2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 21about this part
- Share
- 3%of 805 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 90,100miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 21 complaints about the air bags of the 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 3% of the 805 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 90,100 miles. 6 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“At all times during operation, the subject vehicle has a 'service air bag' message on the instrument cluster, along with the red illuminated symbol indicating air bag problem. From what I've found via internet searches, this seems to be common on the chevy trucks. I do not know if the problem would prevent the airbag(s) from operating in the event of an emergency, but I cannot assume that the airbag would actuate if/when needed, potentially resulting in serious injury or loss of life. …”
NHTSA complaint #11131678, filed 2018-09, 92,000 miles“Vehicle was on cruise control prior to accident, I lost consciousness & do not remember anything about the crash early on. Was informed the vehicle rolled front to rear 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 times, prior to coming to rest on its top. The vehicle was a total loss due to this accident. I spent 3 days in icu and am now recuperating at home. No airbags deployed due to this accident . The vehicle was a total loss due to the accident.”
NHTSA complaint #10592067, filed 2014-05, 250,000 miles“Several times now this last 2 months my truck stops running. At first it would slow down then stop, the last time it completely shut down 3 times from work to home which is only 10 minutes away. The ignition seems to be the problem. I am bringing this to everyones attention just in case someone else has the same type of vehicle. If I were driving 65 or 70 miles per hour it could have killed someone or me or both. My passenger side airbag is also showing a fault. It shows that it needs serviced.”
NHTSA complaint #10704710, filed 2015-04, 189,085 miles“I have a 1500 chevy, silverado. I was notified by ?? Because the dealership I purchased the vehicle from has closed. The recall stated a problem with the instrument panel cluster. But, because we had more than 70,000 miles it was not covered. We had to pay over $300.00. We were not notified in a timely manner and should be reimbursed. In 2006 when the odometer and the temp gauges was sticking we did not have 70,000 miles. The air bag light is still stuck since 2006.”
NHTSA complaint #10229851, filed 2008-06, 63,000 miles“Had to remove seat for repairs. When seat replaced red seat belt warning light stays on and message appears that says service air bag. I can not purchase sensor for the seat which is relatively inexpensive, but have purchase the whole unit which includes the master unit under the dash.”
NHTSA complaint #11043924, filed 2017-11, 119,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10115913Oct 10, 2016All applicable vehicle applications are without Electronic Accessory Control System option. This communication is to return unsold inventory because some product sold in 2016 may…
Air bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 1% |
| 2024 | 2 | 1% |
| 2023 | 1 | 0% |
| 2022 | 8 | 1% |
| 2021 | 20 | 2% |
| 2020 | 11 | 1% |
| 2019 | 12 | 1% |
| 2018 | 15 | 3% |
| 2017 | 30 | 4% |
| 2016 | 18 | 2% |
| 2015 | 66 | 6% |
| 2014 | 47 | 3% |
| 2013 | 83 | 27% |
| 2012 | 59 | 27% |
| 2011 | 306 | 54% |
| 2010 | 197 | 54% |
| 2009 | 231 | 52% |
| 2008 | 594 | 65% |
| 2007 | 479 | 56% |
| 2006 | 24 | 7% |
| 2005 | 51 | 10% |
| 2004 | 34 | 4% |
| 2003 | 21 | 3% |
| 2002 | 14 | 3% |
| 2001 | 12 | 3% |
| 2000 | 31 | 5% |
| 1999 | 19 | 3% |
| 1998 | 7 | 2% |
| 1997 | 16 | 3% |
| 1994 | 1 | 10% |
Other parts of the 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
429 complaintsElectrical system
195 complaintsSteering
56 complaintsVehicle speed control
29 complaintsFuel system
28 complaintsBody and structure
27 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
26 complaintsEngine cooling
20 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
17 complaintsEngine
15 complaintsOther or unknown
14 complaintsSuspension
14 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
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