2003 Gmc Suburban problems

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The Chevrolet Suburban is a series of SUVs built by Chevrolet since the 1935 model year. The longest-used automobile nameplate in the world, the Chevrolet Suburban is currently in its twelfth generation, introduced for 2021. Beginning life as one of the first metal-bodied station wagons, the Suburban is the progenitor of the modern full-size SUV, combining a wagon-style body with the chassis and powertrain of a pickup truck. Alongside its Advance Design, Task Force, and C/K predecessors, the Chevrolet Silverado currently shares chassis and mechanical commonality with the Suburban and other trucks.

Traditionally one of the most profitable vehicles sold by General Motors, the Suburban has been marketed through both Chevrolet and GMC for nearly its entire production. Along sharing the Suburban name with Chevrolet, GMC has used several nameplates for the model line; since 2000, the division has marketed it as the GMC Yukon XL. Since 2003, Cadillac has marketed the Suburban as the Cadillac Escalade ESV. During the 1990s, GM Australia marketed right-hand drive Suburbans under the Holden brand.

.The Suburban is sold in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Central America, Chile, Dominican Republic, Bolivia, Peru, Philippines, and the Middle East (except Israel), while the Yukon XL is sold only in North America (exclusive to the United States, Canada, and Mexico) and the Middle East territories (except Israel).

A 2018 iSeeCars.com study identified the Chevrolet Suburban as the car that is driven the most each year. A 2019 iSeeCars.com study named the Chevrolet Suburban the second-ranked longest-lasting vehicle. In December 2019, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce unveiled a Hollywood Walk of Fame star for the Suburban, noting that the Suburban had been in "1,750 films and TV shows since 1952."

2003 Gmc Suburban

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Common 2003 Gmc Suburban problems

The 2003 GMC Suburban is a full-size SUV based on the GMT800 platform, which it shares with the Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, and Silverado, as well as the GMC Yukon and Sierra. While these vehicles are generally reliable, there are some common problems that owners have reported.

  1. Sensors O2: One of the most common problems with the 2003 GMC Suburban is related to the O2 sensors. These sensors, located on the side of the driver, can become faulty over time, leading to issues with the engine's performance and fuel efficiency. Replacing the faulty sensor can solve this problem.
  2. Electrical issues: Electrical issues are another common problem with the 2003 GMC Suburban. These issues can manifest in various ways, such as gauges only working in the morning or after several hours of non-operation, decreased power, and the AC stopping blowing cold. A broken ground wire leading from the back of the engine can cause these issues.
  3. Rear main seal leaks: Some owners have reported leaks from the rear main seal, which can cause the vehicle to drip oil. This issue can be resolved by replacing the rear main seal, which can be a complex and expensive repair.
  4. Emergency brake cables: The emergency brake cables in the 2003 GMC Suburban can wear out over time, leading to a loss of braking power. Replacing the cables can solve this problem.
  5. Suspension parts: The inner and outer tie rods and shock absorbers in the 2003 GMC Suburban can wear out over time, leading to issues with the vehicle's steering and ride quality. Replacing these parts can solve this problem.
  6. Valve cover gaskets: The valve cover gaskets in the 2003 GMC Suburban can seep oil over time, leading to leaks. Replacing the gaskets can solve this problem.
  7. Fuel pump: The fuel pump in the 2003 GMC Suburban can fail over time, leading to issues with the vehicle's fuel system. Replacing the fuel pump can solve this problem.

While these problems are common, it is important to note that not all 2003 GMC Suburbans will experience these issues. Regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent these problems from occurring or catch them early before they become more serious. If you do experience any of these issues, it is recommended to have them addressed by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible to prevent further damage to the vehicle.

2003 Gmc Suburban engine

2003 Gmc Suburban car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Gmc Suburban problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Service brakes problems
  • Hydraulic problems
  • Fuel system problems
  • Gasoline problems
  • Equipment problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2003 Gmc Suburban vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

2003 Gmc Suburban complaints

The NHTSA has received 5 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2003 Gmc Suburban.

2009-02-12

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,EQUIPMENT PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2009-01-19
  • VIN: 1GNEC16T73J
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,EQUIPMENT
  • Summary: JUNE 2006 THE FUEL PUMP STOPPED WORKING WHEN I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY, I WAS TOWED TO THE GARAGE WE NORMALLY USE FOR MAINTENANCE. THEY REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP WE DID NOT PURSUE THIS UNDER THE ORIGINAL WARRANTY ON THE VEHICLE - BIG MISTAKE! IN JANUARY 2009 THE FUEL GAUGE STOPPED WORKING AND AGAIN WE STOPPED ON THE FREEWAY AND HAD TO BE TOWED. THIS TIME IT WAS THE FUEL GAUGE. THE FUEL PUMP CANNOT BE REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY AS THIS WAS JUST FOR ONE YEAR. WE WERE ADVISED TO USE THE TRIP MILEAGE TO FILL FUEL TANK. WE HAVE HAD TWO FAILURES BOTH AT APPROXIMATELY 30MTHS. *TR
2007-08-13

STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2006-11-29
  • VIN: 1GKET16S036
  • Components: STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 GMC SUBURBAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE PURCHASED HIS VEHICLE BRAND NEW AND HAS CURRENTLY SPENT OVER $5,000 IN REPAIRS. HE HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER FOUR DIFFERENT TIMES CONCERNING THE STEERING WHEEL VIBRATING, SHAKING, AND ROCKING WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. EACH TIME HE WENT TO THE DEALER FOR THE STEERING FAILURE, THEY ALWAYS FOUND ANOTHER FAILURE TO REPORT. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE MOTOR INJECTION SYSTEM WAS BURNED OUT AND CAUSED THE STEERING FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE MEETS THE MANUFACTURER'S SPECIFICATIONS AND THAT NO OTHER ASSISTANCE COULD BE PROVIDED. HE STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL NEVER WORKED AND HE HAS ALL OF THE REPAIR RECEIPTS. CURRENTLY, THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT ILLUMINATES AND THE ENGINE IS MAKING A LOUD NOISE, VIBRATING, AND MISFIRING. HE WAS INFORMED THAT THE REPAIR WOULD COST OVER $2,000. THE SPEED WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 39,870 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000.
2005-08-30

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2004-07-03
  • Crash: 1
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: I WAS IN AN ACCIDENT ON JULY 3RD IN A 2003 SUBURBAN. AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT, I FELT I WAS A SAFE DISTANCEE BEHIND THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. THERE WAS CONSTRUCTION ON 635 IN DALLAS AND A CAR STOPPED IN FRONT OF THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. WHEN I APPLIED THE BRAKES AND I REACTED VERY QUICKLY, I FELT LIKE THE BRAKES DID NOT REACT CORRECTLY AND I RAN INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. I WAS IN DISBELIEF THAT THE ACCIDENT HAD OCCURED. I HAD JUST PURCHASED THE SUBURBAN AND ATTRIBUTED THE DELYED STOPPING TIME TO THE SIZE AND WEIGHT OF THE VEHICLE. SINCE THAT ACCIDENT, I HAVE HAD (2) SITUATIONS WHERE I NEEDED TO HIT THE BRAKES VERY QUICKLY AND BOTH TIMES I FELT LIKE THE BRAKES WERE NOT WORKING CORRECTLY. I JUST NOTICED THAT GM PUT OUT A RECALL FOR 2002 SUBURBAN AND WAS CURIOUS IF THERE WERE ANY OTHER SIMILAR PROBLEMS REPORTED WITH THE 2003 SUBURBAN. THANKS, STEVE BURKE. *JB 3770 PALLOS VERDAS DR DALLAS, TX 75229 214.335.5523. *JB
2004-06-09

TIRES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2004-06-09
  • VIN: 3GNGK26G33G
  • Components: TIRES
  • Summary: UPON INSPECTING VEHICLE CONSUMER NOTICED TIRE SIDEWALL WERE DRY ROTTED. FIRESTONE AND CHEVROLET, LT245/75R16LE. *AK
2004-04-26

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2004-04-25
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH ABS WARNING LIGHT CAME ON, AND TWO SECONDS LATER VEHICLE SHUT OFF. AS A RESULT, POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKES FAILED. *AK

2003 Gmc Suburban recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2003 Gmc Suburban.

2003-03-07
  • Manufacturer: SOUTHERN COMFORT CONVERSIONS
  • Components: STRUCTURE
  • Summary: CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCK, VAN, AND MINI VAN CONVERSIONS EQUIPPED WITH SOUTHERN COMFORT BUILT RUNNING BOARDS THAT CONTAIN CERTAIN COURTESY LIGHTS MANUFACTURED BY AMERICAN TECHNOLOGY COMPONENTS, INC. THESE UNITS CONTAIN A COURTESY LIGHT OR LIGHTS THAT MIGHT OVERHEAT WHEN THE WIRE HARNESS IS EXPOSED TO EXCESSIVE MOISTURE AND ROAD SALT.
  • Consequence: THIS OVERHEATING CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE RUNNING BOARD TO MELT OR CAUSE A FIRE.
  • Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIRING HARNESS ON THESE RUNNING BOARDS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 7, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SOUTHERN COMFORT AT 1-800-745-6096.
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