2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 HD Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 7%of 101 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 98,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 HD, 7% of the 101 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 98,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“3 of the 6 exhaust manifold bolts have broken off on left side ,2 on the right side . I now have the exhaust ticking sound and on occasion get exhaust smell inside cab.I noticed the first broken bolt at approx 55000 miles. I now have 112000 miles.”
NHTSA complaint #10648537, filed 2014-10, 55,000 miles“I was driving along the road this past winter and a car suddenly stopped in front of me...I had absolutely no brakes and thankfullly was able to get around the car into the other lane without injury. The brake lines were all corroded and needed to be replaced. This could have been a serious accident had there been vehicles in the other lane. In addition to this the speedometer often stops working and is registering at the wrong speed.”
NHTSA complaint #10324969, filed 2010-04, 110,000 miles“Gm 2004 1500hd truck: GM can't fix the reduce engine power problem. The code that they can't fix keeps saying its the throttle body sensor. I have had GM dealer try to fix what this code is telling them but still have the problem. Based off research this is a major problem with many other GM truck owners. When this sensor light comes on & displays reduce engine power the truck basically shuts down. I've had this happen running in the left lane of a major hwy and almost got run over. Please have GM do something about this problem because I'm sure if it hasn't killed anyone yet it will. …”
NHTSA complaint #10402737, filed 2011-05, 120,000 miles“2003 Chevrolet silverado exhaust manifold bolt broke. Less than 100k miles. Costly repair to have the bolt drilled out and replace all bolts and gasket. Exhaust leaks and can hear ticking noise for the first 10 minutes or so after the vehicle is started. Also causes my check engine light to come on, pulling error codes for oxygen sensors.”
NHTSA complaint #10378072, filed 2011-01, 88,000 miles“The contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet SILVERADO 1500 HD. While driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle lost complete power. Upon further inspection, the contact noticed flames under the hood of the vehicle. The fire department extinguished the flames, but the vehicle was completely destroyed. The cause of the failure was unknown. The failure and current mileages were 60,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10274707, filed 2009-06, 60,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10251887Mar 14, 2024This bulletin advises the technician of possible location of an internal coolant leak from a specific cylinder head and location.
- 10251890Mar 13, 2024This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank…
- 10250775Feb 22, 2024This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large…
- 10249579Jan 12, 2024This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10242843Sep 1, 2023The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the…
- 10242262Aug 24, 2023This service bulletin provides graphics, information and guidelines for engine component wear to assist service personnel as a guideline to perform necessary engine repairs and…
- 10240344Jul 31, 2023This service bulletin explains how to measure for oil consumption and possible reasons for loss of oil.
- 10235802Apr 24, 2023This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
- 10234141Mar 23, 2023This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
- 10234110Mar 17, 2023This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
Engine cooling: other model years
Other parts of the 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 HD
49 complaintsElectrical system
30 complaintsSteering
9 complaintsFuel system
6 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
4 complaintsEngine
3 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsSeats
2 complaintsAir bags
1 complaintsForward collision avoidance
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 HD
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology