2003 GMC Suburban: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2003 GMC Suburban: 1 recall, 5 owner complaints.

Recalls
1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Body & structure Vehicle recall #03V094000 · 2003 · 3,674 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: This overheating condition can cause the running board to melt or cause a fire.
The fix: Dealers will replace the wiring harness on these running boards. Owner notification began March 7, 2003.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Brakes (hydraulic) (2): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Tires (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Steering (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Engine & cooling (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2003 GMC Suburban has 5 owner complaints, ranking #14 of 15 Suburban model years for complaints (well below the 118 average). Complaints peaked in 2004 (2 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 1 year old, at a median of 30,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2002 (7 complaints, 1 recalls), 2004 (1 complaints, 0 recalls).
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2003 GMC Suburban.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 2003 GMC Suburban have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 2003 GMC Suburban. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2003 GMC Suburban problems?
Owners have filed 5 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are brakes (hydraulic) (2), tires (1), steering (1).
Where can I get a 2003 GMC Suburban repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.