CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD

Feb 06, 2003 — Recall Campaign #03V037000

CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 214, "SIDE IMPACT PROTECTION." THESE VEHICLES ARE BUILT WITH FOUR WELDS ON THE REAR DOOR UPPER HINGE. ON SOME OF THESE VEHICLES, ONE OR TWO OF THE WELDS MAY NOT BE TO SPECIFICATION.

The recall was influenced by the manufacturer with about 107 units affected.

See recall notice

NHTSA Safety Recall Notice

03V037000

Manufacturer:	General Motors, LLC
Recall date:	February 06, 2003
NHTSA Campaign #:	03V037000
Units affected:	107

Description:: CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 214, "SIDE IMPACT PROTECTION." THESE VEHICLES ARE BUILT WITH FOUR WELDS ON THE REAR DOOR UPPER HINGE. ON SOME OF THESE VEHICLES, ONE OR TWO OF THE WELDS MAY NOT BE TO SPECIFICATION.
Consequeces:: AS A RESULT, THE DOOR STRENGTH MAY BE DEGRADED DURING A SIDE IMPACT VEHICLE CRASH.
Corrective action:: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE WELDS ON THE LEFT REAR DOOR UPPER HINGE. IF A WELD IS FOUND OUT-OF-SPECIFICATION, A BOLT WILL BE INSTALLED TO SECURE THE HINGE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 17, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-800-458-8006, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, OR GMC AT 1-800-462-8782.
Notes:: GM RECALL NO. 03004. CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

Affects the following:

2003 CADILLAC ESCALADE Complaints
All of a sudden 3rd and 4th gears became useless causing a rapid deacceleration of the vehicle and posing the possibility of being rear ended with end result of massive damage to vehicle and serious injury to occupants;
2003 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN Complaints
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2003 Chevrolet Suburban. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 291,000 and at the time of inspection, it was discovered that the odometer was tampered with, and without disclosure of these modifications.;
2003 CHEVROLET TAHOE Complaints
When in drive the car will not go into 3rd gear. It slips from. 2nd and back passes 3rd gear completely and goes into 4th gear and the engine revs up/rpm. The transmition filter/screen has been replaced and all transmission fluids were drained and flushed and replaced with new transmittion fluids. And this did not fix the issue.;
2003 GMC YUKON XL Complaints
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2003 GMC Yukon XL. It was later discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale on January 26th, 2026. At the time of purchase and at the time of the vehicle registration, the vehicle mileage was 186,000. While applying for insurance on February 20, 2026, the contact was informed that the vehicle was due for a 300,000-mile maintenance plan. The contact confirmed through the Carfax Report that the actual mileage was 300,000. The dealer was contacted and informed of the odometer fraud discovery; however, the dealer refused further contact to resolve the issue. The odometer fraud was also reported to the State Consumer Protection Division.;
2003 GMC YUKON XL Complaints
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2003 GMC Yukon XL. It was later discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale on January 26th, 2026. At the time of purchase and at the time of the vehicle registration, the vehicle mileage was 186,000. While applying for insurance on February 20, 2026, the contact was informed that the vehicle was due for a 300,000-mile maintenance plan. The contact confirmed through the Carfax Report that the actual mileage was 300,000. The dealer was contacted and informed of the odometer fraud discovery; however, the dealer refused further contact to resolve the issue. The odometer fraud was also reported to the State Consumer Protection Division.;