2003 Chevrolet Silverado 2500

Above average

Owners filed 449 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the service brakes. It has been recalled 2 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k

407 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,00075,000 miles; the median is 83,020 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Service Brakes122
911
Service Brakes, Hydraulic82
410
Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel36
000
Electrical System33
121
Engine11
000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings10
100
Power Train10
000
Air Bags10
404
Steering9
000
Vehicle Speed Control8
000

2 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Fuel System, Gasoline06E043000
Filed May 19, 200688,303 vehiclesHoneywell International, Inc.

Defect. CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.

Risk. THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.

Remedy. HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).

Steering06E010000
Filed Feb 1, 20061,360 vehiclesFabtech Motorsports

Defect. CERTAIN FABTECH AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT PITMAN ARMS, P/NOS. FTS71000 AND FTS71001, INSTALLED FOR USE ON CERTAIN 2001-2006 GM C/K 2500 PICK UP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE PIN LOCATED INSIDE THE PITMAN ARM CAN SHEAR OFF DUE TO A REVERSE BENDING FATIGUE CONDITION, RESULTING IN A TOTAL LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL.

Risk. LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL COULD LEAD TO A VEHICLE CRASH WITH POTENTIAL INJURY OR DEATH.

Remedy. FABTECH WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE PITMAN AND IDLER ARMS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING FEBRUARY 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FABTECH AT 909-597-7800.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Service Brakes
Filed Apr 14, 2026KS

While driving down a 50 mph roadway there was a line of cars slowing for a vehicle to make a turn. When gently pushing the brakes to slow down, brake went clear to the floor and could not slow down. Truck was driven into the ditch to avoid rear-ending vehicles. This happened immediately without warning, all braking prior to this incident was normal. When taken to our mechanic, they advised the brake lines underneath were notorious for rusting out and failing, new stainless steel lines were then installed to correct the problem.

Tires
Filed Aug 16, 2024342,422 milesTN

The contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 equipped with Prinx Tires, Tire Line: High Country, Tire Size: 245/75/R16, DOT Number: 04N18HTPC1323. The contact had the tires rotated by an independent mechanic. Upon inspection of the tires, the contact discovered cracks along the base of the tire treads on all four tires. The contact notified the mechanic about the defect and was given a credit for the remaining mileage on the tires warranty. The contact notified the manufacturer about the failure through voicemail and email; however, the contact never received a response. The contact stated that the four tires were replaced. The tire failure mileage was 21,942. The vehicle failure mileage was 342,422.

Power Train
Filed Jul 10, 2023CA

The component that failed according to the Chevrolet dealer is the "transfer case pump clips", which came loose inside the transfer case and wore a hole through the case causing the oil to come out. If I would not have noticed the oil on the back of my truck, I could have continued to drive the truck, which could have caused the transfer case gears to lock up the front and rear axles while driving and could have caused me to wreck, causing injury to myself, my family or someone else. I marked the area of the leak with a sharpie as depicted in the photos.

Air Bags
Filed Jul 1, 2023PA

When starting vehicle , after initial dash lights times out, I now get an AIRBAG 9malfunction light). Tried resetting, did not work. Now, every time I start the engine, the comes on and stays on.

Service Brakes
Filed Oct 17, 2022OK

Hydroboost valve pump shows a recall.,and it's not working properly

Power Train
Filed Oct 12, 2022WY

I had to replace the replace the housing on my transfer case as it wore a hole in and was leaking. At a cost of 1200 dollars due to myself catching it early as later with a fully disabled case would have been 2600 dollars. My mechanic who deals in transmission repairs told me this a very common problem for Chevy trucks from 1999 to 2006. He claimed he had done 7 transfer cases in one week and was actually replacing a fully wrecked one for 2600 dollars as I brought mine in to be worked on . It had worn a hole through the transfer case and was leaking. As this seems to be a serious defect . I feel it should have been under a recall and reimbursement should be in order for those who paid out of pocket for repairs. My mechanic also stated that he has replaced them at 35, 000 miles and on up. No rhyme or reason to when they fail or leak.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Apr 10, 2022PR

In the middle of the taxiway, while I was traveling my truck turned off while it was running and did not turn on again, putting my safety at risk by being in the middle of the taxiway, after several minutes the truck was able to be removed from the road, then I was able to investigate that I am not the only one that the same thing has happened to him, there is no Safety Recall in this regard, the GM fabric is aware of these cases but only wrote a TSB, it was diagnosed with the scanner and it gave code U1800, before the event there were no lights warning but after the event there is a check engine light on.

Steering
Filed Jul 12, 2021115,000 milesCT

The contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the power steering failed causing the steering wheel to become hard to maneuver. The contact heard an abnormal sound coming from the hydro boost area when the brake pedal or accelerator pedal were depressed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed that the intermediate shaft was faulty. The intermediate shaft was replaced however, the failure recurred. The contact requested the dealer to replace the power steering pump but the dealer informed the contact that the failure was caused by the power steering pump. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 115,000.

Tires
Filed Nov 27, 2020203,107 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 2500 EQUIPPED WITH COOPER TIRE, TIRE LINE: SUNFIRE, TIRE SIZE: LT245/75 R16, DOT NUMBER: (NOT AVAILABLE). THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, HE FELT VIBRATION AND THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE EXPERIENCED A BLOWOUT. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND PARKED SAFELY ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT STATED DUE TO TIRE BLOWOUT, THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED DAMAGES TO THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY, BUMPER AND QUARTER PANEL. THE CONTACT STATED HE CONTACTED TRIPLE A AND HAD THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE CHANGED. THE CONTACT STATED HE EXPERIENCE THE FAILURE FOR A SECOND TIME ON 10/24/2020 TO THE REAR PASSENGER'S TIRE AND A THIRD TIME ON 11/9/2020 ON ANOTHER REAR TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE REAR TIRE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 203,107

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Oct 25, 2019139,000 milesWI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 2500. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS CHANGING THE OIL IN THE VEHICLE, HE NOTICED OIL LEAKING WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO VISUALLY INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND DETERMINED THAT THE FUEL LINE WAS FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. HOLZ MOTORS (5961 S 108TH ST, HALES CORNERS, WI 53130, (414) 377-3584) WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 139,000.

Service Brakes
Filed Sep 12, 2019190,703 milesVA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 2500. WHILE THE CONTACT'S SON WAS DRIVING 2 MPH IN A PARKING LOT, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS APPLIED, BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND WHEN IT WAS DEPRESSED TO THE FLOORBOARD. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. ALSO, THE LOW BRAKE FLUID INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LINDSAY BUICK GMC (250 W SHIRLEY AVE, WARRENTON, VA 20186, (540) 987-2082) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE LINES WERE CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 190,703.

Service Brakes
Filed Sep 11, 2019133,900 milesPW

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 2500. WHILE DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT IMMEDIATELY STOP AND THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD. THE CONTACT NOTICED BRAKE FLUID LEAKING UNDER THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE LINES WERE CORRODED AND FAILED, WHICH CAUSED BRAKE FLUID TO LEAK OUT. THE BRAKE LINES WERE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER AND LOCAL DEALER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 133,900.

Service Brakes
Filed Jul 16, 2019208,000 milesGA

I BOUGHT A 2003 CHEVY SILVERADO 2500HD 15 YEARS AGO AND GAVE IT TO MY 16 YEAR OLD SON. RECENTLY WE NOTICED THAT THE BRAKES AND STEERING WAS ACTING FUNNY AND MAKING A NOISE, SO WE REPLACED THE POWER STEERING PUMP AND HOSES. THE PROBLEM ONLY STARTED GETTING WORSE. I DID SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND AN OLD RECALL OR NOTICE RELATED TO THE HYDRO-BOOST RELIEF VALVE THAT WAS DEFECTED BECAUSE OF O-RING FAILURE. JUST SEARCHING THE VEHICLE WILL SHOW SEVERAL SITES REVEALING THE PROBLEM. THE NADA SITE GOES INTO MORE DETAIL ON THE PROBLEM. WE HAVE PARKED THE TRUCK UNTIL A DECISION IS MADE. I CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURE AND THEY STATED THAT THERE WAS NO PROBLEM, THE VEHICLE HAS TROUBLE WHEN STEERING AND LOOSES BRAKING.

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Jun 3, 2019MS

BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS SLOWLY WITH THE BATTERY RUNNING OUT BECAUSE SOMETHING IS STILL RUNNING IN THE VEHICLE BUT EVERYTHING IS OFF. THE GAS GAUGE GEAR CONTROL LIGHTING ON THE PANEL DOOR ON THE PASSENGER SIDE WILL NOT LOCK SPEEDOMETER IS NOT WORKING GAS GAUGE IS NOT WORKING WAS CHECKED BY A MECHANIC AND HE ADDRESS THAT SOMETHING IS NOT CONSTANT RUNNING EVEN THOUGH EVERYTHING IS TURNED OFF THAT CAUSE THE BATTERY TO RUN DOWN WHEN IT IS OFF. ALSO THE LIGHTS DON'T LIGHT ON THE RIGHT SIDE STAYS ON AND NEVER GOES OFF WHEN RUNNING THE VEHICLE. I NOTICED THIS ON A LOT OF 2500 CHEVY TRUCKS. WE HAVE TAKEN THIS VEHICLE IN TO BE CHECK. PLEASE HELP US TO RESOLVE THIS PROBLEM AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. LOOKING FORWARD TO HEARING BACK FROM YOU SUN.

Service Brakes
Filed May 10, 2019130,000 milesVA

BRAKE LINE FAILURE IN SEVERAL PLACES. WAS UNDER VEHICLE PERFORMING AN OIL CHANGE. NOTICED FLUID ON THE BOTTOM OF THE FUEL TANK. INVESTIGATED AND FOUND THE REAR MOST HARD BRAKE LINE LEAKING. CONTINUED TO INSPECT ALL HARD LINES AND FOUND SEVERAL AREAS WHERE LEAKS WERE PRESENT. REMOVED VEHICLE FROM USE AND STARTED REPLACING ALL HARD BRAKE LINES. NEW LINES ARE STAINLESS STEEL THUS I SHOULD NEVER RUN INTO THIS ISSUE AGAIN. GM SHOULD HAVE USED STAINLESS STEEL LINES IN THE FIRST PLACE RATHER THAN PLAIN STEEL LINES. THE ORIGINAL BRAKES LINES BROKE LIKE TWIGS WHEN I BENT THEM TO THROW THEM AWAY. I HAVE NEVER SEEN BRAKE LINES IN THIS TYPE OF CONDITION ON A VEHICLE WITH 130,000 MILES. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD AND POSSIBLE ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN. I HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED BRAKE LINE FAILURE ON A VEHICLE LIKE THE CHEVY SILVERADO. THE NHTSA NEEDS TO FORCE GM TO PERFORM A RECALL AND RESOLVE THIS ISSUE.

Seats
Filed Feb 2, 2019139,000 milesFL

2003 SILVERADO DRIVERS SEAT HEATER TURNS ON BY ITSELF AFTER START UP AND BECOMES A DANGEROUS DISTRACTION TO KEEP TURNING IT OFF WHILE DRIVING. AFTER READING MANY FORUMS, THIS IS A WIDESPREAD ISSUE THROUGHOUT THE GM LIGHT DUTY TRUCK/SUV LINE OF VEHICLES. THIS ISSUE HAS JUST RECENTLY STARTED TO HAPPEN WITH MY TRUCK. THE ONLY DIFFERENCE RECENTLY IS THAT MY TRUCK IS BEING OPERATED IN MORE DAMP CONDITIONS THAN USUAL INSTEAD OF BEING PARKED IN A DRY GARAGE. I HAVE NOW DISCONNECTED THE HEATING ELEMENTS IN THE SEAT TO STOP FROM GETTING BURNED WHILE DRIVING. I HAVE ALSO CHECKED FOR RECALLS BY VIN AND NOTHING WAS FOUND.

Service Brakes
Filed Jan 16, 201999,680 milesNC

VEHICLE BRAKE PEDAL FAILED TO STOP VEHICLE. HAD TO APPLY EMERGENCY BRAKES TO STOP VEHICLE. VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION GOING ABOUT 30 MPH. VEHICLE WAS ON A STATE HWY. VEHICLE WAS GOING STRAIGHT.

Service Brakes
Filed Dec 25, 2018162,751 milesKS

REAR BRAKES RUSTED OUT FLUID BURST OUT NO BRAKES TWO YRS AGO. FAST FOREWORD SATURDAY 12/22/2018 BRAKES PEDAL WENT TO FLOOR ,LINE FROM BRAKE BOOSTER TO PROPORTIONING VALVE BLEW OUT RUSTED COMPLETELY THROUGH.

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Dec 6, 201850 milesAZ

PURCHASED THE TRUCK FROM CAR GEEKS AND THEY SAID IT WAS A GREAT TRUCK AND WE WOULD HAVE NO PROBLEM TOWING OUR FIFTH WHEEL TRAILER. WELL WE TOOK IT ON A TRIP TO PHOENIX FROM TUCSON AND WE NOTICED THAT THE TRUCK WAS NOT HANDLING VERY WELL WHEN WE GOT HOME I NOTICED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE TIRE WAS GOUGED OUT ALL THE WAY AROUND THE INSIDE BEAD OF THE TIRE ALSO NOTICED THAT ONLY THE UPPER CONTROL ARM HAD BEEN REPLACED AND NOTHING ELSE. ALL OF THE FRONT SUSPENSION WAS IN REALLY BAD CONDITION ALSO. ALONG WITH THE STEERING YOU CAN ONLY TURN THE STEERING WHEEL A LITTLE WAYS

Structure › Body
Filed Oct 29, 201898,000 milesMA

BODY AND UNDER BODY RUST AND ROT TO INCLUDE FRAME, BRAKE LINES AND SHOCK MOUNTS. BRAKE LINES FAILED WHILE I WAS DRIVING, THANKFULLY AT SLOW SPEEDS AND WAS ABLE TO ACTIVATE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE.

20 of 449 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2003
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20266200Routine
202528100Routine
2024139410Routine
202347120Routine
202294320Routine
202184610Routine
20201051030Routine
201974760Routine
201852520Routine
201754550Routine
2016123520Routine
2015176660Routine
201440220Routine
201351310Routine
201253300Routine
2011104420Routine
201021510Routine
200961530Routine
2008191440Routine
2007204390Above average
2006177180Routine
20052691150Above average
20043682102Fatalities reported
2003 — this page449280Above average
2002351361Fatalities reported
2001300130Above average
2000132340Routine
199981221Fatalities reported
199873230Routine
199764213Fatalities reported
19962000Routine
19953000Routine
19943000Routine

Compare every Silverado 2500 year →

Reading this record

Complaint volume is well above typical for a single model year.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: May 19, 2006. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.