2003 Chevrolet Suburban 1500
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Chevrolet › Suburban 1500 › 2003
These records cover every 2003 Chevrolet Suburban 1500. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
1 recall names the 2003 Chevrolet Suburban 1500. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Wheel separation can result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
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.
Owner complaints
175 complaints6 involved a crash1 involved a fire4 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Fuel/propulsion system · Service brakes
Subpar material used in brake/fuel lines they rust premature
- Electrical system
My entire instrument panel does not always work when I start my truck. It will occasionally come to life after driving a bit or sometimes it doesn't work at all. No pattern as to when, where or driving conditions. Started a few months ago where it would always work shortly after I started the engine and has progressively gotten worse,
- Service brakes
Brake lines rusting. Twice in a month the brakes failed after a hard stop at a traffic light. Lucky for me & others there were no cars in front of me or trying to cross the intersection. After applying the brake hard to stop, the brake pedal continued all the way to the floor and the car did not stop. The mechanic told me that the brake lines rusted and therefore the brake fluid leaked out of the system
- Service brakes
Without warning brake line blew a hole and no brakes. No warning and total loss of brakes. Service brake system light came on. No help with that. Fortunately I was able to pass on right shoulder threw the grass. Almost a three vehicle accident. Need to have this problem addressed and taken care of. People could have easily been injured or killed.
- Electronic stability control (esc) · Fuel/propulsion system · Service brakes
Tamara inflators I'm loosing brake fluid as I drive I'm leasing the automobile from quality auto also they said it's okay to still drive the car with a gas in the truck but it's saying needs gas I keep smelling gas after he said it passed road inspection test ! I'm very concerned it more wrong if I…
Tamara inflators I'm loosing brake fluid as I drive I'm leasing the automobile from quality auto also they said it's okay to still drive the car with a gas in the truck but it's saying needs gas I keep smelling gas after he said it passed road inspection test ! I'm very concerned it more wrong if I jam or pump the brakes I can not stop I'm immediately. Im unsure what my actual mileage IS . The sensors are not working when I went to uncle ed's or even other auto shops I do have photos and videos
- Fuel/propulsion system · Service brakes · Visibility/wiper
I just started leasing the vehicle from quality auto that says that the car IS road ready but have lots of hazardous things to it a very bad gas leak that there taking there time to fix and my hood of my car won't stay down ...it's 7 days into my car lease and there promises have been broken and won't trade me another car .
- Service brakes
Brakes failed while driving vehicle shortly after leaving my house while driving down my driveway. the brakes were working fine when I started the truck and completed a 3 point turn to turn the vehicle around in my driveway. as I started going down my driveway and went to apply my brakes to slow…
Brakes failed while driving vehicle shortly after leaving my house while driving down my driveway. the brakes were working fine when I started the truck and completed a 3 point turn to turn the vehicle around in my driveway. as I started going down my driveway and went to apply my brakes to slow the vehicle down that's when the problem occurred. luckily I was driving slow, under 15 mph, when I experienced the issue: the brake pedal went all the way to the floor and the vehicle barely slowed down. I started to pump the brakes which did slow the vehicle some and I also employed the emergency brake which enabled me to bring the vehicle to a stop. had I been in traffic, and not just in my driveway, I most likely would have collided with another vehicle as I had very little control over stopping the vehicle when the issue happened. the issue was due to a rusted rear brake line under the vehicle. the single brake line feeding both of the rear brakes had burst in the vicinity under the drivers seat. the brake line burst while I was going down my driveway as evidenced by the amount of brake fluid spayed onto my driveway when I first attempted to apply my brakes while driving down the driveway and at each point where I pumped the brakes. I was shocked that a single brake line bursting would leave my entire vehicle without brakes. why IS there a front and rear reservoir if they don't matter? there should have been at least a safety alert about this potential danger so I would have known to watch for this obvious safety flaw on my chevrolet suburban. after inspecting the rest of my brake lines I have found that 100% of all my brake lines are severely rusted and will need to be replaced. The chevrolet dealership near my house has already quoted me a repair estimate of $2,100 over the phone, but will need to see the vehicle first to be more precise in their estimate.
- Exterior lighting
During cold months only vehicle has power surges whenever driving. Interior lights and headlights flicker consistently to where it appears I am flashing my lights. The higher the rpms, flickering IS more frequent. Apparently a known issue with no solution or recall. Alternator and battery testing out good.
- Electrical system
The battery keeps going dead and something IS not shutting the car down causing a parasitic battery draw killing battery I have gone through 4 battery and after about 3 days or 4 the truck does not start and 2HEN I take it to autozone they say its dead and give me a new battery and tried looking up issue and see alot of people having issues and when I took to check alternator or starter nothing they are good
- Structure › Body · Unknown or other
Noticed recently that the dashboard developed a crack near the air bag and extending forward to the windshield.. Vehicle was stationary.
- Service brakes
A complete loss of braking ability, ruptured brake lines. Lines between proportioning valve and ABS pump ruptured and failed completely. Lines rusted and failed. No accident and no injuries. My wife was driving, vehicle was operated in reverse {backing up}, she then shifted to forward, brakes failed, pedal went to floor, and rolled from a parking lot into a highway, fortunately no other traffic was present.
- Service brakes
Brake line rusted through causing dangerous situation where vehicle IS slow to stop and does not stay stopped when needed such as traffic lights, hills, stop signs, etc.
- Electrical system · Fuel/propulsion system
The anti theft system caused the engine to quit going down the hi way several times and was very dangerous some of the times and left us stranded sometimes. Gm acts like they do not know what IS wrong but there IS ample info on the internet and even a fix but it disable the ATS, it turns off the fuel to the injectors killing the engine. This happened many times. We had to be towed twice because it would not restart.
- Electrical system
When driving vehicle kept falling dead on highway and city streets
- Service brakes · Unknown or other
The red brake light IS on. The ABS module IS not allowing the two rear brakes to work. the a/c control box in the dash blows hot air through the driver side only. In fl that IS dangerous because of the heat already.
- Service brakes · Steering
It's make a weird sound when turning the ABS indicator light IS on ther dash stationary I came outside to start up the vehicle IS noticed a liquid leaking from underneath
- Service brakes
The rear drivers side brake line broke. While at the repair shop, they informed me the other side brake line was bad and needed replaced. Two months later two more lines broke. The main rear line and front supply line from the master.
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet suburban 1500. While driving 65 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the vehicle was operating as designed. The failure recurred multiple times. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 99,000.
- Service brakes
TL* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet suburban 1500. While driving approximately 35 mph, the vehicle failed to stop when the brake pedal was depressed. As a result, the vehicle crashed into a curb. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The contact was advised that…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet suburban 1500. While driving approximately 35 mph, the vehicle failed to stop when the brake pedal was depressed. As a result, the vehicle crashed into a curb. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The contact was advised that the brake line needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. A police report was not filed and there were no injuries. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
- Electrical system · Vehicle speed control
My '03 chevrolet suburban has developed what appears to be a very common condition where the entire instrument cluster becomes inoperable. for example, while traveling at low, in town speeds, the speedometer will have readings in the 60S, 70S' and 80S. While in the park position, the speedometer…
My '03 chevrolet suburban has developed what appears to be a very common condition where the entire instrument cluster becomes inoperable. for example, while traveling at low, in town speeds, the speedometer will have readings in the 60S, 70S' and 80S. While in the park position, the speedometer will read 55mph. This IS absolutely a safety issue and I am really shocked that the nhtsa hasn't forced a recall. There are literally thousands of reports online of this exact problem. General motors IS aware that this IS a wide spread problem, as they even extended. General motors even provided owners with a special coverage that extends the warranty on the instrument panel cluster for the condition described above, as long as the vehicles age and mileage falls within certain parameters. Those parameters are the main reason for my complaint. Those parameters are 1) 7 years of the in service date, and 2) 70,000 miles, which ever occurs first. My claim to have the instrument cluster in my vehicle repaired under the special coverage was denied on 9/4/09 because the mileage of my vehicle was 93,000 miles at the time of my request. I believe that this IS a large scale safety problem that warrants a recall by general motors rather than an extension of warranty with unreasonable mileage parameters. Extending the warranty alone IS a clear admission of a known widespread issue. IS nhtsa in bed with gm too? I guess I shouldn't be surprised. *tr
- Service brakes · Steering
10/11/2 brakes failed plus parking brake failed and parking brake shoe assembly was not found upon dealer inspection. Replaced disc brakes and had parking brake shoe installed. 11/09/12 check engine light revealed ignition problem. New ignition wire set installed. 01/29/13 dash cluster failed…
10/11/2 brakes failed plus parking brake failed and parking brake shoe assembly was not found upon dealer inspection. Replaced disc brakes and had parking brake shoe installed. 11/09/12 check engine light revealed ignition problem. New ignition wire set installed. 01/29/13 dash cluster failed, had no horn, no headlights, no interior lights, no speed control , no steering wheel lights for control buttons, no speedometer reading, no radio. Replaced dash cluster. 05/05/14 check engine light and stranded when vehicle would not start. Misfire messages on dealer equipment reading. 06/16/14 stranded again , vehicle would not start. Replaced ignition switch. 07/15/14 stranded again , vehicle would not start. Replaced starter relay. 02/16/15 driver heated seat coming on/off while driving on its own. 4 wd engaged on its own while driving and made driving uncontrolled. AWD engaged on its own while driving on dry smooth road. stranded, would not start. Vehicle at dealer again today for this list of problems. *tr
- Service brakes
Was driving with my children in vehicle. As I was approaching intersection, stepped on brake pedal and it went completely to floor. The brakes were not working at all. I had to downshift and use emergency brake in order to avoid collision. had to have suburban towed. *js
- Service brakes
TL* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet suburban 1500. The contact stated that when the brake pedal was applied, the brake pedal traveled to the floorboard and the brake warning light illuminated. The emergency brake was applied in order to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet suburban 1500. The contact stated that when the brake pedal was applied, the brake pedal traveled to the floorboard and the brake warning light illuminated. The emergency brake was applied in order to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the brake lines were replaced on two occasions but the failure recurred. The vehicle was towed back to the independent mechanic but was not diagnosed or repaired. The vin was not available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 72,000.
- Engine
Driving on the highway and I lost all power. It said (reduced engine power) on the dash. This has happened several times and I haven't found a mechanic who can fix it. I've looked all over the internet and there are many other people with the same problem. This IS very dangerous and almost caused…
Driving on the highway and I lost all power. It said (reduced engine power) on the dash. This has happened several times and I haven't found a mechanic who can fix it. I've looked all over the internet and there are many other people with the same problem. This IS very dangerous and almost caused an accident. It comes out of nowhere and for this to happen to someone for the first time, it's going to cause some deadly crashes. *tr
- Service brakes
Was driving behind a school bus when it stopped to let kids off. I applied my brakes and the pedal went to the floor. I had no brakes, I am not really sure how I managed to stop without hitting the bus. I pulled over in a parking lot. Got out of my 2003 chevy suburban went into the bank to call my…
Was driving behind a school bus when it stopped to let kids off. I applied my brakes and the pedal went to the floor. I had no brakes, I am not really sure how I managed to stop without hitting the bus. I pulled over in a parking lot. Got out of my 2003 chevy suburban went into the bank to call my husband to come get me. By the time I got back out to my truck there was a puddle of brake fluid under the drivers side door. My brake lines where shoot. *tr
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 11010544This service bulletin explains how to measure for oil consumption and possible reasons for loss of oil.
- 11007208This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire calibration for tires that have been sized, tested and designed for the vehicle in question and its applications. Technician should not use the information that is provided by the antilock braking system tire size selection.
- 11006621Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). The updating of modules is completed in parallel instead of the technician needing to update one module at a time. This allows a more streamlined approach for dealers and customers.
- 11006421GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or inadequate packaging or shipping. This bulletin advises the dealers to be more careful not to damage the transmissions during removal and to package the core properly for return.
- 11004761This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
- 11004557This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
- 11002312This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and resolution information.
- 11000576This Warranty Administration bulletin provides retail and wholesale service personnel with the policies/procedures and the warranty transaction submission procedures that support the Personal Property Damage process.
- 10252735This bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement fasteners with conductive finish.
- 10252163XM Audio Traffic And Travel Link Availability And Operation.
- 10251890This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
- 10251887This bulletin advises the technician of possible location of an internal coolant leak from a specific cylinder head and location.
- 10250775This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system.
- 10249590This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
- 10249579This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10249011This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage.
- 10248444Vehicle Recalls
- 10247681Information On Requests To Add OnStar Bluetooth Option.
- 10247552This service bulletin provides information on Concerns or Questions Regarding Installation of Dealer Installed Accessories.
- 10246952Programming And Activation Of Replacement OnStar Modules.
- 10246951Programming And Activation Of Replacement OnStar Modules.
- 10246631Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- 10245951Canadian Customers Unable To Place Calls And Turn By Turn Inoperative In The United States.
- 10245950Canadian Customers Unable To Place Calls In The United States
- 10244274This service bulletin provides information about the Hunter wheel Road Force balancers that should be utilized for all repairs requiring balance and Road Force measurement.
- 10244214This informational bulletin provides information for the IPC odometer programming method quick reference guide.
- 10244201This service bulletin provides information for dealers on how to submit a product information report (PIR) (Canada Only).
- 10242843The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the customer that it is normal for the delay.
- 10242262This service bulletin provides graphics, information and guidelines for engine component wear to assist service personnel as a guideline to perform necessary engine repairs and prevent unnecessary engine replacement.
- 10242252This technical bulletin provides information and a solution to a condition of Brake Pedal Moves or Self Applies at Full Turns.
- 10240344This service bulletin explains how to measure for oil consumption and possible reasons for loss of oil.
- 10235802This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
- 10235799This service bulletin provides information about the Hunter wheel Road Force balancers that should be utilized for all repairs requiring balance and Road Force measurement.
- 10234141This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
- 10234110This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
- 10232287This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10232156This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on OnStar Module 2G Sunset Information.
- 10232136This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water Leaks and Replacement Guidelines.
- 10230605This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on OnStar Module 2G Sunset Information.
- 10228906This Warranty Administration bulletin provides retail and wholesale service personnel with the policies/procedures and the warranty transaction submission procedures that support the Personal Property Damage process.
Every Chevrolet Suburban 1500 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.