2003 Chevrolet Silverado 3500
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Chevrolet › Silverado 3500 › 2003
These records cover every 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 3500. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
1 recall names the 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 3500. 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).
Owner complaints
42 complaints1 involved a fire
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Service brakes
Driving through a rural town going about 45 miles an hour, I applied the brakes and they were very soft, brake pedal went near the floor, eased it home on front brakes (as rear line had ruptured). upon inspection brake line had rusted in two just behind the fuel tank (long section had rusted away). replaced line going to rear brakes.
- Power train
TL* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet silverado 3500. While driving approximately 4 mph, the clutch panel assembly fractured into the floorboard without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and a dealer on two separate occasions where it was diagnosed that the clutch panel…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet silverado 3500. While driving approximately 4 mph, the clutch panel assembly fractured into the floorboard without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and a dealer on two separate occasions where it was diagnosed that the clutch panel failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired both times, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 85,337.
- Engine · Fuel/propulsion system
TL* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet silverado 3500. The contact stated that while driving 30 mph, the engine stalled and there was an abnormal noise. The contact was a certified mechanic and diagnosed that the fuel injector failed. The vehicle was restarted and the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 186,444.
- Service brakes
Was driving along at approximately 40 miles an hour when to apply the brakes the brake line ruptured and I had to steer off the road into ditch. *tr
- Service brakes
I was driving to work in the morning on 9/23/14 and went to apply the brakes to slow down, when the brake pedal went all the way to the floor. I was able to slow down while down shifting the transmission and narrowly missing hitting the vehicle in front of me. I pulled over and noticed brake…
I was driving to work in the morning on 9/23/14 and went to apply the brakes to slow down, when the brake pedal went all the way to the floor. I was able to slow down while down shifting the transmission and narrowly missing hitting the vehicle in front of me. I pulled over and noticed brake fluid leaking from beneath the brake master cylinder. I purchased a large bottle of brake fluid from a gas station and continued to fill the brake reservoir until I made it back to my local auto repair facility. during the shop's investigation, they discovered that a steel brake line had burst due to rust. in further investigation they noticed that all steel brake lines needed to be replaced, because they were nearly rusted through. I authorized the repair at a cost of nearly $1000.00. I have owned many vehicles that were much older than this truck that never had any issues with brake line rust or failure. this IS a safety concern due to the sudden nature of the failure. without any warning this could have resulted in a crash. I consider myself lucky, but if this IS not addressed in this line of gm trucks someone could seriously get hurt or worse. *tr
- Service brakes
Thank god my husband was with me and knew what to do. I was driving. As we were going down the interstate at 65 mph we hear a noise not having a clue in the world. He said we need to find a pull off and see what that could be. As I went to exit off I discovered I had no brakes. None whatsoever. As…
Thank god my husband was with me and knew what to do. I was driving. As we were going down the interstate at 65 mph we hear a noise not having a clue in the world. He said we need to find a pull off and see what that could be. As I went to exit off I discovered I had no brakes. None whatsoever. As my husband gets it to a stop we discover brake fluid pouring out from behind the fuel tank and between the cab. I was panicking. My husband crawls up under it to discover all the brake lines are rusted out and busted. We purchased this vehicle the first of march 2014 from jerry (todd) hunt auto sale in lexington nc. How could he even be allowed to sell such an unsafe vehicle? That was a matter of life and death. How can chevrolet even put such brake lines on as that? As I called chevrolet they don't want to do anything. I called todd hunts to have the lady yelling at me! Rude! That's beside the point...i seen death before my eyes that day. I found on consumer agency where out of 473 complaints 101 was the same issue as mine the same trucks the years 1999-2003. I also found in new york times where gm isn't wanting to do a recall cause it was going to cost millions of dollars. So now what? We all just get killed before something IS done? *tr
- Parking brake › Driveline › Hydraulic › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings · Service brakes
TL* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet silverado 3500. The contact stated that the brakes failed with no warning. The contact attempted to drive the vehicle on a residential road and upon applying the brakes, the pedal extended to the floorboard. the contact was able to drive the vehicle onto the…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet silverado 3500. The contact stated that the brakes failed with no warning. The contact attempted to drive the vehicle on a residential road and upon applying the brakes, the pedal extended to the floorboard. the contact was able to drive the vehicle onto the emergency lane, noticed there was a leak underneath the vehicle and that the brake line had burst. The vehicle was scheduled to be inspected and repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 121,938.
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting
First complaint for this problem was reported on 10/21/10. Complaint #10361641. Same problem again dtr light on right side out,smelled burning wire saw that the same thing happened again. Wires leading to light assembly melted and also melted the socket again. I think this could possibly lead to…
First complaint for this problem was reported on 10/21/10. Complaint #10361641. Same problem again dtr light on right side out,smelled burning wire saw that the same thing happened again. Wires leading to light assembly melted and also melted the socket again. I think this could possibly lead to some sort of electrical fire in the engine compartment. I fixed the problem myself the first time and will do so this time. *js
- Fuel/propulsion system
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet silverado 3500. The contact stated that while traveling various speeds, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who reset the computer and replaced the fuel tank along with the fuel transfer pump. The failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 61,000.
- Fuel system, gasoline · Service brakes, hydraulic
First failure was the dual braking system I was hooked up to a trailer and started down the driveway (about 0.4mile long) and stepped on the brake pedal which went to the floor boards. There was no stopping effort from the brakes. I used the manual control of the trailer brakes to stop the vehicle.…
First failure was the dual braking system I was hooked up to a trailer and started down the driveway (about 0.4mile long) and stepped on the brake pedal which went to the floor boards. There was no stopping effort from the brakes. I used the manual control of the trailer brakes to stop the vehicle. Both brake lines under the cab area had rusted out and ruptured at the same time. Had I been on the road at speed this would have been a crash. The dealer who picked up the truck commented that this happens "sometimes". He repleced the lines with non-gm ones so they would last longer. This winter I was having trouble starting the truck in cold weather and noted that I needed to operate the manual fuel priming pump to get the truck started. (Truck IS equipped with the optional diesel engine. The dealer when working on this noted that the lines were very rusty and need to be replaced. My safety concern this time was the small amounts of fuel weeping out of the rusted areas under the hood near the exhaust. And onto the ground. It seems that there IS a great amount of rust occurring on the brake and fuel lines. This worries me as the truck only has about 36,000 miles on it and I live in a state (vermont) that uses sand and not salt on the roads and travel only minimally in snow with the truck. When I was having the fuel lines replaced and while there the other two customers in line were also having rusted brake lines replaced. Seems like more than a coincidence. I have requested the rusted fuel lines from the dealer and still have them if you want to see them.
- Service brakes
Tl-the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet silverado 3500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 mph, the brake pedal was applied numerous times before the vehicle would stop. The contact was able to resume with caution. He also noticed that the brake line was ruptured and caused brake…
Tl-the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet silverado 3500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 mph, the brake pedal was applied numerous times before the vehicle would stop. The contact was able to resume with caution. He also noticed that the brake line was ruptured and caused brake fluid to leak. The contact planned to repair the vehicle himself. The manufacturer was not notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 175,000. kj
- Fuel system, diesel
Driving down the road and truck just starts stalling out. got it to the ford dealership who says there IS rust in the tank and the fuel filter IS full of it. this IS a safety issue as I was barely able to get off of the road. these trucks need to be recalled for the fuel tanks. I've had vehicles that have never had problems like this with the rust. they at least need to be checked out. *tr
- Engine · Fuel system, diesel
Gm had a injector problem (recall ) in 2006. They replaced mine on sept,27 2006. on may 21 20013 I had the same problem in which gm conveys they can't fix it again. the mileage on may, 21 was 84362, just about how long the others lasted. I was told from my local gm dealer that they are several…
Gm had a injector problem (recall ) in 2006. They replaced mine on sept,27 2006. on may 21 20013 I had the same problem in which gm conveys they can't fix it again. the mileage on may, 21 was 84362, just about how long the others lasted. I was told from my local gm dealer that they are several other owners with this same problem (thousands). I just waited to pass my grief along to let someone else know how you are treated by one of the companies that we bailed out with our monies. *tr
- Service brakes
When backing out of driveway went to stop and peddle went to floor,blowing brake fluid all over road.i have read many articles on this problem,with chevy products.thank heavens I was not driving on the highway and this happened. Enough said should be a recall,or reimbursement for repairs all ready finished on these corroded lines. *tr
- Service brakes
Brake lines had excessive amount of corrosion/rusted causing a leak(s). lines going from the ABS module to the front brakes were found to be leaking. lines going from the ABS system to the reservoir were also rusted and required replacement. lines from the ABS system to the rear brakes began leaking a week later. *tr
- Service brakes
Brake lines are all rusted as are fuel lines, brake line developed leak after hard stop, pedal went to floor, repair shop IS now replacing brake lines. *tr
- Service brakes
Had corroded fuel lines replaced. Mechanic stated that brake lines looked in bad shape and suggested they be replaced also. Had limited usage of my truck while I looked into having them replaced. On one occasion I was approaching a stop sign with my wife in truck, as I went to stop, line ruptured…
Had corroded fuel lines replaced. Mechanic stated that brake lines looked in bad shape and suggested they be replaced also. Had limited usage of my truck while I looked into having them replaced. On one occasion I was approaching a stop sign with my wife in truck, as I went to stop, line ruptured, pedal went to floor and I came close to going through stop sign in front of oncoming car. I replace the line since it was easy, and now on 7/8/2003 two more lines have ruptured. *tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic
Wife was coming home from work at night went to stop and lost brakes. I got it back home and inspected it and found that it blew a rear and front brake line. The brake lines were rotted so bad we replaced them all. Upon replacing brake lines I noticed that fuel lines were also rotted severely and…
Wife was coming home from work at night went to stop and lost brakes. I got it back home and inspected it and found that it blew a rear and front brake line. The brake lines were rotted so bad we replaced them all. Upon replacing brake lines I noticed that fuel lines were also rotted severely and one was wet with diesel. The truck IS used everyday and doesn't sit. These lines should not rot this bad this fast. Some thing gm should address before someone gets killed. thank you *tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic
TL* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet silverado 3500. The contact stated that while braking to a stop, the brake pedal went to the floorboard abnormally and he was unable to engage the brakes. The contact stated that he had to shift into neutral in order to stop the vehicle. He also mentioned that…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet silverado 3500. The contact stated that while braking to a stop, the brake pedal went to the floorboard abnormally and he was unable to engage the brakes. The contact stated that he had to shift into neutral in order to stop the vehicle. He also mentioned that after he inspected the vehicle, he noticed that the brake lines were corroded and brake fluid was leaking. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer and the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. The failure and the current mileage was 111,000.
- Service brakes, hydraulic
On the above listed date the brakes on my truck failed while going down hill not far from my house, this was not a complete failure as I was able to stop, get turned around and go home. Upon further investigation I found a brake line that rusted through. While looking on line for parts and guidance…
On the above listed date the brakes on my truck failed while going down hill not far from my house, this was not a complete failure as I was able to stop, get turned around and go home. Upon further investigation I found a brake line that rusted through. While looking on line for parts and guidance I came across an article which prompted me to further inspect the under carriage of my truck. I must say that I totally agree all the comments made regarding rust on these vehicles, it IS quite excessive. As I looked closely you can see a lot of rust on all components of the under carriage, ie cab mounts, bed mounts all brake lines, springs, spring shackles, the entire frame and the list goes on and on. My other vehicle IS a 1993 toyota corolla which has been in upstate new york since new. The under carriage looks new compared to the chevy. I feel g.m. Must have used a very poor grade of under coating on these vehicles and to leave something like brake lines unprotected like that IS just wrong. I'm just glad it didn't happen while towing the fifth wheel. I also feel a recall IS in order, especially for the brake lines. *tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic
2003 chevy silverado last year brake lines broke while on road due to severe corrosion lines . We were lucky not to have had an accident replaced all lines on vehicle. Now all rotors had to be replaced due to severe corrosion on them . Poor quality of rotors and calibers on vehicle . We only have 38,000 miles on this vehicle. *tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic
Full brake system failure. During a panic stop to avoid a multi-car accident all the metal brake lines between the ABS module and the wheel ends burst due to rust and corrosion build up. All the metal lines must be replaced with new. *tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic
Vehicle IS a chevy 2003 4X4 3500 dually with approximately 87,000 miles. Sudden and complete brake failure while driving due to corroded brake line leak I since had fixed. While braking at slow speeds the brake pedal slams to the floor and in reverse there IS also a loud clunk that shakes the truck. *tr
- Electrical system · Equipment · Fuel system, other
While driving home around 10 pm with small children; my truck started to surge, became difficult to control, and the gauges did not register anything ( all at 0). This road was in the middle of nowhere and outside a bad area, so I called my husband to come follow me home and I drove home slowly all…
While driving home around 10 pm with small children; my truck started to surge, became difficult to control, and the gauges did not register anything ( all at 0). This road was in the middle of nowhere and outside a bad area, so I called my husband to come follow me home and I drove home slowly all the while enduring a chugging motion. What IS normally a 20 minute trip became an hour and a half trip. When I got home and shut the truck off my husband looked at it thinking that the fuel injectors could be the problem since they had just been recalled and replaced. The truck would not start when he went to restart it and the dash said 'unknown driver". Through some research we discovered it IS a faulty passlock system. We went through the recommendations and it was fixed. This occurred again today august 18, 2011 while driving and I now can not start my vehicle or have it towed because it can not be put on a truck because everything IS locked up tight and can not be unlocked. We changed the batteries in the key fobs to no avail. The windows are stuck open and it IS rainy season here. They lights come on and the information center keeps says 'unknown driver." I am now afraid to drive my truck for fear that the next time I will not be able to control it. I have an 18 year old that drives my truck to college and I live in great fear that he will not be able to control the vehicle if it does the same thing while driving it. *tr
- Electrical system
Gm passlock theft deterrent system IS leaving thousands of people stranded . This problem IS widespread and needs to be addressed. *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
- 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 3500 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.