2003 Chevrolet Tahoe Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 113about this part
- Share
- 22%of 507 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 109,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 113 complaints about the brakes of the 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe, 22% of the 507 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 109,000 miles. 9 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I was on the highway when I had to slam on my brakes and the pedal just went to the floor I had no brakes at all. I was forced to steer into the ditch to avoid a collision. After having the truck towed home I discovered a brake line had popped due to rust. I understand this is an ongoing problem with these vehicles”
NHTSA complaint #10853848, filed 2016-04, 68,000 miles“This is the first of three (3) occasions that a metal brake line on this vehicle has ruptured. The results were an immediate and complete brake failure. I have to let the vehicle coast to a stop while using the emergency brake to assist. I live in a rural area so in all three times I was very lucky that were light or no traffic.”
NHTSA complaint #10672461, filed 2015-01, 150,000 miles“While braking a little harder than normal to avoid hitting a deer, the brake line just below the drivers area blew and the brakes went to the floor and the service alarms went off on the dash. I was going down hill at the time but still had enough brake to stop. I was going about 35 MPH at the time of failure.”
NHTSA complaint #10919745, filed 2016-10, 83,000 miles“Not sure what is happening to my car but it is very scary when it happens. Shortly after I start my car and it is warmed up, when I am driving it and I put the brakes on to slow down on a corner or at a intersection, my car will shut off. I can't steer and the brakes are hard to push. Please help, don't want to kill myself or my family.”
NHTSA complaint #10568051, filed 2014-03, 130,667 miles“As I was backing out of my driveway I hit the brakes and the truck didn't stop causing me to hit my neighbors tree. .. The brake system failed with no warning or signal light or a sound. As I looked under the truck there was brake fluid all over the street. I called a buddy mechanic of mine and stated my brake lines are rusted out.”
NHTSA complaint #10621537, filed 2014-08, 128,000 milesRelated recalls
- 04V045000Feb 4, 2004Certain sport utility vehicles, pickup trucks, and passenger vans fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 135…Covers: Chevrolet Tahoe 2003–2004, Silverado 2003–2004, GMC Yukon 2003–2004 +10 more
Related service bulletins
- 10242252Aug 18, 2023This technical bulletin provides information and a solution to a condition of Brake Pedal Moves or Self Applies at Full Turns.
- 10226382Oct 18, 2022This 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…
- 10208027Jan 14, 2022This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 10178353Jun 26, 2020This 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…
- 10168960Nov 12, 2019This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire…
- 10162149Jun 24, 2019This 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…
- 10161004May 13, 2019This 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…
- 10129088Jan 23, 2018This 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…
- 10113364Jan 31, 2017This 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…
- 10078876May 11, 2016This 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…
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 7% |
| 2025 | 10 | 19% |
| 2024 | 12 | 17% |
| 2023 | 21 | 9% |
| 2022 | 12 | 6% |
| 2021 | 22 | 5% |
| 2020 | 6 | 11% |
| 2019 | 8 | 7% |
| 2018 | 19 | 18% |
| 2017 | 44 | 25% |
| 2016 | 92 | 36% |
| 2015 | 196 | 30% |
| 2014 | 6 | 7% |
| 2013 | 6 | 3% |
| 2012 | 6 | 3% |
| 2011 | 4 | 1% |
| 2010 | 1 | 0% |
| 2009 | 11 | 4% |
| 2008 | 8 | 2% |
| 2007 | 10 | 1% |
| 2006 | 13 | 11% |
| 2005 | 25 | 9% |
| 2004 | 86 | 18% |
| 2003 | 113 | 22% |
| 2002 | 182 | 41% |
| 2001 | 272 | 53% |
| 2000 | 136 | 48% |
| 1999 | 249 | 45% |
| 1998 | 77 | 29% |
| 1997 | 113 | 28% |
| 1996 | 78 | 28% |
| 1995 | 50 | 20% |
| 1994 | 10 | 53% |
| 1993 | 3 | 38% |
| 1992 | 5 | 83% |
Other parts of the 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
193 complaintsSteering
52 complaintsFuel system
36 complaintsVehicle speed control
27 complaintsEngine cooling
20 complaintsAir bags
19 complaintsSeats
19 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
19 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
18 complaintsSuspension
14 complaintsTires
14 complaintsBody and structure
13 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
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