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.
Service brakes, May 23, 2012
BRAKE LINES BEGAN TO CORRODE AT ATTACHMENT POINTS NEAR ALL WHEEL WELLS. OF MOST CONCERN IS 4 BRAKE LINES MOUNTED WITH STEEL SUPPORT BRACKETS ON DRIVERS SIDE FRONT WHEEL WELL. THESE LINES ARE NOT PROTECTED FROM ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS. THE CORROSION BEGAN AT THE SUPPORT BRACKETS IN 2006 AND HAS WORKED ITS WAY DOWN THE LINES TO THE POINT WHERE THEY NEED TO ALL BE REPLACED. THIS IS SIMPLY BAD ENGINEERING---UNPROTECTED STEEL PLACED IN THE MOST ENVIRONMENTALLY VULNERABLE AREA ON THE VEHICLE AND SECURED WITH CORROSION VULNERABLE STEEL CLIPS. *TT
Fuel system, Gasoline, Mar 23, 2012
I HAVE CHANGED THE FUEL PUMP 3 TIMES WITH IN ONE YEAR. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Mar 18, 2012
BRAKE LINE FAILURE, LOSS OF STOPPING, EMERGENCY BRAKE USED TO STOP VEHICLE. NEAR MISS ACCIDENT. BRAKE LINES BEHIND LEFT FRONT WHEEL RUSTED AND FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. *TR
Exterior lighting, Mar 8, 2012
ONE OF THE RUNNING/DRIVING WHITE LIGHTS HAS BURNED OUT AND NOT JUST ONCE. AFTER REPLACING THIS BULB TWICE IT ONLY TOOK A MATTER OF A FEW DAYS FOR IT TO BURN OUT AGAIN. MANY SAME STYLE CHEVROLET VEHICLES (MAINLY TAHOE, SUBURBAN, SILVERADO, AND AVALANCHE) ARE THE VEHICLES WITH THIS ISSUE. ON ANY GIVEN DAY I DRIVE AROUND TOWN OR OUT OF TOWN I NOTICE ATLEAST 10 VEHICLES WITH THIS SAME ISSUE. IF THESE LIGHTS ARE INSTALLED FOR SAFETY REASONS (PARTICULARLY IN THE GRAY NORTHWEST) I BELIEVE BOTH LIGHTS SHOULD BE WORKING AS INTENDED. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Feb 19, 2012
TAHOE HAS 93,000 MILES ,NOT DRIVEN THAT MUCH ,LIVE IN MARYLAND -.NOT THAT MUCH SALT.TRIED TO COME TO A STOP ,BRAKE PEDAL FAILED-USED EMERG. BRAKES TO HELP STOP. GOT IT HOME LOOK AT THE LINES COMPLETE RUST JOB. ALL LINES WILL HAVE TO BE REPLACE.THIS CAN'T BE NORMAL,HAVE 95 LINCOLN NO PROBLEM-88 FORD P/U NO PROBLEM-93 CAMARO NO PROBLEM AND A 66 PONTIAC NO PROBLEM .KNOWING THE DIFFICULTY OF REPLACING THESE LINES ,GM SHOULD HAVE USED STAINLESS STEEL LINES.TO ME A ENGINEERING BLUNDER/DEFECT AND SHOULD BE UNDER RECALL IMMEDIATELY BEFORE WE HAVE ANOTHER TOYOTA PROBLEM.ANOTHER COUPLE HUNDRED DOLLARS ON $35,000 PLUS VEHICLE TO PROTECT THE OCCUPANTS IS NOT MUCH TO ASK. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 17, 2012
EXHAUST MANIFOLD BOLTS BREAKING LEAVING STUDS IN THE HEADS, HEATING UP ENGINE COMPARTMENTS, RELEASES CARBON MONOXIDE, AFFECTS O2 SENSOR AND CATALYTIC CONVERTER. WILL NOT PASS EMISSIONS IN SOME STATES. GM NOT STANDING BEHIND THIS 1999-2008 ISSUE. IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND IS EXPENSIVE TO FIX. GM MECHANICS DENYING ANY SUCH ISSUES. PLEASE CHECK- IN TO THIS. OUR WHOLE FLEET AND OUR PERSONAL TRUCKS AFFECTED BY THIS. *TR
Electrical system, Feb 15, 2012
I WAS DRIVING MY 03 TAHOE, WHEN AN EXPLOSION WENT OFF IN MY VEHICLE. MY ENTIRE BACK END OF MY TAHOE WAS LITERALLY BLOW TO BITS. THERE WERE NO OTHER VEHICLES OR PEOPLE AROUND ME. I IMMEDIATELY CALLED THE POLICE DEPT. THEY WERE SHOCKED TO SEE THE CONDITION OF MY VEHICLE AND SAID IT LOOKED TO THEM, THAT IT WAS A CHEVY MALFUNCTION OF SOME SORT. I CALLED MY INSURANCE COMPANY RIGHT AWAY. THEY CAME OUT AND TOWED THE VEHICLE. THEY WERE ALSO SHOCKED TO SEE THE DAMAGE, AND HAD NO IDEA WHAT OR WHY IT HAD HAPPENED. AFTER ASSESSING ALL THE DAMAGE THEY FOUND IT WOULD COST $2000 TO FIX THE DAMAGE. INS. SAID THEY WERE WILLING TO COVER THE DAMAGE, WE HAD TO PAY A $500 DEDUCTIBLE. I HAVE FIVE KIDS WHO ARE NORMALLY IN THE TRUCK WITH ME, THANK GOD THAT MORNING, THEY WERE NOT. GLASS WAS BLOWN ALL OVER THE INSIDE OF MY TRUCK, THE NOISE ALONE WOULD HAVE DAMAGED THEIR EARS, MINE WERE RINGING ALL DAY. I ALSO CONTACTED CHEVY'S CUSTOMER SERVICE LINE. I SPOKE WITH AN AGENT THERE WHO AS NO HELP, ASKED TO SPEAK TO HER SUPERVISOR, AND SHE WAS NO HELP. I THEN ASKED FOR WHOEVER WAS ABOVE HER, AND I WAS TOLD THERE WAS NO ONE ELSE TO HELP ME. I ASKED FOR A NAME, A PHONE NUMBER, AN EMAIL ANYTHING FOR SOMEONE WITH MORE AUTHORITY AND WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS NO ONE. THIS IS WRONG! WHAT IF I HAD BEEN DRIVING DOWN I95, OR WHAT IF I HAD MY CHILDREN WITH ME?? THEN ID BE SUING CHEVY FOR MILLIONS! IM ASKING IS THAT THEY COVER THE $500 DEDUCTIBLE SINCE THIS IS OBVIOUSLY SOMETHING THAT IS A SAFETY ISSUE. THIS WASN'T NORMAL WEAR AND TARE, THIS WASN'T SOMETHING THAT WAS JUST OUT OF WARRANTY AND ISN'T COVERED. THIS IS CRAZY! THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A CHEVY DEFECT AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED. I AM SENDING PICTURES SO YOU CAN SEE HOW HORRIBLE THIS WAS. THIS WASN'T JUST THE BACK GLASS SHATTERED, THIS WAS LIKE A BOMB LITERALLY BLEW OFF MY BACK DOOR, WHILE I WAS DRIVING. CHEVY NEEDS TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jan 18, 2012
I CAN BE GOING DOWN THE HIGHWAY RUNNING 65-70 MPH AND THE REDUCED ENGINE POWER LIGHT WILL COME ON AND REDUCES MY SPEED TO 10 MPH! I PULL OVER, DISCONNECT THE BATTERY CABLE AND REPLACE IT, THEN I COULD CONTINUE FOR ANOTHER WEEK OR SO. FINALLY, I LEFT THE DIAGONSTIC COMPUTER IN MY TRUCK AND WAS ABLE TO CAPTURE THE CODE P1125. THE MECHANIC SAID TO REPLACE THE THROTTLE BODY. THAT WAS DONE IN OCTOBER. IT RAN FINE FOR A WHILE, BUT IT STARTED DOING IT AGAIN. THE THROTTLE BODY WAS REPLACED AGAIN! NOW, TWO MONTHS LATER, IT'S DOING IT AGAIN! NO ONE CAN SEEM TO FIX THE PROBLEM. MEANWHILE, I AM A FEMALE WHO TRAVELS THE HIGHWAYS EVERYDAY GOING BACK AND FORTH TO WORK AND I HAVE BEEN IN SEVERAL DANGEROUS SITUATIONS DUE TO THIS PROBLEM THAT WILL NOT STOP! AS OF NOW, I CAN NOT DRIVE MY TRUCK AND HAVING TO RELY ON CARPOOLING AGAIN UNTIL IT'S FIXED FOR THE THIRD TIME IN THE PAST 6 MONTHS. IT ALSO APPEARS THAT SEVERAL PEOPLE ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM WITH NO RESULTS. SOMEONE IS GOING TO GET KILLED IF THIS IS NOT ADDRESSED SOON!
Electrical system, Visibility, Dec 29, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET TAHOE K1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEATER FAILED AND WOULD ONLY EMIT EXTREMELY HOT AIR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THEY ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE BLOWER RESISTER AND PLUG NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 130,000. UPDATED 05/21/12
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Dec 19, 2011, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, HE APPLIED THE BRAKES AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP. THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE DUE TO THE LACK OF BRAKES. THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED DURING THE CRASH. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL MECHANIC AND THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE BRAKE LINES WERE CORRODED. THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE BRAKE LINES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Dec 9, 2011
BRAKE LINE RUSTED THRU TWICE NOW. I LOST MOST OF MY BRAKING POWER SUDDENLY. I WAS TOLD BY THE LOCAL REPAIR SHOP THAT THIS IS COMMON. *TR
Electrical system, Dec 1, 2011
I HAVE NOTICED SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ISSUE AND IT APPEARS GM DOES NOT CARE. MY SPEEDOMETER IS NEVER CORRECT. IT RUNS 20-30 MPH OVER (AND SOMETIMES UNDER) WHAT WE ARE ACTUALLY DOING. THIS FIRST WAS NOTICED SEVERAL WEEKS AGO (PRIOR TO ACTUALLY FAILING) WHEN IT APPEARED THAT THE NEEDLE WOULD JERK (OR STEP ACTION) UP OR DOWN, I KNOW CHEVROLET SENT OUT A NOTICE ON THIS A YEAR OR SO AGO, BUT MY VEHICLE WAS BEYOND THEIR (GM) MILEAGE REQUIREMENT. I FEEL THAT THEIR "BEAN COUNTERS" KNEW THIS AT THE TIME AND IT WAS AGAINST THE AMERICAN CONSUMER. ANYWAY, THIS SHOULD BE A SAFETY CONCERN BY NOT ONLY GM, BUT DOT AS WELL SIMPLY ON THE FACT THAT ONE DOES NOT KNOW HOW FAST THEY ARE GOING. IF CAUGHT OFF GUARD - THINKING THEY ARE GOING 70 MPH BUT DOING 90 MPH, LOOSE CONTROL OR RUN INTO SOMEONE. ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE, DOING 70 MPH, GLANCE DOWN AND SEE THAT THEY ARE DOING 90 MPH, THEY MAY HIT THE BRAKE TOO HARD TO SLOW DOWN AND LOOSE CONTROL OR GET REAR ENDED. I COULD GO ON MORE WITH THIS ISSUE, BUT IT WILL PROBABLY NOT HELP (EXCEPT ADD TO THE PILES OF COMPLAINTS YOU ARE ALREADY RECEIVING), SO I'LL QUIT FOR NOW. THANK YOU AND PLEASE "LIGHT A FIRE" UNDER GM'S CORPORATE PEOPLE BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED OVER THIS. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 16, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 20 MPH WHEN THE BRAKES WERE DEPRESSED TO THE FLOOR, BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP PROPERLY. THE CHECK BRAKING SYSTEM FAILURE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN THE DEALER WHERE THE DEALER CONFIRMED CORROSION ON THE BRAKE LINES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 55,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 19, 2011
WIFE AND 3 YEAR OLD CHILD IN VEHICLE WHEN SHE APPLIED BRAKES AND HEARD A POP, BRAKE PEDAL PRESSED COMPLETELY TO FLOOR AND VEHICLE HAD NO BRAKING POWER. VEHICLE WAS COASTED TO A PARKING LOT WHERE IT STOPPED, NO DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHTS ACTIVATED UNTIL VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY STOPPED AND BRAKES WHERE PUMPED BY DRIVER. BRAKE LINE UNDER DRIVER SIDE OF VEHICLE BURST. SIMILAR TO NHTSA ACTION NUMBER EA11001. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Oct 12, 2011
THE GAS GAUGE READS 1/4 FULL WHEN OUT OF GAS. ONCE ON HIGHWAY AND ONCE AT HOME. NOW I FILL UP AT WHEN GAUGE READS 1/2 FULL. *KB
Fuel system, Gasoline, Oct 12, 2011
VEHICLE FUEL SYSTEM QUIT ON HWY AT 60 MPH...I WAS ABLE TO GET TO SHOULDER OF THE HWY DUE TO SKILLFUL DRIVING. AFTER COOLING DOWN THE VEHICLE STARTED WAS ABLE TO DRIVE 20 MILES WHEN IT QUIT AGAIN. THIS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES. EACH TIME I WAS ABLE TO GET OFF THE HWY. FINALLY I HAD TO GET THE TAHOE TOWED TO BE REPAIRED. *KB
Engine and engine cooling, Equipment, Jul 27, 2011
AIR CONDITIONER, COMPRESSOR, CLUTCH AND BELT TENSIONOR ON CHEVROLET TAHOE. BELT TENSIONOR BREAKS LOCKING UP CAUSING COMPRESSOR CLUTCH TO SIEZE THEN CAUSING COMPRESSOR TO DISENTERGRATE INTERNALLY SHOOTING INTERNAL COMPONENTS THRU ACCUMALATOR AND INSIDE VEHICLE CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM. SERPENTINE BELT TENSTSIONOR COULD CAUSE BELT TO BREAK WHICH DRIVES THE ENTIRE SYSTEM TO INCLUDE POWER STEERING. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM FOR CHEVROLET MODELS, HOWEVER IT MAY ONLY BEGIN HAVING THE PROBLEM AT 3-4 YEARS OF OWNERSHIP THEREFORE APPEARING TO BE A NORMAL BREAKDOWN OF COMPONENTS. THE PROBLEM IS COMMON ENOUGH THE DEALERS AND EXPERIENCED MECHANICS MAINTAIN THE PARTS AS BASIC STOCKED ITEMS. *TR
Seats, Jul 22, 2011
IHAVE A 2003 CHEVY TAHOE AND THE DRIVERS HEATED SEAT COMES ON BY ITS SELF YOU HAVE TO MANUALLY SHUT IT OFF. *TT
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jun 27, 2011
BRAKE FLUID DISCOVERED DRIPPING FROM UNDER FRONT LEFT FRAME ONTO DRIVEWAY. FOUND BRAKE LINE RUSTED AND PITTED AND WET WITH FLUID. MASTER CYLINDER WAS DOWN APPROXIMATELY 10% BELOW FULL MARK. MANY ITEMS IN LEFT SIDE ENGINE COMPARTMENT RUSTED AND CORRODED. HAVE EXPERIENCED NUMEROUS COMPONENT FAILURES RELATED TO RUST AND CORROSION UNDER LEFT SIDE HOOD AND CHASSIS, ... REAR BRAKE ROTORS, BRAKE CONTROL MODULE, BRAKE MODULATOR VALVE, CORRODED AND STUCK SPARE TIRE RELEASE CABLE, LEFT FRONT WHEEL BEARING ASSEMBLY,WIND SHIELD WIPER CONTROL MODULE REPLACED ,SPEED SENSOR REPLACED,STEERING SHAFT REPLACED.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 10, 2011
THE REDUCED ENGINE POWER LIGHT CAME ON AND REDUCED THE CAR'S POWER TO ONLY BE ABLE TO GO 20 MPH. I DID REACH 30 MPH WITH A DOWN-SLOPE. I WAS VERY SCARED AND HAD MY TWO CHILDREN IN THE CAR. THANKFULLY, I WAS ABLE TO SAFELY PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. UPON RESEARCHING THIS ISSUE WITH MY CAR MAKE AND MODEL, IT SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM AND A VERY SERIOUS ISSUE. THE ENGINE'S POWER JUST PULLED BACK WITHOUT WARNING! I AM TAKING THE CAR TO BE SERVICED TOMORROW BUT CANNOT FATHOM TO THINK WHAT COULD HAVE HAPPENED!
Electrical system, Jun 6, 2011
2003 TAHOE HAS A DEFECTIVE INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER - GM REFUSES TO REPAIR UNDER THEIR "SPECIAL COVERAGE" BECAUSE THAT COVERAGE EXPIRED AT 80,000 MILES. MY VEHICLE IS SETUP WITH A TOW PACKAGE ALLOWING YOU TO TOW UP TO 7,000 POUNDS. IT IS CRITICALLY IMPORTANT THAT YOU KNOW YOUR SPEED WHEN TOWING A TRAILER OR YOU CAN EASILY LOOSE CONTROL. MY SPEEDOMETER IS CURRENTLY STUCK AT 10 MILES PER HOUR. GM HAS DIAGNOSED AND STATED THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER IS DEFECTIVE. GM DOES NOT CONSIDER A SPEEDOMETER TO BE A SAFETY DEVICE, BUT BECAUSE THEY PROMOTE THIS VEHICLE WITH A "TOW PACKAGE" SPEED BECOMES A MUCH MORE CRITICAL FACTOR IN VEHICLE OPERATION. *TR
Visibility, Latches/locks/linkages, May 13, 2011
REAR GLASS HINGE IN 2003 TAHOE RIPPING FROM HINGE. WINDOW MUST NOW BE FORCED SIDEWAYS TO ENGAGE LOCKING MECHANISM TO CLOSE REAR GLASS HATCH. LIFTING ENTIRE HATCH EFFECTS THE GLASS HINGE AS WELL. RT CORNER OF WINDOW NOW PROTRUDES ABOVE ROOF LINE AND I AM CONCERNED THIS WILL "CATCH" DURING HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND BLOW OFF AS HAS BEEN REPORTED PREVIOUSLY. LOCAL CHEVY DEALERSHIP REPAIR FACILITY INFORMED ME THIS IS COMMON AND THEY HAVE REPAIRED 2 THAT WEEK FOR THE SAME ISSUE. THEY INFORMED ME THAT THEIR REPAIR STATISTICS DO NOT GO UP TOWARDS CHEVY CORPORATE FOR TREND AND FAILURE ANALYSIS. THEY REFERRED ME TO THE CHEVY CUSTOMER SERVICE NUMBER. CHEVROLET CUSTOMER SERVICE WAS CALLED AND THEY CONDUCTED A 2 HOUR INVESTIGATION TO DETERMINE HINGE DEFECTS ARE NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR. CURRENT COSTS TO REPAIR ARE APPROX $1000.00. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, May 2, 2011
I HAVE A 2003 CHEVY TAHOE. I'VE RUN OUT OF GAS ON THREE OCCASIONS BECAUSE THE VEHICLE GAUGE ON THE DASH WILL REPORT THE GAS TANK HAS 1/4 TANK LEFT, THE VEHICLE DIGITAL RANGE WILL REPORT THE SAME THING ,BUT THE CAR RUNS OUT OF GAS. I HAVE TO FILL UP THE VEHICLE WHEN THE GAS GAUGE READS 1/2 FULL OUT OF FEAR THAT THE GAUGE IS LOWER THAN IT ACTUALLY. TWICE I'VE RUN OUT OF GAS ON I-295 IN HEAVY TRAFFIC AND WAS FORCED TO NEGOTIATE A HARROWING MANEUVER TO LEAVE THE CENTER LANE OF THE THREE LANE HIGHWAY TO GET TO THE SHOULDER AS THE CAR WAS NOT UNDER POWER. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 9, 2011
ANTI LOCK BRAKES ACTIVATING AT LOW SPEED ON DRY PAVEMENT, REQUIRING HARDER BRAKING EFFORT. ALSO HEARING FOUR CHIMES WHEN TURNING AT LOW SPEEDS. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Mar 29, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET TAHOE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH THE CONTACT FELT THE BRAKE PEDAL SLIGHTLY DROP. THE CONTACT PARKED THE VEHICLE AND LATER ATTEMPTED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL FELL TO FLOOR AGAIN WHEN HE APPLIED PRESSURE TO IT IN ORDER CHANGE GEARS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE WHEEL CYLINDERS AND THE BRAKE LINE WAS CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THERE WAS AN OPEN INVESTIGATION, NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: EA1100A (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC FOUNDATION HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.