2003 Chevrolet Silverado 3500
This year's complaint volume is within 30% 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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1994 | 1 |
| 1996 | 1 |
| 1997 | 61 |
| 1998 | 67 |
| 1999 | 47 |
| 2000 | 80 |
| 2001 | 72 |
| 2002 | 50 |
| 2003 | 42 |
| 2004 | 41 |
| 2005 | 46 |
| 2006 | 52 |
| 2007 | 39 |
| 2008 | 31 |
| 2009 | 10 |
| 2010 | 2 |
| 2011 | 29 |
| 2012 | 23 |
| 2013 | 26 |
| 2014 | 10 |
| 2015 | 52 |
| 2016 | 51 |
| 2017 | 13 |
| 2018 | 19 |
| 2019 | 21 |
| 2020 | 42 |
| 2021 | 39 |
| 2022 | 27 |
| 2023 | 14 |
| 2024 | 49 |
| 2025 | 12 |
| 2026 | 2 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
57% of complaints: service brakes — 24 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120708
14% of complaints: electrical system — 6 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing instrument cluster/panel.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140428
Also filed under EXTERIOR LIGHTING
10% of complaints: power train — 4 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing transfer case (4-wheel drive) and driveline.
7% of complaints: fuel system, diesel — 3 distinct reports on file.
7% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 3 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing diesel and engine.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2003 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (24 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 06E043000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 3500?
The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 57% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.