2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 HD
Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 101
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Service brakes
None on file
None on file
50% of complaints
Complaints per year
2003: 101 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2001 | 16 |
| 2002 | 22 |
| 2003 | 101 |
| 2004 | 17 |
| 2005 | 26 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Service brakes
50% · 50 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic and electric.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2016-09-26
Electrical system
30% · 30 reportsMost commonly citing instrument cluster/panel.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2014-06-26
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 HD. The contact stated that the air conditioner was inoperable and the plastic wires that came from the unit were melted.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-08-06
My whole dashboard stops working the gauges lights everything just stopped working.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-08-26
Also filed under Vehicle speed control
Steering
9% · 9 reportsMost commonly citing column.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 HD. The contact was driving approximately 25 MPH when the rear wheels turned in an awkward position causing a loss in steering. The vehicle would not steer in a straight direction.
NHTSA ODI report, 2011-01-25
Engine and engine cooling
7% · 7 reportsMost commonly citing exhaust system.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 HD. While driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle lost complete power. Upon further inspection, the contact noticed flames under the hood of the vehicle.
NHTSA ODI report, 2009-06-23
Power train
4% · 4 reportsSafety timeline
No recalls on file for this model year.
0 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
Buy-smart checklist
2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 HD — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Service brakes: 50 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 30 reports on file for this year.
- Steering: 9 reports on file for this year.
FAQ
- Is the 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 HD reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 HD?
- The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 HD have?
- No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-02 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.