2003 Chevrolet Suburban 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 Chevrolet Suburban, 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
- Brakes9126.2%
- Electrical7922.8%
- Steering205.8%
- Airbags185.2%
- Driver assistance174.9%
- Tires & wheels164.6%
- Transmission144.0%
- Engine144.0%
- Visibility133.7%
- Body & structure113.2%
- Fuel system113.2%
- Seat belts102.9%
- Interior & seats92.6%
- Suspension92.6%
- Other / unspecified51.4%
- Heating & air conditioning41.2%
- Powertrain (other)30.9%
- Exterior lighting30.9%
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
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AND ALL OF A SUDDEN I HAD 0% OF MY BRAKES AND ALL THE BRAKE FLUID WAS GONE MY EMERGENCY BRAKE ALSO FAILED PRIOR TO THIS I PUT IN BRAKE FLUID AND IT ALL LEAKED OUT WITHIN A MATTER OF MOMENTS
LOST ALL BRAKE FLUID IN THE RESERVOIR, BRAKE LINE LEAKED ALL OF THE FLUID OUT, I DID NOT HAVE ANY BREAKS, AWFUL TIME TRYING TO STOP. THE MECHANIC INFORMED, IT HAPPENS A LOT WITH SUBURBANS
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2003 Chevrolet Suburban. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 291,000 and at the time of inspection, it was discovered that the odometer was tampered with, and without disclosure of these modifications.
The cluster of the speedometer
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
LOOKING FOR A CONSUMER RECALL REPORT. NO INCIDENT OCCURRED. ATTEMPTED TO REGISTER WITH DATA BASE. *TR
I HAVE A 2003 CHEVY SUBURBAN THAT HAS A CLUNKING NOISE IN THE STEERING. WHILE TURNING AT SPEED OR SIMPLY CORRECTING AS DRIVING. I HAVE NOTICED MANY OTHER COMPLAINTS ON THE SITE ABOUT IT BUT IT APPEARS GM IS NOT PAYING FOR A RECALL ON THIS ISSUE. HAS ANYTHING BEEN DONE ON GM'S BEHALF TO PAY FOR THESE REPAIRS OR AM I STUCK FIXING THIS? THE VEHICLE HAS ALSO BECOME VERY LOOSE WHEN DRIVING. *TR
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TOWING HIS DAUGHTER'S VEHICLE AT ABOUT 60 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE VEHICLE BEING TOWED. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A HEAD AND LOWER BACK INJURY. THE FRONT PASSENGER (HIS DAUGHTER) SUSTAINED A BACK INJURY. THE TWO WENT TO THE DOCTOR THREE DAYS LATER. THERE WAS NO POLICE REPORT. THE VEHICLE BEING TOWED WAS DAMAGED AND WAS DRIVEN TO THE DAUGHTER'S DORM WHERE IT WAS TOTALED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE OTHER DRIVER'S INSURANCE DENIED ANY COMPENSATION TO THE CONTACT, STATING THAT THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE (THE VEHICLE TOWING THE DAMAGED VEHICLE) WAS NOT HIT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER THE ACCIDENT, A LOUD NOISE WAS HEARD WHENEVER THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED ON. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD WAS CRACKED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 173,000.
SERVICE AIR BAG POPPED UP ON DISPLAY. NO DAMAGE HAD BEEN DONE AND IT SHOWED UP ONE DAY BUT THEN IT WOULD GO OFF AFTER I STARTED DRIVING THROUGH THE NEIGHBORHOOD AT LOW SPEEDS. NEXT TIME I TURNED IT ON IT WASN'T ON THE DASH AT ALL. IT CAME BACK THE NEXT DAY AND THEN IT HAS NOT TURNED OFF AT ALL WHILE THE CAR IS ON. WAS NOT SURE IF THERE WERE ANY RECALLS ON IT BUT NONE WERE FOUND. IN THE PAST BOTH OF MY SUBARUS HAS THIS SAME SERVICE SIGN POP UP AND BOTH WERE RECALLED. *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 ON THE FREEWAY AND ALL OF A SUDDEN I HAD 0% OF MY BRAKES AND ALL THE BRAKE FLUID WAS GONE MY EMERGENCY BRAKE ALSO FAILED PRIOR TO THIS I PUT IN BRAKE FLUID AND IT ALL LEAKED OUT WITHIN A MATTER OF MOMENTS
VEHICLE WAS COMING TO A STOP FROM A SPEED OF APPROXIMATELY 30MPH AND BRAKES FAILED SUDDENLY TO BRING VEHICLE TO A STOP A NORMAL RATE. DRIVER NEEDED TO SWERVE OFF ROAD TO AVOID COLLISION. VEHICLE CRASHED INTO SIDE CURVE. NOT WARNING SIGN OR LIGHT WAS LIT BEFORE INCIDENT. CLEAR YELLOWISH FLUID DRAINED FROM UNDERNEATH VEHICLE NEAR DRIVER'S DOOR. *TR
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
2003 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN. CONSUMER STATED THE TRANSFER CASE DEVELOPED A LEAK. *TGW
WHILE DRIVING ON THE GARDEN STATE PARKWAY IN NJ (MILE MARKER 133.6), THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR TIRE BLEW-OUT WHILE TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH. *JB
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY WITH THE KEY IN THE IGNITION WHILE SHE AND HER TWO SMALL CHILDREN, AGES 2 AND 4, WERE WATCHING A MOVIE. THE BATTERY DIED DURING THE MOVIE AND THE CONTACT MOMENTARILY LEFT BOTH CHILDREN IN THE VEHICLE WHILE SHE WENT TO RETRIEVE JUMPER CABLES. THE YOUNGEST CHILD WAS ABLE TO MOVE THE SHIFTER OUT OF GEAR AND THE VEHICLE PROCEEDED TO MOVE, KNOCKING THE YOUNGEST CHILD OUT OF THE VEHICLE. THE CHILD BECAME LODGED BETWEEN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE AND A GRILL. THE CONTACT HEARD THE CRASH AND DISCOVERED THE CHILD PINNED BENEATH THE VEHICLE. SHE ATTEMPTED TO REMOVE THE CHILD BUT TO NO AVAIL. SHE SHIFTED THE VEHICLE INTO NEUTRAL AND ATTEMPTED TO MOVE THE VEHICLE BUT SHE WAS UNABLE TO MOVE THE VEHICLE. THE POLICE ARRIVED AND THE CHILD WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL VIA AMBULANCE. THE CHILD SUFFERED BLUNT FORCE TRAUMA, SMOKE INHALATION, CARDIAC ARREST AND SEVERE 2ND AND 3RD DEGREE BURNS TO THE LOWER HALF OF HIS BODY. THE CHILD DID NOT SURVIVE. THE POLICE STATED THEY TOO WERE ABLE TO MOVE THE SHIFTER OUT OF PLACE WITHOUT ENGAGING THE BRAKES. A POLICE REPORT WAS AVAILABLE. THE POLICE STATED THEY WERE DOING A SUPPLEMENTAL REPORT TO SHOW THE VEHICLE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE UNKNOWN. LAWYER WROTE IN ON BEHALF OF CLIENT STATING THAT ALL FUTURE CORRESPONDENCE REGARDING THE INCIDENT SHOULD BE DIRECT TOWARD THE LAW FIRM. UPDATED 12/03/10 UPDATED 12/22/10*JB
REVVING OF ENGINE TO POINT OF SCREECHING TIRES. SOMETIMES FEELING OF BEING IN NEUTRAL FOR A SECOND THEN CLUNK IN TRANNY/REAR END? ACTS AS ENGAGEMENT OF CRUISE CONTROL INCREASING SPEED, NOT ABLE TO DISENGAGE BY HITTING BRAKE. COMPUTER DID NOT SHOW ANYTHING. NEXT TIME PUTTER "LOCKED OUT" TECH'S. PUTER REPLACED. WORKED GOOD FOR TWO WEEKS. ENGINE REVVED, HIT PATCH OF ICE, TOTALED OUT Z-71. THANK GOD, NO INJURIES. FIGHTING IT FOR APPX 16000 MILES. 72000 TO 88000. *TR
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
VEHICLE SUDDENLY STARTED GOING INTO REDUCED POWER MODE AND PROVIDING AN ERROR CODE INDICATING A PROBLEM WITH THE THROTTLE CONTROL SENSOR. FROM THE HUNDREDS OF ONLINE POSTS (SOME BY GM MECHANICS) THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH MANY 2003-2008 TRUCKS AND SUVS MADE BY GM. WHEN I BEGAN TRYING TO REPAIR THIS PROBLEM MYSELF, I FOUND OUT FROM MY LOCAL CHEVY PARTS DEPARTMENT THAT "THEY CAN NOT KEEP THESE THROTTLE CONTROL ASSEMBLIES IN STOCK BECAUSE WE ARE REPLACING SO MANY OF THEM..." THERE SEEMS TO BE A KNOW PROBLEM THAT GM IS NOT ADEQUATELY BEING PROACTIVE ABOUT. THIS HAPPENS WHILE DRIVING HIGHWAY, LOCAL STREETS AND AT STARTUP. THIS BECOMES A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE WHEN THE VEHICLE GOES INTO REDUCED POWER MODE WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN TRAFFIC.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN. WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC BUT WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE OR REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 101,000.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE REAR WINDSHIELD DETACHED COMPLETELY FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED HE CONTINUED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO HIS RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED AS OF YET. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 388,000.
I INITIALLY NOTICED A PROBLEM CLOSING THE REAR WINDOW AND ALSO NOTICED THE HINGE CONNECTING THE WINDOW TO THE VEHICLE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE APPEARED TO BE CRACKED OR BROKEN. EVEN THOUGH I RARELY USE THE WINDOW, EVENTUALLY THE HINGE COMPLETELY BROKE AND THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE WINDOW PULLED COMPLETELY AWAY FROM THE VEHICLE. THE WINDOW IS RAISED UP SO THERE IS A LARGE SPACE BETWEEN THE WINDOW AND THE VEHICLE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. THE GLASS COULD EASILY BECOME FULLY DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE AND FALL OFF, POSSIBLY WHILE THE CAR IS BEING DRIVEN. IT SEEMS, BASED ON THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS I HAVE SEEN, THAT THE HINGE IS DEFECTIVE BUT GM WILL NOT ADMIT THIS AND, THEREFORE, WILL NOT PAY FOR THE REPAIR.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TOWING HIS DAUGHTER'S VEHICLE AT ABOUT 60 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE VEHICLE BEING TOWED. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A HEAD AND LOWER BACK INJURY. THE FRONT PASSENGER (HIS DAUGHTER) SUSTAINED A BACK INJURY. THE TWO WENT TO THE DOCTOR THREE DAYS LATER. THERE WAS NO POLICE REPORT. THE VEHICLE BEING TOWED WAS DAMAGED AND WAS DRIVEN TO THE DAUGHTER'S DORM WHERE IT WAS TOTALED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE OTHER DRIVER'S INSURANCE DENIED ANY COMPENSATION TO THE CONTACT, STATING THAT THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE (THE VEHICLE TOWING THE DAMAGED VEHICLE) WAS NOT HIT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER THE ACCIDENT, A LOUD NOISE WAS HEARD WHENEVER THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED ON. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD WAS CRACKED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 173,000.
I NOTICED A SOUND LIKE THAT FROM AN OPEN WINDOW AND CHECK ALL DRIVER AND PASSENGER WINDOWS VERIFYING THAT THEY WERE CLOSED. UPON UTILIZATION OF THE REAR HATCH, IT WAS NOTED THAT ONE OF THE TWO (50%) LATCHES THAT HOLD THE REAR WINDOW/DOOR TO THE CAR HAD SEPARATED. I BROUGHT IT TO CHEVROLET DEALER AT THE TIME AND WAS TOLD THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. THEY DID NOT CONSIDER THE DOORS AS REQUIRED OR THIS TO BE A SAFETY ISSUE. AT THE TIME, I FOUND 1000'S OF PEOPLE ONLINE COMPLAINING ABOUT THE SAME ISSUE. I'M SURE THAT THIS HAS INCREASED 10 FOLD SINCE THEN. I ONLY USE THIS CAR AS A 2ND CAR NOW AND DO NOT UTILIZE IT DAILY. I FEAR THAT THE 2ND REAR WINDOW/DOOR LATCH WILL ALSO FAIL AND CAUSE THE ENTIRE WINDOW/DOOR TO SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE THUS LANDING ON THE HIGHWAY BEHIND ME (HOPEFULLY) OR ON THE POOR FAMILY IN THE VEHICLE BEHIND ME (WORSE CASE). UNFORTUNATELY, I LIVE IN THE WASHINGTON DC AREA WHERE PEOPLE LIKE TO TAILGATE. TRAVELING ON HIGHWAYS WITH THE WIND RUSHING THROUGH THE WINDOW CAUSING ADDITIONAL STRESS ON THE LATCH MAKE THE LATER SCENARIO MORE DEADLY AND MORE OF A REALITY. GM/CHEVROLET SHOULD FIX WHAT SEEMS TO ME AS A MINOR REPAIR TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF THE GENERAL PUBLIC WHY HASN'T THIS BEEN ADDRESSED IF SO MANY PEOPLE ARE HAVING ISSUES WITH THE LATCH?
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
I PURCHASED THIS SUBURBAN NEW IN 2003. IN MAY OF 20011, I SUDDENLY HAD NO BRAKES WHEN BACKING UP AND GOING FORWARD IN PARKING LOT AFTER DRIVING FROM HOME TO STORE. TOOK THE SUBURBAN TO OLYMPIA, WASHINGTON CHEVROLET DEALER WHO SAID CAUSE OF THE BRAKE FAILURE WAS DUE TO RUSTING OF BRAKE LINES THAT WERE LEAKING AND RECOMMENDED REPLACING ALL BRAKE LINES. IN THE PREVIOUS WEEKS, I HAD DRIVEN THE SUBURBAN ON MOUNTAIN ROADS IN NATIONAL FORESTS IN THE AREA THAT WERE UNPAVED AND HAD STEEP INCLINES, WAS LUCKY NOT TO HAVE HAD A FAILURE ON THOSE ROADS OR ON PAVED HIGHWAY AT HIGH SPEEDS ON THE TRIP HOME. ALL BREAK LINES WERE REPLACED. THIS REQUIRED REMOVAL OF THE FUEL TANK. A FEW WEEKS LATER THE SERVICE ENGINE CHECK LIGHT CAME ON I TOOK THE SUBURBAN BACK TO THE DEALER WHO DETERMINED THAT THE PROBLEM WAS THE FRONT FUEL TANK VENT THAT WAS ALSO RUSTED AND WAS NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. THIS REQUIRED REPLACING THE FUEL TANK SINCE THE VENT WAS NOT SOLD SEPARATELY!! THE NEW TANK WITH VENT COST $829 DOLLARS BRINGING THE TOTAL COST OVER $3,000 DOLLARS. NOTE, I ALSO PURCHASED A 2003 HONDA ACCORD NEW, WHICH I STILL HAVE, AND HAVE DRIVEN IT FOR OVER 70,000 MILES AND IN THE SAME ENVIRONMENT AS THE 2003 SUBURBAN, AND IT HAS NO SIGNS OF RUST ON THE BRAKE LINES OR FUEL LINES. THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH SUBURBANS OF OTHER MODEL YEARS AND IT IS A LIFE ENDANGERING FAILURE. I FEEL I SHOULD BE COMPENSATED BY CHEVROLET FOR THESE REPAIRS AND A RECALL ISSUED ALL SUBURBANS TO CHECK FOR THIS RUSTING OF THE BRAKE AND FUEL LINES TO AVOID LOSS OF BRAKES THAT COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT AND LOSS OF LIFE. *TR
THE FUEL PUMP ON MY 2003 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN HAS FAILED. IT SEEMS THAT THIS HAS BEEN A PROBLEM WITH THESE VEHICLES IN THE PAST. I WISH I HAD KNOWN BEFORE. I BOUGHT THE CAR USED IN 2005, WITH APPROXIMATELY 32,000 MILES ON IT. THE "THROTTLE BODY MODULE", "STEERING GEAR", DASH CLUSTER, AND NOW FUEL PUMP HAVE ALL FAILED! THIS HAS MADE ME VERY UPSET WITH THE MANUFACTURER. THE VEHICLE NOW HAS 72,000 MILES ON IT. I THOUGHT BUYING AMERICAN WAS THE RIGHT THING TO DO. NOW I'M WORRIED ABOUT MY 2004 GMC SIERRA. *TR
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
2003 CHEVY SUBURBAN 4WD ROLLOVER RESULTING IN ROOF COMPACTING AND SEAT BELTS FAILING, 3 MAJOR INJURIES;: ALL WEARING SEATBELTS: DRIVER: ROAD BURN, CUT'S, BRUISES, BROKEN RIB. FRONT PASSENGER: SEVERE, TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY, C2, STAGE 3 SPINAL FRACTURE. WINDOW'S BROKE OUT & CAR LANDED ON RIGHT ARM RESULTING IN ELBOW DISLOCATION, FRACTURE AND MUSCLES TORN FROM THE BONE; BROKEN RIB. 2ND SEAT PASSENGER: 1/2 THROWN OUT OF THE CAR SUSTAINING 3 SPINAL FXS, RIB FX., SCAPULA FX. AND ROAD BURN. 3RD SEAT PASSENGER: THROWN FROM THE VEHICLE INTO THE FAST LANE ON ONCOMING TRAFFIC. SUSTAINING HEAD INJURY, BILATERAL COLLARBONE FRACTURE'S, SCAPULA FX. AND ROAD BURN. CHEVY SUBURBAN'S CANNOT WITHSTAND A ROLLOVER AND CHEVY WAS AWARE OF THIS. WE HAVE NOT BEEN GIVEN OUR CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT TO A COURT TRIAL. IMPEACH OBAMA OBAMA & HIS CIRCUS FOR DEFYING OUR U.S. CONSTITUTION! *TR
VEHICLE: 2003 CHEVY SUBURBAN CRASH: AS VEHICLE WAS SLOWING DOWN TO AN APPROACHING INTERSECTION WITH A STOP SIGN (IN A NEIGHBORHOOD) SPEED LIMIT APPROX 25, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED TO HIGH RATE OF SPEED (CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED) CAUSING DRIVER LOSS OF CONTROL, VEHICLE LEFT THE ROAD HITTING A MAILBOX, TELEPHONE POLE AND FINAL IMPACT (T-BONED) WITH A PARKED FORD F150 EXTRA CAB PICKUP TRUCK SITTING IN A DRIVEWAY WITH A LAWN TRAILER ATTACHED. SUBURBAN ENGINE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE AFTER IMPACT PUSHING BOTH VEHICLES (AND THE TRAILER) APPROXIMATELY 50 FEET. NO AIR-BAG DEPLOYMENTS EVEN THOUGH FRONT BUMPER WAS IN THE INTERIOR OF THE PICKUP TRUCK AND SEAT BELTS DID NOT LOCK OR HOLD. BOTH VEHICLES TOTAL LOSS INJURIES: ALL 4 PASSENGERS IN THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES DRIVER - BROKEN NOSE FROM MIRROR KNOCKED INTO THE VEHICLE FROM IMPACT WITH TELEPHONE POLE, SEVERE CHEST/ABDOMEN BRUISING CONTACT WITH STEERING WHEEL, MULTIPLE CUTS AND ABRASIONS FROM FLYING DEBRIS & GLASS. PASSENGER BACK LEFT - CUTS & ABRASIONS FROM GLASS & DEBRIS AND BRUISING FRONT PASSENGER - DEEP TISSUE/BONE BRUISING ON BOTH LEGS,AND RIGHT KNEE, BRUISING ON BOTH ARMS AND CHEST. PASSENGER BACK RIGHT - BRUISING ON KNEES AND FEET. *TR
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE ISSUE STARTED WITH THE DRIVERS MEMORY SEAT NOT REMEMBERING THE SEAT POSITION AND THE EASY EXIT PUSHED THE SEAT FORWARD IN TO THE STEERING WHEEL INSTEAD OF BACK. THEN CAME THE ISSUE WITH THE SPEEDOMETER. I RECEIVED THE LETTER IDENTIFYING THIS PROBLEM HOWEVER LIKE SO MANY OTHER PEOPLE MY VEHICLE HAS MORE THAN 70,000 MILES AND ALTHOUGH IT HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED AS A PROBLEM GM WILL NOT CONSIDER IT A RECALL AND I WOULD HAVE TO PAY TO HAVE IT FIXED. THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A WIDE SPREAD PROBLEM THAT GM SHOULD FIX FREE OF CHARGE NO MATTER THE MILEAGE. MY HUSBAND ALSO HAS THE SAME ISSUE WITH HIS 2005 3/4 TON SILVERADO. *TR
1. 2003 SUBURBAN Z71 , RATTLE AND CLUNK IN STEERING COLUMN, NOTHING LOOSE IN THE STEERING JUST CLUNKING NOISE WHILE DRIVING. THE STEERING SHAFT HAS BEEN REPLACED 3 TIMES. 2. SECOND ROW MIDDLE SEAT BELT FAILED TO RETRACT AND UNABLE TO FASTEN BELT WITHOUT FORCE. CORRECTED 3. LATCHES LOCATED ON THE BACK OF THE SECOND ROW SEATS TO HOLD UP THE THIRD ROW FLOOR BOARDS WHEN USING THIRD ROW HAVE BROKEN NUMEROUS TIMES (LATCHES ARE PLASTIC WHICH MAKES NO SENSE) 4. PAINT ON THE REAR BUMPER AND LEFT BY GAS TANK FILL RUSTED (THIS WAS CORRECTED) 5. DRIVER SEAT MOTOR RUNS AFTER VEHICLE TURNED OFF. THIS HAS BEEN BROUGHT TO THE DEALERS ATTENTION MANY TIMES AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE PROBLEM. 6. REAR ACCESS DOOR WEATHER STRIPING STRETCHED. 7. TRUCK FAILED TO START FOR NUMEROUS REASONS OTHER THEN DEAD BATTERY. FUEL TANK PUMP MODULE WENT BAD. CRANK SHAFT POSITION SENSOR WENT BAD. THE MOST RECENT OF 1/20/07 HAS NOT YET BEEN DETERMINED. THIS IS A MAJOR PROBLEM AS THE TRUCK IS NOT RELIABLE. INFACT MY 1994 FORD EXPLORER IS MORE RELIABLE THEN THIS TRUCK PROBLEMS BEGAN IN 2003, STARTING WITH 2ND ROW SEAT BELT ISSUES 8. EXCESSIVE SQUEAKING FROM FRONT END, NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS MADE TO DEALER, BELTS REPLACED AND PULLEYS CLEANED SEVERAL TIMES THEN PULLEYS READJUSTED. 9. LEFT REAR DOOR FAILED TO OPEN. *TR
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
LOOKING FOR A CONSUMER RECALL REPORT. NO INCIDENT OCCURRED. ATTEMPTED TO REGISTER WITH DATA BASE. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN. THE SAME DAY THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO APPLY THE PARKING BRAKE AND THE VEHICLE ROLLED FORWARD. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO THE REPAIR SHOP THREE TIMES AND EACH TIME THE MECHANIC STATED THAT EVERYTHING WAS FINE. THE EMERGENCY BRAKE HAS NOT WORKED SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 62,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1. THE CONSUMER STATED THE SUNROOF LEAKED, A BLOWN FUSE WAS REPLACED. THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE IN THE REAR VIEW MIRROR WAS INOPERATIVE, THE DEALER TIGHTENED THE CONNECTION, THERE WAS A RATTLE COMING FROM THEE LEFT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS IN THE ROAD. UPDATED 10/24/07.*JB
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, the contact noticed the trailer attached was moving from left to right independently, and the trailer detached from his vehicle. The contact mentioned that he lost control of the vehicle into a parallel position when another vehicle collided with his vehicle on the front left driver side, causing the contact to get T-Boned. The contact stated that he sustained three fracture injuries to his spine, three fractured ribs, bruise on his kidney. Medical attention was required. The contact stated that a police report was filed. The contact stated that the failure was not diagnosed by a dealer or independent mechanic. The contact mentioned that both the trailer and vehicle were towed to a lot. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.
LOOKING FOR A CONSUMER RECALL REPORT. NO INCIDENT OCCURRED. ATTEMPTED TO REGISTER WITH DATA BASE. *TR
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
2003 SUBURBAN IN 10/2006 I NOTICED THAT MY AIR CONDITIONING WAS NOT WORKING. AT THAT TIME THE VEHICLE WAS JUST OUT OF WARRANTY W/ 42,900 MILES ON IT. I DO NOT DRIVE IT DURING SUMMER MONTHS. I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE WITH 6,000 MILES ON IT, BUT WAS ADVISED BY THE DEALERSHIP THAT IT WAS DRIVEN ONLY BY THE SALES MANAGER AND RECEIVED AN "A" TITLE, AS A NEW VEHICLE. I CONTACTED GM'S CUSTOMER SERVICE ON 10/23/06 AND WAS ADVISED TO TAKE IT TO MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP FOR AN OFFICIAL DIAGNOSIS AND ESTIMATE. I DID SO, AND THE ESTIMATE WAS FOR $1,034.25, INVOLVING REAR A/C LEAKING VAPORLINE AT REAR WHEEL OPENING. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT ASSURED ME THAT THERE WAS NOTHING I COULD HAVE DONE TO CAUSE THAT, AND THAT THE RUSTING STARTED MONTHS BEFORE MY WARRANTY WOULD HAVE EXPIRED. AFTER MONTHS OF CORRESPONDENCE, I WAS ADVISED TO GET IT FIXED IN APRIL, 2007. HOWEVER,AFTER HAVING IT FIXED AT THEIR ADVICE, GM SUBSEQUENTLY TOLD ME THAT THEY COULD NOT ASSIST ME AT ALL IN RECOVERING THE COST OF THIS EXPENSIVE PROBLEM. A FEW MONTHS LATER, I FOUND THAT I NEEDED ALL 4 BRAKE ROTORS REPLACED, BECAUSE, AS THE GARAGE MECHANIC PUT IT "I'VE NEVER SEEN SUCH TERRIBLE RUSTING OF ALL THE HARDWARE ON THAT NEW OF A VEHICLE." HE EVEN ASKED IF THE VEHICLE WAS SUBMERGED IN WATER! IT HAS NOT. THIS REPAIR THEN COST ME ANOTHER $800. AS YOU CAN IMAGINE, I AM EXTREMELY DISSATISFIED WITH THIS OUTCOME. I BOUGHT A VEHICLE THAT COST OVER $42,000 AND EXPECTED IT TO LAST ME FAR MORE THAN 3 YEARS WITHOUT A RUST PROBLEM. *TR
2003 TAHOE ; 76,000M AC COMPRESSOR FAILURE THAT RUINED ENTIRE SYSTEM A/C SYSTEM SERVICE/INSPECTED EVERY MAY ; DRIVING DOWN HIGHWAY WHEN A/C STOPPED BLOWING COLD AIR ; FEW MINUTES LATER AC HIGH PRESSURE LINE TO CONDENSER BURST. STOPPED CAR AND CHECKED OUT NOISE FOUND BUSTED HOSE AND OIL W/ METAL FILLINGS DRIPPING FROM LINE. IT WAS 98 DEGREES OUTSIDE AND WE WERE DRIVING TO FAMILY VACATION AT BEACH . HAD TO DRIVE REMAINING 5 HRS W/O AC AS IT WAS SAT PM. NO DEALER W/IN MILES SO TOOK TO HIGHLY RECOMMENDED LOCAL GARAGE; HOPING IT WAS JUST A PRESSURE LINE REPLACEMENT. SHOP CALLED LATER THAT DAY TO SAY ENTIRE SYSTEM CONTAMINATED W/ FILLINGS FROM COMPRESSOR COMING APART INTERNALLY CAUSING CONDENSER TO BE STOPPED UP AS WELL DRYER AND EVAPORATOR . ENTIRE SYSTEM COMPONENTS REPLACED AND SYSTEM FLUSHED ; $1950 . NEW COMPRESSOR FROM CHEVROLET NOT SAME AS ORIGINAL DUE TO HISTORY OF PROBLEMS. *NM
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
NO EVENT LEADING TO FAILURE. HEARD CLUNK - TRANMISSION WENT OUT 48,000 MILES. VEHICLE HAS NEVER TOWED ANYTHING. REPLACED TRANSMISSION - SHOP NOW SAYS REAR DIFFERNTIAL ALSO BAD.
POWER TRAIN, LOUD WHINING REGARDLESS OF SPEED COMING FROM REAR Z71 4X4 SUBURBAN, TOOK TO POWER TRAIN SPECIALIST, REPLACED DIFFERENTIAL 552.00. *NM
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
I AM A TEACHER AND GOT A CALL IN MY CLASSROOM THAT MY SUBURBAN WAS ON FIRE PARKED IN THE PARKING LOT. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND WHEN I GOT OUTSIDE, SURE ENOUGH THERE WAS SMOKE ALL IN THE SUBURBAN AND SMOKE COMING FROM THE ROOF OF THE VEHICLE (NOT THE HOOD). WHEN THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED, THEY ENTERED THE VEHICLE, DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY, AND PROCEEDED TO TEAR OUT MY REAR HEADLINER TO EXTINGUISH THE ELECTRICAL FIRE THAT WAS OCCURRING. MY INSURANCE COMPANY HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED AND IT WAS DEEMED REPARABLE, WHICH I WAS NOT TOO HAPPY ABOUT SEEING AS WE DON'T REALLY KNOW THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE BEYOND ELECTRICAL. THE FIRE ORIGINATED NEAR THE REAR DOME LIGHT AND BURNED THE HEADLINER AND MELTED THE PAINT OFF THE ROOF THE VEHICLE. THE LOCATION OF THE FIRE WAS NOT A IN A PLACE WHERE ANY MECHANIC COULD CHECK TO HAVE PREVENTED THIS FROM OCCURRING AND I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY OF THE VEHICLE MOVING FORWARD. I AM NOT IN A FINANCIAL POSITION TO AFFORD A NEW SUBURBAN AND DO LOVE MINE, BUT AM NOW JUST CONCERNED. I AM THANKFUL NO ONE WAS IN THE VEHICLE AND THAT NO ONE WAS HURT.. BUT HAD A PARENT DROPPING A KID OFF TO SCHOOL NOT NOTICED THE SMOKE COMING OFF THE ROOF OF MY CAR IN THE PARKING LOT, THINGS COULD HAVE BEEN MUCH WORSE. I HAD ALSO JUST FILLED MY TANK UP THE DAY BEFORE SO THE CAR WAS SITTING WITH 30 GALLONS OF GASOLINE IN IT. I AM ALSO THANKFUL THAT I WAS NOT TRYING TO SCRAMBLE TO GET MY 4 KIDS OUT OF THE CAR (AND YES WE DO USE THE 3RD ROW SEAT DAILY). I THINK THIS INCIDENT NEEDS TO BE LOOKED AT TO PREVENT ANY OTHER OWNER OF A 2003 SUBURBAN FROM HAVING A SIMILAR EXPERIENCE. THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON MY VEHICLE THAT WOULD HAVE LEAD TO THIS ISSUE. *TR
RUNNING LAMPS LIGHT BULB SOCKETS APPEAR TO BE DEFECTIVE. NEW LIGHT BULBS DO NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM. I CONTACTED THE DEALER AND THE PARTS SALESMAN TOLD ME IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE WIRING SOCKET AND IT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. AS I HAVE BEEN DRIVING AROUND I HAVE NOTICED MANY CHEVY SILVERADO'S, SUBURBAN'S, AND TAHOES WITH RUNNING LAMPS INOPERATIVE. *TR
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 .