VehicleVerdict

2003 Chevrolet Suburban brakes problems

The 2003 Chevrolet Suburban has 93 brakes complaints filed with NHTSA — 26% of the year's total, and down from the prior model year.

93

Brakes complaints

26%

Share of year

10

Crash-involved

1

Related recalls

Brakes complaints by year

Related recalls

04V045000BrakesFebruary 4, 2004 · 68,875 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

CONSEQUENTLY, THE VALVE O-RING SEAL MAY FRACTURE. STEERING EFFORTS MAY BE SLIGHTLY INCREASED WHILE BRAKING OR PARKING. UNDER CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS, A FRACTURED SEAL MAY REQUIRE A SLIGHT INCREASE IN THE APPLIED BRAKE PEDAL EFFORT TO ACHIEVE THE SAME VEHICLE DECELERATION RATE AS PRIOR TO THE SEAT FRACTURE.

Remedy

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.

What owners report

VEHICLE WAS COMING TO A STOP FROM A SPEED OF APPROXIMATELY 30MPH AND BRAKES FAILED SUDDENLY TO BRING VEHICLE TO A STOP A NORMAL RATE. DRIVER NEEDED TO SWERVE OFF ROAD TO AVOID COLLISION. VEHICLE CRASHED INTO SIDE CURVE. NOT WARNING SIGN OR LIGHT WAS LIT BEFORE INCIDENT. CLEAR YELLOWISH FLUID…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · September 25, 2014 · crash

Common questions

How many brakes complaints does the 2003 Chevrolet Suburban have?

NHTSA has 93 complaints about the 2003 Chevrolet Suburban brakes — 26% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2003 Chevrolet Suburban brakes?

Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the brakes: 04V045000.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.