2003 Chevrolet Tracker
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 2003 Chevrolet Tracker. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
69 complaints20 involved a crash1 involved a fire20 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Suspension
Corrosion and rust proofing causing the subframe and control arms to corrode and detach
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting · Service brakes
Fuses and brakers keep popping/blowing about once a month. When popped the vehicle loses the ability for the brakes to illuminate brighter when you put your foot on the brake, as well as the ability to use the horn. Recently I had a different fuse pop that cut all electrical functions inside of the…
Fuses and brakers keep popping/blowing about once a month. When popped the vehicle loses the ability for the brakes to illuminate brighter when you put your foot on the brake, as well as the ability to use the horn. Recently I had a different fuse pop that cut all electrical functions inside of the vehicle as well as affecting some on the outside. The following failed. The break lights were not visible when turned on or when you put your foot on the break, emergency flashers did not work, all dashboard lighting failed, door locks did not work, when you open the door the light would not turn on inside of the car, when the car was parked I had to manually engage the shifter by going underneath of the shifter and releasing the lock while my foot was on the break and then move the shifter to neutral at the same time to get the vehicle into drive. These have been recurring issues with regular shop matneince the vehicle has only 135000 miles on it currently. It has plenty of life in it and there IS no reason for these continued issues. Help!!!
- Air bags
My airbag light has been on for almost 2 years. There are no codes, and the mechanics can't figure out how to fix this.
- Suspension
Front suspension cross member rusted through
- Suspension
Feont suspension crossmember broke on right side.
- Power train · Steering · Suspension
Vehicle has a known and serious safety manufacturing defect previously covered under a "special coverage - #06186" for corrosion and rust proofing causing the subframe and control arms corrode and detach. gm refuses to honor previously expired special coverage and considers this an "out of pocket" expense.
- Suspension
TL* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet tracker. While driving approximately 55 mph and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle veered to the left and the front driver side wheel began to shake. While inspecting under the vehicle, the contact discovered that the a-arm suspension fractured due to rust…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet tracker. While driving approximately 55 mph and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle veered to the left and the front driver side wheel began to shake. While inspecting under the vehicle, the contact discovered that the a-arm suspension fractured due to rust and corrosion. The cause of the failure was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 162,000.
- Fuel/propulsion system · Seat belts · Structure › Body
I had a sever car accident and the air bag never open and problem with the suspension and steering wheel and the brakes got lock after we were hit on the rear of the tracker. And last control
- Suspension
TL* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet tracker. The contact stated that while driving at 40 mph, the steering wheel began to vibrate. The failure was persistent. The contact also stated that the vehicle shook violently when the vehicle was stopped. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet tracker. The contact stated that while driving at 40 mph, the steering wheel began to vibrate. The failure was persistent. The contact also stated that the vehicle shook violently when the vehicle was stopped. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the front control arm failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.
- Structure › Body · Suspension
TL* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet tracker. While driving approximately 20 mph, the front suspension arm and the cross member fractured. In addition, there was an abnormal noise coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence where an independent mechanic discovered…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet tracker. While driving approximately 20 mph, the front suspension arm and the cross member fractured. In addition, there was an abnormal noise coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence where an independent mechanic discovered that the front mount arm had extensive rust and corrosion to the point that the part deteriorated and fractured, including the cross member. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was not included in nhtsa action number: ea06018 (suspension). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 126,000. updated 12/03/15*lj updated 11/16/2017*cn
- Suspension
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet tracker. The contact stated that while driving 50 mph, the vehicle started to shake violently. The contact had to merge to the side of the road in order to regain control of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed…
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet tracker. The contact stated that while driving 50 mph, the vehicle started to shake violently. The contact had to merge to the side of the road in order to regain control of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the front suspension was severely corroded causing the front lower frame to separate. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 140,000. ...Updated 04/08/15 updated 04/14/15
- Structure › Body
I was driving home all of sudden my car just stalled out no electrical system no steering no brakes. I was driving 35mph when this happened in which put me in a ditch in which my car rolled over.i think it was faulty ignition/electrical system I believe the maker g.m. IS responsible for my car body repair or replacement of car. *tr
- Steering · Structure › Frame and members › Underbody shields
The front crossmember of my 2003 tracker rusted away and know IS undriveable. Guess it IS a well known promblem on these vehicles. *tr
- Suspension
TL* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet tracker. The contact stated that the vehicle cross member was corroded. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 127,941.
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet tracker. the contact stated that the engine warning indicator illuminated and the vehicle stalled. the oil and battery warning indicators also illuminated. the dealer was unable to diagnose the cause of the failure. the manufacturer was notified. the failure mileage was 73,881.
- Exterior lighting
TL* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet tracker. the contact stated that the daytime running lamps failed to deactivate. the contact had to remove the fuses in order for the lights to dim. the vehicle was taken to a mechanic, but the cause of failure could not be diagnosed. the vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was notified. the failure mileage was 240,000.
- Structure › Frame and members › Underbody shields · Suspension
I was driving home from work when my car started to violent shake at about forty five miles hr so I pull over my tracker over saw not problem so I drop my spd and was able to make it home with min shaking and the next day I had a mechanic look it and was told the whole front crossmember bar had…
I was driving home from work when my car started to violent shake at about forty five miles hr so I pull over my tracker over saw not problem so I drop my spd and was able to make it home with min shaking and the next day I had a mechanic look it and was told the whole front crossmember bar had rust away. I look up the problem online and found a extended warranty or as been called a "silent recall." on this part,but it has expired the problem IS I was never informed of this now expire warranty. I called chevy helpline expanded it to them and they told me they sent letter to the dealer I should contact them and I did and they had me bring my car in to them and informed I never received anything about the warranty they told they did not send letter out that if I bought in for service they would have notice the rust and I now have 2 option one my car IS in very good shape and they could replace the front end for 1500 if they could get the parts,but they do not recommend that or option 2 they junk it for 500 which I though was strange since they told me it was in otherwise good shape. They also inform my was no longer safe to drive and now it sits in my drive as use to me as a boat anchor. *tr
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet tracker. The contact stated that when driving at various speeds, the vehicle would suddenly stall. The contact indicated that after restarting the engine the vehicle would operate normally. The vehicle was taken to an independent dealer, who diagnosed that the…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet tracker. The contact stated that when driving at various speeds, the vehicle would suddenly stall. The contact indicated that after restarting the engine the vehicle would operate normally. The vehicle was taken to an independent dealer, who diagnosed that the defect was caused by a faulty ignition switch. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified and no solution was offered. The failure mileage was 90,000.
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
Cpsc:i1430188a. 2003 chevrolet tracker. Consumer stated he was in an accident which he was rear ended while waiting to make a turn. When the car was rear ended it ruptured the gas tank. *Ln the consumer stated the vehicle hit him at full speed. The collision pushed him 30 feet across the…
Cpsc:i1430188a. 2003 chevrolet tracker. Consumer stated he was in an accident which he was rear ended while waiting to make a turn. When the car was rear ended it ruptured the gas tank. *Ln the consumer stated the vehicle hit him at full speed. The collision pushed him 30 feet across the intersection into a median sign. There was a trail of ignited gas from the point of impact to where he stopped. The vehicle was a total loss, with no salvageable part on the entire vehicle. *Jb
- Engine · Vehicle speed control
TL* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet tracker. The contact stated the check engine light spontaneously illuminated on the instrument panel. Shortly after the warning light illuminated the contact noticed that the vehicle would jerk forward at various speeds. The contact took his vehicle to an…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet tracker. The contact stated the check engine light spontaneously illuminated on the instrument panel. Shortly after the warning light illuminated the contact noticed that the vehicle would jerk forward at various speeds. The contact took his vehicle to an independent mechanic where the mechanic stated they could not duplicate the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 52,000.
- Steering · Suspension
While driving the car the wheel started pulling to the right.after that the steering wheel began to go back and forth a bit and felt shaking..we have owned this car since it was new.there was no previous warning of a problem.i looked under the car and the cross member was rotted out. *tr
- Steering · Structure › Frame and members › Underbody shields · Suspension
The front suspension crossmember IS highly corroded (rusty) and as I have read it IS a very serious problem with the tracker model and I would like to know if anyone could help with the problem. *tr
- Suspension
After stopping at gas station, backed out of parking space and heard a load pop at the front of tracker. after looking for obvious damage, continued driving and noticed the vehicle pulled hard to the right while braking. after thorough inspection of front crossmember found that it had completely rusted on the drivers side of vehicle and welds had broken away from suspension parts. Very dangerous condition! *tr
- Service brakes · Structure › Frame and members › Underbody shields · Suspension
My 2003 chevy tracker has a rust issue with brake lines and also rust on front crossmember. crossmember has hole in the metal from the rust and the brake line has a hole in it also causing brake light to loose fluid..i understand from reading blogs there was a recall but now it has expired for the crossmember. *tr
- Suspension
I did not receive a recall or letter in the mail. Now I have to pay all kinds of money to get this fixed.
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Front suspension crossmember corrosion
In october 2007, gm initiated a special coverage program for all my 1999 through 2004 chevrolet tracker vehicles sold or currently registered in salt-belt states.the program extends the warranty coverage for front suspension crossmember corrosion to 10 years or 150,000 miles, whichever occurs first.gm IS administering…
In october 2007, gm initiated a special coverage program for all my 1999 through 2004 chevrolet tracker vehicles sold or currently registered in salt-belt states.the program extends the warranty coverage for front suspension crossmember corrosion to 10 years or 150,000 miles, whichever occurs first.gm IS administering the program in phases due to part availability.the first phase started in october 2007 and covers the my 1999 and 2000 vehicles.owners of my 2001 through 2004 vehicles will receive letters at a future date, but are eligible to receive free repairs from the program if the crossmember requires replacement.gm's program provides free inspections for consumers every 12 months through the terms of the policy adjustment.copies of the dealer bulletin and owner letter for gm's special coverage program are attached to the closing report for this investigation. The rate of confirmed lca separations at 5 years in service IS less than 10 per 100,000 vehicles, which IS low relative to other investigations of front suspension issues previously investigated by odi. Accordingly, this investigation IS closed.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by nhtsa that a safety-related defect does not exist.the agency will continue to monitor complaints and other information relating to the alleged defect in the subject vehicles and take further action in the future if warranted. See document file for additional information regarding this resume.
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.
- 11009156This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 11007744This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
- 11007743This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 10249980This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vibration complaints that are one of the most challenging complaints to accurately diagnose and repair. Technician will need to use Pico Oscilloscope Diagnostic Kit to effectively diagnosis vehicles. Technician should drive the vehicle will using the Pico Oscilloscope to record data. After the data is recorded it should be reviewed to determine the root cause of the concern. If a repair attempt made the concern better but not eliminated or had no affect at all, and are requesting assistance from General Motors Technical Assistance Center record another Pico file and save it to the computer. After the new Pico Oscilloscope data has been saved email the data to General Motors Technical Assistance Center in the subject line include ?Vibration? ?Business Associate Code? and the last 8 of the Vehicle Identification Number.
- 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
- 10247780This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
- 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.
- 10242298This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308 and/or P050D
- 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.
- 10240793This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get record a sound clip or take a video of the noise for assessment by engineering. Technician will need to call General Motors Technical Assistance Center for further assistance.
- 10236164This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308 and/or P050D
- 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.
- 10232811This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308 and/or P050D
- 10232287This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10232136This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water Leaks and Replacement Guidelines.
Every Chevrolet Tracker model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.