2003 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 14about this part
- Share
- 8%of 175 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 115,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 14 complaints about the body and structure of the 2003 Chevrolet Suburban 1500, 8% of the 175 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 115,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“One of the two rear plastic window hinges has snapped. I first noticed on 10/11 as I was accessing the rear of the vehicle by unlatching the window. I went online to check the issue and now realize this issue is widespread, that GM is aware of it, and actually re-designed the hinges starting in 2005. What they haven?t done (as I know it) is issue a recall for this obvious manufacturing defect. I'm writing to ask whether the NHTSA is aware of this issue, and if it and/or GM have already decided this does not warrant further attention. …”
NHTSA complaint #10644658, filed 2014-10, 115,000 miles“1.speedometer faied s daily. It will read 90 MPH when I have just began accelerating. Other times it will read 10 MPH when I am driving with traffic on the freeway. Problem has not been corrected, dealership advised it was not covered under a recall although they have received numerous complaints. 2. Second row middle seat belt failed to retract. Second middle seatbelt fastener got stuck and unable to unfasten seat belt without force. Has not been corrected. 3. …”
NHTSA complaint #10185686, filed 2007-03, 15,000 miles“Rear window hinge broke off from window frame on 2003 suburban. Very rarely opened window by itself always opened entire hatch. Can not find any recalls or complaints by GM but yet can find several 100 complaints by individuals. Gm wants 1,000 to fix. It is obviously a design flaw after paying $43,000 for it GM should step up. They will check the welds on rear window for a flaw but not the hatch part which is what breaks. Have always bought Chevrolet and this is the longest one I have owned but I will be heading to a different real soon. …”
NHTSA complaint #10353499, filed 2010-09, 124,000 miles“Brake pedal almost to floor, extremely long time to stop.no warning just driving in columbus traffic and lost brakes. Found master cylinder almost empty. Brake lines rusted through left side drivers floor/frame rail area. Dealer estimate $1200 to$1600. Seems to be a common problem as on line investigation verifies.web site shows open case,no re-call to repair.”
NHTSA complaint #10561864, filed 2014-01, 150,000 miles“Rear window hinge broke off from window frame on 2003 suburban. Very rarely opened window by itself always opened entire hatch. Can not find any recalls or complaints by GM but yet can find several 100 complaints by individuals. Gm wants 1,000 to fix. It is obviously a design flaw after paying $43,000 for it GM should step up. Read about the window blowing out at highway speeds--guess we shouldn't care if it is blowing away from us--right.”
NHTSA complaint #10353497, filed 2010-09, 124,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10190934Jan 1, 2014Underbody Component Corrosion The following information may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers. Some customers may comment that one or more…
- 10190933Jan 1, 2014Underbody Component Corrosion The following information may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers. Some customers may comment that one or more…
- 10037570Apr 1, 2012Gm: on some truck models there is some frame corrosion. *rm updated on 5/2/2012.
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 11% |
| 2023 | 1 | 6% |
| 2011 | 18 | 23% |
| 2010 | 13 | 25% |
| 2009 | 8 | 15% |
| 2008 | 18 | 18% |
| 2007 | 29 | 15% |
| 2006 | 7 | 23% |
| 2005 | 4 | 4% |
| 2004 | 5 | 3% |
| 2003 | 14 | 8% |
| 2002 | 6 | 5% |
| 2001 | 2 | 2% |
| 1999 | 3 | 4% |
| 1998 | 1 | 7% |
Other parts of the 2003 Chevrolet Suburban 1500
65 complaintsElectrical system
60 complaintsFuel system
14 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
10 complaintsSteering
9 complaintsVehicle speed control
7 complaintsEngine cooling
6 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
6 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsSeat belts
4 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaintsTires
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Chevrolet Suburban 1500
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology