2003 Chevrolet Silverado 2500
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Chevrolet › Silverado 2500 › 2003
These records cover every 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
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).
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 and remedy
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.
Owner complaints
449 complaints23 involved a crash8 involved a fire10 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Service brakes
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…
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
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…
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
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…
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
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
Hydroboost valve pump shows a recall.,and it's not working properly
- Power train
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…
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
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…
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.
- Service brakes, hydraulic · Steering
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…
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
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…
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
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…
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
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…
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
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…
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 · Steering
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…
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.
- Electrical system · Electronic stability control (esc) · Vehicle speed control
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…
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
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…
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
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…
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
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
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) · Suspension · Wheels
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…
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
- Service brakes · Structure › Body · Suspension
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.
- Air bags
Air bad service light IS going on. Plugged in computer and it stated that the front impact sensor IS faulty. after checking both sensors nothing IS wrong.
- Electrical system · Unknown or other
Tailgates cables needs to be replace it....
- Electrical system
Instrument cluster panel of all gauges including speedometer and gear selection ' gauges can quit working with no warning , leaving the driver unaware of speed or distance traveled. Also not knowing what position the gear selector IS in . ( park, neutral , drive etc. ) could allow the vehicle to drift away on it own with no one behind the wheel when not being driven . can happen at any moment , any place !
- Service brakes
While driving down the highway at 55mph approaching a stop light signal it turned yellow. Knowing that I wasn't going to make it through the intersection before it turned red I hit the brakes to stop. While pushing down on the brakes everything felt normal with resistance from the pedal until all…
While driving down the highway at 55mph approaching a stop light signal it turned yellow. Knowing that I wasn't going to make it through the intersection before it turned red I hit the brakes to stop. While pushing down on the brakes everything felt normal with resistance from the pedal until all of a sudden the brake pedal lost its resistance or pressure and went straight to the floor and I had little to no brakes. Thankfully no one was in front of me as I would not have been able to stop in time. I then pulled over and after further inspection found that the rear hydraulic brake line had failed due to corrosion. Corrosion that was caused by using inferior products that cant sustain the elements it's used in. I now see that this was a known problem that gm hasn't informed its owners or recalled. Shame on them. Why do we have to wait for people to die before action IS taken on an issue such as brake failure. They got lucky in my case.
- Service brakes
The brake line keep rusting out on these vehicle and that IS very dangoures to me and other people on the rode
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Hydraulic pump failres
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…
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.
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
- 10246499Duramax Diesel Glow Plugs Difficult to Install Due to Carbon Buildup - New Glow Plug Bore Reamer Available
- 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.
Every Chevrolet Silverado 2500 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.