2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than 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 |
|---|---|
| 1988 | 1 |
| 1991 | 3 |
| 1992 | 6 |
| 1993 | 8 |
| 1994 | 19 |
| 1995 | 246 |
| 1996 | 283 |
| 1997 | 410 |
| 1998 | 263 |
| 1999 | 552 |
| 2000 | 282 |
| 2001 | 512 |
| 2002 | 449 |
| 2003 | 507 |
| 2004 | 466 |
| 2005 | 293 |
| 2006 | 114 |
| 2007 | 1176 |
| 2008 | 528 |
| 2009 | 284 |
| 2010 | 314 |
| 2011 | 446 |
| 2012 | 178 |
| 2013 | 232 |
| 2014 | 90 |
| 2015 | 657 |
| 2016 | 256 |
| 2017 | 173 |
| 2018 | 103 |
| 2019 | 104 |
| 2020 | 55 |
| 2021 | 440 |
| 2022 | 182 |
| 2023 | 209 |
| 2024 | 61 |
| 2025 | 45 |
| 2026 | 20 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
38% of complaints: electrical system — 193 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing instrument cluster/panel and wiring.
FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
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).
NHTSA ODI report, 20190531
Also filed under SEATS
23% of complaints: service brakes — 115 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and electric.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
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 .
NHTSA ODI report, 20180417
RETURNED TO A FRIENDS FROM A TRIP TO ACCESS MY VEHICLE AND HEAD FOR HOME.
NHTSA ODI report, 20121011
Also filed under STRUCTURE
10% of complaints: steering — 52 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing column and shaft sector.
CRASH INJURY6% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 30 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing fuel pump and tank assembly.
5% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 27 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing cruise control.
CRASHSAFETY TIMELINE
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 U
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.
Campaign 03V037000 — check if this car was fixed
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
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
Campaign 03V094000 — check if this car was fixed
STEEL WHEEL RIM FRACTURE
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 V
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 HUM
Campaign 04V045000 — check if this car was fixed
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
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, 200
Campaign 05V163000 — check if this car was fixed
PARKING BRAKE FAILURE
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 S
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.
Campaign 06E026000 — check if this car was fixed
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 MANUFACTURE
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).
Campaign 06E043000 — check if this car was fixed
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
Brake line corrosion failure
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2003 Chevrolet Tahoe — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (193 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (115 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (52 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 03V037000 (structure) has been completed.
- Verify recall 03V094000 (structure) has been completed.
- Verify recall 04V045000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 05V163000 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E026000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E043000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 07E106000 (wheels) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 38% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe have?
7 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.