2003 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 3%of 175 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 53,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2003 Chevrolet Suburban 1500, 3% of the 175 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 53,000 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.
“2003 chevorlet suburban - transmission failed at 45, 000 miles. Since it wasn't under warranty any longer, purchased a new transmission from GM with a 3 yr 100, 000 mile warranty. After 3yrs, 4months, the vehicle now has 91,000 miles and the transmission has failed again. Each time the cost is over $2500.”
NHTSA complaint #10386199, filed 2011-03, 45,000 miles“2003 SUBURBAN 1500 4wd , rattle and clunk in steering column, nothing loose in the steering just clunking noise while driving. Vehicle has 26000 miles on it, but was over 3 years old. Curt warner Chevrolet said it was a common problem... No warranty or recall. In fact he pulled a u-joint and shaft from his desk to show me what the noise was comming from in the column.”
NHTSA complaint #10187834, filed 2007-04, 25,000 miles“I got a 2003 Chevrolet surb. The rear door keep coming open on it own,the speedometer does not work,oil gauge,and the temperature gauge not work. It had start now when start to cranked it the brake booster light come the battery light come saying not charging.”
NHTSA complaint #10367040, filed 2010-11, 55,000 miles“(reduced engine power) will not accelerate faster than 30 MPH. Shut off engine for 15 seconds and start up again and it happens 10 to 15 times a day, even at 65 MPH on the highway. (no power) and no help from GM dealer ship.”
NHTSA complaint #10376832, filed 2011-01, 106,000 miles“2003 Chevrolet suburban with traction control. Control cuts in when making sharp turn from side road onto main highway. This causes vehicle to rapidly slow to almost a stop until transmission catches up and vehicle speed increases. Dealer says it is because of sensors in wheelbearing and the wheelbearings need to be replaced. This is a definite hazard when entering a high speed (55 MPH or higher) highway from a side road. I complained to GM and they said there were no recalls about this. Dealer says they have had problem on several vehicles.”
NHTSA complaint #10192041, filed 2007-05, 51,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11006421Jul 24, 2024GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or…
- 10249579Jan 12, 2024This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10242843Sep 1, 2023The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the…
- 10222770Sep 16, 2022This service bulletin provides information on OEM and Remanufactured Engine and Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Identification.
- 10220319Sep 1, 2022This diagnostic tip advises the tech not to separate the flexplate from the torque convertor or damage my occur if the engine is started while diagnosing for noise from the…
- 10201098Dec 1, 2015OEM and Remanufactured Engine and Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Identification
- 10190503Dec 1, 2015OEM and Remanufactured Engine and Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Identification
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 11% |
| 2025 | 6 | 19% |
| 2023 | 4 | 24% |
| 2011 | 5 | 6% |
| 2009 | 1 | 2% |
| 2007 | 17 | 9% |
| 2006 | 1 | 3% |
| 2005 | 11 | 12% |
| 2004 | 10 | 5% |
| 2003 | 6 | 3% |
| 2002 | 4 | 3% |
| 2001 | 5 | 5% |
| 2000 | 1 | 1% |
| 1999 | 2 | 3% |
| 1998 | 1 | 7% |
| 1995 | 1 | 13% |
Other parts of the 2003 Chevrolet Suburban 1500
65 complaintsElectrical system
60 complaintsFuel system
14 complaintsBody and structure
14 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
10 complaintsSteering
9 complaintsVehicle speed control
7 complaintsEngine cooling
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 31, 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