Table 1 shows one common latches/locks/linkage related problems of the 2003 Chevrolet Suburban.
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
|---|---|
| Latches/locks/linkage problems |
Rear window hinge broken passenger side.
The hinge for the rear liftgate window failed. There is a horizontal crack across the hinge. It appears to be metal fatigue. This failure is a safety hazard for the following reasons: 1) the window no longer seals properly and could allow exhaust gases to enter the vehicle cabin, resulting in carbon monoxide poisoning. It is very possible that this failure would not be detected immediately. 2) the hinge failure causes additional strain on the remaining hinge and latch. Further failure would result in the window detaching from the vehicle. A) if this occurred while driving, the window could impact vehicle behind the Suburban or shatter on the roadway leading to debris related accidents. B) if this occurred while stationary, the glass could (which is heavy and sharp edged) could injure a person standing or walking at the rear of the vehicle. This exact same failure occurred previously on this vehicle at ~ 13000 miles of operation. The repair was made by a dealer at no charge to the owner. The recent recurrence of the failure of the same hinge occurred at ~107000 miles. The problem was reported to general motors customer service and was logged as service request # 71 743 851 820 by jatta flores. Jatta denied owner's request that gm repair the defect.
There is a serious design flaw in the way the 2002 chevy Suburban is manufactured. Work with me. . . . If you have a car seat, which most everyone does if they own a Suburban, and it is behind the passenger seat. . . You can't get to the third rear seat, because you would have to move the car seat every time you wanted to access the third seat. So we thought in order to access the rear third seat we would just move the car seat behind the driver's seat, however there is no latch mechanism located there. Apparently we only have latch in the second seat in the middle and behind. The passenger seat. I have owned three Suburbans and purchased our new one in 2003 specifically for the latch upgrade.
1. 2003 Suburban z71 , rattle and clunk in steering column, nothing loose in the steering just clunking noise while driving. The steering shaft has been replaced 3 times. 2. Second row middle seat belt failed to retract and unable to fasten belt without force. Corrected 3. Latches located on the back of the second row seats to hold up the third row floor boards when using third row have broken numerous times (latches are plastic which makes no sense) 4. Paint on the rear bumper and left â¼ by gas tank fill rusted (this was corrected) 5. Driver seat motor runs after vehicle turned off. This has been brought to the dealers attention many times and they were unable to duplicate problem. 6. Rear access door weather striping stretched. 7. Truck failed to start for numerous reasons other then dead battery. Fuel tank pump module went bad. Crank shaft position sensor went bad. The most recent of 1/20/07 has not yet been determined. This is a major problem as the truck is not reliable. Infact my 1994 Ford explorer is more reliable then this truck problems began in 2003, starting with 2nd row seat belt issues 8. Excessive squeaking from front end, numerous complaints made to dealer, belts replaced and pulleys cleaned several times then pulleys readjusted. 9. Left rear door failed to open.