2003 Chevrolet Suburban: sudden loss of power

Filed Jul 17, 2016 · Electrical, Engine · 149,000 miles · AR

Vehicle suddenly started going into reduced power mode and providing an error code indicating a problem with the throttle control sensor. From the hundreds of online posts (some by gm mechanics) this is an ongoing problem with many 2003-2008 trucks and suvs made by gm. When I began trying to repair this problem myself, I found out from my local chevy parts department that "they can not keep these throttle control assemblies in stock because we are replacing so many of them..." there seems to be a know problem that gm is not adequately being proactive about. This happens while driving highway, local streets and at startup. This becomes a serious safety issue when the vehicle goes into reduced power mode while the vehicle is in traffic.

Filed Dec 2, 2014 · Electrical · 100,000 miles · VA

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet suburban. The contact stated that the interior lighting, onstar device power in the rearview mirror, fan motor, and door locks lost power intermittently. The failures recurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that an electrical short in the dashboard needed to be repaired. The failure was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.

Filed Nov 24, 2014 · Engine · 149,500 miles · NC

I have been experiencing complete engine failure while driving at highway speeds without any warning. I notice a loss of power and notice the engine light is on and the vehicle is difficult to steer. After coasting to the left side of the road, the vehicle ignition is turned off and after several attempts, the car starts again and I can drive to my destination. Fuel pump and fuel lines were replaced less than 2 years ago when a similar problem was experienced.

Filed Jul 26, 2012 · Engine · 106,000 miles · MA

Driving in middle lane on highway out of state with kids in the car engine just quit--no power, couldn't signal to move or get to side of road, just sat in middle lane. Very scary!! Towed to a nearby dealer-told us the fuel pump shorted the engine and had to replace the fuel pump. No advance warning-only a blower motor seemed to be malfunctioning that morning (have had A/C problems). No issue with power until it just quit. Seems to be a common complaint when researching this year and vehicle--loss of power or decreased power. With the number of incidents found, someone should research this before another car is struck from behind and there are injuries or worse, fatalities. To have something this major happen without any symptoms or warning lights, and for the number of cases found, seems irresponsible at best, negligent at least. Please look into this!

Filed Sep 15, 2011 · Electrical, Engine · 153,221 miles · SC

I was driving my suburban when a message reading "reduced engine power" came on and my car cut off. I was very lucky to only be going 20 MPH in my neighborhood. Had I been going faster and had a car been following close behind, we would have caused an accident. This problem still persists and stops every 2-3 miles. We have to pull over, leave the car off for 5-10 seconds and then restart. We are then able to go another 2-3 miles. This is our only vehicle so we have no choice but to drive with our hazards on because we have 4 kids at 3 different schools to drop off and pick up each day. After researching this issue online, I am seeing that this is occurring in hundreds of chevrolet and gm cars. It is my understanding that these 2 are the same company. I do not dare get on a major highway or interstate because of the fear of the car shutting down and causing an accident. Chevrolet and gm are aware of this problem, as many people have filed complaints with both the company and the federal safety agency. Why is there no recall to fix this? This is a very dangerous situation and could likely lead to a deadly accident. I am discussing a class action lawsuit with a number of people and once the info is collected, I will contact an attorney. Please help get these unsafe vehicles off of the road and into the dealerships to be fixed. Thank you.

Filed Sep 4, 2011 · Electrical, Engine · 140,000 miles · MI

My suburban goes to reduced power unexpectedly and the engine will stall causing a loss of power steering and control of the vehicle. My suburban has been taken in to the dealer I purchased the vehicle from on five occasions and the dealer is unable to fix the problem.. The most recent time was 9/1/2011. It went to reduced power 10 miles after leaving dealership and stalled as I pulled out into traffic from a restaurant. A number of cars had to brake excessively and swerve around me until I could angle my suburban off the road without power steering. The truck weighs 6700 lbs and I needed all my strength to turn the wheel enough to get off the road. I am fearful about driving my suburban and the high probability of injury to myself or others.

Filed Jan 27, 2006 · Electrical · 53,000 miles · CA

Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle looses power intermittently. The first time this occurred, the dealership determined a rodent had chewed through the wires. The wires were replaced. The second time this occurred, the dealership determined a clip was loose. The third time, the battery had just been charged and after driving for 40 minutes the vehicle lost all power. The vehicle would not restart, so it was jumped. The vehicle lost power again and would only travel at 10-15 MPH. The vehicle was towed to the dealership. The dealership checked the battery and alternator, but determined both components were in good condition. The dealership was unable to duplicate the problem and no codes were present.

Filed Nov 19, 2004 · Brakes, Steering · OK

While driving 60 MPH vehicle lost power steering, and consumer had difficulty maintaining control of the vehicle. Consumer applied the brake pedal and brakes failed. Consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle, and drove it to the dealer for inspection. The cause of the failure had not been determined.