2003 Chevrolet Tahoe Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 20about this part
- Share
- 4%of 507 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 35,015miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 20 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe, 4% of the 507 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 35,015 miles. 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I took my 2003 chevy Tahoe into the dealership because of performance and gas issues and was told I had 2 broken exhaust manifold bolts. The repair was estimated to over $1000. I know that this is a major issue with gmc and chevy engines with many complaints. The manufacturer should stand by their product and fix this issue instead of making their customers pay for a defect that exists with their product. I was told that my vehicle would not pass safety inspection without this fix.”
NHTSA complaint #10515917, filed 2013-06, 150,000 miles“Engine knocks when it started after sitting for a while untill oil pump picks up.I personally know of five other 5.3 liter v8s that have the same problem,but my dealership has never heard of this .I find this hard to believe. A friend told me that there was a TSB reguarding a check valve of some kind that would stop this.”
NHTSA complaint #10062084, filed 2004-03, 50 miles“The reduced engine power light came on and reduced the car's power to only be able to go 20 MPH. I did reach 30 MPH with a down-slope. I was very scared and had my two children in the car. Thankfully, I was able to safely pull over to the side of the road. Upon researching this issue with my car make and model, it seems to be a common problem and a very serious issue. The engine's power just pulled back without warning! I am taking the car to be serviced tomorrow but cannot fathom to think what could have happened!”
NHTSA complaint #10406492, filed 2011-06, 104,000 miles“When starting the vehicle, check engine light comes on and dash says reduced engine power. Vehicle will only drive about 15 miles per hour. Upon researching this through various internet websites, this same problem has and is happening to a huge amount of 2003 Tahoe owner's and it's always a faulty wiring harness problem - yet GM refuses to acknowledge there is a problem. On a side note, headlights have always been very dim.”
NHTSA complaint #10232146, filed 2008-06, 38,416 miles“Bought vehicle in february of 2009 used after driving truck for about 10 days we realized that the speedometer was not moving when the vehicle was in motion. Then after that the speedometer would move up in speed after driving the car for about 20 minutes but then stay at the 30mph when stopped once the car would begin moving again the speed would continue to go up from the 30mph mark resulting in the speedometer reading 60mph when the vehicle was actually only going 30mph. …”
NHTSA complaint #10264217, filed 2009-04, 76,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10251887Mar 14, 2024This bulletin advises the technician of possible location of an internal coolant leak from a specific cylinder head and location.
- 10251890Mar 13, 2024This 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…
- 10250775Feb 22, 2024This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large…
- 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…
- 10242262Aug 24, 2023This service bulletin provides graphics, information and guidelines for engine component wear to assist service personnel as a guideline to perform necessary engine repairs and…
- 10236164Apr 24, 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…
- 10235802Apr 24, 2023This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
- 10234141Mar 23, 2023This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
- 10234110Mar 17, 2023This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 7% |
| 2025 | 1 | 2% |
| 2024 | 9 | 13% |
| 2023 | 18 | 8% |
| 2022 | 10 | 5% |
| 2021 | 17 | 4% |
| 2019 | 1 | 1% |
| 2018 | 3 | 3% |
| 2017 | 1 | 1% |
| 2015 | 2 | 0% |
| 2011 | 1 | 0% |
| 2009 | 2 | 1% |
| 2008 | 2 | 0% |
| 2007 | 21 | 2% |
| 2006 | 2 | 2% |
| 2005 | 7 | 2% |
| 2004 | 20 | 4% |
| 2003 | 20 | 4% |
| 2002 | 19 | 4% |
| 2001 | 16 | 3% |
| 2000 | 7 | 2% |
| 1999 | 27 | 5% |
| 1998 | 21 | 8% |
| 1997 | 12 | 3% |
| 1996 | 25 | 9% |
| 1995 | 3 | 1% |
| 1994 | 3 | 16% |
| 1993 | 1 | 13% |
Other parts of the 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
193 complaintsBrakes
113 complaintsSteering
52 complaintsFuel system
36 complaintsVehicle speed control
27 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 28, 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