2003 Chevrolet Tahoe Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 2%of 507 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 172,247miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the engine of the 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe, 2% of the 507 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 172,247 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.
“On november 5, 2015, I took my 2003 Tahoe in due to the fact that an exhaust manifold bolt had sheared off during the normal course of driving. I bought my Tahoe new and have always had it service at the mccarthy-morris Chevrolet dealership on overland park, ks. I realize that over time parts on a vehicle will break and at 118,000 miles I should expect to incur maintenance expenses. However, based on my research GM used a substandard bolt and this issue impacts millions of GM v8 motors. …”
NHTSA complaint #10789277, filed 2015-11, 118,000 miles“Yesterday was driving home from work and came to a round about, slowed down and vehicle died (alternator gauge went below 14, oil pressure dropped below 40, and battery light came on). I lost all steering and brake pedal was stiff. Now vehicle continuously idles rough and will stall out if not on the throttle, idles 500 and lower. I have replaced mass air flow sensor, air filter, plugs, wires, o2 sensors, fuel filter, evap canister, alternator, and had throttle body cleaned. See there are many complaints filed of the same issues and wondering if anyone at GM has found a solution. …”
NHTSA complaint #10638595, filed 2014-09, 166,514 miles“The contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe. While driving approximately 55 MPH, the engine stalled without warning. The vehicle was able to restart, but the failure recurred on multiple occasions. The dealer stated that the throttle body switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired and the manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 104,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10643429, filed 2014-10, 104,000 miles“The contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe. While driving at 45 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the idle control needed to be reset. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 208,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10733591, filed 2015-07, 208,000 miles“The contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe. While approaching a stop, the vehicle began to vibrate severely and the check engine warning light illuminated. In addition, the vehicle failed to accelerate when the accelerator pedal was depressed. The failure recurred intermittently. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the throttle position sensor failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was also taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the wiring harness failed and needed to be repaired. …”
NHTSA complaint #10817036, filed 2015-12, 166,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 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…
- 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.
- 10167437Oct 14, 2019This Preliminary information communicates to the technician the need to inspect the induction system for potential icing issues in very cold ambient temperatures. To allow the…
- 10160987May 7, 2019This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician to not remove the torque converter bolts and start the engine as this may cause damage to the…
- 10160983May 6, 2019This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about finding needle bearings during an oil change. Technician will gain access to the roller…
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 18 | 64% |
| 2025 | 31 | 60% |
| 2024 | 24 | 35% |
| 2023 | 127 | 55% |
| 2022 | 75 | 38% |
| 2021 | 169 | 37% |
| 2020 | 14 | 25% |
| 2019 | 32 | 29% |
| 2018 | 20 | 19% |
| 2017 | 27 | 15% |
| 2016 | 19 | 7% |
| 2015 | 46 | 7% |
| 2014 | 2 | 2% |
| 2013 | 13 | 6% |
| 2012 | 9 | 5% |
| 2011 | 11 | 2% |
| 2010 | 11 | 4% |
| 2009 | 14 | 5% |
| 2008 | 27 | 5% |
| 2007 | 58 | 5% |
| 2006 | 2 | 2% |
| 2005 | 13 | 4% |
| 2004 | 26 | 6% |
| 2003 | 9 | 2% |
| 2002 | 7 | 2% |
| 2001 | 3 | 1% |
| 2000 | 3 | 1% |
| 1999 | 1 | 0% |
| 1998 | 1 | 0% |
| 1997 | 1 | 0% |
Other parts of the 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
193 complaintsBrakes
113 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 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
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