Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2003 Chevrolet Tracker owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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 NHTSA action number: ea06018 (suspension). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 126,000. Updated 12/03/15 updated 11/16/2017
I was driving home from work when my car swerved to the right and went of the road and hit a grove of trees head on. My car was totaled and none of my airbags went off. Why does this happen I could have been killed. Also I received a safety notice about my cheverolet Tracker 4 days before this happened having a problem with the front suspension crossmember doe someone have to die before a recall is done and why didn't my air bags go off someone please look at this car before it gets hauled off by the adjuster!!!!! I was airlifted to the hospital the fire department cut the roof of my car off to get me out no airbags what happened!!!
Tl contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet Tracker. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle started to shake violently. The contact had to merge to the side of the road in order to regain control of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the front suspension was severely corroded causing the front lower frame to separate. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 140,000. ...updated 04/08/15 updated 04/14/15
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 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.
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.
I was driving home from work when my car started to violent shake at about forty five miles hr so I pull over my Tracker over saw not problem so I drop my spd and was able to make it home with min shaking and the next day I had a mechanic look it and was told the whole front crossmember bar had rust away. I look up the problem online and found a extended warranty or as been called a "silent recall." on this part,but it has expired the problem is I was never informed of this now expire warranty. I called Chevy helpline expanded it to them and they told me they sent letter to the dealer I should contact them and I did and they had me bring my car in to them and informed I never received anything about the warranty they told they did not send letter out that if I bought in for service they would have notice the rust and I now have 2 option one my car is in very good shape and they could …
After stopping at gas station, backed out of parking space and heard a load pop at the front of Tracker. After looking for obvious damage, continued driving and noticed the vehicle pulled hard to the right while braking. After thorough inspection of front crossmember found that it had completely rusted on the drivers side of vehicle and welds had broken away from suspension parts. Very dangerous condition!
Car lost control and I couldn't stop the car. Ran through a light and intended to use an abandoned building to stop my car, but when I hit the curb the car rolled multiple times and landed upside down. I got the recall notice 2 days after the accident, by then it was too late. I have to locate the district for the accident report for the exact date. I am entering today's date to advance the form. Tw*
My 2003 Chevy Tracker has a rust issue with brake lines and also rust on front crossmember. Crossmember has hole in the metal from the rust and the brake line has a hole in it also causing brake light to loose fluid..I understand from reading blogs there was a recall but now it has expired for the crossmember.
NHTSA 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…
Suspension complaints in other Tracker years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 2003 Chevrolet Tracker?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the suspension of the 2003 Chevrolet Tracker, 30% of the model year's 69 complaints. The component named most often is rear (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2003 Chevrolet Tracker suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension recall for the 2003 Chevrolet Tracker. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2003 Chevrolet Tracker suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 128,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 2 injuries to suspension problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.