“Engine light ,oil pressure gauge dropped to zero ,but had no motor symptoms.also 3 chimes rang.would like to have history of repairs and previous codes. Thank you. [xxx] please email to me or I can download from my p/c information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr”
Owner complaint, filed Mar 7, 2015
“Yesterday was driving home from work and came to a round about, slowed down and vehicle died (alternator gauge went below 14, oil pressure dropped below 40, and battery light came on). I lost all steering and brake pedal was stiff. Now vehicle continuously idles rough and will stall out if not on the throttle, idles 500 and lower.”
Owner complaint, filed Sep 24, 2014 at 166,514 miles
Complaints and recalls over time
By year of filing
All complaintsAbout the electrical systemRecall (red: the electrical system)NHTSA investigation opened
Complaints about the 2003 Tahoe peaked in 2007, with 85 filed that year. No recall on file covers the electrical system, the subject of 37% of the complaints. In 2023 owners filed 1 so far.
Filed Dec 17, 2007130,000 vehiclesFederal-Mogul Corporation
Defect. 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.
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.
Filed May 19, 200688,303 vehiclesHoneywell International, Inc.
Defect. 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.
Risk. 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.
Remedy. 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).
Filed Mar 23, 200661,944 vehiclesPro-A Motors, Inc.
Defect. 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.
Risk. WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy. 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.
Defect. 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.
Risk. 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.
Remedy. 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.
Filed Feb 4, 200468,875 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.
Defect. 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.
Risk. 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.
Remedy. 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.
Filed Mar 7, 20033,674 vehiclesSouthern Comfort Conversions
Defect. 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. 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.
Structure › Body › Door › Hinge and Attachments03V037000
Filed Feb 6, 2003107 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.
Defect. 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.
Risk. AS A RESULT, THE DOOR STRENGTH MAY BE DEGRADED DURING A SIDE IMPACT VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy. 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.
All 7 campaigns on file, newest first.
NHTSA investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
Before a recall there is often an investigation: NHTSA opens one when complaints or manufacturer data point to a safety defect. 3 name the 2003 Tahoe.
Brake line corrosion failureEngineering analysis EA11001Closed
Opened Jan 5, 2011Closed Apr 8, 2015brakes
On January 11, 2011, ODI opened EA11-001 to investigate allegations of premature brake line corrosion failure in model year (MY) 1999 through 2003 General Motors (GM) full-size pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles sold or registered in the following region of the United States that NHTSA has viewed as salt states for investigations of corrosion related issues: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 …
Opened Dec 20, 2005Closed May 31, 2006parking brake
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.
STEEL WHEEL RIM FRACTUREPreliminary evaluation PE03026Closed
Opened Jun 12, 2003Closed Nov 3, 2003wheels
There have been less than 2 complaints per 100,000 subject vehicles related to the alleged defect.the oldest vehicles (my 1999) have only 2 complaints in over 140 thousand vehicles after over 4 years in service.the rate of warranty claims potentially related to the alleged defect is less than 0.1%.there are no known incidents involving rapid loss of tire pressure or loss of vehicle control. A defect trend has not been identified at this time.accordingly, this investigation is closed.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that no safety-related defect …
Technical service bulletins
755 on file
Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 2003 Tahoe. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.
equipment 217engine 120electrical system 101transmission 54brakes 36visibility 29body and frame 29steering 25
General CommunicationService campaignAug 26, 2024electrical system
Vehicle 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 …
02066Service campaignDec 1, 2002electrical system
CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM REGARDING BATTERY DRAIN CONDITION. *TT
23-NA-001Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsMar 28, 2025electrical system
This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on OnStar Module 2G Sunset Information.
PIP4723JService Bulletin/Repair InstructionsOct 25, 2024electrical system
This 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.
PIT5195HService Bulletin/Repair InstructionsAug 13, 2024electrical system
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the speedometer needle appears to be inaccurate. Dealer should advise the customer the specification for speedometer needle accuracy is +/- 2 MPH at any given speed when looking straight at the needle.
24-NA-098Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJun 6, 2024electrical system
This 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.
10-08-45-001HService Bulletin/Repair InstructionsMar 28, 2024electrical system
This bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement fasteners with conductive finish.
Showing the newest 6 of 101 bulletins about the electrical system, and any warranty extensions or service campaigns.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA 5-star safety ratings
Version tested
Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk
2003 Chevrolet Tahoe 4-DR. w/SAB
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★★★★★
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New Car Assessment Program results for this model year. Ratings compare cars of similar size and weight only.
What owners reported
Newest filings
Power Train
Filed Apr 7, 2023OK
When in drive the car will not go into 3rd gear. It slips from. 2nd and back passes 3rd gear completely and goes into 4th gear and the engine revs up/rpm. The transmition filter/screen has been replaced and all transmission fluids were drained and flushed and replaced with new transmittion fluids. And this did not fix the issue.
Electrical System
Filed Aug 30, 2022AZ
I bought my 2003 Chevy Tahoe used and as is at a dealership for $10,000. Yes, I've been robbed. The truck is in great LOOKING condition. Has a little bit of superficial dings and a couple dents but overall exterior is great. Interior isn't shabby. Has wear on the driver's seat but not bad. The first thing that happened, I was on my way to work at 4 in the morning, turned on right blinker to change lanes, about blinded the guy in front of me with high beam lights. I thought I had bumped the switch, I took the right to get off at my exit I was more mindful. Definitely not a me thing. The high beam came on with the right blinker. So, the next thing. CD player runs continuously without a disc in. I cannot put a disc in. There may be discs already in there, it is a 6 disc changer, but it will not play. The radio has a mind of its own. Plays what it wants at anytime its on. My husband drove it, tried to adjust the driver's seat and all it did was growl at him. It doesn't move except forward and back. My speedometer had a glitch one time. I was driving at 35mph and it showed 60mph. I turned it off, then back on, hasn't done that again. My heater works but it's difficult to change the individual temp settings. Almost as if the push buttons are worn inside or have a bad connection. The air conditioner only works when I'm on the freeway and not in stop and go traffic. The first time I turned on the AC, it blew all hot air for longer than 10 minutes. Halfway home I turned it on again bu
Seats
Filed Jul 8, 2021DE
The cable on the rear passenger seat is broken and can't get seat down to escape in an emergency.
Air Bags
Filed Feb 21, 2021148,964 milesWA
WELL MY AIR BAG LIGHT STAY ON NEVER GOES OVER AND MY DRIVER SEAT BELT DOES NOT EVEN LOCK AT ALL. THEN I KEEP HEAR THIS POPPING NOISE THAT COME FROM HUB AND SHOCKS AND NOTHING ON MY DASH WORKS 1ST IT STARTED OFF BY I COULDNT SEE WHAT GEAR I WAS IN. MY DRIVER SEAT U PUSH THE BUTTON TO GO FORWARD IT MOVES THE SEAT BACK. MY HEAT BLOWER HAS SOMETHING WRONG WITH AND IT HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH THIS PURPLE WIRE ON THE FLOOR BORED. NOW MY TRUCK CANT GET ON THE FREE WAY BECAUSE EVERY THIME I GET ON THE FREEWAY AND ON THE FREE WAY FOUR MORE THEN 10-15 MIN MY TRUCK JUST SHUTS OFF. MY HEATED SEATED ONLY STAY ON FOR 1 TO 2 MIN AND THEN KEEPS SHUTTING OFF. MY BACK SEATS DONT LET DOWN AT ALL. THEN AT THE BOTTOM OF MY TRUCK WHERE THE OIL PAN IS FOR SOME REASON THERE IS ALWAYS ALOT OF OIL ALL OVER AT THE BOTTOM LIKE SOMEONE JUST DIP MY TRUCK IN A BIG BOWL OF OIL. THEN WHEN MY IGNITION WHERE THE YELLOW BLACK AND RED WIRE GO TO THE TOP OF MY IGNITION THE BLACK PLUG IS REAL LOSE AND CAN'T REPLACE AT ALL. AND WITH EVERYTHING ON NOW WITH MY INCOME IM ALREADY OUT OF $5,000 ALREADY FOR PARTS AND LABOR THIS IS MU ONLY CAR I HAVE AND I REALLY NEED MY CAR RIGHT NOW DONT HAVE MONEY TO GO BUY A NEW TRUCK OR CAR. I REALLY NEED MY TRUCK IT MEAN ALOT TO ME.
Electrical SystemFire1 injured
Filed Jun 24, 202063,000 milesFL
WHILE DRIVING THE TAHOE CLOSE TO HOME I STARTED TO SMELL OF BURNING AND I COULD SEE SMOKE COMING UP FROM THE DASH. I PULLED OVER AND BY THEN THE WHOLE CAR WAS FILLED WITH SMOKE AND I COULD SEE FLAMES COMING FROM UNDER THE DASH ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. I TRIED TO PUT OUT THE FLAMES (NOT RECOMMENDED) BUT THE FIRE JUST SPREAD UPWARDS INTO THE DASH AND WAS OBVIOUSLY OUT OF CONTROL. I LEFT THE VEHICLE AND CALLED 911 AND WITHIN MINUTES THE WHOLE FRONT OF THE CAR WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE POLICE AND FIRE SERVICE ARRIVED AND EVENTUALLY THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED AFTER IT HAD BURNED THROUGH MOST OF THE VEHICLE. FORTUNATELY I WAS ON MY OWN AND I SUFFERED NO INJURIES EXCEPT A FEW MINOR BURNS TO MY HANDS. I AM GUESSING THE FIRE MAY HAVE STARTED WITH THE BLOWER MOTOR RESISTOR WIRING WHICH IS A PROBLEM MANY OTHERS HAVE REPORTED. *TR
Seats
Filed Jun 13, 2020203,000 milesKY
CABLES FOR SEAT FOLDING MECHANISM BREAKING, PREVENTING THE SECOND ROW 60/40 SEATS FROM FOLDING TO ALLOW ACCESS TO THIRD ROW SEATS (THIRD ROW OCCUPANTS CANNOT EXIT VEHICLE - SAFETY ISSUE). *TR
Service Brakes
Filed Aug 14, 201958,000 milesNC
DESCENDING A GRADE APPROACHING A T INTERSECTION BRAKE PEDDLE WENT NEARLY TO FLOOR. CAUSE WAS A SEVERELY RUSTED REAR BRAKE LINE. THIS LINE IS ROUTED ABOVE THE LEFT FRAME RAIL IN A NEARLY INACCESSIBLE AREA, SO THE NOTION THAT THIS IS AN OWNER MAINTENANCE ISSUE IS GARBAGE.
Electrical SystemFire
Filed May 31, 2019276 milesCA
TAKATA RECALL, TODAY, MAY 31, 2019, I DROVE MY TRUCK TO A MEETING AT 1:30 IN THE AFTERNOON AND PARKED MY VEHICLE IN THE PARKING LOT (IT WAS STATIONARY IN A CITY PARKING LOT). WHEN I RETURNED TO MY CAR AFTER THE MEETING AT 3:30 IN THE AFTERNOON I OPEN MY CAR AND THE INTERIOR WAS ENGULFED IN SMOKE. A COMPONENT OF THE POWER SEAT ON THE DRIVERS SIDE STARTED THE FIRE. IT WAS FORTUNATE NO ONE WAS IN THE TRUCK AT THE TIME AND THE WINDOWS WERE CLOSED. AFTER THE FIRE IGNITED AND USED UP ALL THE OXYGEN IN THE INTERIOR THE FIRE BURNED OUT ON IT'S OWN. I DID CALL THE FIRE DEPARTMENT HE HAD NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE THIS BEFORE. (I'VE INCLUDED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT INVESTIGATORS CARD AND I CAN OBTAIN A REPORT IF NEEDED). THE INVESTIGATOR WAS THE ONE THAT DETERMINED WHERE THE FIRE STARTED. HE EXPLAINED THAT THE TOP LAYER OF THE SEAT UPHOLSTERY HAS SOME FIRE RETARDANT BUT THE UNDERSIDE DOES NOT. YOU CAN SEE THAT THE SEAT WAS BURNED FROM THE BOTTOM TO THE TOP, THE ELECTRICAL WAS STILL OPERATIONAL AS YOU CAN SEE FROM THE LIGHTS THAT ARE ON IN THE PHOTOS. I CAN FIND NO RECALL ON THIS ISSUE AND YOUR ASSISTANCE WOULD BE APPRECIATED. I CAN ONLY IMAGINE WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPEN IF I HAD BEEN BEHIND THE WHEEL WHILE DRIVING AND OR HAD MY DAUGHTER WITH ME. I AM THE SOLE OWNER OF THIS CHEVY TAHOE SINCE 2003. I WAS COMPLETELY STOCK AND NO OUTSIDE WORK HAS EVER BEEN DONE TO IT. I HAVE HAD IT REGULARLY SERVICED AND IT WAS RUNNING GREAT. I HAVE NEVER NOTICED ANY PROBLEMS WITH MY SEATS. I DO NOT SMOKE AND HAD N
Electrical System
Filed May 14, 201983,000 milesGA
MY CONTROL PANEL LIGHTS AND HEAT AND AIR CONTROL KNOBS ARE GOING OUT. MY BACK SEAT SEATBELT SOMETIMES WANT LATCH AND MY 3RD ROW SEATING WILL NOT LATCH TO THE BRACKET. MY STEARING IS BAD IT WILL NOT LINE UP AND THATS JUST THE BEGINING OF THE PROBLEMS THAT SHOULD NOT HAPPEN. MY GRANDKIDS RIDE IN THIS VEHICLE.
Electrical System
Filed Jun 23, 2018VA
WHILE DRIVING MY INSTRUMENT CLUSTER STOPPED WORKING PULLED OVER UNPLUGGED BATTERY STARTED WORKING BUT BEEN HAPPENING A LOT IT HAS 180,000 ON IT
Seats
Filed Apr 21, 2018GA
THE PIECE BROKE OFF THE BOTTEM LATCH TO THE FRAME ON THE SEAT FOR THE 3RD ROW SEATING AND SOMETIMES THE SEATBELT WANT LATCH IN BACK SEAT. DASHBOARD GAUGE LIGHTS BLOWN ALOT OF INSIDE GAGE LIGHTS ARE NOT WORKING AND HEATER/AIR STOPPED WORKING ON NUMBER 5 FAN.
Service BrakesCrash
Filed Apr 17, 201893,000 milesNY
EXITING FROM THE EXPRESSWAY WITH TRAFFIC LIGHT ABOUT 20 YARDS AWAY, CARS WERE STOPED DUE TO RED LIGHT AND I AM COMING DOWN HILL EXITING. APPLYING THE BREAKS AND THE PADDLE GOES TO THE FLOOR, I REAR ENDED THE VEHICLE ON THE FAR RIGHT .
Air Bags
Filed Mar 17, 2018PA
MY AIR BAG LIGHTS ARE ALWAYS AND 4WD LIGHTS ARE I TOOK MY TRUCK TO A TRANSMISSION SPECIALIST THEY REPLACE THE TRANSFER CASE FOR THE 4WD BUT LIGHT REMAIN ON AND I STIIL FEEL THE SHIFT FROM 2-4 I TOOK IT BACK TO THE SPECIALIST AGAIN AND AGAIN STILL THE SAME PROBLEM
Wheels
Filed Dec 21, 2017285,000 milesMN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT STATED AFTER THE TIRE BLEW THEY MOVED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND ATTEMPTED TO DETACHED THE SPARE TIRE, HOWEVER IT DID NOT DETACH. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INSTRUCTIONS STATED THAT IF THE SPARE TIRE DID NOT DETACH THE LATCH MECHANISM WAS IN SAFETY MODE. THE CONTACT CALLED A TOW DRIVER AND THEY ATTEMPTED TO REMOVE THE SPARE PER GMC OWNERS MANUAL INSTRUCTIONS HOWEVER, THEY COULD NOT REMOVE THE TIRE. THE TOW DRIVER CALLED ANOTHER TOW TRUCK DRIVER, THEY CUT THE LATCH MECHANISM OFF THE VEHICLE, AND THE TIRE WAS LOWERED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THEY WERE ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD APPROXIMATELY THREE HOURS ATTEMPTING TO CHANGE THE SPARE TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TIRE SHOP WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT DUE TO THE SALT ON THE ROAD THE LATCH CORRODED. RYAN CHEVROLET LOCATED 911 HWY 55 BUFFALO, MN WAS CONTACTED AND THE TECHNICIAN ALSO INFORMED THE CONTACT DUE TO THE STATE THEY WERE LOCATED IN IT WAS AN INHERENT FAILURE WITH THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED HOWEVER NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE CONTACT STATED IT WAS NOT STATED IN THE OWNERS MANUAL THAT THE LATCH NEEDED TO BE CUT AND THE SITUATIONAL FAILURE SHOULD BE REFLECTED IN THE MANUAL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 285,000. *TT CONSUMER STATED WHEEL BLOCKS, ONLY MADE THE VEHICLE LESS STABLE AFTER IT WAS LIFTED UP BY THE SPARE TIRE, BALANCING ACT. DESIGN PROBLEM UPDATED 10/1/18*JB
Air Bags
Filed Dec 20, 2017100,000 milesNC
TAMARA RECALLS
Engine
Filed Oct 18, 2017285,000 milesHI
I BROUGHT IN MY 2003 CHEVROLET TAHOE TO CUTTER CHEVROLET IN HONOLULU, HAWAII TO REPORT AN "ENGINE LIGHT ON" CONCERN. SERVICE ADVISOR JULIANNA PARKS REPORTED THAT THE ISSUE MAY BE ATTRIBUTE TO (2) BROKEN EXHAUST BOLTS ON MY VEHICLE'S 5.3 LITER MFI IRON V8 ENGINE. CUTTER CHEVROLET IS AT 711 ALA MOANA BOULEVARD, HONOLULU, HI 96813. IN FOLLOWING UP TODAY OCTOBER 18, 2017, SHOP MANAGER BRAD EISEN REPORTED THAT THESE BOLTS BREAKING IS NOT A COMMON PROBLEM, AND THAT THERE IS NO RECALL FOR SUCH ISSUES. CUTTER CHEVROLET HAS HAD MY VEHICLE SINCE OCTOBER 01, 2017 AND REPORTED THAT IN ADDITION TO MY $500+ INSPECTION COSTS, THAT MY COSTS FOR REPAIR THUS FAR HAS EXCEEDED $1,400.00 IN THEIR ATTEMPTS TO REPAIR THESE BROKEN BOLTS, AND THAT THEY EXPECT THE FINAL COST TO BE MUCH HIGHER BY THE TIME THEY ARE DONE AS THEY HAVE TO CONTRACT A SPECIALIST MECHANIC FROM ANOTHER TOWN TO COME INTO THE CUTTER CHEVROLET REPAIR SHOP THIS COMING SATURDAY OCTOBER 21, 2017 TO MEET WITH MANAGER MS. TINA TO DO SPECIAL WORK TO REMOVE THESE BROKEN BOLTS. THIS IS RIPOFF BY GM TO HAVE SUCH SUB-QUALITY EXHAUST MANIFOLD BOLTS BREAKING OFF. HELP!!!! GM NEEDS TO DO A RECALL ON THIS!
Service Brakes
Filed Oct 3, 2017180,000 milesVA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET TAHOE. WHILE DRIVING DOWN AN INCLINE AT APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED TO APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH. THE VEHICLE STOPPED AT THE END OF THE ROAD ON A FLAT AREA ON ITS OWN. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE BRAKE PADS, ROTORS, AND MASTER CYLINDER WERE REPLACED APPROXIMATELY ONE YEAR AGO IN AUGUST OF 2016 BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AGAIN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000.
Air Bags
Filed Sep 14, 2017IN
TAKATA RECALL IS NECESSARY MY AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON UPON STARTING VEHICLE ALONG WITH SERVICE AIRBAG WARNING. I AM AFRAID THAT THIS IS AN UNSAFE CONDITION THAT SHOULD BE REPAIRED AT NO COST TO ME AS THERE SEEMS TO BE MANY OTHER COMPLAINTS ON THIS SAME ISSUE.
Steering
Filed Aug 1, 2017146,000 milesMO
WHEN MAKING A RIGHT TURN VEHICLE LOSES POWER STEERING. DOESN'T HAPPEN ALL THE TIME COMES AND GOES. IF YOU GIVE VEHICLE A LITTLE GAS IT WILL START WORKING AGAIN BUT THAT'S NOT ALWAYS AN OPTION. I NOTICE IT MOST IF MY VEHICLE IS MOVING AT A SLOW RATE OF SPEED OR STOPPED. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS ISSUE AND NO ONE CAN SEEM TO OFFER ANY IDEAS ON FIXING IT.
Electrical SystemFire
Filed May 23, 2017246,000 milesCA
MY TAHOE CAUGHT FIRE INSIDE THE DRIVER SIDE DASH. IT WAS PARKED, NO ONE HAD DRIVEN IT THAT DAY. I PUT IN A CLAIM WITH GM (CLAIM #SR 8-2955875514) AND IT WAS DENIED AS THEY SAID THERE ARE NO RECALLS FOR MY TAHOE. THIS FIRE STARTED OUT OF NO WHERE. THANK GOODNESS OUR NEIGHBOR CAME BANGING AT THE DOOR TO LET US KNOW THAT OUR TAHOE WAS ON FIRE. WE WEREN'T HOME AT THE TIME BUT MY SON WAS, WE ARRIVED TO FIND HIM WITH THE WATER HOSE EXTINGUISHING THE FLAMES THAT WERE COMING FROM INSIDE THE VEHICLE. I SENT THE PICS TO GM AND THEY JUST DENIED IT WITH NO OTHER EXPLANATION OTHER THAN THERE WAS NO CURRENT RECALL. THEY DIDN'T EVEN TELL ME WHY THE FIRE STARTED NO ONE CAME OUT TO SEE THE VEHICLE.
Air Bags
Filed Apr 16, 2017160,000 milesWI
THE "SERVICE AIRBAG" WARNING LIGHT AND "SERVICE AIRBAG" DISPLAY COMES ON WHEN I START THE VEHICLE--AND STAYS ON. EVERY SO OFTEN, WHEN I START THE CAR, THE WARNINGS DISAPPEAR, ONLY TO REAPPEAR AFTER THE NEXT START OF THE ENGINE.
Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise Control
Filed Feb 27, 2017172,000 milesTX
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS INOPERABLE. THE ABS AND THE PARKING BRAKE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 172,000.
Service BrakesCrash
Filed Feb 7, 2017202,000 milesMD
WHILE DRIVING THE BRAKES TOTALLY FAILED. PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR WITH NO BRAKES AT ALL. VEHICLE HAD TO RUN OFF THE ROAD AND STOP USING THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. AS SOON AS THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS PUSHED IT WENT TO THE FLOOR AND THEN WARNINGS LIGHT TO SERVICE ABS STARTED FLASHING AND BEEPING. THERE WAS NO WARNING PRIOR TO THE FAILURE OF THE BRAKE SYSTEM. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED WE FOUND THAT THERE WAS NO BRAKE FLUID AND A LARGE RUPTURE WAS FOUND IN THE BRAKE LINE ON THE DRIVERS SIDE TOWARDS THE FRONT OF THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR.
Air Bags
Filed Feb 3, 2017136,000 milesIL
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 136,000.
Service Brakes
Filed Jan 12, 2017110,000 milesMD
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET TAHOE. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOOR. THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED BRAKE FLUID ALL OVER THE DRIVEWAY. THE CONTACT INSPECTED UNDER THE VEHICLE AND DISCOVERED THAT THE BRAKE LINE WAS CORRODED AND LEAKING FLUID. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.
Service Brakes
Filed Jan 9, 2017KY
I HAVE AN 03 TAHOE Z71 200000 MILE AND BRAKE LINES ARE RUSTED OUT, NOW I HAVE READ OVER SEVERAL HUNDRED COMPLAINTS ON THIS VEHICLE RANGING FROM 40000 MILE ALL THE WAY UP TO 280000 MILE, EVEN COMPLAINTS BACK TO WHERE THIS TRUCK WAS A FEW YEARS OLD, WHY ARE YOU STILL ALLOWING GM TO MASS PRODUCE THESE VEHICLES WITH NO PUNISHMENT WITH FAULTY BRAKE LINES. THERE WHERE 2015 MODEL SILVERADO'S, AND TAHOE WITH THIS ISSUE. DEMAND A RECALL ON THIS ISSUE PLEASE.
Service Brakes
Filed Oct 28, 201683,000 milesNY
WHILE BRAKING A LITTLE HARDER THAN NORMAL TO AVOID HITTING A DEER, THE BRAKE LINE JUST BELOW THE DRIVERS AREA BLEW AND THE BRAKES WENT TO THE FLOOR AND THE SERVICE ALARMS WENT OFF ON THE DASH. I WAS GOING DOWN HILL AT THE TIME BUT STILL HAD ENOUGH BRAKE TO STOP. I WAS GOING ABOUT 35 MPH AT THE TIME OF FAILURE.
Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Aug 30, 2016GA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A GUARD RAIL. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE FRONT SEAT PASSENGER SUSTAINED 12 BROKEN RIBS AND 2 COLLAPSED LUNGS THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT TOWING FACILITY. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Service Brakes
Filed Jun 20, 2016130,000 milesMD
FRONT BRAKE LINE BLEW OUT JUST AS I WAS PULLING IN MY DRIVEWAY.I BOUGHT THE TRUCK USED IN JULY OF 2015 THE BRAKE LINES RUSTED AND PEELING
Structure › Body
Filed Jun 8, 2016FL
MY PAINT IS POPPING OFF IN LARGE AND SMALL AREAS.
Service Brakes
Filed Apr 6, 201668,000 milesIL
I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN I HAD TO SLAM ON MY BRAKES AND THE PEDAL JUST WENT TO THE FLOOR I HAD NO BRAKES AT ALL. I WAS FORCED TO STEER INTO THE DITCH TO AVOID A COLLISION. AFTER HAVING THE TRUCK TOWED HOME I DISCOVERED A BRAKE LINE HAD POPPED DUE TO RUST. I UNDERSTAND THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH THESE VEHICLES
Service BrakesCrash
Filed Apr 1, 201668,000 milesIL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET TAHOE. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH IN RAINY WEATHER, THE BRAKES WERE ABRUPTLY APPLIED TO AVOID A COLLISION. THE BRAKES DID NOT RESPOND AND THE CONTACT SWERVED TO AVOID CRASHING INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A DITCH. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INJURED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 68,000.
Service Brakes
Filed Feb 27, 2016162,000 milesVA
METAL BRAKE LINE UNDER TRUCK BURST . LOOKS LIKE IT RUSTED THROUGH. ALL OTHER LINES RUSTED ALSO. VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN DRIVEWAY.
Service Brakes
Filed Jan 25, 2016140,000 milesTN
DRIVING ON ICY ROAD ANTI LOCK BRAKES ACTIVATED AND BRAKE LINE RUPTURED, ADN WAS NOT ABLE TO STOP.
Steering
Filed Jan 22, 2016170,678 milesLA
STEERING GOES OUT WHEN BRAKING AND MAKING A RIGHT TURN OR WHEN TRYING TO MANEUVER INTO A PARKING PLACE , TO HARD TO TURN THE WHEEL WITH NO STEERING POWER VERY DANGEROUS. IN TRAFFIC. NO ONE SEEMS TO KNOW WHY OR HOW TO FIX THE PROBLEM.
Seats
Filed Jan 9, 2016150,000 milesMS
THE CABLE SYSTEM TO LAY DOWN THE REAR 60/40 SPLIT BENCH REAR SEAT IS ALL MESSED UP. SEVERAL OF THE CABLES HAVE STRETCHED AND OR BROKEN OFF AT THEIR CONNECTING POINTS UNDER THE SEATS AND IN THE BACK OF THE SEATS UNDER THE UPHOLSTERY. TO ADD TO THE PROBLEM, THE TAP PULL TO PULL THE BOTTOM OF THE SEAT ON THE 60 SIDE NO LONGER OPERATES PROPERLY IN ORDER TO FLIP THAT PART OF THE SEAT FORWARD. THESE PROBLEMS HAVE VIRTUALLY RENDERED THE THIRD ROW SEATS, AND OR THE EXPANDING OF THE CARGO AREA USELESS. NOT ONLY HAS THIS PROBLEM RENDERED THE MIDDLE AND BACK OF THE VEHICLE USELESS, IT IS ALSO A SAFETY ISSUE! THIS PROBLEM SHOULD BE A RECALL ON ALL THESE MODELS BEFORE SOMEONE GETS TRAPPED IN THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE IN THE INSTANCE OF A SEVERE WRECK, OR GOD FORBID A FIRE. SOMEONE COULD GET TRAPPED AND BURN TO DEATH.
Service Brakes
Filed Dec 30, 201560,000 milesVA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET TAHOE. WHILE TOWING A 6000 POUND TRAILER AND DESCENDING DOWN A HILL AT APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY EXPERIENCED CATASTROPHIC BRAKE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP OR SLOW DOWN WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE INTO A FIELD TO EVENTUALLY STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
Electrical System › Wiring
Filed Dec 30, 2015166,000 milesGA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET TAHOE. WHILE APPROACHING A STOP, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO VIBRATE SEVERELY AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 166,000.
Service Brakes
Filed Dec 30, 2015131,000 milesMA
HARD METAL BRAKE LINE FAILURE DURING EMERGENCY, HIGH PEDAL PRESSURE, STOP. NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO AVOID ENTERING AN INTERSECTION, AS THE LEAD CAR. BRAKING WAS FIRM, BEFORE PEDAL DESCENDED STEADILY TOWARD THE FLOOR. PUMPING PROVIDED SOME FRICTION, BUT WAS UNABLE TO RESTORE A MINORITY OF THE SYSTEM'S CAPACITY. THE FAILURE WAS A HOLE DEVELOPED IN THE LINE, ALONG ITS PATH TO THE PASSENGER FRONT BRAKE CALIPER. THE BRAKE LINES SHOWED ALARMING CORROSION LEVELS, WHICH WHILE POTENTIALLY UNDERSTANDABLE FOR A 13 YEAR OLD NORTHEAST OUTDOOR WINTER TRUCK, WAS A SYMPTOM OF CATASTROPHIC POTENTIAL. *JS
Engine
Filed Dec 21, 2015191,420 milesCA
I AM ONE OF MILLIONS OF 1999-2007 CHEVROLET V8 TRUCK ENGINE OWNERS, WHO IS TOLD BY THEIR GM MECHANIC THAT THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD BOLT(S) HAS BROKEN, LEADING TO EXPENSES RANGING FROM $500 TO $1,500. GM BUILT THE ENGINES WITH SUBSTANDARD BOLTS THAT DO NOT LAST IN COMPARISON TO THE REST OF THE ENGINE AND VEHICLE. ONE OR MORE WILL BREAK, WHICH CAUSES AN EXHAUST LEAK AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, AND THEREFORE THE VEHICLE IS OUT OF SERVICE AS IT CANNOT PASS STATE EMISSIONS TESTS. ADDITIONALLY, SOME OF THE EXHAUST LEAKS ARE NEAR OTHER SENSORS WHICH CAN CAUSE FAULTY READINGS OR UNSAFE CONDITIONS. THOSE WHO ATTEMPT TO SELF-FIX THIS GM-CAUSED PROBLEM FACE UNSAFE CONDITIONS, AS THEY ARE DIFFICULT TO GET TO, REQUIRE A WELDER TO FIX, MAY DAMAGE SURROUNDING EQUIPMENT, ETC. THE NEED FOR A RECALL IS WELL-KNOWN AND VERY LARGE, AND IT IS TIME FOR A RECALL ON THESE, SIMILAR AS HAVE FORD AND TOYOTA HAD RECALLS ON SIMILAR ISSUES. GM SURVIVED DUE TO A BAILOUT FROM TAXPAYERS (MANY OF THEM THEIR OWN CUSTOMERS); IT IS TIME FOR GM TO PERFORM RESPONSIBLY TO A NEEDED RECALL. IN THE PICTURE, THE BROKEN-OFF BOLT HEAD IS EVIDENCED A FEW INCHES TO THE LEFT OF THE RUSTY ONE THAT STILL EXISTS, WHERE THERE IS AN EMPTY HOLE (THE BOLT REMAINS STUCK INSIDE THE ENGINE, AND REQUIRES BORING OUT OR WELDING SOMETHING ON IN ORDER TO BACK IT OUT).
Engine
Filed Nov 9, 2015118,000 milesKS
ON NOVEMBER 5, 2015, I TOOK MY 2003 TAHOE IN DUE TO THE FACT THAT AN EXHAUST MANIFOLD BOLT HAD SHEARED OFF DURING THE NORMAL COURSE OF DRIVING. I BOUGHT MY TAHOE NEW AND HAVE ALWAYS HAD IT SERVICE AT THE MCCARTHY-MORRIS CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP ON OVERLAND PARK, KS. I REALIZE THAT OVER TIME PARTS ON A VEHICLE WILL BREAK AND AT 118,000 MILES I SHOULD EXPECT TO INCUR MAINTENANCE EXPENSES. HOWEVER, BASED ON MY RESEARCH GM USED A SUBSTANDARD BOLT AND THIS ISSUE IMPACTS MILLIONS OF GM V8 MOTORS. FROM A SAFETY PERSPECTIVE, I HAD THE REPAIR DONE BECAUSE I DIDN'T WANT TO RISK HAVING EXHAUST FUMES ENTERING THE CAB OF MY VEHICLE. MY UNDERSTANDING IS THAT THIS TYPE OF EXHAUST LEAK COULD HAVE EPA IMPLICATIONS AS WELL. IN ORDER TO HAVE THE REPAIR DONE, THE DEALERSHIP HAD TO PULL THE HEAD BECAUSE ONE OF THE TWO BOLTS THAT SHEARED OFF WAS FLUSH WITH THE HEAD AND HAD TO BE DRILLED OUT. TOTAL COST WAS $1,381.07. THE SAD FACT IS THAT AFTER GETTING THE VEHICLE BACK, IT IS RUNNING ROUGH AND CHANCE ARE I WILL HAVE TO RETURN IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR ADDITIONAL REPAIRS. I CONTEND THAT WHEN MAJOR REPAIRS LIKE THIS ARE DONE, THE VEHICLE IS SELDOM THE SAME. IT TOOK 5 DAYS TO GET IT BACK DO TO THE WEEKEND. IF THE NHTSA WON'T TAKE ANY ACTIONS OVER CONCERNS ABOUT THE EXHAUST LEAK, I HOPE SOME LAW FIRM MIGHT CONSIDER STARTING A CLASS ACTION SUIT. I HAVE NO ISSUE PAYING FOR REPAIRS CAUSED BY NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR, BUT THIS APPEARS TO BE A DEFECT THAT RESULTED FROM CHEVROLET USING A SUBSTANDARD BOLT.
Service Brakes
Filed Oct 9, 201591,000 milesOH
MY WIFE WAS DRIVING OUR 2003 CHEVY TAHOE TO THE DOCTOR'S OFFICE WITHOUT ANY WARNING BRAKES TOTALLY WENT OUT, GOD MUST HAVE BEEN WATCH OVER HER BECAUSE THIS COULD HAVE BEEN DEADLY, THANK GOD FOR EMERGENCY BRAKES. GM STATE THAT THE VEHICLE WILL STOP WHEN THE BRAKE LINE GIVE AWAY WILL THAT BULL [XXX]! THIS IS THE SECOND VEHICLE THAT WE HAVE HAD BRAKES LINE GO OUT ON FIRST MY 2002 CHEVY SILVERADO WITH 41000 MILES ON IT AND NOW OUR 2003 CHEVY TAHOE WITH APPROXIMATELY 90'000 BOTH WITHIN A WEEK OF ONE OTHER. ALSO MY STEPSON HAS A 2006 CHEVY SILVERADO THAT THE BRAKES WENT OUT ON TWO WEEKS AGO IS A HOSPITAL PARKING LOT THAT WAS ALMOST DEVASTATING. *TR INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Service Brakes
Filed Sep 7, 2015130,000 milesNH
FIRST INCIDENT OCCURRED 9/05/2014. SECOND INCIDENT OCCURRED 09/06/2015. FIRST INCIDENT BRAKE LINE WAS RUSTED AND FLUID POOLED UNDER TRUCK. BRAKE LINE BROKE IN DRIVEWAY. SECOND INCIDENT THE BRAKE LINE WAS RUSTED AND THE TRUCK WAS DRIVING 20MPH WITH CHILDREN IN THE CAR ON A BUSY STREET. THERE WERE NO BRAKES TO BE USED.
Seats
Filed Aug 21, 201552,000 milesVA
THE 2ND ROW SEATS WILL NOT OPEN, PREVENTING ACCESS TO THE 3RD ROW SEATS. THIS IS A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY CONCERN B/C IN THE CASE OF AN EMERGENCY THE 3RD ROW PASSENGERS MAY NOT BE ABLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE. IT APPEARS THE CABLE MECHANISM THAT OPENS THE 2ND ROW SEATS IS DEFECTIVE.
Structure › Body
Filed Aug 18, 201569,000 milesMD
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD ON THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE FRONT DASHBOARD FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE DASHBOARD FRACTURED DUE TO THE AGE OF THE MATERIAL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,000.
Power Train
Filed Aug 14, 201597,000 milesCA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET TAHOE. WHILE DRIVING AT 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED DELAYED ACCELERATION AND WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 97,000.
Service Brakes
Filed Aug 8, 2015218,000 milesFL
RUSTED BRAKE LINES RESULTING IN FAILURE OF BRAKING SYSTEM. BRAKE LINES SHOULD LAST LONGER THAN THE SERVICE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE. HENCE NO BRAKE LINES SHOULD EVER BE MADE OUT OF STEEL. ESPECIALLY ON ON A SYSTEM AS CRITICAL AS THE BRAKING SYSTEM. THIS FAILURE COULD HAVE COSTED ME MY FAMILY. THE THE ETHICAL THING FOR ANY COMPANY TO DO. IS RECTIFY THE PROBLEM. I REALLY DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY THIS WOULD BE AN ISSUE. WE ARE TALKING ABOUT THE BRAKING SYSTEM ON A VEHICLE THAT BY ITSELF WEIGHS 5,000 POUNDS. WITHOUT A TRAILER OR ANY PAYLOAD ATTACHED TO IT.MANY OF PEOPLE HAVE NOT BEEN AS FORTUNATE AS MYSELF. THE VEHICLE IS. OTHERWISE IN EXCELLENT CONDITION. TO THIS DAY.IF FAULTY IGNITION SWITCHES GET RECALLED IT'S COMMON SENSE TO RECALL A BRAKE ISSUE. ESPECIALLY SINCE THE BRAKES TOTALLY FAIL WITHOUT ANY WARNING. I HAVE BEEN BUILDING CARS SINCE I WAS A KID.AND THIS IS A FIRST. TO SEE A BRAKE LINE BURST. BECAUSE OF THE CORROSION. IF GM DOESN'T WANT TO RECALL THESE VEHICLES. THE AT LEAST LET THE OWNERS BUY THE PARTS AND GM INSTALL THEM. AND FOR GM TO STATE THAT THIS A NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR ISSUE. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME ANYBODY THOUGHT TO CHECK FOR RUSTED OUT BRAKE LINES WHEN. THEY WERE CHANGING THE OIL OR DOING A TUNE UP .OR CHANGING BRAKE PADS OR TIRES. THOSE ARE NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR OWNER MAINTENANCE ISSUES. MY 2004 FORD F350 HAS 220 THOUSAND MILES. RUNS GREAT TO BUT THE BRAKE LINES AREN'T ROTTING OUT OF THE VEHICLE. WHAT GM IS CLAIMING IS A EXTREMELY WEAK ARGUMENT. THANKS FOR YOUR TIME.
Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Jul 23, 2015220,000 milesIL
WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AT 70 MPH THE CAR SWITCHED TO REDUCED ENGINE POWER AND REDUCED SPEED IMMEDIATELY TO 25 MPH, LEAVING ME IN THE POSITION TO NAVIGATE THROUGH RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC TO GET TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. AFTER HAPPENING A COUPLE OF TIMES OVER A 30 PERIOD, IT IS NOW A REGULAR OCCURRENCE. EACH ATTEMPT TO TAKE THE CAR IN TO A MECHANIC TO BE REPAIRED RESULTS IN THE SAME ISSUE OCCURRING AFTERWARDS. MECHANICS SEEM NOT TO BE ABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE RESULTING IN A COMPLETELY UNSAFE CAR. THE THROTTLE BODY HAS BEEN REPLACED, WIRE HARNESS, PEDAL SENSOR, AND THROTTLE BODY SENSOR. NOTHING HAS SOLVED THE PROBLEM!
Engine
Filed Jul 13, 2015208,000 milesTX
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET TAHOE. WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE IDLE CONTROL NEEDED TO BE RESET. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 208,000.
Service Brakes
Filed Jun 12, 2015128,000 milesMD
BRAKE FAILURE CAUSED BY CORRODED BRAKE LINES. INCIDENT OCCURRED AT BOAT RAMP, COULD HAVE EASILY LOST TRUCK IN WATER. MASTER CYLINDER NEARLY EMPTY AND NO INDICATION OF ISSUE PRIOR TO FAILURE. THE TRUCK GIVES WARNING WITH LOW WASHER FLUID BUT NOT BRAKE FLUID? MECHANIC REPAIRING BROKEN LINES, BUT HOW SOON UNTIL ANOTHER HAS ISSUE?
Complaints 1-50 of 507, newest first, reproduced as filed.
It is not among the Tahoe years to avoid. Owners filed 507 complaints, against about 283 for a typical Tahoe year. The most common complaint is about the electrical system (37%).
What is the most common problem with the 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe?
The electrical system: 186 of the 507 complaints (37%) are about it. Owners most often say it burns oil or loses oil pressure (9%) and jerks, lurches or bucks (5%). The typical report comes at 72,600 miles.
How many recalls does the 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe have?
7 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed Dec 17, 2007. The largest, 05V163000, covered 1,359,824 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.
At what mileage do 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe problems start?
Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 74,000 miles. For the electrical system the midpoint is 72,600 miles.
Has NHTSA investigated the 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe?
Yes, 3 times. The latest, EA11001 ("Brake line corrosion failure"), was opened Jan 5, 2011 and closed Apr 8, 2015.
Are there service bulletins for the 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe?
The manufacturer filed 755 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the engine (120), the electrical system (101) and the transmission (54). They include a service campaign, General Communication, filed Aug 26, 2024. A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.
Reading this record
1 death reported in complaints filed with NHTSA.
Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.
Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.
Most recent recall on file: Dec 17, 2007. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.