Corrosion and rust proofing causing the subframe and control arms to corrode and detach
The worst 2003 Chevrolet Tracker problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Suspension21
- Body9
- Engine9
- Airbags7
- Brakes7
- Acceleration6
- Seat belts6
- Steering6
- Electrical5
- Transmission5
- Fuel system4
- Visibility3
- Lights2
- Seats1
- Tires1
- Wheels1
Specific symptoms reported on the 2003 Chevrolet Tracker
Recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Defect investigations
Front suspension crossmember corrosion
In october 2007, gm initiated a special coverage program for all my 1999 through 2004 chevrolet tracker vehicles sold or currently registered in salt-belt states.the program extends the warranty coverage for front suspension crossmember corrosion to 10 years or 150,000 miles, whichever occurs first.gm is administering the program in phases due to part availability.the first phase started in october 2007 and covers the my 1999 and 2000 vehicles.owners of my 2001 through 2004 vehicles will receive letters at a future date, but are eligible to receive free repairs from the program if the crossmember requires replacement.gm's program provides free inspections for consumers every 12 months through the terms of the policy adjustment.copies of the dealer bulletin and owner letter for gm's special coverage program are attached to the closing report for this investigation. The rate of confirmed lca separations at 5 years in service is less than 10 per 100,000 vehicles, which is low relative to other investigations of front suspension issues previously investigated by odi. Accordingly, this investigation is closed.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by the federal safety agency that a safety-related defect does not exist.the agency will continue to monitor complaints and other information relating to the alleged defect in the subject vehicles and take further action in the future if warranted. See document file for additional information regarding this resume.
EA06018
Technical service bulletins for the 2003 Chevrolet Tracker 340
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.
- This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have...
- This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating...
- This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the...
- This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire...
- Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles
- GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities
- This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves...
- This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as...
- This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS)...
2003 Chevrolet Tracker fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4‑cyl | RWD | 20 | 24 | 22 |
| 2.0L 4‑cyl | 4WD | 19-20 | 23 | 21 |
| 2.5L 6‑cyl | RWD | 17 | 19 | 18 |
| 2.5L 6‑cyl | 4WD | 16 | 19 | 17 |
What 2003 Chevrolet Tracker owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Fuses and brakers keep popping/blowing about once a month. When popped the vehicle loses the ability for the brakes to illuminate brighter when you put your foot on the brake, as well as the ability to use the horn. Recently I had a different fuse pop that cut all electrical functions inside of the vehicle as well as affecting some on the outside. The following failed. The break lights were not visible when turned on or when you put your foot on the break, emergency flashers did not work, all dashboard lighting failed, door locks did not work, when you open the door the light would not turn on inside of the car, when the car was parked I had to manually engage the shifter by going underneath of the shifter and releasing the lock while my foot was on the break and then move the shifter to neutral at the same time to get the vehicle into drive. These have been recurring issues with regular shop matneince the vehicle has only 135000 miles on it currently. It has plenty of life in it and there is no reason for these continued issues. Help!!!
My airbag light has been on for almost 2 years. There are no codes, and the mechanics can't figure out how to fix this.
Front suspension cross member rusted through
Feont suspension crossmember broke on right side.
Vehicle has a known and serious safety manufacturing defect previously covered under a "special coverage - #06186" for corrosion and rust proofing causing the subframe and control arms corrode and detach. Gm refuses to honor previously expired special coverage and considers this an "out of pocket" expense.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet tracker. While driving approximately 55 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle veered to the left and the front driver side wheel began to shake. While inspecting under the vehicle, the contact discovered that the a-arm suspension fractured due to rust and corrosion. The cause of the failure was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 162,000.
I had a sever car accident and the air bag never open and problem with the suspension and steering wheel and the brakes got lock after we were hit on the rear of the tracker. And last control
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet tracker. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, the steering wheel began to vibrate. The failure was persistent. The contact also stated that the vehicle shook violently when the vehicle was stopped. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the front control arm failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet tracker. While driving approximately 20 MPH, the front suspension arm and the cross member fractured. In addition, there was an abnormal noise coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence where an independent mechanic discovered that the front mount arm had extensive rust and corrosion to the point that the part deteriorated and fractured, including the cross member. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was not included in the federal safety agency action number: ea06018 (suspension). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 126,000. Updated 12/03/15*lj updated 11/16/2017
Compare the 2003 Chevrolet Tracker
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Questions about the 2003 Chevrolet Tracker
Is the 2003 Chevrolet Tracker reliable?
Owners have filed 69 complaints about the 2003 Chevrolet Tracker, close to a typical Tracker model year.
What is the 2003 Chevrolet Tracker year score?
The 2003 Chevrolet Tracker scores 73 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Chevrolet Tracker: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2003 Chevrolet Tracker?
Suspension, with 21 complaints, typically around 127,941 miles. Next is body (9).
How many recalls does the 2003 Chevrolet Tracker have?
No recalls on record.
What gas mileage does the 2003 Chevrolet Tracker get?
Official estimates for the 2003 Chevrolet Tracker range from 17 to 22 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.0L 4-cyl, RWD) gets 20 city and 24 highway.
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