2003 Chevrolet Silverado 2500

■ Significantly worse — known issue year

2003 Chevrolet Silverado 2500
BUILT 2026-09-02

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

2003: 449 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1994	3
1995	3
1996	2
1997	64
1998	73
1999	81
2000	132
2001	300
2002	351
2003	449
2004	368
2005	269
2006	177
2007	204
2008	191
2009	61
2010	21
2011	104
2012	53
2013	51
2014	40
2015	175
2016	122
2017	54
2018	52
2019	74
2020	101
2021	84
2022	92
2023	45
2024	139
2025	27
2026	4

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

SERVICE BRAKES 57%

57% of complaints: service brakes — 257 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and electric.

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

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 19%

19% of complaints: electrical system — 86 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing instrument cluster/panel and interior/under dash.

CRASH FIRE INJURY

POWER TRAIN 7%

7% of complaints: power train — 30 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and transfer case (4-wheel drive).

STEERING 4%

4% of complaints: steering — 17 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic power assist system and column.

CRASH INJURY

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 4%

4% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 17 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing exhaust system and manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe.

FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY WHEN SMOKE AND FLAMES EMITTED FROM UNDER THE HOOD. *PH *JB

NHTSA ODI report, 20040326

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