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
- 175
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Service brakes
Campaigns on file for 2003
None on file
37% of complaints
Complaints per year
2003: 175 complaints
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 | 30 |
| 2026 | 16 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Service brakes
37% · 64 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic and electric.
Show 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, 2018-04-06
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, 2018-01-19
Electrical system
34% · 60 reportsMost commonly citing instrument cluster/panel.
Show 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, 2012-03-17
Also filed under Steering and engine and engine cooling
We are having serious electrical issues with our 2003 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 Z71.
NHTSA ODI report, 2011-03-06
Structure
9% · 16 reportsMost commonly citing body and frame and members.
Visibility
6% · 10 reportsMost commonly citing glass, side/rear and rear window wiper/washer.
Steering
5% · 9 reportsMost commonly citing shaft sector.
Safety timeline
1 recall · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2003Complaint volume 175 complaints filed for this model year.
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R
2008-02-07Wheels07E106000 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…
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.
Buy-smart checklist
2003 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Service brakes: 64 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 60 reports on file for this year.
- Structure: 16 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 07E106000 · Wheels
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →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 37% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2003 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 have?
- 1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.