2003 GMC Suburban

Recalls

1 recall names the 2003 GMC Suburban. Newest first.

• Structure

  Mar 7, 2003NHTSA 03V0940003,674 vehicles

  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.

  Risk and remedy

  Risk

  This overheating condition can cause the running board to melt or cause a fire.

  Remedy

  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.

  Full recall details →

Owner complaints

What owners report most

1. Equipment2
2. Service brakes, hydraulic2
3. Engine and engine cooling1
4. Fuel system, gasoline1
5. Steering1
6. Tires1

Latest complaints

• Feb 12, 2009CA7,000 mi
  Equipment · Equipment › Appliance › Air conditioner · Fuel system, gasoline
  June 2006 the fuel pump stopped working when I was driving on the freeway, I was towed to the garage we normally use for maintenance. they replaced the fuel pump we did not pursue this under the original warranty on the vehicle - big mistake! in january 2009 the fuel gauge stopped working and…

  June 2006 the fuel pump stopped working when I was driving on the freeway, I was towed to the garage we normally use for maintenance. they replaced the fuel pump we did not pursue this under the original warranty on the vehicle - big mistake! in january 2009 the fuel gauge stopped working and again we stopped on the freeway and had to be towed. this time it was the fuel gauge. the fuel pump cannot be replaced under warranty as this was just for one year. we were advised to use the trip mileage to fill fuel tank. we have had two failures both at approximately 30mths. *Tr

• Aug 13, 2007NY30,000 mi
  Engine and engine cooling › Engine · Steering
  Tl*the contact owns a 2003 GMC suburban. the contact stated that he purchased his vehicle brand new and has currently spent over $5,000 in repairs. he has been to the dealer four different times concerning the steering wheel vibrating, shaking, and rocking while driving the vehicle. each time he…

  Tl*the contact owns a 2003 GMC suburban. the contact stated that he purchased his vehicle brand new and has currently spent over $5,000 in repairs. he has been to the dealer four different times concerning the steering wheel vibrating, shaking, and rocking while driving the vehicle. each time he went to the dealer for the steering failure, they always found another failure to report. the dealer stated that the motor injection system was burned out and caused the steering failure. the contact was informed that the vehicle meets the manufacturer's specifications and that no other assistance could be provided. he stated that the steering wheel never worked and he has all of the repair receipts. currently, the service engine soon light illuminates and the engine IS making a loud noise, vibrating, and misfiring. he was informed that the repair would cost over $2,000. the speed was unknown. the current mileage was 39,870 and failure mileage was 30,000.

• Aug 30, 2005TXCrash
  Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
  I was in an accident on july 3RD in a 2003 suburban. at the time of the accident, I felt I was a safe distancee behind the car in front of me. there was construction on 635 in dallas and a car stopped in front of the car in front of me. when I applied the brakes and I reacted very quickly, I…

  I was in an accident on july 3RD in a 2003 suburban. at the time of the accident, I felt I was a safe distancee behind the car in front of me. there was construction on 635 in dallas and a car stopped in front of the car in front of me. when I applied the brakes and I reacted very quickly, I felt like the brakes did not react correctly and I ran into the car in front of me. I was in disbelief that the accident had occured. I had just purchased the suburban and attributed the delyed stopping time to the size and weight of the vehicle. since that accident, I have had (2) situations where I needed to hit the brakes very quickly and both times I felt like the brakes were not working correctly. I just noticed that gm put out a recall for 2002 suburban and was curious if there were any other similar problems reported with the 2003 suburban. thanks, steve burke. *jb 3770 pallos verdas dr dallas, tx 75229 214.335.5523. *Jb

• Jun 9, 2004NY
  Tires › Sidewall

  Upon inspecting vehicle consumer noticed tire sidewall were dry rotted. Firestone and chevrolet, lt245/75r16le. *ak

• Apr 26, 2004AL38,000 mi
  Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip

  While driving 65 mph ABS warning light came on, and two seconds later vehicle shut off. As a result, power steering and power brakes failed. *Ak

Defect investigations

NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.

• Parking brake failure

  DP05009Opened Dec 20, 2005Closed May 31, 2006

  Odi's review of complaint data received since the close of ea04-011 revealed no indication that the investigation should be re-opened.more details can be found in the federal register notice enclosed in the dp05-009 public file.odi reserves the right to reopen the investigation in the future should conditions warrant.

• Parking brake failure

  EA04011Opened Apr 9, 2004Closed May 10, 2005Recall 05V161000
  In a letter dated april 20, 2005, gm notified nhtsa that it had decided that defects that relate to motor vehicle safety exist in certain model year (my) 1999-2002 c/k 1500 series (pbr parking brake system) and my 2001-2005 c/k 2500 and 3500 series (trw parking brake system) pickups with manual transmissions.according…

  In a letter dated april 20, 2005, gm notified nhtsa that it had decided that defects that relate to motor vehicle safety exist in certain model year (my) 1999-2002 c/k 1500 series (pbr parking brake system) and my 2001-2005 c/k 2500 and 3500 series (trw parking brake system) pickups with manual transmissions.according to gm, some of these vehicles may have conditions that cause the friction linings to wear to an extent where the parking brake can become ineffective in immobilizing a parked vehicle.gm's action covers an estimated total of 142,585 vehicles.dealers will install a low-force spring clip retainer for vehicles equipped with the pbr parking brake system and install a redesigned parking brake cable assembly on vehicles equipped with the trw parking brake system. A total of 58 non-duplicative complaints were received by odi and gm concerning the approximately 59,000 my 1999-2002 c/k 1500 series pickup trucks with the pbr parking brake system.these included 22 alleged rollaway incidents, resulting in a rate of 38.5 rollaway incidents per 100,000 vehicles.odi IS aware of 24 complaints regarding the my 2001-2005 c/k 2500 and 3500 series manual transmission trucks recalled by gm, including 5 alleging rollaway incidents.though the conditions described in gm's letter are also present in the c/k trucks with automatic transmissions, the rollaway rate in those vehicles was similar to those observed in peer vehicles studied by odi in this investigation.this engineering analysis IS closed. For additional information, see the attached closing report.

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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 10235713This bulletin provides information on Warranty Administration Required Operating Procedures - 8 Points (U.S. Only).
• 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.
• 10232136This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water Leaks and Replacement Guidelines.
• 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.
• 10228888This service bulletin provides diagnostic tips/steps on testing for possible EVAP leaks in the system to correct a customer concern of an MIL Illuminated with DTCs P0442 and/or P0455 Set.
• 10227674This 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.
• 10227056This 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.
• 10225615This service bulletin provides information on Module Harvesting.

Every GMC Suburban model year

Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.