2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 HD
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Chevrolet › Silverado 1500 HD › 2003
These records cover every 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 HD. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
101 complaints3 involved a crash3 involved a fire2 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system · Service brakes
1) brake line rusted and had to be replaced. 2) a new battery was installed only to be totally dead within 1 week 3) alternator replaced as that was thought to be the problem 4) finally found the problem and it IS the ABS system as the modulator / pump for this system would continually run even when the vehicle was turned off.
- Electrical system
The instrument panel cluster will stop working. No gauges, speedometer, or tachometer. Usually occurs after vehicle has been driven, turned off and restarted. Know of several people having/had the same issue with this year model. Sometimes the cluster will become active again while driving, but usually doesn't.
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting · Unknown or other
Bright lite indicator lite comes on dash with no key in ignition, kills battery over nite. Gas gauge in dash doesn't always work, truck has to get moving, sometimes right away and sometimes a little longer. Had to replace my throttle body control a couple months prior
- Engine
Several of the exhaust manifold bolts have snapped/sheared causing exhaust leaks between the exhaust manifold and exhaust port on the cylinder head. I'm learning that this IS a common issue that has gone unaddressed by the manufacturer, but IS clearly an emissions and functionality issue. Please…
Several of the exhaust manifold bolts have snapped/sheared causing exhaust leaks between the exhaust manifold and exhaust port on the cylinder head. I'm learning that this IS a common issue that has gone unaddressed by the manufacturer, but IS clearly an emissions and functionality issue. Please help in holding the manufacturer accountable for this apparent mechanical defect. As of now, they offer no assistance in repairing the issue.
- Electrical system · Vehicle speed control
My whole dashboard stops working the gauges lights everything just stopped working. I was traveling down interstate and everything stopped working but after a few seconds it all came back on for about 30 seconds and it all shut off again and never came back on I made it home and turned the truck…
My whole dashboard stops working the gauges lights everything just stopped working. I was traveling down interstate and everything stopped working but after a few seconds it all came back on for about 30 seconds and it all shut off again and never came back on I made it home and turned the truck off and went inside. I got up the next morning to go to work and cranked the truck and no gauges or lights were not working still. I slammed my hand down on top of the dashboard and everything came on and was working but that didn't last long and everything shut off again.
- Service brakes
Brake lines rusted through and ruptured resulting in total brake loss and a crash. The lines failed at a point directly under the driver seat. It was in motion on a city street and struck another vehicle also damaging that.
- Forward collision avoidance
265/65/16 michelin ltx M/S2 tire, these tires were new and purchased on 6/21/16, on 7/11/16 less then one month I had to brake hard to avoid an accident. The 3 rows of treads in the middle of all four tires became severely separated and worn rendering all four tires as junk causing the pickup to…
265/65/16 michelin ltx M/S2 tire, these tires were new and purchased on 6/21/16, on 7/11/16 less then one month I had to brake hard to avoid an accident. The 3 rows of treads in the middle of all four tires became severely separated and worn rendering all four tires as junk causing the pickup to shake badly while going down the road. To make matters worse michelin didn't want honor any warranties, claims, etc., including the michelin plus guaranty. This IS where if you are not 100% satisfied within 30 days you can get a replacement free. After one braking incident all the tires was junk. I would not recommend these tires to anyone. The tread pattern of these tires IS the direct cause. I also have pictures.
- Fuel/propulsion system · Service brakes
Jan. 2014 in northeast illinois I went to apply brakes for a red light and peddle went to the floor. I was fortunate that there was not another vehicle already stopped at the light in front of me, and was not hit as I coasted through the red light. I was able to use the parking brake for stopping…
Jan. 2014 in northeast illinois I went to apply brakes for a red light and peddle went to the floor. I was fortunate that there was not another vehicle already stopped at the light in front of me, and was not hit as I coasted through the red light. I was able to use the parking brake for stopping while I maneuvered to my home. Upon inspection the next day, I found the brake line that runs along the truck frame and feeds brake fluid to the front brakes had ruptured. I was astound when I saw the condition of the remaining brake lines under the vehicle and the fact that the lines were not made of stainless steel or some other material that would not rust when exposed to the road salt that used heavily during the winter months in northeast illinois. I'm also concern about the fuel lines because their condition IS the same as the brake lines and appear to made out of a ferrous material also.
- Exterior lighting
These incidents happened during the following yrs at least 3 times a year now for each yr from 2005 till 2015 coming home from daughters and lost all head lamps and driving lights so was driving in complete darkness with no lights , thankfully we made it home the last 2 miles next day took to…
These incidents happened during the following yrs at least 3 times a year now for each yr from 2005 till 2015 coming home from daughters and lost all head lamps and driving lights so was driving in complete darkness with no lights , thankfully we made it home the last 2 miles next day took to mechanic and he replaced the lamps , two weeks later got pulled over due to running lights one was out and got warning about that .......................this has happened 12 times since we owned this truck since 2005 and we have had to replace the whole headlamp assembly but now after 6 months lights go out again and get pulled over due to only one headlamp IS there a problem with the wiring? Mostly this IS just on drivers side headlamp and running light it keeps blowing the lamps out occasionally it blows both sides and front running lamps. *tr
- Service brakes
The brake lines basically rusted off the truck, the first occurrence I went to use the truck and the brake pedal went to the floor and I started smelling brake fluid. Had it towed to have repairs done (06/04/2011) the lines that showed the main problem were changed for new. Exactly 2 years I had my…
The brake lines basically rusted off the truck, the first occurrence I went to use the truck and the brake pedal went to the floor and I started smelling brake fluid. Had it towed to have repairs done (06/04/2011) the lines that showed the main problem were changed for new. Exactly 2 years I had my big car trailer hooked up loaded with my tractor. Another line going to the rear of the truck ruptured in the yard. Going back to the shop again, I had a company out west make all new stainless steal lines for it.(06/20/2014) and now I'm again broken down again (03/07/2015). This has cost me a considerable amount of money and I'm not through I fear. This time the ABS system wants to continue to run and running the battery down. Gm should be on top of this. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling
3 of the 6 exhaust manifold bolts have broken off on left side ,2 on the right side . I now have the exhaust ticking sound and on occasion get exhaust smell inside cab.i noticed the first broken bolt at approx 55000 miles. I now have 112000 miles. *tr
- Service brakes
While using the truck to remove a root ball we noticed that the brake pedal was going to the floor. No brake or warning lights were showing on the instrument panel. Our mechanic replaced four brake lines due to rust, corrosion and leaks. We are extremely thankful this happened while working in the…
While using the truck to remove a root ball we noticed that the brake pedal was going to the floor. No brake or warning lights were showing on the instrument panel. Our mechanic replaced four brake lines due to rust, corrosion and leaks. We are extremely thankful this happened while working in the back yard and not when traveling down the interstate towing our 3000 pound boat! After seeing all the reported problems on the internet I cannot understand why there has never been a recall by general motors. *tr
- Service brakes · Vehicle speed control
Brake lines went out with no warning - no light showing compression or fluid leaking. still no lights have come on. if we had been going faster, we could have hit something. luckily my husband was driving and he knew how to react by down shifting to save us. the brake lines are all rusted. the…
Brake lines went out with no warning - no light showing compression or fluid leaking. still no lights have come on. if we had been going faster, we could have hit something. luckily my husband was driving and he knew how to react by down shifting to save us. the brake lines are all rusted. the truck only has 80,000 miles on it and has been well taken care of. we feel that gm used cheap metal for these lines and could have compromised our lives. *tr
- Fuel/propulsion system · Service brakes
Yes,i was buying a new trailer when I was going to stop at an intersection,the brake pedal, went to floor,luckily using trailer brakes,i was able to get it stop,notice line broke due to rust,i replaced all brake lines with stainless steel from a company who pre-bend new pieces that should have been…
Yes,i was buying a new trailer when I was going to stop at an intersection,the brake pedal, went to floor,luckily using trailer brakes,i was able to get it stop,notice line broke due to rust,i replaced all brake lines with stainless steel from a company who pre-bend new pieces that should have been installed in this truck,due to cost,now fuel line leaking causing braking down on side of highway,until aaa came but had trailer on that made the situation harder,so after inconvenience,have to put new stainless steel fuel lines.thanks for the time to read[xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *tr
- Engine · Power train
Ok the problem I'm about to state IS a huge problem with the 2003 1500 hds since they where new and chevy has had several complaints over the years with a refusal to repair. The throttle actuator control IS what the pedal sensor tells to move the throttle body. Every so often (sometimes multiple…
Ok the problem I'm about to state IS a huge problem with the 2003 1500 hds since they where new and chevy has had several complaints over the years with a refusal to repair. The throttle actuator control IS what the pedal sensor tells to move the throttle body. Every so often (sometimes multiple times a day) this module weirds out and puts the truck in to reduced engine power (limp mode) and won't do over 25 mph which IS very hazardous when traveling freeways and turn pikes where the speed limit IS high.i myself have been almost ran over by big rigs because my truck decided to go into this reduced engine power mode in the middle of rush hour. I myself have been on the phone multiple times with chevrolet corporate with them telling me that I'm screwed and to get over it. Don't get me wrong I love my truck but I just wish chevy would stand by their vehicles instead of blowing us off. *tr
- Service brakes
I was pulling into my circle coming down the hill and my brakes started to feel very soft. I was able to stop at the bottom of the hill just below the curb. I was just grateful that there were no cars at the bottom of the hill this time. When I got out I saw a trail of fluid on the street coming…
I was pulling into my circle coming down the hill and my brakes started to feel very soft. I was able to stop at the bottom of the hill just below the curb. I was just grateful that there were no cars at the bottom of the hill this time. When I got out I saw a trail of fluid on the street coming down the hill under my truck. I got down and looked under and there was a huge puddle of brake fluid. I towed it to the mechanic and he said all my brake lines looked like they were from a 40 yr. Old car, all rusted out. cost me a boat load to replace, that IS after they tracked down replacement lines (took them over a week). thanks chevy, this IS obviously a flaw in the lines on this truck. I appreciate you taking my life into consideration and recalling these brake lines. O wait, you didn't? that's right. *tr
- Service brakes
While driving to work I pressed the brake pedal and it went right to the floor. I quickly pulling into a driveway and slammed on the emergency brake because I had zero braking from the pedal. I looked underneath the truck and saw a rusted brake line dripping fluid. If I was on the expressway I would have seriously hurt someone because I lost all braking function. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling
TL* the contact owns 2003 chevrolet silverado 1500 HD. The contact stated that the vehicle was making a loud noise. After inspecting the vehicle he noticed that four of the exhaust header manifold bolt heads were missing. The vehicle was taken to a dealer. The technician diagnose that the exhaust…
TL* the contact owns 2003 chevrolet silverado 1500 HD. The contact stated that the vehicle was making a loud noise. After inspecting the vehicle he noticed that four of the exhaust header manifold bolt heads were missing. The vehicle was taken to a dealer. The technician diagnose that the exhaust manifolds and bolts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer has been notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 108,000.
- Electrical system
TL* the contacts owns a 2003 chevrolet silverado 1500 HD. The contact stated that smoke was emitting out of the center of the air vent duct. The vehicle was taken to a dealer. The technician was unable to diagnose the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 68,403 and the current mileage was 150,000.
- Electrical system
Radio speakers went out while still under warranty. Dealer tinkered with but never found exact problem and have not worked properly since. Then left rear door ajar indicator came on while driving 4 years ago still doesn't work most of the time. Fuel gauge inop. 2 yrs ago. Then speedometer erratic…
Radio speakers went out while still under warranty. Dealer tinkered with but never found exact problem and have not worked properly since. Then left rear door ajar indicator came on while driving 4 years ago still doesn't work most of the time. Fuel gauge inop. 2 yrs ago. Then speedometer erratic since august last year. And since oct 2013 vehicle just dies at low rpms or idles erratic. One out of 53 days most everything. works fine except fuel gauge. Then all of sudden all the problems come back. I have been told it IS all probably caused by the instrument cluster but with the it being over the mileage for the extended warranty nothing can be done and since just swapping out the instrument cluster may not fix any of the problems I should just live with it. *js
- Service brakes
Brake lines are rusted. left rear line busted while going 60 mph and lost all braking ability. luckily I had enough time to apply my emergency brake. this needs to be addressed! *tr
- Service brakes
This was not a wreck but could have been. Complete brake failure on my truck. Lines completely rusted out. Googled this and have seen many complaints on this. Chevy does not make the lines anymore and have redesigned the braking system on 2004 up trucks. $3100 to replace if you can find them. Now…
This was not a wreck but could have been. Complete brake failure on my truck. Lines completely rusted out. Googled this and have seen many complaints on this. Chevy does not make the lines anymore and have redesigned the braking system on 2004 up trucks. $3100 to replace if you can find them. Now I'm stuck with a truck that IS not safe to drive. No brakes whatsoever. Thank god it was early sunday morning. Brake pedal went clear to the floor. Had to slam it into 4WD and put trans in low then neutral and then ran off the road to avoid a collision. *tr
- Service brakes
I have a 2003 chevy silerado/k1500...in novemeber 2012 a brake line ruptured and I had to have the truck towed into the chevy dealer in paramus where I live...over the holiday it happened again to a different brake line...the dealer told me he was doidn a sinilar job on a car from that year of…
I have a 2003 chevy silerado/k1500...in novemeber 2012 a brake line ruptured and I had to have the truck towed into the chevy dealer in paramus where I live...over the holiday it happened again to a different brake line...the dealer told me he was doidn a sinilar job on a car from that year of vehicles....it appears the brake lines can rupture leving the vehicle without brakesthe dealer IS ordering me a stainless steel kit ...not from chevy or gm but this should solve the problem as he expects the rest of the brake lines will also fail soon.... chevy needs to own up to these faulty brake linesbefore someone IS hurt. *tr
- Service brakes
Pressed brake pedal going over a hill and pedal went all the way to the floor. Pumping pedal did not help to build any pressure. Pulled off the road brake fluid reservoir was empty and fluid was all under left rear of truck. Mechanic inspected rupture in factory steel line and all other lines rusted. *tr
- Fuel system, gasoline · Service brakes · Vehicle speed control
While stopped at an intersection at a red light, the vehicle started to creep forward toward people in the crosswalk. depressing the brake pedal further resulted in it fading, ending in a fully depressed position with no more pedal travel available. The vehicle continued to roll forward into the…
While stopped at an intersection at a red light, the vehicle started to creep forward toward people in the crosswalk. depressing the brake pedal further resulted in it fading, ending in a fully depressed position with no more pedal travel available. The vehicle continued to roll forward into the crosswalk. Placing the transmission in neutral stopped vehicle movement. After stopping and inspecting under the hood and under the front end of vehicle showed leaking brake fluid from one of the metallic brake lines serving the right front brake. after taking the vehicle to my local gm dealer and placing it on the service rack, inspection showed that all the metallic brake lines are severely rusted over the majority of the line surface. The right front line disintegrated to the point where the line separated while checking the condition of the line. The other brakes lines are rusted to the point where failure IS imminent. All the metallic brake lines from the master cylinder, down to the ABS control module and then out to each brake caliper must be replaced. the failure of the braking system created a serious situation that could have resulted in bodily injury to the pedestrians in the crosswalk. Without placing the transmission in neutral it would have eventually struck a pedestrian. in addition to the brake lines, the fuel lines show excessive rust as well. The dealer does not recommend replacement of the fuel lines at this time, but replacement will be required in the near future. *tr
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 11010544This service bulletin explains how to measure for oil consumption and possible reasons for loss of oil.
- 11007208This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire calibration for tires that have been sized, tested and designed for the vehicle in question and its applications. Technician should not use the information that is provided by the antilock braking system tire size selection.
- 11006621Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). The updating of modules is completed in parallel instead of the technician needing to update one module at a time. This allows a more streamlined approach for dealers and customers.
- 11006421GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or inadequate packaging or shipping. This bulletin advises the dealers to be more careful not to damage the transmissions during removal and to package the core properly for return.
- 11004761This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
- 11004557This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
- 11002312This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and resolution information.
- 11000576This Warranty Administration bulletin provides retail and wholesale service personnel with the policies/procedures and the warranty transaction submission procedures that support the Personal Property Damage process.
- 10252735This bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement fasteners with conductive finish.
- 10252163XM Audio Traffic And Travel Link Availability And Operation.
- 10251890This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
- 10251887This bulletin advises the technician of possible location of an internal coolant leak from a specific cylinder head and location.
- 10250775This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system.
- 1025004605500 ignition distributor system corrosion inspect / replace
- 10249980This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vibration complaints that are one of the most challenging complaints to accurately diagnose and repair. Technician will need to use Pico Oscilloscope Diagnostic Kit to effectively diagnosis vehicles. Technician should drive the vehicle will using the Pico Oscilloscope to record data. After the data is recorded it should be reviewed to determine the root cause of the concern. If a repair attempt made the concern better but not eliminated or had no affect at all, and are requesting assistance from General Motors Technical Assistance Center record another Pico file and save it to the computer. After the new Pico Oscilloscope data has been saved email the data to General Motors Technical Assistance Center in the subject line include ?Vibration? ?Business Associate Code? and the last 8 of the Vehicle Identification Number.
- 10249590This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
- 10249579This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10249011This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage.
- 10248444Vehicle Recalls
- 10247780This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
- 10247748Speedometer Needle Accuracy Information.
- 10247747Speedometer Needle Accuracy Information
- 10247681Information On Requests To Add OnStar Bluetooth Option.
- 10247552This service bulletin provides information on Concerns or Questions Regarding Installation of Dealer Installed Accessories.
- 10247093Speedometer Needle Accuracy Information.
- 10247092Speedometer Needle Accuracy Information
- 10246952Programming And Activation Of Replacement OnStar Modules.
- 10246951Programming And Activation Of Replacement OnStar Modules.
- 10246647Pre-Formed and Pre-Flared Hydraulic Brake Pipe Kits Now Available for Service
- 10246646Pre-Formed and Pre-Flared Hydraulic Brake Pipe Kits Now Available for Service
- 10246645Pre-Formed and Pre-Flared Hydraulic Brake Pipe Kits Now Available for Service
- 10246631Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- 10246624Car and Truck Fix it Right the First Time Issues
- 10245951Canadian Customers Unable To Place Calls And Turn By Turn Inoperative In The United States.
- 10245950Canadian Customers Unable To Place Calls In The United States
- 10244274This service bulletin provides information about the Hunter wheel Road Force balancers that should be utilized for all repairs requiring balance and Road Force measurement.
- 10244214This informational bulletin provides information for the IPC odometer programming method quick reference guide.
- 10244201This service bulletin provides information for dealers on how to submit a product information report (PIR) (Canada Only).
- 10242843The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the customer that it is normal for the delay.
- 10242262This service bulletin provides graphics, information and guidelines for engine component wear to assist service personnel as a guideline to perform necessary engine repairs and prevent unnecessary engine replacement.
Every Chevrolet Silverado 1500 HD model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.