2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Electrical system is the leading concern among 534 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 4th highest complaint count among 26 Tahoe model years with reports.
Of the 2003 reports, 21 involved a crash and 9 involved a fire. 18 people were injured and 1 person died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Wheels, hubDec 17, 2007
CERTAIN FEDERAL-MOGUL REPLACEMENT WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLIES WITH THE BRAND NAMES: NATIONAL, CARQUEST P/NOS. 515020, 515021, 515025, 515053, 515054, 515059, AND 515060, SHIPPED BETWEEN JANUARY 23, 2006, AND DECEMBER 20, 2007, SOLD FOR LIGHT DUTY AND MEDIUM DUTY TRUCKS. THE INBOARD RETENTION NUT USED TO MAINTAIN HUB BEARING ASSEMBLY CAN LOOSEN RESULTING IN AN ABS LIGHT INDICATION, NOISE, AND/OR WHEEL SEPARATION.
WHEEL SEPARATION CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY CUSTOMERS AND WILL REPLACE THE HUB ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 7, 2008. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL TOLL-FREE AT 877-489-6659.
Campaign 07E106000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasolineMay 19, 2006
CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.
THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
Campaign 06E043000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lightingMar 23, 2006
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
Campaign 06E026000 on NHTSA.gov
Seat belts, rear/otherApr 22, 2005
ON CERTAIN CREW CAB PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE 2ND ROW CENTER OCCUPANT SEAT BELT ROUTING MAY MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO POSITION THE LAP PORTION OF THE SAFETY BELT LOW AROUND THE HIPS OF OCCUPANTS, ESPECIALLY SMALLER OCCUPANTS, SEATED IN THIS POSITION. APPROPRIATE USE OF A CHILD SEAT OR BOOSTER SEAT, AS RECOMMENDED FOR SMALL CHILDREN, DOES IMPROVE THE FIT CONDITION FOR THIS USER GROUP. IN ADDITION TO INSTRUCTIONS ON PROPER INFANT AND YOUNG CHILD RESTRAINT (WITH CHILD SEATS OR BOOSTERS), SPECIAL VERBIAGE FOR RESTRAINING OLDER CHILD IS INCLUDED IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL. ALSO, THE SUGGESTED SEAT BELT FIT/ROUTING FOR ADULTS, IRRESPECTIVE OF SEATING POSITION, IS DESCRIBED IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL TEXT.
A LAP PORTION OF THE SEAT BELT ROUTING THAT IS NOT LOW AND SNUG ON THE HIPS CAN ALLOW THE LAP BELT TO RIDE UP ON AN OCCUPANT'S ABDOMEN INSTEAD OF FITTING LOW AROUND THEIR HIPBONES, AND THEREFORE, CAN EXPOSE THEM TO MORE RISK OF ABDOMINAL AND INTERNAL ORGAN INJURY.
DEALERS WILL CUT OPEN THE GUIDE LOOP, REMOVE A PORTION OF THE LOOP, AND THEN THE REMAINING TWO SIDES SHOULD BE FOLDED OVER AND SECURED WITH A RETAINER FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 21, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, OR HUMMER AT 1-800-732-5493.
Campaign 05V163000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulicFeb 4, 2004
CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, PICKUP TRUCKS, AND PASSENGER VANS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 135, ?PASSENGER CAR BRAKE SYSTEMS.? SOME OF THESE VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH AN OUT-OF-SPECIFICATION BRAKE HYDRO-BOOST HOUSING RELIEF VALVE BORE.
CONSEQUENTLY, THE VALVE O-RING SEAL MAY FRACTURE. STEERING EFFORTS MAY BE SLIGHTLY INCREASED WHILE BRAKING OR PARKING. UNDER CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS, A FRACTURED SEAL MAY REQUIRE A SLIGHT INCREASE IN THE APPLIED BRAKE PEDAL EFFORT TO ACHIEVE THE SAME VEHICLE DECELERATION RATE AS PRIOR TO THE SEAT FRACTURE.
DEALERS ARE TO REPLACE THE HYDRO-BOOST RELIEF VALVE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 18, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339; CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438; GMC AT 1-866-996-9463; OR HUMMER AT 1-866-486-6376.
Campaign 04V045000 on NHTSA.gov
StructureMar 7, 2003
CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCK, VAN, AND MINI VAN CONVERSIONS EQUIPPED WITH SOUTHERN COMFORT BUILT RUNNING BOARDS THAT CONTAIN CERTAIN COURTESY LIGHTS MANUFACTURED BY AMERICAN TECHNOLOGY COMPONENTS, INC. THESE UNITS CONTAIN A COURTESY LIGHT OR LIGHTS THAT MIGHT OVERHEAT WHEN THE WIRE HARNESS IS EXPOSED TO EXCESSIVE MOISTURE AND ROAD SALT.
THIS OVERHEATING CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE RUNNING BOARD TO MELT OR CAUSE A FIRE.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIRING HARNESS ON THESE RUNNING BOARDS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 7, 2003. 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 SOUTHERN COMFORT AT 1-800-745-6096.
Campaign 03V094000 on NHTSA.gov
Structure, body, door, hinge and attachmentsFeb 6, 2003
CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 214, "SIDE IMPACT PROTECTION." THESE VEHICLES ARE BUILT WITH FOUR WELDS ON THE REAR DOOR UPPER HINGE. ON SOME OF THESE VEHICLES, ONE OR TWO OF THE WELDS MAY NOT BE TO SPECIFICATION.
AS A RESULT, THE DOOR STRENGTH MAY BE DEGRADED DURING A SIDE IMPACT VEHICLE CRASH.
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE WELDS ON THE LEFT REAR DOOR UPPER HINGE. IF A WELD IS FOUND OUT-OF-SPECIFICATION, A BOLT WILL BE INSTALLED TO SECURE THE HINGE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 17, 2003. 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 CADILLAC AT 1-800-458-8006, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, OR GMC AT 1-800-462-8782.
Campaign 03V037000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
534 reports, newest first.
Power train, Electrical system, Structure, Seats, Equipment, Feb 19, 2004
4 WHEEL DRIVE LIGHT CAME ON AND WOULD NOT ENGAGE. THE DEALER TOLD THE CONSUMER IT WAS A SOFTWARE PROBLEM. *LA THE CONSUMER THOUGHT THE PROBLEM WAS RESOLVED UNTIL A COUPLE OF WEEKS LATER WHEN HE ATTEMPTED TO PLACE THE VEHICLE IN REVERSE AND IT DID NOT ENGAGE. AFTER TRYING A SECOND TIME IF ENGAGED AND THE 4-WHEEL DRIVE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AGAIN AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO GO INTO 4-WHEEL DRIVE. THE CONSUMER WAS FINALLY TOLD THAT THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT HAVE A FIX FOR THE MALFUNCTION OF THE 4-WHEEL DRIVE. THE VEHICLE HAD OTHER PROBLEMS SUCH AS A RATTLING NOISE COMING FROM THE GLOVE COMPARTMENT, THE REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY WAS INOPERATIVE, THERE WAS A THUMPING SOUND COMING FROM THE DRIVERS SIDE WHEN THE CONSUMER MADE A TURN, THE EMBLEM FELL OFF THE BACK OF THE TRUCK, THE SEAT MECHANISM DID NOT WORK AND THERE WAS IN THE DRIVERS SIDE RUNNING BOARD. *JB
Steering, Feb 18, 2004
WHEN VEHICLE IS TRAVELING STRAIGHT OR IN A TURN THERE IS A SLIGHT BUMP IN THE STEERING WHEEL ALMOST LIKE THE STEERING WHEEL IS LOSE. *AK
Electrical system, Jan 27, 2004
WHILE PARKED LIGHTS PULSE BRIGHT THEN DIM, THIS INCLUDES ALL DASH LIGHTS AND HEADLIGHT AND TAIL LIGHTS. *JB
Suspension, Jan 20, 2004
FRONT END SHAKES LIKE SOMETHING IS LOOSE. THE DEALER MADE SOME REPAIRS TO THE VEHICLE, BUT THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. *AK
Tires, Jan 15, 2004
ALL TIRES OR CUPPING, TIRES HAVE BEEN SERVICED FROM DAY ONE BY FIRESTONE DEALER. OUT SIDE COMPANY CHECKED FRONT END AND ALLIGNMENT AND ALL WAS OK. TIRES HAVE BEEN ROTATED BY FIRESTONE DEALER 3 TIMES 6000, 10000, AND 16000 MILES, THERE OR 17800 MILES OF TAHOE NOW. THERE IS A WARRANTY ON TIRES FOR 12 MONTHS FROM PURCHASE BUT I CAN'T GET FIRESTONE DEALER OR CHEVROLET DEALER WHERE I PURCHASED TAHOE TO HELP ME AT ALL.
Suspension, Jan 15, 2004
THIS A BRAND NEW TAHOE WITH THE REGENCY CONVERSION, INITIALLY IT WOULD VIBRATE AT ANY SPEED. THERE'S A SHIMMY FEEL TO IT, IT WAS BEEN TEST DRIVEN BY THE SHOP FOREMAN IT OURSMAN CHEVROLET IN WHEATON, MD., HE HIT A POTHOLE AND THIS HANDSOME SUV NEVER RECOVERED FROM THE VIBRATION. THEY HAVE ROAD FORCE BALANCE THE TIRES TWICE, BUT THE PROBLEM STILL EXIST. THEY PUT ON A NEW SET OF TIRES, ROAD FORCE BALANCE THEM. THE PROBLEM (VIBRATION) IS MOSTLY NOTICEABLE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS NOW. I DON'T FEEL SAFE AND CONFIDENT IN THE VEHICLE, PARTICULARLY WHEN CHANGING LANES AND IT HANDLES HORRIBLY OVER BUMPY TERRIAN AND THE SUCH. I HAVE FILE THE LEMON LAW COMPLAINT, SENT A COPY OF MY COMPLAINT TO THE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE IN BALTIMORE. MY REQUEST FOR A REPLACEMENT HAS BEEN DENIED. THE ONLY AVENUE I HAVE NOW IS BBB ARBITRATION. HELP!! DOES ANYONE KNOW WHAT'S WRONG WITH MY TRUCK?
Steering, Jan 7, 2004
INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT PLAY. THIS PROBLEM CAUSES SHAKING IN THE STEERING WHEEL. DEALER LUBRICATES THE STEERING SHAFT AND THIS IS ONLY A TEMPORARY FIX. THE PROBLEM WILL RESURFACE AND YOU WILL HAVE TO RETURN TO THE DEALER AGAIN. THIS IS VERY INCONVENIENT AND YOU SHOULD CONSIDER THIS WHEN PURCHASING THIS VEHICLE. THIS HAS ALSO OCCURED WITH MY OTHER VEHICLE A 2003 GMV SIERRA. I HAVE HEARD THIS FROM SEVERAL OTHER OWNERS OF THE SAME TYPE OF VEHICLE AND I FEEL GENERAL MOTORS SHOULD FIX THIS PROBLEM INSTEAD OF PUTTING A BANDADE ON IT.*AK
Suspension, Jan 2, 2004
DURING LIGHT BRAKING AND STEERING, THE FRONT END SUSPENSION SEEMS TO POP AND RATTLE AS THOUGH SOMETHING IS LOOSE.*AK
Air bags, Dec 19, 2003
AIR BAG DEPLOYED AFTER IGNITION SWITCH WAS TURNED ON. VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN DRIVEWAY AND WAS NOT MOVING.*AK
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 18, 2003
CONSUMER STATED VEHICLE RUMBLED AND MADE NOISE WHILE STOPPING AT A RED LIGHT OR STOP SIGN. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER/MECHANIC 5 TIMES, THEY REPLACED THE MUFFLER, BUT THE PROBLEM WAS GETTING WORSE. *AK
Tires, Dec 10, 2003
WHILE TRAVELING ON A HIGHWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH THERE WAS A LOUD POP SOUND FROM THE FRONT RIGHT OF THE VEHICLE THAT SOUNDED LIKE A ROCK HITTING THE INSIDE OF THE FENDER. WE CONTINUED TO TRAVEL ANOTHER MILE OR SO, NOT REALIZING THAT OUR TIRE HAD JUST "POPPED". THE TIRE PROCEEDED TO GO FLAT. *LA
Suspension, Nov 8, 2003
SERVICE ISSUE, NON-REMOVAL OF SHOCK SNUBBERS ON MAGNETIC SELECTIVE RIDE SHOCKS. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Parking brake, Nov 7, 2003
PARKING BRAKE PREMATURE WEARING RESULTS IN VEHICLE THAT CAN ROLL DOWN A HILL AND CAUSE INJURY OR ACCIDENT. WITH 28,000 MILES ON MY 2001 CHEVY TAHOE, THE PARKING BRAKE WILL NOT HOLD. AFTER PAYING THE DEALER TO LOOK AT THE PROBLEM I WAS TOLD THAT THE BRAKE SHOES WERE WORN. I WAS INFORMED THAT OTHER NEWER MODEL TRUCKS HAVE THE SAME CONDITION. THE SERVICE TECH SAID, "DRIVING JUST 10 FEET WILL WEAR THEM OUT." I INFORMED I DO NOT DRIVE WITH THE BRAKE ON. ON PERHAPS 2-3 OCASSIONS DID I MOVE WITH THE BRAKE ON AND ONCE THE CHIME SOUNDED IT WAS TAKEN OFF. DRIVING 10 FEET IS HARDLY ACCEPTABLE. I CONTACTED CHEVROLET ABOUT THIS BUILT-IIN REQUIREMENT FOR SERVICE THAT MAKES THE DEALER HAPPY AND CAUSES A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE. THEY WERE NOT WILLING TO MAKE ANY "GOODWILL" GESTURES, CITING THIS WAS A WEAR ISSUE. *LA
Tires, Nov 3, 2003
FIRESTONE WILDERNESS TIRE ON 2003 CHEVY TAHOE. RIGHT REAR TIRE, TREAD PEEL OFF SIDE WALLS. SIDE WALLS BLEW APART. *LA
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 21, 2003, crash
WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 55 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY DRIVER APPLIED THE BRAKES AND PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY DOWN TO THE FLOOR, AND VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A GUARD RAIL. *AK
Seat belts, Oct 21, 2003, crash
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT STRAP FELL OFF THE SHOULDER DURING AN ACCIDENT. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 15, 2003
VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A TOTAL IMMEDIATE LOSS OF POWER WHILE DRIVING.*MR ALMOST REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE AT A HIGH SPEED TWICE DURING THE LAST BREAK DOWN ON A BUSY HIGHWAY. THE CONSUMER WAS VERY DISSATISFIED WITH THE DEALERSHIP HELP IN ASSISTING WITH VEHICLE. PLEASE INVESTIGATE *CB
Exterior lighting, Oct 10, 2003
WITH THE INCREASED BRIGHTNESS OF HEADLIGHTS IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO SPOT FRONT TURN SIGNALS AT NIGHT WHEN THEY ARE PLACED ADJACENT TO THE LOW BEAM LAMP. PLEASE CONSIDER MANDATING THAT SIGNAL LAMPS MUST BE AT LEAST THREE INCHES FROM THE EDGE OF THE LOW BEAM'S REFLECTOR. *LA
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 9, 2003
WE HAVE A 2003 TAHOE WITH A 5.3L V8. THERE IS A HISSING NOISE AND A VIBRATING IN THE ENGINE AFTER RUNNING FOR ABOUT 15 MINUTES. THE DEALERSHIP CAN'T FIX IT AND DOESN'T KNOW WHAT IS WRONG WITH IT. THEY THINK IT HAS TO DO WITH THE A/C BUT THEY REPLACED COMPRESSOR AND BELT AND IT STILL MAKES THE NOISE.*AK
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jul 18, 2003
WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY - FOR APPROXIMATELY 30 HOURS - IT LOST ALMOST 1/2 TANK OF GAS. SPOUSE (A MECHANIC FOR 25 YEARS) IDENTIFIED AN OBVIOUS FUEL LEAK ON THE VEHICLE, BUT DEALERSHIP INSPECTION STATED THEY FOUND NOTHING, THAT THERE WERE NO "CODES" IDENTIFIED, THUS NO FAILURE. *JB
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jul 17, 2003
WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING GASOLINE WAS LEAKING FROM GAS TANK. *AK
Electrical system, Jun 28, 2003
THE FOLLOWING HAS BEEN A PROBLEM FOR YEARS AND IS REACHING EPIDEMIC PROPORTIONS NATIONWIDE CAUSING A SAFETY HAZARD FOR DRIVERS OF AMERICAN MADE AUTOMOBILES -- ALL MAKES, MODELS, AND YEARS. THERE IS AN EPIDEMIC RISE IN THE NUMBER OF CARS DRIVING WITH ONLY ONE HEADLIGHT BECAUSE OF POOR ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING/MANUFACTURING OF THAT SYSTEM IN AMERICAN MADE CARS. I DO NOT SEE THAT PROBLEM WITH FOREIGN MADE CARS. IT IS DIFFICULT TO BELIEVE THAT IN 2003 AMERICAN CAR MANUFACTURERS CANNOT BUILD A CAR WHERE HEADLIGHTS WILL NOT FAIL -- AND I'M NOT TALKING ABOUT FAILURES CAUSED BY ACCIDENTS OR IMPACTS. IN OHIO IT WAS REALLY BAD, AND AS I MOVE AROUND THE COUNTRY IT IS NOT ISOLATED AT ALL, THERE ARE MILLIONS OF HEADLIGHT FAILURES IN AMERICAN CARS, REGARDLESS OF THEIR AGE OR YEAR. THIS IS A WIDE-SPREAD PROBLEM THAT CAN BE TRACED TO AMERICAN CAR MANUFACTURING AND ENGINEERING PROBLEMS. HEADLIGHTS ARE A MAJOR SAFETY ITEM IN A CAR, AND THEY SHOULD NOT BE FAILING AT SUCH AN ALARMING RATE. I CANNOT BELIEVE THAT NO-ONE HAS TAKEN ACTION TO DATE REGARDING THIS OBVIOUS ISSUE. *NLM
Power train, May 23, 2003
WHILE DRIVING THE VEH AUTOMATICALLY SWITCHES INTO 4 WHEEL DRIVE FOR NO REASON. THEN THE COMPUTER GERNERATED MESSAGE CENTER ADVISES TO SERVICE 4WD. THIS VEH HAS LESS THAN 4000 MILES ON IT AND IT HAS DONE THIS SEVERAL TIMES AND BEEN IN THE SHOP FOR THIS ALSO
Interior lighting, May 23, 2003
HIGH BEAM INDICATOR LAMP IS TOO BRIGHT. DIFFICULT TO SEE PAST IT TO VIEW THE ROAD AHEAD.
Tires, Apr 28, 2003
THE RIGHT REAR TIRE EXPERIENCED TREAD SEPARATION. *JB