2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 1%of 805 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 50,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 1% of the 805 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 50,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, 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.
“Just leaving home to go look at some parts for a pole barn and left driveway went to stop sigh , I proceeding to go down mitchell hill rd and on the second turn no brakes , luckily I have some experience in this area and instantly applied my emergency brake and put truck into lower gear . This was enough to slow me down so I didn't go over the guard rail but did hit it roughly . I made it to the bottom and coasted to a stop . Got out and looked under hood and truck to find brake fluid was pouring on to the ground. I had it towed home . …”
NHTSA complaint #10637407, filed 2014-09, 128,650 miles“Brake lights fail. Replaced brake light and a few weeks later it stops working. If I remove the tail light assembly and tap the bulb that's not working, it works fine for a day or two and then stops working again. This has been going on for the past year. Replacing with a new bulb works ok for a few weeks again.”
NHTSA complaint #10245774, filed 2008-10, 50,000 miles“Left turn signal causes the turn signals to act as hazard signals preventing other drivers from knowing the truck is turning left. It is sporadic, but often hear a buzz under steering column when it occurs. See it is an often reported problem with a failed hazard lamp flasher module whose contacts fail due to moisture. Must be replaced with a sealed module. Chevy claims there is no recall on faulty part (called 4/8/10).”
NHTSA complaint #10324511, filed 2010-04, 75,000 miles“Steering clunks on turns. Dealer replaced intermediate steering shaft under warranty per TSB. Problem resurfaced on 09/29/2006 at 44,045 miles. Dealer repaired under extended warranty . Problem showed up again on 06/17/2007 at 54, 451 miles. Dealer wanted $280 for the job. Have not repaired. The problem is now worse at 84,618 miles. Problem # 2 stop light sockets heat up and loose contact to the bulb. Dealer wants around $75 for each of the two sockets required. Problem #3 received notice from gmac stating there may be an instrument cluster problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #10411129, filed 2011-07, 22,889 miles“The contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet SILVERADO 1500. The contact stated that the brake lights and horn worked intermittently. The dealer previously repaired the components under warranty. The warranty has expired and the dealer does not want to repair the failures for free. The manufacturer stated that the contact would have to pay for the repairs. The failure mileage was 6,000. Updated 12/22/08.”
NHTSA complaint #10249706, filed 2008-11, 6,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10249011Jan 12, 2024This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage.
- 10232136Feb 15, 2023This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water Leaks and Replacement Guidelines.
- 10161011May 13, 2019This Preliminary Information communicates to technicians that the Daytime Running Lamps (DRL's) or the auto headlamps will not shut off when using the daytime running lamp…
- 10137526Apr 27, 2018This Preliminary Information communicates to techniciansthat the Daytime Running Lamps (DRL's) or the auto headlamps will not shut off when using the daytime running lamp…
- 10129093Jan 24, 2018This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a Service Engine Soon Malfunction Indicator Lamp on, engine misfire…
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 1% |
| 2025 | 1 | 1% |
| 2024 | 1 | 0% |
| 2023 | 12 | 3% |
| 2022 | 4 | 1% |
| 2021 | 6 | 1% |
| 2020 | 12 | 2% |
| 2019 | 16 | 1% |
| 2018 | 7 | 1% |
| 2017 | 16 | 2% |
| 2016 | 17 | 2% |
| 2015 | 28 | 3% |
| 2014 | 40 | 3% |
| 2013 | 2 | 1% |
| 2012 | 5 | 2% |
| 2011 | 7 | 1% |
| 2010 | 4 | 1% |
| 2009 | 9 | 2% |
| 2008 | 6 | 1% |
| 2007 | 19 | 2% |
| 2006 | 8 | 2% |
| 2005 | 9 | 2% |
| 2004 | 10 | 1% |
| 2003 | 7 | 1% |
| 2002 | 1 | 0% |
| 2001 | 12 | 3% |
| 2000 | 9 | 1% |
| 1999 | 5 | 1% |
| 1998 | 7 | 2% |
| 1997 | 3 | 1% |
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 complaintsAir bags
21 complaintsEngine cooling
20 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
17 complaintsEngine
15 complaintsOther or unknown
14 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Nov 1, 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