUGHT THEM TO THE DEALER AND THEY CHARGED US $100 TO REPLACE THEM AFTER ADMITTING THAT THE TIRES HAD FAILED AND WERE DEFECTIVE. *TR
10/05/2006 · Transmission / drivetrain
THROW BEARING WEARS OUT EVERY 40,000 KM. BELL HOUSING GONE AT 180,000 KM'S, REAR END WORE OUT AT 182,000 KMS AND FORTH GEAR GONE IN TRANSMISSION AT 183,000, DASH CLUSTER GONE AT 188,000. MANUFACTURE OR DEALER WOULD NOT COVER ANYTHING. *NM
03/10/2005 · Engine
VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SUDDEN STALLING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS WHEN ON THE ROAD. TAKEN TO THE DEALER 10 TIMES FOR CHECKUP, BUT THE CAUSE WAS STILL UNDETERMINED.*AK
03/08/2005 · Brakes
VEHICLE WAS EXPERIENCING A PROBLEM WITH GREASE FROM THE REAR END LEAKING ONTO THE LEFT REAR WHEEL BRAKING SYSTEM. THIS CAUSED LOSS OF BRAKING IN THAT WHEEL. DEALER REPLACED THE GREASE SEAL WITH AN UPGRADED SEAL SIX TIMES, PROBLEM RECURRED. *AK REAL GREASE SEAL WAS REPLACED. THE DRIVER SIDE BRAKE CALIPER BOLT FELL OUT CAUSING THE CALIPER TO RUB THE INSI…
10/17/2004 · Brakes
MY ENGINE STALLED DUE TO CONTAMINATED FUEL. WITH THE KEY STILL IN THE ON POSITION, I ATTEMPTED TO STOP. I PRESSED THE SERVICE BRAKE PEDAL. THE BACKUP BRAKE SYSTEM DID NOT OPERATE. I REPEATED PRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL TWO MORE TIMES. I UNDERSTOOD. I WAS CLOSING THE DISTANCE BETWEEN MY VEHICLE AND THE ONE IN FRONT OF ME APPROACHING THE TRAFFIC SIGNAL, RED. THE…
03/19/2003 · Lights
WHEN THE VEHICLE REACHED A SPEED OF 50 MPH, THE HEAD LIGHTS DIMMED. *JB WHEN THE LIGHTS ARE ADJUSTED PROPERLY, THEY DO NOT ALLOW THE PROPER LIGHT ON THE ROAD AT SPEEDS GREATER THAN 50 MPH. DEALER DID NOT SEE THE PROBLEM. SCC