2003 Chevrolet Tracker problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 98 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 7.3 times the median Tracker year — the 2003 model ranks #3 of 14 Tracker years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 28 injuries in total across these filings.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across suspension (21), body & structure (9), and engine (9), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
98
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
1
Investigations
26
Crash-involved
1
Fires reported
28
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2003 compare to other Tracker years?
What are the most common 2003 Chevrolet Tracker problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 21 | 21% | — flat |
| Engine | 9 | 9% | — flat |
| Body & Structure | 9 | 9% | ▼ down |
| Airbags | 7 | 7% | — flat |
| Brakes | 7 | 7% | ▼ down |
| Electrical System | 7 | 7% | ▲ up |
| Seat Belts | 6 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 6 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 6 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 5 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 4 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Visibility & Wipers | 3 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Other | 2 | 2% | — flat |
| Lighting | 2 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Tires & Wheels | 2 | 2% | — flat |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Seats | 1 | 1% | — flat |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“CAR LOST CONTROL AND I COULDN'T STOP THE CAR. RAN THROUGH A LIGHT AND INTENDED TO USE AN ABANDONED BUILDING TO STOP MY CAR, BUT WHEN I HIT THE CURB THE CAR ROLLED MULTIPLE TIMES AND LANDED UPSIDE DOWN. I GOT THE RECALL NOTICE 2 DAYS AFTER THE ACCIDENT, BY THEN IT WAS TOO LATE. I HAVE TO LOCATE THE…”
“I WAS DRIVING HOME ALL OF SUDDEN MY CAR JUST STALLED OUT NO ELECTRICAL SYSTEM NO STEERING NO BRAKES. I WAS DRIVING 35MPH WHEN THIS HAPPENED IN WHICH PUT ME IN A DITCH IN WHICH MY CAR ROLLED OVER.I THINK IT WAS FAULTY IGNITION/ELECTRICAL SYSTEM I BELIEVE THE MAKER G.M. IS RESPONSIBLE FOR MY CAR BODY…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET TRACKER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE OIL AND BATTERY WARNING INDICATORS ALSO ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET TRACKER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD SUDDENLY STALL. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT AFTER RESTARTING THE ENGINE THE VEHICLE WOULD OPERATE NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT DEALER, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE…”
“VEHICLE WAS STOPPED WHEN REAR-ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE TRAVELLING ABOUT 30 MPH. PASSENGER SIDE FRONT SEAT-BELT FAILED TO TIGHTEN AND PASSENGER STRUCK THE DASHBOARD. THE BRAKES FAILED AND DRIVER HAD TO USE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP ROLLING. FLUID WAS SEEN ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT WHEEL WELL. BOTH…”
2003 Chevrolet Tracker — common questions
Is the 2003 Chevrolet Tracker reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 98 complaints put the 2003 model at #3 of 14 Tracker years. It is one of the Tracker years to avoid.
What are the most common 2003 Tracker problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are suspension (21 complaints), body & structure (9 complaints), engine (9 complaints).
Does the 2003 Chevrolet Tracker have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2003 Chevrolet Tracker.
Is the 2003 Chevrolet Tracker under NHTSA investigation?
NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.
Which Chevrolet Tracker years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Tracker years to avoid are 2000, 2001, 2003, 2002, 1999. The cleanest record among Tracker years belongs to 1993.
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.