Model year
2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
NHTSA lists 4 recalls and 507 complaints for the 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe (recall file dated Oct 23, 2026; complaint file dated Oct 23, 2026). The components listed on the most complaints are ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL (124), SERVICE BRAKES (84), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (65). NHTSA lists 3 investigations. NHTSA star ratings from before model year 2011 use an older method and are not shown here. EPA rates it 13–15 mpg combined depending on configuration (fuel economy file dated Sep 29, 2026). EPA's annual fuel-cost figures for these configurations are $4,450–$5,150, based on 15,000 miles and 55% city driving.
- 2000 282 complaints
- 2001 512 complaints
- 2002 449 complaints
- 2003 507 complaints
- 2004 467 complaints
- 2005 293 complaints
- 2006 114 complaints
- 2007 1,177 complaints
- 2008 528 complaints
- 2009 284 complaints
- 2010 314 complaints
- 2011 447 complaints
- 2012 178 complaints
- 2013 233 complaints
- 2014 90 complaints
- 2015 659 complaints
- 2016 256 complaints
- 2017 174 complaints
- 2018 105 complaints
- 2019 108 complaints
- 2020 57 complaints
- 2021 460 complaints
- 2022 197 complaints
- 2023 231 complaints
- 2024 69 complaints
- 2025 51 complaints
- 2026 27 complaints
- 2027 0 complaints
Recalls
05V163000 · Apr 22, 2005
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER
ON CERTAIN CREW CAB PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE 2ND ROW CENTER OCCUPANT SEAT BELT ROUTING MAY MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO POSITION THE LAP PORTION OF THE SAFETY BELT LOW AROUND THE HIPS OF OCCUPANTS, ESPECIALLY SMALLER OCCUPANTS, SEATED IN THIS POSITION. APPROPRIATE…
04V045000 · Feb 4, 2004
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, PICKUP TRUCKS, AND PASSENGER VANS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 135, ?PASSENGER CAR BRAKE SYSTEMS.? SOME OF THESE VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH AN OUT-OF-SPECIFICATION BRAKE HYDRO-BOOST HOUSING…
03V094000 · Mar 7, 2003
STRUCTURE
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…
03V037000 · Feb 6, 2003
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 214, "SIDE IMPACT PROTECTION." THESE VEHICLES ARE BUILT WITH FOUR WELDS ON THE REAR DOOR UPPER HINGE. ON SOME OF THESE VEHICLES, ONE OR TWO OF THE WELDS MAY NOT BE TO…
Complaints
507 distinct complaints. Crash flag on 20, fire flag on 9, injury field 15, deaths field 1. A complaint can be counted under more than one component. The injury and death figures are the file's numbers (the highest value on each complaint, then added), not a separate verified count of people.
Investigations
| Action | Subject | Opened | Closed |
|---|---|---|---|
| PE03026 | STEEL WHEEL RIM FRACTURE · WHEELS; WHEELS:MULTI PIECE; WHEELS:RIM | Jun 12, 2003 | Nov 3, 2003 |
| DP05009 | PARKING BRAKE FAILURE · PARKING BRAKE:CONVENTIONAL; PARKING BRAKE:CONVENTIONAL:MECHANICAL; PARKING BRAKE | Dec 20, 2005 | May 31, 2006 |
| EA11001 | Brake line corrosion failure · SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS; SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC | Jan 5, 2011 | Apr 8, 2015 |
Safety ratings
NHTSA star ratings from before model year 2011 use an older method and are not shown here.
Fuel economy
| Configuration | Fuel | City | Hwy | Comb | kWh/100 mi | Range | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tahoe 1500 2WD · 4.8L · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 13 | 17 | 14 | — | — | $4,800 |
| Tahoe 1500 2WD · 5.3L · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 13 | 16 | 14 | — | — | $4,800 |
| Tahoe 1500 4WD · 4.8L · Automatic 4-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 12 | 16 | 14 | — | — | $4,800 |
| Tahoe 1500 4WD · 5.3L · Automatic 4-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 12 | 16 | 13 | — | — | $5,150 |
| Tahoe 1500 AWD · 5.3L · Automatic 4-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 12 | 16 | 13 | — | — | $5,150 |
| Tahoe 1500 2WD · 5.3L · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline · FFV | 13 | 17 | 15 | — | — | $4,450 |
| Tahoe 1500 4WD · 5.3L · Automatic 4-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline · FFV | 13 | 17 | 14 | — | — | $4,800 |
| Tahoe 1500 AWD · 5.3L · Automatic 4-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline · FFV | 13 | 17 | 14 | — | — | $4,800 |
Open this model year in the fuel-cost calculator. The calculator starts with no fuel price filled in.
Check a vehicle
This page is not a VIN lookup. NHTSA's recall tool checks a specific vehicle: nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's page for this model year is 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe at NHTSA. Complaint narratives stay on NHTSA's site and are not copied here.