2003 Chevrolet Suburban Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 81about this part
- Share
- 27%of 301 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 76,731miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 81 complaints about the electrical system of the 2003 Chevrolet Suburban, 27% of the 301 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 76,731 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My electric is all messed up ,works don't,radio turns on after driving awhile,4x4 sometimes works,airbag light ,they wanted 150 to reset,I talk to so many same problem,same year ,online,I bet there is recall ,there must be I paid a lot for this truck to,when get cold out wont start,nothing works,I'm disabled,so it's hard for me to do anything,it's all about money,so many with same problem online.”
NHTSA complaint #10458990, filed 2012-05, 45,000 miles“I am a teacher and got a call in my classroom that my Suburban was on fire parked in the parking lot. The fire department was called and when I got outside, sure enough there was smoke all in the Suburban and smoke coming from the roof of the vehicle (not the hood). When the fire department arrived, they entered the vehicle, disconnected the battery, and proceeded to tear out my rear headliner to extinguish the electrical fire that was occurring. …”
NHTSA complaint #10670922, filed 2015-01, 152,000 miles“The speedometer on my 2003 chevy Suburban is off by over 50 MPH. I had the same problem on 2005 silverado. I see alot of complaints over this same problem with other owners, why is GM not held responsible for a recall. There is no way to know how fast I am actually going, if that is not a safety concern then I'm not sure what is.”
NHTSA complaint #10359072, filed 2010-10, 90,000 miles“The instrument cluster on my vehicle quit working when my 2003 chevy Suburban had about 48600 miles on it. I contacted a friend with a dealership and he told me it was a common problem and wiuld cost about $500 tp get it fixed. I recently received the recall letter but now have too many miles to qualify.”
NHTSA complaint #10216353, filed 2008-01, 48,600 miles“Speedometer quits registering speed of vehicle at times, the odometer continues to work. Next time driving vehicle speedometer works. Dealer said this is a very common occurrence and eventually the speedometer will quit and I will have to buy a new one. I do feel that a non working speedometer is a safety issue.”
NHTSA complaint #10169658, filed 2006-09, 62,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11017252Mar 28, 2025This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on OnStar Module 2G Sunset Information.
- 11009156Oct 25, 2024This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 11006621Aug 26, 2024Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which…
- 11006274Aug 13, 2024This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the speedometer needle appears to be inaccurate. Dealer should advise the…
- 11002312Jun 6, 2024This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414…
- 10252735Mar 28, 2024This bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement fasteners with conductive finish.
- 10244214Sep 21, 2023This informational bulletin provides information for the IPC odometer programming method quick reference guide.
- 10237671May 19, 2023This Preliminary Information communication advises the technician that the Hydro-Boost is not serviceable and will need to be replaced if the brake pedal moves or applies on its…
- 10230605Jan 6, 2023This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on OnStar Module 2G Sunset Information.
- 10225615Oct 19, 2022This service bulletin provides information on Module Harvesting.
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 5 | 11% |
| 2023 | 14 | 11% |
| 2022 | 22 | 18% |
| 2021 | 20 | 10% |
| 2020 | 8 | 18% |
| 2019 | 7 | 9% |
| 2018 | 17 | 20% |
| 2017 | 21 | 15% |
| 2016 | 26 | 12% |
| 2015 | 58 | 13% |
| 2014 | 7 | 12% |
| 2013 | 14 | 12% |
| 2012 | 10 | 10% |
| 2011 | 10 | 7% |
| 2010 | 9 | 8% |
| 2009 | 16 | 15% |
| 2008 | 22 | 10% |
| 2007 | 25 | 9% |
| 2006 | 3 | 13% |
| 2005 | 36 | 28% |
| 2004 | 72 | 35% |
| 2003 | 81 | 27% |
| 2002 | 10 | 4% |
| 2001 | 30 | 7% |
| 2000 | 13 | 5% |
| 1999 | 58 | 9% |
| 1998 | 14 | 7% |
| 1997 | 42 | 10% |
| 1996 | 47 | 13% |
| 1995 | 32 | 7% |
| 1994 | 21 | 2% |
| 1993 | 7 | 1% |
| 1992 | 9 | 5% |
| 1991 | 2 | 4% |
| 1990 | 3 | 6% |
| 1989 | 1 | 2% |
| 1987 | 2 | 11% |
| 1986 | 1 | 14% |
Other parts of the 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
91 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
21 complaintsSteering
20 complaintsAir bags
18 complaintsVehicle speed control
15 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
13 complaintsFuel system
11 complaintsBody and structure
11 complaintsTires
11 complaintsEngine cooling
10 complaintsSeat belts
10 complaintsSuspension
9 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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