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EnginePart report

2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 HD Engine Problems

Complaints
3about this part
Share
3%of 101 total for the year
Median mileage
148,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the engine of the 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 HD, 3% of the 101 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 148,000 miles.

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.

“Several of the exhaust manifold bolts have snapped/sheared causing exhaust leaks between the exhaust manifold and exhaust port on the cylinder head. I'm learning that this is a common issue that has gone unaddressed by the manufacturer, but is clearly an emissions and functionality issue. Please help in holding the manufacturer accountable for this apparent mechanical defect. As of now, they offer no assistance in repairing the issue.”

NHTSA complaint #11155467, filed 2018-12, 174,000 miles

“Ok the problem I'm about to state is a huge problem with the 2003 1500 hds since they where new and chevy has had several complaints over the years with a refusal to repair. The throttle actuator control is what the pedal sensor tells to move the throttle body. …”

NHTSA complaint #10629944, filed 2014-09, 148,000 miles

“Lost power to engine while driving down the interstate highway. Fault on dash showed (reduced engine power). Pulled to shoulder of highway and tried to restart engine to no avail. After sitting for about 5 minutes engine started and check engine light stayed on for a few days. Since that time I have replaced the throttle position sensor and have still been having the same problem for the past 2 years. It will sometimes drive for a few days without any problem, but some days it will occur 10 or more times in a day. …”

NHTSA complaint #10544977, filed 2013-09, 110,250 miles

Related service bulletins

Engine: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
200416%
200333%
2002418%

Other parts of the 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 HD

Brakes
49 complaints
Electrical system
30 complaints
Steering
9 complaints
Engine cooling
7 complaints
Fuel system
6 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
4 complaints
Vehicle speed control
3 complaints
Exterior lighting
2 complaints
Other or unknown
2 complaints
Seats
2 complaints
Air bags
1 complaints
Forward 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