2003 Chevrolet Tahoe Reviews, Ratings, Prices

Climate System

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

What Owners Say

A/C compressor

"Compressor failure, loud screeching noise, very expensive to repair or replace. Not fixed yet, I simply unplugged it."

Ward S., BC (2003 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 5.2-L V8)

"The a/c system would blow a fuse every time we accelerated. Turns out it had something to do with a faulty condenser. Afterwards ($1500) repair it works. Thankfully"

Anonymous, NC (2003 Chevrolet Tahoe LS Unsure)

"Kick in clutch failing at idle speed. Will use it until it fails. (Cost)"

Anonymous, CO (2003 Chevrolet Tahoe Unsure 5.2-L V8)

"Broke"

Anonymous, TX (2003 Chevrolet Tahoe)

"The compressor just stopped working. If you try to turn it on with the car in motion, it feels as if the engine will die."

Anonymous, TN (2003 Chevrolet Tahoe 4.7-L V8)

"The air conditioner wasn't working. At first they said it was the belts, they replaced those but when accelerating, the belts would break. Another mechanic said the compressor? needed replacing, after that it's been doing well. Air is working great and taking off is not an issue with belts breaking."

Alice G., NC (2003 Chevrolet Tahoe)

Automatic climate control

"For the past 8 years, the AC has been a constant problem. I have repaired it almost yearly."

Anonymous, NC (2003 Chevrolet Tahoe 5.2-L V8)

"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 motor and blower resistor went out. Had replaced 2 weeks after purchase."

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

"Blower stopped working"

Anonymous, WA (2003 Chevrolet Tahoe)

"had to replace the hvac blower motor resistor"

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

Evaporator

"rear evaporator leaked and had to be replaced"

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

Heater system

"Broke"

Anonymous, TX (2003 Chevrolet Tahoe)

Refrigerant leaks

"Seems like every summer I have to get coolant refreshed."

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

"Same as previous message"

Michael B., MD (2003 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 4.7-L V8)

"Pressure line was leaking and was repaired"

Michael B., MD (2003 Chevrolet Tahoe)

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 or security system (excluding aftermarket systems)

"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)

Body control module

"Moisture was found in the PCM. Controls on driver door panel were not functioning correctly. Couldnt raise or lower windows and lock doors"

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

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

Anonymous, CA (2003 Chevrolet Tahoe LS)

Cruise control

"Does not work"

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

Exterior lights (other than headlights)

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

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

"The running lights burnout regularly. I believe it's due to being located too close to the radiator."

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

Gauges

"Speedometer and tachometer very erratic and stuck on 120"

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

"Often when starting the gauges don't work."

Anonymous, (2003 Chevrolet Tahoe Unsure 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)

"Speedometer doesn't work properly"

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

"All dashboard gauges give wrong readings. Gas gauge changes its readings to various totally wrong indications on a regularly irregular basis."

Perry S., CA (2003 Chevrolet Tahoe 5.2-L V8)

Headlights

"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)

Tire pressure monitor

"From time to time it the light will indicate there is low tire pressure. Seems to be a problem in certain CHEVROLET vehicles from the 2000 years."

Anonymous, NC (2003 Chevrolet Tahoe LS Unsure)

Warning lights

"check engine light coming on. Dealer finds nothing and resets"

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

Paint/Trim

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

What Owners Say

Loose interior trim or moldings

"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)

Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling)

"Paint bubbling on tailgate, easy but expensive to repair."

Ward S., BC (2003 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 5.2-L V8)

"Bad primer led to cracking and peeling paint"

Anonymous, FL (2003 Chevrolet Tahoe)

"The paint on the hood and roof began to peel away with less than 100K miles. Auto service tech at G.M. said this was a common problem for 2003 Tahoes. I would have expected a recall."

Anonymous, WI (2003 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 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

"Vehicle has rust all over. Chasis and body, cost of repair exceeds value of vehicle"

Anonymous, CT (2003 Chevrolet Tahoe 5.2-L V8)

"Brakes needed to be totally replaced because of rust $4,000 plus"

Anonymous, IL (2003 Chevrolet Tahoe)

"Rocker panels are rusted out all chevy trucks rust out way too quick seems the frames and rockers are first to go. Cheap thin steel is the culprit"

Anonymous, IN (2003 Chevrolet Tahoe Unsure Unsure)

"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)

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

Emission control devices (includes EGR)

"Catalytic converter finally gave out after 15 years"

Joseph M., IL (2003 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 4.7-L V8)

"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)

Fuel injection system

"throttle body failure"

Bill B., GA (2003 Chevrolet Tahoe 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)

Fuel pump

"FUEL PUMP FAILED AT 203000 MILES"

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

"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)

Sensors (includes O2 or oxygen sensor)

"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)

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

Ball joints

"ball joints worn but I think they held well to last over 200000 kms"

E B., AB (2003 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 5.2-L V8)

Shocks or struts

"both rear shocks needed and were replaced"

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

"After 170,000 miles, I think it was fair to have to replace the shocks."

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

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)

Tie rods

"Had to replace them three times in 5 years"

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

"A large amount of the front suspension had to be replaced. Stabilizers..."

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

Brakes

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

What Owners Say

Antilock system (ABS)

"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)

Calipers

"Calipers were not reusable after first brake pad replacement, Entire brake lines had to be replaced Because of snow road treatment product."

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

"i had new rear rotor and pads replaced and before i got 20 miles away the brakes were sticking and had to be rep;aced again the next day. The calipers on this year and model MUST be replaced when you do new pads. The metal on these calipers get pitted etc. Very expensive mistake"

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

Master cylinder

"Master cylinder seemed to have a leak so it was replaced"

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

Normal routine brake wear

"At 128000 miles I did the first brake job since I bought it new I had waited to long and had to replace rotors also"

Don T., MO (2003 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 5.2-L V8)

Premature brake wear

"THIS TRUCK EATS BRAKES"

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

"the rotors were also replaced at around 50,000 miles after installing new pads."

Anonymous, FL (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

Engine knock or ping

"Told that the engine was failing and needed to be rebuilt or replaced. I will purchase another vehicle instead of fixing the tahoe."

Anonymous, TN (2003 Chevrolet Tahoe)

Oil leaks

"Constant oil leaks requiring several quarts of additional oil in between oil changes"

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

"Main Seal leaking. One thousand dollar repair bill."

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

"Rear main seal between engine and transmission has begun leaking"

Manny Q., FL (2003 Chevrolet Tahoe 5.2-L V8)

"This is going to be another cost so I will keep having oil but in every few days until I decide to spend the several hundred dollars to have it repaired."

Alice G., NC (2003 Chevrolet Tahoe)

Problem(s) fueling the tank

"Evap code...replaced both solenoids"

Anonymous, (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

"Not sure! it broke had to replace it, 3rd transmission!!"

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

"First let me point out this was a replacement transmission that did fail. I got in the truck and started driving normally. I came to a stop and tried to go but it was struggling hard. I moved the shifter to low 1 and it down shifted to second gear. I shifted back to drive once I got moving and it shifted to 3rd then to 4th. At the nest stop it was not in first gear again. It felt like stuck in 3rd or 4th. I downshift again to get under way. After a few searches I found this was a common symptom of an electrical solenoid problem and ordered the solenoid kit. Once I removed the pan to install the parts I found several small fragments of brass and aluminum in the bottom of the pan. At that time I called up the trans shop and told them I would have a trans for them on Monday morning. I got it back a week later. Installed it. shifts better than it ever had. (advantage transmission, Woodstock, Illinois)"

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

"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 4.7-L V8)

"The transmission was not shifting, and had to be replaced."

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

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

What Owners Say

Alternator

"Alternator suddenly seized up, engine stalled and could not be started because serpentine belt would not allow engine to turn over. Replaced alternator, good to go."

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

Battery (not hybrid or electric)

"Battery would not hold a charge."

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

Ignition switch

"The ignition switch failed; it would work many times and then suddenly it would not work. It had an intermittent open circuit."

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

Starter

"Starter solenoid was intermittent so truck would start one time and then it wouldn't turn over the next time."

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

Body Integrity

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

What Owners Say

Air or water leaks

"Water pump failed, replaced"

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

Seals and/or weather-stripping

"Front windshield makes creaking noise.. Possible issue with seals"

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

Squeaks or rattles

"Has had noise coming from the dashboard for several years."

Anonymous, TN (2003 Chevrolet Tahoe)

"Car obviously old.. New noises all the time"

Anonymous, CA (2003 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 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)

Display screen freezes up

"None of the dials or gages move, dealer cycled and they now work"

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

Speakers

"I had constant crackling emitting from the speakers which was extremely annoying. I pulled the amplifier circuit breaker which silenced the issue. The radio is inoperative at this time."

Anonymous, GA (2003 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 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)

Other/unsure

"CHEVROLET has had issues in the past with their wiring. Certain model years received wiring from Mexico, which after about 10 years, for some reason just disintegrates. This has been problematic for the air bag system on my particular vehicle as I have had all the sensors replaces and will still get intermittent service airbag warning lights."

Jim-Jennifer P., IA (2003 Chevrolet Tahoe LS 4.7-L V8)

"Suddenly, the airbag warning light came on. A check online revealed that in many 2003 Tahoes, there is a faulty ground wire under one of the front seats. According to a number of people on Youtube, the problem is that the ground wire is too short, and, when seat is constantly moved, it eventually breaks the ground. Judging from the number of comments, I would have expected at least a TSB about the problem."

Anonymous, WI (2003 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 5.2-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

Driveshaft or axle

"Rear axle bearings replaced"

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

Electrical failure

"Complete electrical failure that was caused by a faulty alternator"

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

Transfer case

"shift motor switch failed, could not switch from 2H to 4wd or back."

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

Transmission Minor

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

What Owners Say

Slipping transmission

"The Transmissions on the Tahoe are prone to failure after only 50,000 miles! after my 3rd one my Mechanic had to put in a Transmission cooler! this is what he said is the problem with the model and year! it over heats and with little warning just fails and leaves you stranded like it did to me 2Xtimes already!"

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

"Between 1st & 2nd and 2nd & 3rd gear, car does not shift smoothly - revs too long in lower gear then rough / jerky on shift"

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

"Some slipping and extra noise from first to second gear. Didn't get it fixed as car works OK and a transmission repair was too expensive."

Anonymous, CO (2003 Chevrolet Tahoe Unsure 5.2-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)

Windows

"Noise"

Anonymous, CT (2003 Chevrolet Tahoe 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)

Engine Major

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

What Owners Say

Cylinder head

"A stuck valve caused one cylinder to misfire. Started in April and made driving impossible. Engine was decarbonized and problem solved."

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

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