2003 Chevrolet Silverado 3500: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 42 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is service brakes, hydraulic (32% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall May 2006
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 42 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet silverado 3500. While driving approximately 4 mph, the clutch panel assembly fractured into the floorboard without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and a dealer on two separate occasions where it was diagnosed that the clutch panel failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired both times, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 85,337.”Owner report · Power Train · May 2016
“Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet silverado 3500. The contact stated that while driving 30 mph, the engine stalled and there was an abnormal noise. The contact was a certified mechanic and diagnosed that the fuel injector failed. The vehicle was restarted and the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 186,444.”Owner report · Engine · Oct 2015
“Was driving along at approximately 40 miles an hour when to apply the brakes the brake line ruptured and I had to steer off the road into ditch. *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes · Dec 2014
Show 7 more owner reports
“Driving through a rural town going about 45 miles an hour, I applied the brakes and they were very soft, brake pedal went near the floor, eased it home on front brakes (as rear line had ruptured). Upon inspection brake line had rusted in two just behind the fuel tank (long section had rusted away). Replaced line going to rear brakes.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Oct 2014
“Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet silverado 3500. The contact stated that the brakes failed with no warning. The contact attempted to drive the vehicle on a residential road and upon applying the brakes, the pedal extended to the floorboard. The contact was able to drive the vehicle onto the emergency lane, noticed there was a leak underneath the vehicle and that the brake line had burst. The vehicle was scheduled to be inspected and repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 121,938.”Owner report · Parking Brake · Jun 2014
“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. Wires leading to light assembly melted and also melted the socket again. I think this could possibly lead to some sort of electrical fire in the engine compartment. I fixed the problem myself the first time and will do so this time. *js”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Apr 2014
“Tl-the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet silverado 3500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 mph, the brake pedal was applied numerous times before the vehicle would stop. The contact was able to resume with caution. He also noticed that the brake line was ruptured and caused brake fluid to leak. The contact planned to repair the vehicle himself. The manufacturer was not notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 175,000. Kj”Owner report · Service Brakes · Feb 2014
“Tl*the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet silverado 3500. The contact stated that while traveling various speeds, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who reset the computer and replaced the fuel tank along with the fuel transfer pump. The failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 61,000.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Feb 2014
“Driving down the road and truck just starts stalling out. Got it to the ford dealership who says there is rust in the tank and the fuel filter is full of it. This is a safety issue as I was barely able to get off of the road. These trucks need to be recalled for the fuel tanks. I've had vehicles that have never had problems like this with the rust. They at least need to be checked out. *tr”Owner report · Fuel System, Diesel · Jan 2013
“When backing out of driveway went to stop and peddle went to floor,blowing brake fluid all over road.I have read many articles on this problem,with chevy products.thank heavens I was not driving on the highway and this happened. Enough said should be a recall,or reimbursement for repairs all ready finished on these corroded lines. *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes · Nov 2012
Recalls - 1 campaign
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 MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.
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).
How other years compare
Check your exact Silverado 3500 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 reliable?
NHTSA has 42 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 3500. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic (32% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 84,728 miles or less.
Does the 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning fuel system, gasoline. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.