Model year guide

2003 Chevrolet Tahoe

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 180 on record.

2003 Chevrolet Tahoe — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2003 Chevrolet Tahoe at a glance

Safety recalls7
Owner complaints534
Combined14 mpg
Typical price$4,044

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2003 Chevrolet Tahoe recalls 7

Seat Belts:rear/other NHTSA Campaign #05V163000 · 22/04/2005

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 USE OF A CHILD SEAT OR BOOSTER SEAT, AS RECOMMENDED FOR SMALL CHILDREN, DOES IMPROVE THE FIT CONDITION FOR THIS USER GROUP. IN ADDITION TO…

Fix: DEALERS WILL CUT OPEN THE GUIDE LOOP, REMOVE A PORTION OF THE LOOP, AND THEN THE REMAINING TWO SIDES SHOULD BE FOLDED OVER AND SECURED WITH A RETAINER FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 21, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-94…

Exterior Lighting NHTSA Campaign #06E026000 · 23/03/2006

CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Fix: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.

Fuel System, Gasoline NHTSA Campaign #06E043000 · 19/05/2006

CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE…

Fix: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 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.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic NHTSA Campaign #04V045000 · 04/02/2004

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 RELIEF VALVE BORE.

Fix: DEALERS ARE TO REPLACE THE HYDRO-BOOST RELIEF VALVE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 18, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339; CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438; GMC AT 1-866-996-9463; OR HUMMER AT 1-866-486-6376.

Structure:body:door:hinge And Attachments NHTSA Campaign #03V037000 · 06/02/2003

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 SPECIFICATION.

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE WELDS ON THE LEFT REAR DOOR UPPER HINGE. IF A WELD IS FOUND OUT-OF-SPECIFICATION, A BOLT WILL BE INSTALLED TO SECURE THE HINGE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 17, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT R…

Structure NHTSA Campaign #03V094000 · 07/03/2003

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.

Fix: 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 1-800-745-6…

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2003 Chevrolet Tahoe common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 534 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Seats
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Seat Belts
Check that every belt latches, retracts and locks under a sharp tug, and that none are frayed.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.

2003 Chevrolet Tahoe MPG & running costs

Combined14 mpg
City13 mpg
Highway17 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$4,450

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe worth?

Low
$2,200
Typical price
$4,044
High
$6,400

From 179 comparable 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

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

Fuel (5 yrs)$22,250
Depreciation (5 yrs)$2,700
Total$24,950
Per mile$0.33

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($4,044) with the same model 5 model-years older ($1,320), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2003 Chevrolet Tahoe trims & engines on record

Trims
LS
Engines
5.3L 8-cyl · 4.8L 8-cyl

2003 Chevrolet Tahoe vehicles on record

2003 Chevrolet Tahoe 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe LS1GNEC13T33R139913 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe LS1GNEC13V73R151421 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe LS1GNEK13TX3R205893 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe LS1GNEC13T83R106387 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe LS1GNEK13T53R318330 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe LS1GNEK13Z93J212367 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe LS1GNEK13Z83R157041 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe LS1GNEC13Z93J214133 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe LS1GNEK13Z13J226120 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe LS1GNEK13Z03R199669 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe LS1GNEK13V73R297398 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe LS1GNEC13Z73R113805 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe LS1GNEK13TX3J201308 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe LS1GNEK13Z93R166833 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe LS1GNEC13Z43R152352 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe LS1GNEC13Z53J107757 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe LS1GNEK13Z43R139149 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe LS1GNEK13Z63R210626 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe LS1GNEK13Z73J297547 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe LS1GNEK13T93J200313 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe LS1GNEC13Z03R199958 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe LS1GNEK13Z93J221621 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe LS1GNEC13Z03J235940 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe LS1GNEK13Z93J210585

Other Chevrolet Tahoe model years

2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995

2003 Chevrolet Tahoe — frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 7 safety recalls for the 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe?

Based on 534 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are seats, electrical system, air bags.

What gas mileage does the 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe at about 14 mpg combined (13 city / 17 highway).

How much is a 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe worth?

Comparable 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe listings run roughly $2,200–$6,400, typically around $4,044 (from 179 vehicles).

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