2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.
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 PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1994 | 10 |
| 1995 | 3 |
| 1996 | 7 |
| 1997 | 555 |
| 1998 | 361 |
| 1999 | 587 |
| 2000 | 611 |
| 2001 | 468 |
| 2002 | 509 |
| 2003 | 805 |
| 2004 | 797 |
| 2005 | 525 |
| 2006 | 358 |
| 2007 | 849 |
| 2008 | 914 |
| 2009 | 444 |
| 2010 | 361 |
| 2011 | 563 |
| 2012 | 216 |
| 2013 | 301 |
| 2014 | 1433 |
| 2015 | 1101 |
| 2016 | 791 |
| 2017 | 711 |
| 2018 | 514 |
| 2019 | 1058 |
| 2020 | 709 |
| 2021 | 792 |
| 2022 | 602 |
| 2023 | 365 |
| 2024 | 288 |
| 2025 | 87 |
| 2026 | 74 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
55% of complaints: service brakes — 443 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and air.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
IN BUMPER TO BUMPER TRAFFIC FOR APROX 4 MINS AND STOPPING AND STARTING HIT THE BRAKES , PEDDLE GOES TO FLOOR HITTING CAR IN FRONT OF ME BECAUSE NO BRAKES.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130625
APPLICATION OF BRAKES UPON SLOW DOWN OF GETTING OFF OF EXIT RAMP WAS SOFT AND FARTHER THEN NORMAL. 3 OR 4 APPLICATIONS FOR TURNS SEEMED OK.
NHTSA ODI report, 20121202
BRAKE LINE RUSTED. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20120825
24% of complaints: electrical system — 196 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing instrument cluster/panel and ignition.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
My heater started to shut off then Iâd turn it off then turn it back on then itâd come back on again. That went on for a few days. Started my truck in the morning and let it warm up for a few moments when I hear truck is on fire.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240309
I was driving in normal conditions around 45 mph with the air conditioner on high. Smoke starts pouring out from underneath the dash on the passenger side and once I get stopped the blower motor resistor had caught fire.
NHTSA ODI report, 20210624
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CEASED TO FUNCTION WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 170,000.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171106
7% of complaints: steering — 56 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing column and shaft sector.
4% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 29 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing cruise control and cables.
CRASH INJURY3% of complaints: structure — 27 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing body and underbody shields.
CRASHSAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
PARKING BRAKE FAILURE
PARKING BRAKE FAILURE
Brake line corrosion failure
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (443 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (196 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (56 reports on file for this year).
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500?
The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 55% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.