SSR (1st)
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
LM4 Alum
5.3L 8-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
LS2
6.0L 8-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Chevrolet SSR Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Chevrolet SSR, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
What to check on a used 2003-2006 Chevrolet SSR
On a used 2003-2006 Chevrolet SSR, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the body and structure (38), the electrical system (22) and the engine (7). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
- Open and close every door, the hood and the trunk or hatch. Check the latches, the seals and the gaps between panels.Minor. NHTSA has 38 owner complaints on the 2003-2006 Chevrolet SSR about the body and structure.
- Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 22 owner complaints on the 2003-2006 Chevrolet SSR about the electrical system.
- Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 7 owner complaints on the 2003-2006 Chevrolet SSR about the engine, all engines combined.
- Let the engine idle for five minutes, walk around the car and smell for fuel.Safety. NHTSA has 6 owner complaints on the 2003-2006 Chevrolet SSR about the fuel system, all engines combined.
- Accelerate gently through every gear, then once at full throttle. Shift into Reverse and back to Drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 5 owner complaints on the 2003-2006 Chevrolet SSR about the transmission and drivetrain, all engines combined.
Recalls (1)
CERTAIN TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SHIPPED WITH TIRE AND LOADING INFORMATION LABELS LISTING AN INACCCURATE VEHICLE CAPACITY WEIGHT.
Alternatives in Pickup
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2003-2006 Chevrolet SSR complaints?
Owners have filed 82 complaints with NHTSA about the 2003-2006 Chevrolet SSR. The systems they name most often are the body and trim, the electrical system and the engine.
Is the 2003-2006 Chevrolet SSR a good used car?
That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 82 complaints with NHTSA about the 2003-2006 Chevrolet SSR. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2003-2006 Chevrolet SSR have?
NHTSA has 82 owner complaints on file for the 2003-2006 Chevrolet SSR as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
What recalls affect the 2003-2006 Chevrolet SSR?
NHTSA lists 1 recall covering some 2003-2006 Chevrolet SSR vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.
What should I check before buying a used Chevrolet SSR?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the body and trim, the electrical system and the engine, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.
Does the SSR have NHTSA crash test ratings?
NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2003-2006 Chevrolet SSR. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 82 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: moderate. Last updated: 2026-10-12.