2003 Chevrolet Tahoe engine problems

Filed Oct 18, 2017 · Engine · 285,000 miles · HI

I brought in my 2003 chevrolet tahoe to cutter chevrolet in honolulu, hawaii to report an "engine light on" concern. Service advisor julianna parks reported that the issue may be attribute to (2) broken exhaust bolts on my vehicle's 5.3 liter mfi iron v8 engine. Cutter chevrolet is at 711 ala moana boulevard, honolulu, hi 96813. In following up today october 18, 2017, shop manager brad eisen reported that these bolts breaking is not a common problem, and that there is no recall for such issues. Cutter chevrolet has had my vehicle since october 01, 2017 and reported that in addition to my $500+ inspection costs, that my costs for repair thus far has exceeded $1,400.00 in their attempts to repair these broken bolts, and that they expect the final cost to be much higher by the time they are done as they have to contract a specialist mechanic from another town to come into the cutter chevrolet repair shop this coming saturday october 21, 2017 to meet with manager ms. Tina to do special work to remove these broken bolts. This is ripoff by gm to have such sub-quality exhaust manifold bolts breaking off. Help!!!! Gm needs to do a recall on this!

Filed Dec 30, 2015 · Acceleration, Electrical · 166,000 miles · GA

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet tahoe. While approaching a stop, the vehicle began to vibrate severely and the check engine warning light illuminated. In addition, the vehicle failed to accelerate when the accelerator pedal was depressed. The failure recurred intermittently. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the throttle position sensor failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was also taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the wiring harness failed and needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failures. The approximate failure mileage was 166,000.

Filed Dec 21, 2015 · Engine · 191,420 miles · CA

I am one of millions of 1999-2007 chevrolet v8 truck engine owners, who is told by their gm mechanic that the exhaust manifold bolt(s) has broken, leading to expenses ranging from $500 to $1,500. Gm built the engines with substandard bolts that do not last in comparison to the rest of the engine and vehicle. One or more will break, which causes an exhaust leak and check engine light, and therefore the vehicle is out of service as it cannot pass state emissions tests. Additionally, some of the exhaust leaks are near other sensors which can cause faulty readings or unsafe conditions. Those who attempt to self-fix this gm-caused problem face unsafe conditions, as they are difficult to get to, require a welder to fix, may damage surrounding equipment, etc. The need for a recall is well-known and very large, and it is time for a recall on these, similar as have ford and toyota had recalls on similar issues. Gm survived due to a bailout from taxpayers (many of them their own customers); it is time for gm to perform responsibly to a needed recall. In the picture, the broken-off bolt head is evidenced a few inches to the left of the rusty one that still exists, where there is an empty hole (the bolt remains stuck inside the engine, and requires boring out or welding something on in order to back it out).

Filed Nov 9, 2015 · Engine · 118,000 miles · KS

On november 5, 2015, I took my 2003 tahoe in due to the fact that an exhaust manifold bolt had sheared off during the normal course of driving. I bought my tahoe new and have always had it service at the mccarthy-morris chevrolet dealership on overland park, ks. I realize that over time parts on a vehicle will break and at 118,000 miles I should expect to incur maintenance expenses. However, based on my research gm used a substandard bolt and this issue impacts millions of gm v8 motors. From a safety perspective, I had the repair done because I didn't want to risk having exhaust fumes entering the cab of my vehicle. My understanding is that this type of exhaust leak could have epa implications as well. In order to have the repair done, the dealership had to pull the head because one of the two bolts that sheared off was flush with the head and had to be drilled out. Total cost was $1,381.07. The sad fact is that after getting the vehicle back, it is running rough and chance are I will have to return it back to the dealership for additional repairs. I contend that when major repairs like this are done, the vehicle is seldom the same. It took 5 days to get it back do to the weekend. If the federal safety agency won't take any actions over concerns about the exhaust leak, I hope some law firm might consider starting a class action suit. I have no issue paying for repairs caused by normal wear and tear, but this appears to be a defect that resulted from chevrolet using a substandard bolt.

Filed Jul 13, 2015 · Engine · 208,000 miles · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet tahoe. While driving at 45 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the idle control needed to be reset. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 208,000.

Filed Mar 7, 2015 · Electrical, Engine · IN

Engine light ,oil pressure gauge dropped to zero ,but had no motor symptoms.also 3 chimes rang.would like to have history of repairs and previous codes. Thank you. [xxx] please email to me or I can download from my p/c information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Oct 8, 2014 · Engine · 104,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet tahoe. While driving approximately 55 MPH, the engine stalled without warning. The vehicle was able to restart, but the failure recurred on multiple occasions. The dealer stated that the throttle body switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired and the manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 104,000.

Filed Sep 24, 2014 · Electrical, Engine · 166,514 miles · WA

Yesterday was driving home from work and came to a round about, slowed down and vehicle died (alternator gauge went below 14, oil pressure dropped below 40, and battery light came on). I lost all steering and brake pedal was stiff. Now vehicle continuously idles rough and will stall out if not on the throttle, idles 500 and lower. I have replaced mass air flow sensor, air filter, plugs, wires, o2 sensors, fuel filter, evap canister, alternator, and had throttle body cleaned. See there are many complaints filed of the same issues and wondering if anyone at gm has found a solution. Also have noticed gm has recalled the intake gasket but I have not received anything on this recall.

Filed Mar 15, 2014 · Brakes, Electrical · 177,980 miles · MS

Abs, brake service light comes, door locks cycle repeatedly, loses power and won't start.

Filed Jun 9, 2013 · Engine · 150,000 miles · UT

I took my 2003 chevy tahoe into the dealership because of performance and gas issues and was told I had 2 broken exhaust manifold bolts. The repair was estimated to over $1000. I know that this is a major issue with gmc and chevy engines with many complaints. The manufacturer should stand by their product and fix this issue instead of making their customers pay for a defect that exists with their product. I was told that my vehicle would not pass safety inspection without this fix.