2003 Chevrolet Suburban 1500
This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1994 | 9 |
| 1995 | 8 |
| 1996 | 9 |
| 1997 | 16 |
| 1998 | 14 |
| 1999 | 74 |
| 2000 | 67 |
| 2001 | 92 |
| 2002 | 120 |
| 2003 | 175 |
| 2004 | 182 |
| 2005 | 94 |
| 2006 | 31 |
| 2007 | 190 |
| 2008 | 101 |
| 2009 | 55 |
| 2010 | 53 |
| 2011 | 80 |
| 2021 | 1 |
| 2023 | 17 |
| 2024 | 0 |
| 2025 | 27 |
| 2026 | 9 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
24% of complaints: service brakes — 42 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
I JUST STARTED LEASING THE VEHICLE FROM QUALITY AUTO THAT SAYS THAT THE CAR IS ROAD READY BUT HAVE LOTS OF HAZARDOUS THINGS TO IT A VERY BAD GAS LEAK THAT THERE TAKING THERE TIME TO FIX AND MY HOOD OF MY CAR WON'T STAY DOWN ...IT'S 7 DAYS INTO MY...
NHTSA ODI report, 20180406
BRAKES FAILED WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE SHORTLY AFTER LEAVING MY HOUSE WHILE DRIVING DOWN MY DRIVEWAY. THE BRAKES WERE WORKING FINE WHEN I STARTED THE TRUCK AND COMPLETED A 3 POINT TURN TO TURN THE VEHICLE AROUND IN MY DRIVEWAY.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180119
21% of complaints: electrical system — 37 distinct reports on file.
13% of complaints: electrical system — 23 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
"REDUCED ENGINE POWER" LIGHT COMES ON AND TRUCK SLOWS TO LESS THAN 10 MPH AND THE POWER STEERING STOP WORKING. THIS HAS HAPPENED SIX TIMES IN THE LAST YEAR. 1ST INCIDENT I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH IT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120317
WE ARE HAVING SERIOUS ELECTRICAL ISSUES WITH OUR 2003 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN 1500 Z71.
NHTSA ODI report, 20110306
9% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 15 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
CORRODED BRAKE LINES ON 2003 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN CAUSED A FRONT END CRASH WHEN BRAKE LINE BURST AT CORROSION. I WAS LUCKY TO HAVE HAD A SNOW BANK IN MY PATH AND NOT ANOTHER CAR.
NHTSA ODI report, 20110112
5% of complaints: steering — 8 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
"REDUCED ENGINE POWER" LIGHT COMES ON AND TRUCK SLOWS TO LESS THAN 10 MPH AND THE POWER STEERING STOP WORKING. THIS HAS HAPPENED SIX TIMES IN THE LAST YEAR. 1ST INCIDENT I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH IT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120317
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
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.
Campaign 07E106000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2003 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (42 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (37 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (23 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 07E106000 (wheels) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2003 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2003 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Chevrolet Suburban 1500?
The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 24% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2003 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.