MYRModel Year Report

2003 Chevrolet Silverado 2500

■ Significantly worse — known issue year
2003 Chevrolet Silverado 2500
BUILT 2026-08-02

This year had more than double the complaints of 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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Chevrolet Silverado 2500 Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2003 highlighted. 1994: 3 complaints 1994 1995: 3 complaints 1996: 2 complaints 1997: 64 complaints 1998: 73 complaints 1999: 81 complaints 1999 2000: 132 complaints 2001: 300 complaints 2002: 351 complaints 2003: 449 complaints 2003 2004: 368 complaints 2004 2005: 269 complaints 2006: 177 complaints 2007: 204 complaints 2008: 191 complaints 2009: 61 complaints 2009 2010: 21 complaints 2011: 104 complaints 2012: 52 complaints 2013: 51 complaints 2014: 40 complaints 2014 2015: 175 complaints 2016: 122 complaints 2017: 54 complaints 2018: 51 complaints 2019: 72 complaints 2019 2020: 99 complaints 2021: 82 complaints 2022: 89 complaints 2023: 42 complaints 2024: 135 complaints 2024 2025: 19 complaints 2026: 4 complaints 2026
2003: 449 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19943
19953
19962
199764
199873
199981
2000132
2001300
2002351
2003449
2004368
2005269
2006177
2007204
2008191
200961
201021
2011104
201252
201351
201440
2015175
2016122
201754
201851
201972
202099
202182
202289
202342
2024135
202519
20264

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

SERVICE BRAKES 28%

28% of complaints: service brakes — 127 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

WHILE BACKING OUT OF A DRIVEWAY MY BRAKE PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. NO WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. I BACKED INTO A TREE BECAUSE I COULD NOT STOP. BENT MY BUMPER INTO THE FENDER.

NHTSA ODI report, 20120812

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 20260414

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 20180321

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 21%

21% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 93 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 2500 HD. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED A DEER IN THE ROAD AND IMMEDIATELY ENGAGED THE BRAKE PEDAL.THE BRAKES DID NOT RESPOND AND THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE.

NHTSA ODI report, 20120430

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 10%

10% of complaints: electrical system — 45 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 8%

8% of complaints: electrical system — 37 distinct reports on file.

ENGINE 3%

3% of complaints: engine — 15 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD BOLTS ARE BREAKING ON THE 6.0 ENGINE. I THINK GM SHOULD DO THIS REPAIR SINCE I HAVE TALKED TO SEVERAL PEOPLE AND THIS IS VERY COMMON. IT IS A DESIGN DEFECT AS FAR AS I AM CONCERNED.

NHTSA ODI report, 20171213

SAFETY TIMELINE

▮ 2003 — complaint volume: 449
I 20040430 — EA (closed 20050228)

HYDRAULIC PUMP FAILRES

R 20061018 — fuel system, gasoline

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 MANUFACTURE

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).

Campaign 06E043000 — check if this car was fixed

R Date not on file — steering

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.

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.

Campaign 06E010000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2003 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for service brakes issues (127 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (93 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (45 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 06E010000 (steering) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 06E043000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2014 ▲ 2023 ▲ 2013

WORST YEARS

■ 2004 ■ 2002 ■ 2001

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 is rated "significantly worse".

What are the most common problems with the 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 2500?

The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 28% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 have?

2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.