Model year guide

2003 Chevrolet suburban 1500

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2003 Chevrolet suburban 1500 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 2 on record.

2003 Chevrolet suburban 1500 at a glance

Safety recalls1
Owner complaints175
Combined13–14 mpg

Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

2003 Chevrolet suburban 1500 recalls 1

Wheels:hub NHTSA Campaign #07E106000 · 17/12/2007

CERTAIN FEDERAL-MOGUL REPLACEMENT WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLIES WITH THE BRAND NAMES: NATIONAL, CARQUEST P/NOS. 515020, 515021, 515025, 515053, 515054, 515059, AND 515060, SHIPPED BETWEEN JANUARY 23, 2006, AND DECEMBER 20, 2007, SOLD FOR LIGHT DUTY AND MEDIUM DUTY TRUCKS. THE INBOARD RETENTION NUT USED TO MAINTAIN HUB BEARING ASSEMBLY CAN LOOSEN RESULTING IN AN ABS LIGHT INDICATION, NOISE, AND/OR WHEEL SEPARATION.

Fix: FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY CUSTOMERS AND WILL REPLACE THE HUB ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 7, 2008. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL TOLL-FREE AT 877-489-6659.

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

2003 Chevrolet suburban 1500 common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 175 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Hydraulic
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
Steering
Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.
Visibility
Test wipers, washers, defrosters and all mirrors. Check the windshield for cracks and any camera/sensor for fogging or faults.

2003 Chevrolet suburban 1500 MPG & running costs

Combined13–14 mpg
City13 mpg
Highway17 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$4,917
EPA size classSport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
TransmissionAutomatic 4-spd
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$12,583 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 6 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2003 Chevrolet suburban 1500 costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$24,585
Fuel only$24,585
Per mile$0.33

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

Investigations & service bulletins

Manufacturer service bulletins 94

Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 94.

This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.

Bulletin PIP5601C · Jul 2025

This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on OnStar Module 2G Sunset Information.

Bulletin 23-NA-001 · Electrical System · Mar 2025

This service bulletin explains how to measure for oil consumption and possible reasons for loss of oil.

Bulletin 03-06-01-023I · Engine · Dec 2024

This service bulletin explains how to measure for oil consumption and possible reasons for loss of oil.

Bulletin 03-06-01-023H · Engine · Oct 2024

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire calibration for tires that have been sized, tested and designed for the vehicle in que…

Bulletin PIT3271P · Sep 2024

Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exc…

Bulletin General Communication · Electrical System · Aug 2024

GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or inadequate packaging or shipping. This bulletin advises the dealers to be more caref…

Bulletin 24-NA-141 · Power Train · Jul 2024

This 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 misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce c…

Bulletin 16-NA-383 · Fuel/propulsion System, Engine · Jun 2024

This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.

Bulletin 18-NA-099 · Jun 2024

This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and resolution information.

Bulletin 24-NA-098 · Electrical System · Jun 2024

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the SUBURBAN 1500. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

2003 Chevrolet suburban 1500 trims & engines on record

Engines
5.3L 8-cyl

2003 Chevrolet suburban 1500 vehicles on record

Other Chevrolet suburban 1500 model years

2003 Chevrolet suburban 1500 — frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 Chevrolet suburban 1500 have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 2003 Chevrolet suburban 1500. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

What are the most common problems with the 2003 Chevrolet suburban 1500?

Across all 175 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are service brakes, electrical system, hydraulic.

What gas mileage does the 2003 Chevrolet suburban 1500 get?

The 2003 Chevrolet suburban 1500 has U.S. EPA estimates of 13–14 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (6 versions).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.