2003 Chevrolet Suburban Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 1%of 301 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 127,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the engine of the 2003 Chevrolet Suburban, 1% of the 301 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 127,500 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.
“I have been experiencing complete engine failure while driving at highway speeds without any warning. I notice a loss of power and notice the engine light is on and the vehicle is difficult to steer. After coasting to the left side of the road, the vehicle ignition is turned off and after several attempts, the car starts again and I can drive to my destination. Fuel pump and fuel lines were replaced less than 2 years ago when a similar problem was experienced.”
NHTSA complaint #10660734, filed 2014-11, 149,500 miles“Vehicle suddenly started going into reduced power mode and providing an error code indicating a problem with the throttle control sensor. From the hundreds of online posts (some by GM mechanics) this is an ongoing problem with many 2003-2008 trucks and suvs made by GM. When I began trying to repair this problem myself, I found out from my local chevy parts department that they can not keep these throttle control assemblies in stock because we are replacing so many of them... There seems to be a know problem that GM is not adequately being proactive about. …”
NHTSA complaint #10885356, filed 2016-07, 149,000 miles“Driving in middle lane on highway out of state with kids in the car engine just quit--no power, couldn't signal to move or get to side of road, just sat in middle lane. Very scary!! Towed to a nearby dealer-told us the fuel pump shorted the engine and had to replace the fuel pump. No advance warning-only a blower motor seemed to be malfunctioning that morning (have had A/C problems). No issue with power until it just quit. Seems to be a common complaint when researching this year and vehicle--loss of power or decreased power. …”
NHTSA complaint #10467774, filed 2012-07, 106,000 miles“The contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet Suburban. While driving at 60 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic but was unable to diagnose or repair the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 101,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10748175, filed 2015-08, 101,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11012907Dec 18, 2024This service bulletin explains how to measure for oil consumption and possible reasons for loss of oil.
- 11010544Oct 7, 2024This service bulletin explains how to measure for oil consumption and possible reasons for loss of oil.
- 11004761Jun 28, 2024This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or…
- 10242298Aug 10, 2023This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308…
- 10211658May 2, 2022This service bulletin provides policy information on warranty administration guidelines for multiple repairs with independent causes (GM Canada Dealers Only).
- 10178387Jul 27, 2020This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about finding needle bearings during an oil change. Technician will gain access to the roller…
- 10176645May 28, 2020This information bulletin explains how to measure for oil consumption and possible reasons for loss of oil.
- 10176326May 21, 2020This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308…
- 10176607May 8, 2020This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank…
- 10173398Feb 28, 2020This diagnostic tip provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 24 | 53% |
| 2023 | 69 | 53% |
| 2022 | 62 | 50% |
| 2021 | 88 | 44% |
| 2020 | 17 | 39% |
| 2019 | 26 | 33% |
| 2018 | 19 | 23% |
| 2017 | 26 | 18% |
| 2016 | 27 | 12% |
| 2015 | 39 | 9% |
| 2014 | 1 | 2% |
| 2013 | 16 | 14% |
| 2012 | 12 | 12% |
| 2011 | 10 | 7% |
| 2010 | 6 | 5% |
| 2009 | 10 | 9% |
| 2008 | 25 | 12% |
| 2007 | 27 | 9% |
| 2005 | 6 | 5% |
| 2004 | 6 | 3% |
| 2003 | 4 | 1% |
| 2002 | 2 | 1% |
| 2001 | 7 | 2% |
| 2000 | 1 | 0% |
| 1999 | 2 | 0% |
| 1997 | 1 | 0% |
| 1994 | 1 | 0% |
Other parts of the 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
91 complaintsElectrical system
81 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 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Chevrolet Suburban
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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