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2003 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 449 complaints with NHTSA about the 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, most often about the brakes (55% of complaints, typically around 85,500 miles). It is the most complained-about Silverado 2500 model year since 2000.
Most common 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 problems
Brakes
245 complaints · 55%Half of these problems showed up before 85,500 miles. Parts named most often: foundation components, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, conventional, power assist.
Tl contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 hd. The contact started the vehicle and noticed that the ABS light was illuminated on the instrument panel. He took the vehicle to the dealer and they stated that the ABS electronic brain failed. The repair cost was quoted at $1,300. The failure mileage was 83,000 and…
- the contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet silverado k2500hd. The contact stated that corrosion in the break line of his vehicle caused break fluid leakage. Break failure increases the risk of vehicle crash. He is in the process of taking the vehicle to the dealer for inspection. He filed a complaint with the…
Electrical
86 complaints · 19%Half of these problems showed up before 72,500 miles. Parts named most often: instrument cluster/panel, wiring, ignition, 12v/24v/48v battery.
Dt: the consumer states that 2003 Chevrolet c 2500 was having a message on the instrument panel showing reduced engine power. Then, the engine immediately dropped power. The speed will dramatically slow to around 15 MPH. This happened 5 times currently. There have been several near misses as a result of the power…
Tl contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 hd. While driving 70 MPH, the speedometer increased to 115 MPH and remained in that position. As of february 8, 2008, the dealer had not inspected the vehicle. The current and failure mileages were 71,236.
Engine
31 complaints · 7%Half of these problems showed up before 107,000 miles. Parts named most often: exhaust system, engine, cooling system.
I have had a exhaust leak that I finally pinpointed to be broken exhaust manifold bolts. The truck was bought new by me and has never had any exhaust work done. Now I have to take it to a dealer to have this expensive repair done. Apparently this seems to be an extensive problem, with these bolts. This I understand to…
I notice a ticking from the engine compartment over the last couple of days. I assumed it may be an exhaust leak and I was correct. This vehicle has a stainless steel exhaust system that should last a lifetime yet there seems to be a real problem with exhaust manifold bolts breaking off, causing exhaust leaks which…
Transmission
30 complaints · 7%Half of these problems showed up before 80,000 miles. Parts named most often: automatic transmission, transfer case (4-wheel drive), driveline, manual transmission.
My 2003 Chevrolet 2500hd truck has had the power steering pump go out three times. When it goes out the steering and brakes fail and make it very hazardous to continue requiring me to stop and have some one pick up my truck and haul it home. I've also had my air conditioning go out twice and is nearing failure again.…
20030 chevy 2500 hd transfer case was found to have a hole in top of case. Told by dealership that it was worn from inside out. They say they have heard of that and gm doesn't want to deal with it because truck is to old. I have 75,680 miles on truck.
Fuel system
29 complaints · 7%Half of these problems showed up before 90,000 miles. Parts named most often: delivery, storage.
Tl contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 hd. While driving approximately 40 MPH the speedometer began to display a speed of 10 MPH. As a result the vehicle was involved in a crash. A police report was filed. A passenger in the other vehicle was injured. The vehicle was towed to an independent repair shop where…
The brake lines and fuel lines leaked and were replaced due to excessive corrosion. The front brakes failed while driving. The gas line leaked in my driveway.
Wheels and tires
17 complaints · 4%Half of these problems showed up before 105,000 miles. Parts named most often: tread/belt, sidewall, temporary/emergency spare tire, rim.
This started in 2007 with the purchase of goodyear wrangler tires. They have failed in 2009 (paid to replace), 2013, 2014. These tire are used on my2003 Chevrolet 2500 diesel pickup and we pull a 5th wheel. The tires continue to separate and the last incident was on march 6th, 2014. This has not resulted in an…
The contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. While driving 70 MPH, the rear driver side tire deflated due to a fractured aluminum rim. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 100,000.
Steering
17 complaints · 4%Half of these problems showed up before 80,500 miles. Parts named most often: hydraulic power assist system, column.
My 2003 Chevrolet 2500hd truck has had the power steering pump go out three times. When it goes out the steering and brakes fail and make it very hazardous to continue requiring me to stop and have some one pick up my truck and haul it home. I've also had my air conditioning go out twice and is nearing failure again.…
The steering column rattles to the point you think it is coming undone, turning, driving straight, it doesn't matter. Very unsafe in our opinion in our company truck.
Speed control
15 complaints · 3%Half of these problems showed up before 100,000 miles. Parts named most often: cruise control, accelerator pedal.
The contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 heavy duty. The contact stated while entering a highway at unknown speeds, the vehicle would not accelerate. The contact stated when the automatic headlights were operating, the vehicle would not accelerate. However when they were off, there were no issues with…
Dt: 2003 Chevrolet 2500 hd truck experienced an engine power reduction. The vehicle operated at a reduced speed. It goes at a crawl. This occurred at speeds of 40-50 MPH in the middle of traffic. Has to coast over to the side of the road, on average about 10-15 seconds after cutting off then the engine restarted. This…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2003 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 recalls
NHTSA lists no recalls for this model year.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
NHTSA defect investigations
Hydraulic pump failres
Summary
Gm is conducting a recall on all subject vehicles build between may 1999 and october 14, 1999.significant changes were incorporated into production in early october 1999, and vehicles built after that date have lower warranty failure rates.the complaint and warranty data appear to support the effectiveness of these changes. Gm made additional changes in november 1999, february 2000, may 2001, and february 2004.odi will continue to monitor this problem and will take further action, if warranted, in the future.for further technical details see the attached engineering analysis report.
Questions about the 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 2500
- What are the most common problems with the 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 2500?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: brakes (245 complaints, typically around 85,500 miles); electrical (86 complaints, typically around 72,500 miles); engine (31 complaints, typically around 107,000 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 have?
- NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls in case one is issued later.
- Is the 2003 a bad year for the Chevrolet Silverado 2500?
- It is the most complained-about Silverado 2500 model year since 2000, with 449 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.