Most common 2003 Chevrolet SSR problems
Share of the 10 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Chevrolet SSR complaints by model year
Best SSR years: 2006, 2003. Years to avoid: 2005, 2004. Compare all years →
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2003 Chevrolet SSR:
Loss of Headlights
The subject vehicles are model year (MY) 2002-2009 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, 2004-2007 Buick Rainier, 2003-2008 Isuzu Ascender, 2005-2009 Saab 9-7X, 2002-2004 Oldsmobile Bravada, 2003-2006 Chevrolet SSR, 2005-2009 Buick Lacrosse, and 2006-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix. This scope includes the Trailblazer/Envoy variants: 2002-2006 Envoy XL/Trailblazer EXT and 2004-2005 Envoy XUV.
What 2003 Chevrolet SSR owners say
Body & structure
2003 Chevy SSR engine hood is extremely heavy (two or three times the weight of a normal hood) and Chevrolet has outfitted the 2003 and 2004 Chevy SSR with a simple metal hood prop rod to support the hood when open. 1) the hood is so heavy many owners will not be able to or will struggle with the opening of the hood. This can lead to situations where the hood May be dropped on the person trying to open the hood with the possibility for severe injury. My wife cannot open the hood by herself due to the extreme weight of the hood. 2) the 2003/2004 hood prop is very minimal and bends under the weight of the hood. Chevrolet has done away with the hood prop for the 2005 Chevy SSR and has installed gas struts to lift and support the hood. The hood itself has not changed for 2005, so Chevrolet has found there is a problem with the existing hood prop system. …
Hood prop for the 2003 Chevrolet SSR is far too weak and poorly designed. The hood is much heavier than this prop (with its curved shape to fit under the hood) is able to take. This heavy hood should have pneumatic struts, not this flimsy, curved piece of steel. On the web site www.ssrfanatic.com, many of the owners describe the close calls that they have had with the prop bending and the hood falling, narrowly missing a serious accident. I personally am very careful, since I know the dangers involved, but it's just a matter a time until someone else gets hurt, and it won't be a minor injury. The fix to add struts is so easy, since it appears that GM had originally considered installing struts. (the location for the installation is clear. …
2003 Chevrolet SSR engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5.3L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 14 / 18 / 15 |
EPA ratings. Class: Full-size pickup.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2003 Chevrolet SSR a good car?
Based on 10 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2003 SSR rates better than average: 58% fewer complaints than a typical year of the SSR at the same age. It is one of the best SSR years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2003 Chevrolet SSR?
The body & structure — 7 complaints, 70% of all complaints for this model year, most often about body › hood › hinge and attachments. Next are the electrical system (2) and locks & latches (1).
How many recalls does the 2003 Chevrolet SSR have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2003 Chevrolet SSR. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Chevrolet SSR?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2006 and 2003. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2005 and 2004. See the full Chevrolet SSR years comparison.
At what mileage do 2003 Chevrolet SSR problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 3,000 miles; 100% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.