2003 GMC Tahoe

Owner complaints

What owners report most

1. Electrical system2
2. Fuel system, gasoline1
3. Steering1

Latest complaints

• Nov 10, 2007OH
  Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel

  2003 GMC tahoe. Speedometer quit working while on the highway. *tr

• Dec 21, 2006VA60,000 mi
  Fuel system, gasoline
  TL* - the contact's vehicle registers 1/8 of a tank of gas when tank IS empty. There are no warnings given to indicate that the vehicle IS out of gas. The dealer has replaced the level sensor twice. the vehicle continues to have the same problem. The vehicle has always been in park when it IS…

  TL* - the contact's vehicle registers 1/8 of a tank of gas when tank IS empty. There are no warnings given to indicate that the vehicle IS out of gas. The dealer has replaced the level sensor twice. the vehicle continues to have the same problem. The vehicle has always been in park when it IS discovered that the tank IS empty. The contact states once he puts gas in the vehicle it starts right up. the vehicle IS currently at the dealership for repairs. The vehicle has been in the repair shop 6 times for this problem.

• Dec 6, 2006CA60,000 mi
  Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
  My 2003 chevrolet tahoe has been having problems with the speedometer. When it IS cold, and I start the car up in the morning, the speedometer jumps up, and says the speed IS about 10 mph. Once I start driving, it quickly jumps up in excess of 120 mph, and off the charts. Then when coming back down…

  My 2003 chevrolet tahoe has been having problems with the speedometer. When it IS cold, and I start the car up in the morning, the speedometer jumps up, and says the speed IS about 10 mph. Once I start driving, it quickly jumps up in excess of 120 mph, and off the charts. Then when coming back down to idle, it sits anywhere from 60 mph - 90 mph. To clear this back to zero, and get it to seem like it IS working properly, I have to turn off the vehicle, turn it back on again, and then it jumps down 10 mph each time it turns back on. So I have to do this several times to get it back to normal. This happened on thanksgiving, and then again today. This IS a widespread problem amon gm vehicle owners, with tahoes, yukon's, avalances, and other chevrolet/gmc trucks/suv's. the chevrolet dealers say the instrument cluster has to be replaced, and parts and labor for this, seems to be anywhere from $350 - $700+. With such a widespread report of this problem, gm needs to issue a recall on this, and stop making people pay to fix this problem. *jb

• Dec 25, 2004CA17,934 mi
  Steering › Linkages

  When driving around corners,mild to severe,vehicle started making a clicking noise they stated it was in the steering shaft would order new part .4to6weeks to recieve was not a safty issue ok to drive.this vehicle has become more difficult to drive by the day.a wind gust tosses it all over the road. Still not fixed.stated gm cannot make the replacement parts fast enough. *Ak

Defect investigations

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

• Brake line corrosion failure

  PE10010Opened Mar 30, 2010Closed Jan 5, 2011
  The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received Defect Petition DP10-003 on March 2, 2010, requesting the investigation of model year (MY) 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD 4WD pickup trucks for corrosion failures of the vehicle brake lines.DP10-003 was granted and on March 30, 2010, Preliminary Evaluation PE10-010…

  The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received Defect Petition DP10-003 on March 2, 2010, requesting the investigation of model year (MY) 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD 4WD pickup trucks for corrosion failures of the vehicle brake lines.DP10-003 was granted and on March 30, 2010, Preliminary Evaluation PE10-010 was opened on more than six million model year 1999 through 2003 light trucks and sport utility vehicles manufactured and sold by General Motors Corporation (GM).On July 2, 2010, ODI received GM's response to an information request, which included GM's assessment of the frequency and safety consequences of the alleged defect. GM stated that:(1) the brake system of the subject vehicles is split front/rear and should a brake pipe suddenly fail for any reason, the affected vehicle would be capable of stopping with the pressure supplied by the remaining circuit; (2) the subject vehicles were designed to meet the hydraulic circuit partial failure requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards 105 and 135, Light Vehicle Brake Systems; and (3) should a brake fluid leak occur for any reason, the brake system malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) would illuminate and warn the driver before the brake fluid level was low enough to cause a loss of line pressure.ODI's and GM's analysis indicates that 85 percent of the complaints occurred on vehicles used primarily in States that use salt on the roads during Winter months (Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia and Wisconsin).Overall the complaint rates per 100,000 vehicles for Salt Belt States is 43.0 and Non-Salt Belt is 3.0.In approximately 25 percent of the complaints the brake pipe failure occurred suddenly, with no warning (i.e., no MIL, Brake Fluid Loss Warning), and resulted in extended stopping distances.In 30 of these the increase in stopping distance that resulted was a factor in the crash and in 10 others the vehicle was intentionally steered off the road or into another lane of travel in order to avoid a crash.This investigation has been upgraded to an Engineering Analysis (EA11-001) for subject vehicles sold or currently registered in Salt Belt States to further assess the scope, frequency and safety risks associated with sudden failures of corroded brake pipes that can result in decreased brake effectiveness. ODI will continue to gather information on subject vehicles outside the Salt Belt as well.

• 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.

• 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.
• 10224820This service bulletin provides information for dealers on how to submit a product information report (PIR) (Canada Only).

Every GMC Tahoe model year

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