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2003 Chevrolet Silverado Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 695 complaints with NHTSA about the 2003 Chevrolet Silverado, most often about the brakes (37% of complaints, typically around 68,500 miles). It is 4th of 18 Silverado model years by number of complaints and has 6 recalls.
Most common 2003 Chevrolet Silverado problems
Brakes
256 complaints · 37%Half of these problems showed up before 68,500 miles. Parts named most often: foundation components, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, antilock, pedals and linkages.
Dt: the contact states while applying brake pressure the steering became hard to control. He was driving around a curve at less than 20 MPH when the problem started. The first occurrence could have been related to icy road conditions. Every time he applied pressure to the brakes he wasunable to control the steering.…
I noted the recall on the chevy Silverado's for anti-lock brake activation at slow speeds. The article only noted up through 2002 vehicles. I have a 2003 Silverado 1500 and I note the issue. The antilock activates around 10 to 20 MPH as I enter a turn lane for a gas station I use. There is a ripple series of bumps in…
Electrical
116 complaints · 17%Half of these problems showed up before 54,000 miles. Parts named most often: instrument cluster/panel, wiring, ignition, horn.
Report concerning 2003 chevy Silverado. Had truck failure on local freeway. Had vehicle towed to mechanic. Apparently out of gas. However gas gage read 1/2 tank. Huge safety issue. Shortly thereafter speedometer began malfunctioning, registering in accurate speeds and when vehicle was turned off speedometer would stop…
- the contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet Silverado. While driving 70 MPH the speedometer displayed between 120 and 140 MPH, and didn't change when the contact is decreasing speed or driving the actual speed. The speedometer rapidly changes speed and didn't register the correct speed. The contact called the manufacturer to…
Transmission
81 complaints · 12%Half of these problems showed up before 7,000 miles. Parts named most often: automatic transmission, transfer case (4-wheel drive), driveline, axle hubs.
4 wheel drive becomes non operative and the dash light turns off and message service 4 wheel drive comes on. The vehicle has been to the dealer 4 times and they cannot fix it.
2003 Chevrolet Silverado the truck will shift in 4 low while driving.the service 4 wheel drive light will come on. The truck has been to the dealer,dealer can not give reason why the truck does this or has been able to repair it.sooner or later this truck will cause a accident when it pops into 4 low on its own.
Steering
80 complaints · 12%Half of these problems showed up before 20,000 miles. Parts named most often: column, gear box, linkages, hydraulic power assist.
Steering wheel binds while stopped and turning the steering wheel or taking off and turning. If backing up slowly or moving forward slowly and turning through parked cars could cause vehicle to crash into one when the steering binds up. Also could cause a crash while turning and steering binds and causes the vehicle…
Audible clunking noise heard in vehicle and felt in steering wheel - started at 20,000 miles and now at 30,000 is extremely loud. Dealer vehicle purchased from says they are not replacing steering shafts - only greasing.
Wheels and tires
35 complaints · 5%Half of these problems showed up before 19,000 miles. Parts named most often: tread/belt, temporary/emergency spare tire, lugs/nuts/bolts/studs, sidewall.
Tires developed bubbles, and the steel belts are visible in places. Also, exhaust system is designed with the pipes sitting directly on top of the spare tire.
On 2 separate occasions I had flat tires with my 2003 chevy 2500hd 4x4 truck with aluminum wheels. Fortunately in both cases it was on my driveway rather than on a public road. The aluminum wheels appear to have electro-chemically welded themselves to the wheel hubs. I could not remove them (after removing all lug…
Engine
33 complaints · 5%Half of these problems showed up before 32,000 miles. Parts named most often: engine, exhaust system, cooling system.
When braking at any speed brake pedal would go to the floor, and there would be extended stopping distance. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. Abs displayed brake system failure. The consumer stated that the brakes failed on inclines. The consumer stated that there was an electrical short. The…
I purchased a 2003 Chevrolet Silverado duramax in 4/04 used with 21,020 miles. At about 28,000 it started to smoke upon acceleration. This is a very thick blue smoke. The dealer has looked at it twice and says they cannot find anything wrong. But I think if I have to get it checked for emissions that it would fail…
Speed control
29 complaints · 4%Half of these problems showed up before 40,000 miles. Parts named most often: accelerator pedal, cruise control.
We have had several thing go wrong with our truck. We have had the expandable mirrors replaced once and fixed several times, the transmission was rebuilt, the speedometer quit working and the memory does not recall the driver or seat position.
Speedometer reads erratically either highor low. Will register various speed when stopped. Sometimes will work properly, then go bad again. 1st noticed when read 35 MPH on road keeping up with traffic in 60mph zone. Dealer say he has seen a run on this problem with 5-6 in last couple of weeks. At first it would seem…
Suspension
28 complaints · 4%Half of these problems showed up before 14,500 miles. Parts named most often: front, rear.
: the contact stated while driving 10 MPH and below, the steering allowed too much play and maneuvered loosely. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who replaced the steering shaft. However, the problem still exists. The rack and pinion had a slight leak. The consumer has had numerous components replaced on the vehicle…
My 2003 Chevrolet duramax truck that I recently purchased, sheared the driver side rear shock mount off after hitting a cut off tree stump in some tall grass. Not knowing this occurred, the following morning on 7/27/03, I went to stop at a stop sign along a busy highway in ninilchik, alaska, and had break failure.…
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 recalls
Brakes: parking brake
Risk: If the parking brake does not hold, unintended vehicle movement could occur, which could result in a crash.
Fix: Dealers will install a low-force spring clip retainer for vehicles equipped with a pbr parking brake system. On vehicles equipped with the trw parking brake system, dealers will install a redesigned parking brake cable assembly. The recall began on july 29, 2005. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or gmc at 1-866-996-9463.
Full defect summary
On certain pickup trucks equipped with manual transmissions and built with either pbr parking brake systems or trw parking brake systems, the parking brake friction linings may wear to an extent where the parking brake can become ineffective in immobilizing a parked vehicle.
Seat belts: rear/other
Risk: A lap portion of the seat belt routing that is not low and snug on the hips can allow the lap belt to ride up on an occupant's abdomen instead of fitting low around their hipbones, and therefore, can expose them to more risk of abdominal and internal organ injury.
Fix: Dealers will cut open the guide loop, remove a portion of the loop, and then the remaining two sides should be folded over and secured with a retainer free of charge. The recall began on july 21, 2005. Owners may contact cadillac at 1-866-982-2339, chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, gmc at 1-866-996-9463, or hummer at 1-800-732-5493.
Full defect summary
On certain crew cab pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles, the 2nd row center occupant seat belt routing may make it difficult to position the lap portion of the safety belt low around the hips of occupants, especially smaller occupants, seated in this position. Appropriate use of a child seat or booster seat, as recommended for small children, does improve the fit condition for this user group. In addition to instructions on proper infant and young child restraint (with child seats or boosters), special verbiage for restraining older child is included in the owner's manual. Also, the suggested seat belt fit/routing for adults, irrespective of seating position, is described in the owner's manual text.
Seat belts: anchorage
Risk: The standard requires child seat lower anchorages in two seating positions for vehicles with three rear seating positions. The standard cab and cargo van vehicles, which only have front seating positions, have an air bag off switch to disable the front passenger air bag and do not have child restraint lower anchorages in the passenger seat. The standard requires passenger seat child seat lower anchorages in vehicles with an air bag off switch. However, the standard does not require vehicles with only front seating positions to have lower anchorage provisions if the vehicle is not equipped with
Fix: To bring the standard cab and cargo van vehicles into compliance, dealers will inject epoxy into the air bag off switch to prevent air bag activation, relocate the switch behind the instrument panel and then install a cover over the resulting opening. The sun visor label and owner's manual will also be changed. The correction for the extended cab vehicle will consist of changing the front passenger seat to a seat that has child restraint lower anchorages. The recall began on september 9, 2004. Owners should contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or gmc at 1-866-996-9463.
Full defect summary
Certain extended and regular cab pickup trucks and cargo vans converted to compressed natural gas (cng) fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 225, 'child restraint anchorage systems.' these vehicles have one seating position, the center rear seat, equipped with child restraint lower anchorages.
Body and structure: hinge and attachments
Risk: Anyone sitting or standing on the horizontal surface of the tailgate when both cables fractured could be injured by falling from the tailgate. On vehicles that have had the bumper removed, the tailgate may drop even lower. Additionally, if there is cargo on the tailgate the cargo may fall off if the support cables fracture.
Fix: Dealers will replace the cables. Interim owner notification began on april 7, 20004. The recall began on september 24, 2004, when replacement parts were available, and will continue through october 29, 2004. Owners should contact cadillac at 1-866-982-2339, chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or gmc at 1-866-996-9463, or visit www.mygmlink.com, and enter your vehicle identification number.
Full defect summary
On certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles, the galvanized steel tailgate support cables that retain the tailgate in the full open (horizontal) position may corrode, weaken, and eventually fracture. If both cables fractured, the tailgate would suddenly drop and strike the top surface of the rear bumper.
Brakes: service brakes, hydraulic
Risk: Consequently, the valve o-ring seal may fracture. Steering efforts may be slightly increased while braking or parking. Under certain driving conditions, a fractured seal may require a slight increase in the applied brake pedal effort to achieve the same vehicle deceleration rate as prior to the seat fracture.
Fix: Dealers are to replace the hydro-boost relief valve. The recall began on june 18, 2004. Owners should contact cadillac at 1-866-982-2339; chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438; gmc at 1-866-996-9463; or hummer at 1-866-486-6376.
Full defect summary
Certain sport utility vehicles, pickup trucks, and passenger vans fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 135, ?passenger car brake systems.? Some of these vehicles were produced with an out-of-specification brake hydro-boost housing relief valve bore.
Visibility and wipers: windshield
Risk: In vehicles with this condition, the windshield may not be retained in accordance with the safety standard during a vehicle crash.
Fix: Dealers will remove, reseal, and reinstall the windshield. Owner notification began on january 28, 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 chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020 or gmc at 1-800-462-8782.
Full defect summary
Certain pickup trucks fail to conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 212, "windshield mounting." some of these vehicles lack a continuous urethane bonding bead between the body surface and the windshield.
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
Brake line corrosion failure
Summary
On january 11, 2011, odi opened ea11-001 to investigate allegations of premature brake line corrosion failure in model year (my) 1999 through 2003 general motors (gm) full-size pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles sold or registered in the following region of the united states that NHTSA has viewed as salt states for investigations of corrosion related issues:connecticut, delaware, district of columbia, illinois, indiana, iowa, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, west virginia and wisconsin.the subject vehicles represent the first five my's of gm's gmt800 platform production, of whi
Brake line corrosion failure
Summary
The office of defects investigation (odi) received defect petition dp10-003 on march 2, 2010, requesting the investigation of model year (my) 2003 chevrolet silverado 2500hd 4WD pickup trucks for corrosion failures of the vehicle brake lines.dp10-003 was granted and on march 30, 2010, preliminary evaluation pe10-010 was opened on more than six million model year 1999 through 2003 light trucks and sport utility vehicles manufactured and sold by general motors corporation (gm).on july 2, 2010, odi received gm's response to an information request, which included gm's assessment of the frequency and safety consequences of the alleged defect. Gm stated that:(1) the brake system of the subject veh
Parking brake failure
Summary
Odi's review of complaint data received since the close of ea04-011 revealed no indication that the investigation should be re-opened.more details can be found in the federal register notice enclosed in the dp05-009 public file.odi reserves the right to reopen the investigation in the future should conditions warrant.
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.
Parking brake failure
Summary
In a letter dated april 20, 2005, gm notified NHTSA that it had decided that defects that relate to motor vehicle safety exist in certain model year (my) 1999-2002 c/k 1500 series (pbr parking brake system) and my 2001-2005 c/k 2500 and 3500 series (trw parking brake system) pickups with manual transmissions.according to gm, some of these vehicles may have conditions that cause the friction linings to wear to an extent where the parking brake can become ineffective in immobilizing a parked vehicle.gm's action covers an estimated total of 142,585 vehicles.dealers will install a low-force spring clip retainer for vehicles equipped with the pbr parking brake system and install a redesigned park
Tailgate cable breakage
Summary
General motors filed a defect notice 04v-129 on march 17, 2004, which outlines a program to replace the tailgate cables installed in affected model year 2000-2004 vehicles.refer to odi's closing report for ea04-005 for additional information.odi is aware of reports of tailgate cable breakage occurring in model year 1999 and earlier vehicles.these vehicles were equipped with similar tailgate cables as addressed by 04v-129, but are not being addressed by campaign o4v-129.odi is initiating a separate investigation to address these vehicles.the complaint-injury-fatality statistics summarized above pertain to model year 2000-2004 vehicles. The complaint-injury statistics for model year 1999 and e
Parking brake failure
Summary
Odi opened pe03-057 to assess parking brake ineffectiveness in the subject vehicles.these vehicles are equipped with four wheel disc brakes that incorporate a single-shoe drum-in-hat parking brake independent of the service brakes.complaint and warranty data indicate that the parking brake linings tend to wear out early in the life of the vehicle (at an average of 24 months in service), reducing the parking brake system's torque below that needed to immobilize the vehicle.gm has attributed this accelerated wear to foreign material intrusion and a failure of the brake shoe to properly self-center within its brake drum.effective with the start of my 2003 production, a newer reduced force hold-
Steel wheel rim fracture
Summary
There have been less than 2 complaints per 100,000 subject vehicles related to the alleged defect.the oldest vehicles (my 1999) have only 2 complaints in over 140 thousand vehicles after over 4 years in service.the rate of warranty claims potentially related to the alleged defect is less than 0.1%.there are no known incidents involving rapid loss of tire pressure or loss of vehicle control. A defect trend has not been identified at this time.accordingly, this investigation is closed.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that no safety-related defect exists.the agency will take further action if warranted by the circumstances.
Questions about the 2003 Chevrolet Silverado
- What are the most common problems with the 2003 Chevrolet Silverado?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: brakes (256 complaints, typically around 68,500 miles); electrical (116 complaints, typically around 54,000 miles); transmission (81 complaints, typically around 7,000 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2003 Chevrolet Silverado have?
- 6 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from April 22, 2005 (brakes). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2003 a bad year for the Chevrolet Silverado?
- It is 4th of 18 Silverado model years by number of complaints, with 695 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.