Model year guide

2003 Chevrolet suburban 1500

Q: 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 free.

Q: 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).

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

Free: 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 7 Oct 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.

2003 Chevrolet suburban 1500 trims & engines on record

Engines

5.3L 8-cyl

2003 Chevrolet suburban 1500 vehicles on record

2003 Chevrolet suburban 15001GNFK16Z93J246843 2003 Chevrolet suburban 15001GNEC16Z13J278405

Other Chevrolet suburban 1500 model years

2018 2016 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2002 1999

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 free.

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.