Model year record

2003 Chevrolet Silverado

6 recall campaigns on file for this model year. 852 owner complaints on file.

Recalls

Recall campaignNHTSA 05V161000

Parking brake

Component: Parking brake
Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Vehicles affected: 90,242
Reported to NHTSA: 2005-04-22
Owners notified: 2005-07-29

Defect description

ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS AND BUILT WITH EITHER PBR PARKING BRAKE SYSTEMS OR TRW PARKING BRAKE SYSTEMS, THE PARKING BRAKE FRICTION LININGS MAY WEAR TO AN EXTENT WHERE THE PARKING BRAKE CAN BECOME INEFFECTIVE IN IMMOBILIZING A PARKED VEHICLE.

Safety risk

IF THE PARKING BRAKE DOES NOT HOLD, UNINTENDED VEHICLE MOVEMENT COULD OCCUR, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A LOW-FORCE SPRING CLIP RETAINER FOR VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A PBR PARKING BRAKE SYSTEM. ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE TRW PARKING BRAKE SYSTEM, DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REDESIGNED PARKING BRAKE CABLE ASSEMBLY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 29, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 OR GMC AT 1-866-996-9463.

Recall campaignNHTSA 05V163000

Seat belts: rear/other

Component: Seat belts: rear/other
Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Vehicles affected: 1,359,824
Reported to NHTSA: 2005-04-22
Owners notified: 2005-07-21

Defect description

ON CERTAIN CREW CAB PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE 2ND ROW CENTER OCCUPANT SEAT BELT ROUTING MAY MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO POSITION THE LAP PORTION OF THE SAFETY BELT LOW AROUND THE HIPS OF OCCUPANTS, ESPECIALLY SMALLER OCCUPANTS, SEATED IN THIS POSITION. APPROPRIATE USE OF A CHILD SEAT OR BOOSTER SEAT, AS RECOMMENDED FOR SMALL CHILDREN, DOES IMPROVE THE FIT CONDITION FOR THIS USER GROUP. IN ADDITION TO INSTRUCTIONS ON PROPER INFANT AND YOUNG CHILD RESTRAINT (WITH CHILD SEATS OR BOOSTERS), SPECIAL VERBIAGE FOR RESTRAINING OLDER CHILD IS INCLUDED IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL. ALSO, THE SUGGESTED SEAT BELT FIT/ROUTING FOR ADULTS, IRRESPECTIVE OF SEATING POSITION, IS DESCRIBED IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL TEXT.

Safety risk

A LAP PORTION OF THE SEAT BELT ROUTING THAT IS NOT LOW AND SNUG ON THE HIPS CAN ALLOW THE LAP BELT TO RIDE UP ON AN OCCUPANT'S ABDOMEN INSTEAD OF FITTING LOW AROUND THEIR HIPBONES, AND THEREFORE, CAN EXPOSE THEM TO MORE RISK OF ABDOMINAL AND INTERNAL ORGAN INJURY.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL CUT OPEN THE GUIDE LOOP, REMOVE A PORTION OF THE LOOP, AND THEN THE REMAINING TWO SIDES SHOULD BE FOLDED OVER AND SECURED WITH A RETAINER FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 21, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, OR HUMMER AT 1-800-732-5493.

Recall campaignNHTSA 04V225000

Seat belts: front: anchorage

Component: Seat belts: front: anchorage
Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Vehicles affected: 736
Reported to NHTSA: 2004-05-11
Owners notified: 2004-09-09

Defect description

CERTAIN EXTENDED AND REGULAR CAB PICKUP TRUCKS AND CARGO VANS CONVERTED TO COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS (CNG) FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, 'CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS.' THESE VEHICLES HAVE ONE SEATING POSITION, THE CENTER REAR SEAT, EQUIPPED WITH CHILD RESTRAINT LOWER ANCHORAGES.

Safety risk

THE STANDARD REQUIRES CHILD SEAT LOWER ANCHORAGES IN TWO SEATING POSITIONS FOR VEHICLES WITH THREE REAR SEATING POSITIONS. THE STANDARD CAB AND CARGO VAN VEHICLES, WHICH ONLY HAVE FRONT SEATING POSITIONS, HAVE AN AIR BAG OFF SWITCH TO DISABLE THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG AND DO NOT HAVE CHILD RESTRAINT LOWER ANCHORAGES IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. THE STANDARD REQUIRES PASSENGER SEAT CHILD SEAT LOWER ANCHORAGES IN VEHICLES WITH AN AIR BAG OFF SWITCH. HOWEVER, THE STANDARD DOES NOT REQUIRE VEHICLES WITH ONLY FRONT SEATING POSITIONS TO HAVE LOWER ANCHORAGE PROVISIONS IF THE VEHICLE IS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AN AIR BAG OFF SWITCH.

Manufacturer remedy

TO BRING THE STANDARD CAB AND CARGO VAN VEHICLES INTO COMPLIANCE, DEALERS WILL INJECT EPOXY INTO THE AIR BAG OFF SWITCH TO PREVENT AIR BAG ACTIVATION, RELOCATE THE SWITCH BEHIND THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THEN INSTALL A COVER OVER THE RESULTING OPENING. THE SUN VISOR LABEL AND OWNER'S MANUAL WILL ALSO BE CHANGED. THE CORRECTION FOR THE EXTENDED CAB VEHICLE WILL CONSIST OF CHANGING THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT TO A SEAT THAT HAS CHILD RESTRAINT LOWER ANCHORAGES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 9, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 OR GMC AT 1-866-996-9463.

Recall campaignNHTSA 04V129000

Structure: body: tailgate: hinge and attachments

Component: Structure: body: tailgate: hinge and attachments
Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Vehicles affected: 3,662,211
Reported to NHTSA: 2004-03-17
Owners notified: 2004-09-18

Defect description

ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE GALVANIZED STEEL TAILGATE SUPPORT CABLES THAT RETAIN THE TAILGATE IN THE FULL OPEN (HORIZONTAL) POSITION MAY CORRODE, WEAKEN, AND EVENTUALLY FRACTURE. IF BOTH CABLES FRACTURED, THE TAILGATE WOULD SUDDENLY DROP AND STRIKE THE TOP SURFACE OF THE REAR BUMPER.

Safety risk

ANYONE SITTING OR STANDING ON THE HORIZONTAL SURFACE OF THE TAILGATE WHEN BOTH CABLES FRACTURED COULD BE INJURED BY FALLING FROM THE TAILGATE. ON VEHICLES THAT HAVE HAD THE BUMPER REMOVED, THE TAILGATE MAY DROP EVEN LOWER. ADDITIONALLY, IF THERE IS CARGO ON THE TAILGATE THE CARGO MAY FALL OFF IF THE SUPPORT CABLES FRACTURE.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CABLES. INTERIM OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON APRIL 7, 20004. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 24, 2004, WHEN REPLACEMENT PARTS WERE AVAILABLE, AND WILL CONTINUE THROUGH OCTOBER 29, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 OR GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, OR VISIT WWW.MYGMLINK.COM, AND ENTER YOUR VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER.

Recall campaignNHTSA 04V045000

Service brakes, hydraulic

Component: Service brakes, hydraulic
Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Vehicles affected: 68,875
Reported to NHTSA: 2004-02-04
Owners notified: 2004-06-18

Defect description

CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, PICKUP TRUCKS, AND PASSENGER VANS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 135, ?PASSENGER CAR BRAKE SYSTEMS.? SOME OF THESE VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH AN OUT-OF-SPECIFICATION BRAKE HYDRO-BOOST HOUSING RELIEF VALVE BORE.

Safety risk

CONSEQUENTLY, THE VALVE O-RING SEAL MAY FRACTURE. STEERING EFFORTS MAY BE SLIGHTLY INCREASED WHILE BRAKING OR PARKING. UNDER CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS, A FRACTURED SEAL MAY REQUIRE A SLIGHT INCREASE IN THE APPLIED BRAKE PEDAL EFFORT TO ACHIEVE THE SAME VEHICLE DECELERATION RATE AS PRIOR TO THE SEAT FRACTURE.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS ARE TO REPLACE THE HYDRO-BOOST RELIEF VALVE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 18, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339; CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438; GMC AT 1-866-996-9463; OR HUMMER AT 1-866-486-6376.

Recall campaignNHTSA 03V018000

Visibility: windshield

Component: Visibility: windshield
Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Vehicles affected: 110
Reported to NHTSA: 2003-01-23
Owners notified: 2003-01-28

Defect description

CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 212, "WINDSHIELD MOUNTING." SOME OF THESE VEHICLES LACK A CONTINUOUS URETHANE BONDING BEAD BETWEEN THE BODY SURFACE AND THE WINDSHIELD.

Safety risk

IN VEHICLES WITH THIS CONDITION, THE WINDSHIELD MAY NOT BE RETAINED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY STANDARD DURING A VEHICLE CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REMOVE, RESEAL, AND REINSTALL THE WINDSHIELD. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JANUARY 28, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020 OR GMC AT 1-800-462-8782.

Owner complaints

A complaint is one person's report to a federal agency. It is not a finding.

Component	Complaints	Median mileage
Service brakes	124	92,615 mi
Electrical system	61	54,000 mi
Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel	46	67,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic	45	57,100 mi
Power train: automatic transmission	44	7,255 mi
Steering	38	18,500 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: rotor	31	35,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip	29	24,000 mi
Vehicle speed control	23	40,000 mi
Power train: transfer case (4-wheel drive)	21	6,136 mi
Tires	21	16,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings	18	74,900 mi
Steering: column	15	19,500 mi
Unknown or other	12	38,327 mi
Engine and engine cooling	11	36,500 mi
Air bags	10	11,913 mi
Steering: gear box: shaft sector	10	35,000 mi
Air bags: frontal	9	10,778 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: pads	9	31,967 mi
Suspension	9	11,400 mi
Power train	8	6,903 mi
Structure: body: tailgate: hinge and attachments	8	28,000 mi
Engine	7	84,000 mi
Fuel/propulsion system	7	92,000 mi
Wheels	7	11,500 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine	6	3,500 mi
Fuel system, diesel	6	58,351 mi
Latches/locks/linkages: tailgate: latch	6	50,000 mi
Parking brake	6	43,500 mi
Structure	6	3,000 mi
Electrical system: wiring	4	16,000 mi
Equipment: appliance: air conditioner	4	9,000 mi
Suspension: rear	4	11,700 mi
Vehicle speed control: accelerator pedal	4	5 mi
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: switch/wiring	4	40,000 mi
Equipment	3	597 mi
Exterior lighting: headlights	3	32,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump	3	45,000 mi
Fuel system, other: storage: fuel gauge system	3	31,500 mi
Latches/locks/linkages: doors: latch	3	41,000 mi
Seat belts	3	1,000 mi
Seat belts: rear/other	3	50 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: master cylinder	3	67,000 mi
Steering: gear box (other than rack and pinion)	3	5,000 mi
Steering: hydraulic power assist system	3	11,400 mi
Steering: hydraulic power assist: pump	3	13,800 mi
Steering: linkages: tie rod assembly	3	22,583 mi
Suspension: front: hub	3	41,300 mi
Tires: tread/belt	3	125,000 mi
Visibility	3	48,000 mi
Air bags: frontal: sensor/control module	2	7,400 mi
Child seat	2	—
Electrical system: 12V/24V/48V battery	2	45,000 mi
Electrical system: horn	2	—
Electrical system: ignition	2	15,000 mi
Electrical system: ignition: switch	2	15,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine: diesel	2	28,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe	2	18,500 mi
Equipment: electrical	2	10,140 mi
Equipment: electrical: radio/tape deck/CD etc.	2	35,500 mi
Exterior lighting: hazard flashing warning lights: switch	2	800 mi
Exterior lighting: turn signal	2	18,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline	2	38,327 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system	2	275,000 mi
Power train: driveline	2	—
Power train: driveline: differential unit	2	23,000 mi
Seats	2	60,000 mi
Seats: front assembly: power adjust	2	144 mi
Seats: front assembly: seat heater/cooler	2	999,999 mi
Service brakes, air: antilock	2	—
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc	2	17,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: caliper	2	36,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: pedals and linkages	2	15 mi
Steering: column locking: anti-theft device	2	19,765 mi
Steering: linkages: knuckle: spindle: arm	2	20,000 mi
Structure: frame and members	2	58,000 mi
Suspension: front	2	15,000 mi
Suspension: front: wheel bearing	2	29,000 mi
Suspension: rear: springs: leaf spring assembly	2	597 mi
Tires: temporary/emergency spare tire	2	27,675 mi
Trailer hitches	2	1,500 mi
Vehicle speed control: cruise control	2	16,000 mi
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system: fan/motor	2	62,000 mi
Visibility: power window devices and controls	2	10,140 mi
Visibility: rearview mirrors/devices	2	144 mi
Visibility: rearview mirrors/devices: exterior	2	5,200 mi
Visibility: windshield	2	5,000 mi
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer	2	17,000 mi
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: motor	2	25,000 mi
Electrical system: ignition: module	1	600 mi
Electrical system: wiring: interior/under dash	1	47,000 mi
Electronic stability control (ESC)	1	30,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system	1	138,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline: belts and associated pulleys	1	19,765 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system	1	18,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control	1	1,638 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: gas recirculation valve (EGR valve)	1	15,000 mi
Equipment: electrical: anti-theft devices	1	30 mi
Equipment: mechanical: accessory scissor/screw/bottle jack/lift	1	—
Exterior lighting	1	25,000 mi
Exterior lighting: turn signal: flasher unit	1	38,000 mi
Exterior lighting: turn signal: switch	1	18,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings	1	15,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system: injectors	1	19,500 mi
Fuel system, other: fuel injection system	1	36,000 mi
Fuel system, other: storage	1	18,653 mi
Latches/locks/linkages	1	30 mi
Power train: automatic transmission: control module (TCM/PCM/TECM)	1	1,000 mi
Power train: automatic transmission: gear position indication (PRNDL)	1	15,000 mi
Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: column shift	1	68,000 mi
Power train: automatic transmission: park/neutral start interlock switch	1	16,000 mi
Power train: axle assembly	1	10,000 mi
Power train: axle hubs	1	19,765 mi
Power train: manual transmission	1	—
Seat belts: front	1	144 mi
Seat belts: front: anchorage	1	6,000 mi
Seat belts: front: buckle assembly	1	—
Seat belts: front: retractor	1	500 mi
Service brakes, air: disc: caliper	1	15,000 mi
Service brakes, air: supply: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings	1	14,043 mi
Service brakes, electric	1	—
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: differential proportional valve	1	67,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: drum	1	42,145 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: drum: drum	1	6,345 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: hydraulic	1	12,000 mi
Steering: electric power assist system	1	32,000 mi
Steering: gear box: shaft pitman	1	50,000 mi
Steering: hydraulic power assist: power steering fluid	1	9,925 mi
Steering: linkages	1	24,000 mi
Steering: linkages: drag: link: connection	1	15,000 mi
Steering: rack and pinion: pinion shaft	1	12,000 mi
Structure: body	1	—
Structure: body: hatchback/liftgate: support device/strut	1	—
Structure: frame and members: underbody shields	1	81,524 mi
Suspension: front: control arm: lower arm	1	9,002 mi
Suspension: front: control arm: lower ball joint	1	52,000 mi
Suspension: front: springs: air suspension system	1	17,000 mi
Suspension: front: springs: leaf spring assembly: leaf	1	8 mi
Suspension: front: springs: leaf spring assembly: shackle	1	—
Suspension: rear: axle: non-powered axle assembly	1	10,000 mi
Suspension: rear: axle: spindle	1	54,583 mi
Suspension: rear: shock absorber	1	14,043 mi
Tires: sidewall	1	2,680 mi
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system	1	—
Wheels: lugs/nuts/bolts/studs	1	—

The 2002 model has roughly the same number of complaints as this one. The 2004 model has roughly the same number of complaints as this one. These figures reflect raw complaint counts, not failure rates. Higher-selling model years naturally receive more complaints.

Safety recall repairs are provided free of charge by franchised dealers, regardless of vehicle age or mileage. This page displays aggregated data for the model year. To check recall status for a specific vehicle, search its VIN at nhtsa.gov.