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    2003
    New 2019
    Used 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000

    Chevrolet Tahoe Change Vehicle

    The Tahoe's highlights are its responsive powertrain, quiet cabin, and good low-speed ride. But fit and finish are unimpressive, the third-row seat is very tight and handling is cumbersome.
    Alerts
    There are 7 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.
    2003
    New 2019
    Used 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000

    Chevrolet Tahoe

    Reliability
    See All
    Owner Satisfaction
    See All
    Crash and Rollover Tests
    IIHS Front Moderate Overlap NA
    IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver NA
    IIHS Side Crash NA
    NHTSA Frontal-Crash, Driver
    NHTSA Frontal-Crash, Passenger
    See All

    Road Test Results

    Performance
    Acceleration Acceleration Acceleration tests are conducted on a smooth, flat pavement straightaway at the track. Time, speed, and distance measurements are taken with a precise GPS-based device that’s hooked to a data-logging computer.
    0 to 60 mph 0 to 60 mph (sec.) The time in seconds that a vehicle takes to reach 60 mph from a standstill with the engine idling.
    Transmission Transmission Transmission performance is determined by shifting smoothness, response, shifter action, and clutch actuation for manual transmissions.
    Fuel Economy Fuel Economy We perform our own fuel-economy tests, independent of the government's often-quoted EPA figures and the manufacturers' claims. Using a precise fuel-flow measuring device spliced into the fuel line, we run two separate circuits to represent city and highway consumption.
    CR's Overall Mileage CR's Overall Mileage CR's overall mileage is a composite of measured fuel usage on a prescribed city course and highway cruising; and CR's 150-mile test trip of mixed driving, if tested. In recent road tests, we've discontinued the 150-mile trip test.
    CR's City Mileage CR's City Mileage Measured fuel usage on a prescribed city course.
    CR's Highway Mileage CR's Highway Mileage Measured fuel usage on a prescribed highway cruising.
    Annual Fuel Cost Annual Fuel Cost The cost and amount of fuel used in 12,000 miles and is calculated from CR's overall mileage.
    Braking Braking The braking rating is a composite of wet and dry stopping distances and pedal feel. Braking distance is from 60 mph, with no wheels locked.
    Emergency Handling Emergency Handling Several factors go into the rating, including the avoidance maneuver speed and confidence, as well as how the vehicle behaves when pushed to its limit,
    Comfort / Convenience
    Ride Ride Our expert judgment of how well the suspension isolates and absorbs road imperfections and how steady it keeps the body on various road surfaces.
    Noise Noise Our expert judgment of the vehicle's interior noise level in everyday driving.
    Front Seat Comfort Front Seat Comfort Our judgment of how comfortable the front seat is for drivers of various heights.
    Rear Seat Comfort Rear Seat Comfort Our judgment of how comfortable the rear seat is for two passengers to sit across.
    Interior Fit and Finish Interior Fit and Finish An expert evaluation of the interior quality and craftsmanship.
    Trunk/Cargo Area Trunk/Cargo Area Our rating is based on the amount of luggage or cargo space that a vehicle has in the trunk or cargo area.

    Owner Reports

    Worse Better
    Reliability History Reliability History The reliability charts are based on responses on hundreds of thousands of vehicles from our latest Annual Auto Survey. Consumer Reports subscribers reported on any serious problems they had with their vehicles during the past 12 months that they considered serious because of cost, failure, safety, or downtime, in any of the trouble spots included in the table below. The results are presented relative to the average model that year. Extra weight is given to the more serious areas such as major engine or transmission problems. Based on this data and further analysis, we predict reliability for the latest year. N/A indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
    2000
    2001
    2002
    2003
    2004
    2005
    2006
    NA
    2007
    2008
    2009
    2010
    2011
    2012
    2013
    2014
    2015
    2016
    2017
    2018
    Reliability Trouble Spots
    Engine Major Engine Major Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbo or supercharger, timing chain or timing belt.
    Engine Minor Engine Minor Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, oil leaks.
    Engine Cooling Engine Cooling Radiator, cooling fan, antifreeze leaks, water pump, thermostat, overheating.
    Transmission Major Transmission Major Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, clutch replacement.
    View all Reliability
    Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction To learn about satisfaction, CR has collected survey data from our annual survey on more than half a million vehicles. Our subscribers provide great insights into their satisfaction by answering one simple question: If they had it to do all over again, would they definitely buy or lease the same model? In addition, respondents also rate their cars in six categories: driving experience, comfort, value, styling, audio, and climate systems. N/A indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
    2000
    2001
    2002
    2003
    2004
    2005
    2006
    2007
    2008
    2009
    2010
    2011
    2012
    2013
    2014
    2015
    2016
    2017
    2018
    Driving Experience Driving Experience Includes acceleration and handling
    Comfort Comfort Includes seats, climate control, noise, and ride
    Value Value Did you get what you wanted relative to the price you paid?
    Styling Styling How it looks inside and out
    View all Owner Satisfaction
    Safety Equipment
    ABS standard. Side air bags standard from 2000-2002, available until 2006, standard from 2010. ESC available from 2003, standard from 2005. Head protection air bags available in 2007, standard from 2008.
    Road Test

    The Tahoe's highlights are its responsive powertrain, quiet cabin, and good low-speed ride. But fit and finish are unimpressive, the third-row seat is very tight and handling is cumbersome.

    Seating
    3 front, 3 rear, 3 third
    Drive Wheels
    4WD , Rear
    Warranty

    In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

    Read more about extended warranties
    Body Styles
    4-door SUV
    Transmissions Available
    • 4-speed Automatic
    Engines Available
    • 4.8-liter V8 (275 hp)
    • 5.3-liter V8 (285 hp)

    Owner Reported Trouble Spots

    The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

    Climate System

    Blower (fan) motor, A/C compressor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate control, refrigerant leakage, electrical failure.

    What Owners Say

    “Broke”

    Anonymous, TX (2003 Chevrolet Tahoe Unsure Unsure)
    Automatic climate control

    “The rear blend door failed, which stuck the roof vents into the 'cold' position. When the car starts with the roof vents enabled it cycles them through there full range of motion. They overtravel, and then stays stuck. Replacing the blend door module (actually a motor) per the TSB, it didn't fix it. A battery pull did, however”

    Anonymous, OH (2003 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 5.2-L V8)

    “devices used to direct air flow and temperature in rear section of car have stopped working”

    Anonymous, NV (2003 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 5.2-L V8)
    Blower (fan) motor

    “Blower stopped working”

    Anonymous, WA (2003 Chevrolet Tahoe Unsure Unsure)

    “had to replace the hvac blower motor resistor”

    Arne H., AK (2003 Chevrolet Tahoe LS 5.2-L V8)

    “rear evaporator leaked and had to be replaced”

    Anonymous, FL (2003 Chevrolet Tahoe LS 5.2-L V8)

    “Broke”

    Anonymous, TX (2003 Chevrolet Tahoe Unsure Unsure)
    Load more

    Electric System

    Alternator, starter, hybrid battery and related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, distributor or rotor failure, spark plugs and wires failure.

    What Owners Say

    “Alarm would go off when open button pushed. Back hatch door stopped working , would not unlock. Sometimes doors would not open keyless”

    Anonymous, CA (2003 Chevrolet Tahoe LS Unsure)

    “We ended up replacing whole module! Total cost was over 900.00 dollars”

    Anonymous, CA (2003 Chevrolet Tahoe LS Unsure)

    “Oil gauge sensor was replaced”

    Anonymous, VA (2003 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 5.2-L V8)

    “first the temperature gauge broke, then the oil pressure, then the RPM”

    Anonymous, OR (2003 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 5.2-L V8)

    “From the moment I owned this Tahoe, I have had to constantly replace exterior lights, head, tail, turn signal, brake, etc. The 3rd brake light module replaced cost almost $400. and was replaced for the 1st time at 10yrs old. The replacement only lasted for 18months. Don't understand why the original lasted for 10 years and the replacement only 18months and was not covered by any warranty. Not very good customer service”

    Lorraine D., GA (2003 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 4.7-L V8)

    “They seem to burn out much more frequently than they did in the early years of the car”

    Anonymous, OR (2003 Chevrolet Tahoe Unsure 5.2-L V8)
    Load more

    Fuel System

    Check engine light, sensors (includes O2 or oxygen sensor), emission control devices (includes EGR), engine computer, engine computer, fuel cap, fuel gauge/sender, fuel injection system, fuel pump, fuel leaks, stalling or hesitation.

    What Owners Say

    “i had vacuum leak that caused rough idle. i guess it is to be expected with a truck that has almost 274000 with little maintenance”

    Anonymous, TX (2003 Chevrolet Tahoe LS 4.7-L V8)

    “throttle body failure”

    Bill B., GA (2003 Chevrolet Tahoe Unsure 5.2-L V8)

    “My car would cut off while driving. The fuel injection system needed to be cleaned. After it was the issue was corrected”

    Carol P., TN (2003 Chevrolet Tahoe Unsure Unsure)

    “Fuel pressure started dropping. This was a few dozen tankfuls after switching to e85 (it is a VIN Z / flex fuel). E85 tends to wear valve seats, and fuel pumps more. Even though it is rated for e85, using that fuel will still cause premature wear”

    Anonymous, OH (2003 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 5.2-L V8)

    “Warning light indicated a malfunction in O2 sensor and it was replaced”

    Anonymous, MI (2003 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 5.2-L V8)

    “when the weather gets hot , the engine will stall.the O2 sensor was replaced and it solved the problem. Now another O2 sensor needs to be replaced. there was also a leak in the gasket at the valve covers”

    Anonymous, TX (2003 Chevrolet Tahoe LS 4.7-L V8)
    Load more

    Paint/Trim

    Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling), loose interior and exterior trim or moldings, rust.

    What Owners Say

    “The interior door lamp covers fall off. The interior dashboard pealed and turned black”

    Barbara C., TX (2003 Chevrolet Tahoe LS 5.2-L V8)

    “The roof, engine lid and side pannels paint faded”

    Barbara C., TX (2003 Chevrolet Tahoe LS 5.2-L V8)

    “Clearcoat and color gradually fading away on roof and hood. Problem had started 5 years ago, and is getting worse. Seems like a defect, for which there should have been a recall”

    Thomas A., WI (2003 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 5.2-L V8)
    Rust

    “the body is rusting badly”

    James W., NE (2003 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 5.2-L V8)

    “Vehicle had many rust areas, mainly hood and top”

    Anonymous, TX (2003 Chevrolet Tahoe Unsure Unsure)
    Load more

    Suspension

    Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

    What Owners Say

    Springs or torsion bars

    “Torsion bars broke”

    Anonymous, TX (2003 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 5.2-L V8)
    Steering linkage (includes rack and pinion)

    “Steering "knocks" when car rolls over uneven ground or when turning”

    Robert R., KY (2003 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 5.2-L V8)

    “steering is loose/sloppy but usable as is”

    Anonymous, NV (2003 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 5.2-L V8)

    “Had to replace them three times in 5 years”

    Anonymous, AK (2003 Chevrolet Tahoe LS 5.2-L V8)
    Load more

    Brakes

    Antilock system (ABS), parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, rotors, pulsation or vibration, squeaking, brake failure or wear.

    What Owners Say

    “I unit went out. I am not going to spend the money they want to fix it so I disconnected it”

    T M., IL (2003 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 5.2-L V8)

    “grabbing”

    Eve B., NC (2003 Chevrolet Tahoe LT Unsure)
    Master cylinder

    “Master cylinder seemed to have a leak so it was replaced”

    Anonymous, TX (2003 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 5.2-L V8)

    Transmission Major

    Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, clutch replacement.

    What Owners Say

    Transmission rebuild or replacement

    “The transmission hd to be replaced at 120,000 miles”

    James W., NE (2003 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 5.2-L V8)

    “Had to replace transmission”

    Tom K., PA (2003 Chevrolet Tahoe Unsure 4.7-L V8)

    Body Hardware

    Power or manual windows, locks and latches, tailgate, hatch or trunk, doors or sliding doors, mirrors, seat controls, safety belts, sunroof, convertible top.

    What Owners Say

    Locks and latches

    “When the passenger front window would not close and the door would not lock with the key remote, I was told it was the door module. The cost to replace was $438.12. plus tax for a total of $463.73!! Dealers are ripoff artists”

    Lorraine D., GA (2003 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 4.7-L V8)

    Drive System

    Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, 4WD/AWD components, driveline vibration, traction control, electronic stability control (ESC), electrical failure.

    What Owners Say

    Electrical failure

    “Complete electrical failure that was caused by a faulty alternator”

    Anonymous, AK (2003 Chevrolet Tahoe LS 5.2-L V8)

    In-car Electronics

    CD or DVD players, radio, speakers, GPS, communication system (e.g., OnStar), display screen freezes or goes blank, phone pairing (e.g. Bluetooth), voice control commands, steering wheel controls, portable music device interface (e.g., iPod/MP3 player), backup or other camera/sensors.

    What Owners Say

    CD player

    “When first starting engine, the CD player just keeps cycling and making noises but it will not load or play a CD”

    Robert R., KY (2003 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 5.2-L V8)

    Engine Minor

    Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, oil leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Oil leaks

    “Constant oil leaks requiring several quarts of additional oil in between oil changes”

    Kurt H., VA (2003 Chevrolet Tahoe Unsure 5.2-L V8)

    Exhaust

    Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Muffler

    “Keeps rusting in two”

    Anonymous, TX (2003 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 5.2-L V8)

    Engine Cooling

    Radiator, cooling fan, antifreeze leaks, water pump, thermostat, overheating.

    What Owners Say

    Water pump

    “Water leak at the water pump”

    Samuel S., FL (2003 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 5.2-L V8)

    Body Integrity

    Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, loose or cracked seals and/or weather-stripping, air and water leaks.

    Power Equipment

    Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, remote engine start, alarm or security system

    Engine Major

    Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbo or supercharger, timing chain or timing belt.

    Transmission Minor

    Gear selector or linkage, leaks, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission.

    Change Vehicle