2003 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 Problems
- Complaints
- 449filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 83,020miles, 407 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 0campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 10 mpgcombined, 6.0L 8-cyl · bifuel (cng) RWD · 10 city / 11 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often write about brake hydraulic problems, especially steel brake lines that rust through and cause the pedal to go to the floor, sometimes while towing or at low speed. Electrical complaints center on erratic or dead instrument clusters and speedometers, and a smaller but repeated group describes broken exhaust manifold bolts, transmission concerns, and steering or hydro-boost noises. Reported mileages vary widely, from under 20,000 to well over 200,000 miles, and the trend in filings is declining.
- Brakes
Rusted brake lines failing (pedal to the floor)
- 238 complaints (53%)
- median 88,697 mi at 9.8 yrs old (231 state mileage)
- 18 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $1,000 (median of 27 quotes)
- filed 2005–2026
Complaints describe the steel brake lines corroding through, often along the frame rail on the driver's side or behind the fuel tank, and losing fluid so the pedal sinks to the floor with little or no warning lamp. Owners report stopping with the parking brake, downshifting, or a trailer's brakes, and some describe low-speed impacts. Several say the dealer or an independent shop found multiple lines heavily rusted and recommended replacing all of them, while others say the repair was quoted as their own cost. Reported from roughly 50,000 to over 180,000 miles, in trucks both garaged and regularly driven, often in winter-road or coastal conditions.
What to check: Look underneath at the brake lines running along the frame and above the rear axle, and ask whether any have been replaced; a light rust film is normal, flaking or damp lines are not. A pre-purchase inspection by a shop familiar with these trucks is worth the cost.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Blew a hole in brake line at boat landing. Luckily I got it stopped before it went into the lake. All brake lines are rusted and need to be replaced. This could have caused severe injury or death if it happened at a different time. I think a recall is necessary as this is a major safety issue. I also have a friend that had the same thing happen on his 2004 sierra.”
NHTSA complaint #10605088, filed 2014-06, 98,000 miles“While towing a 6000 lb. Trailer, the brake peddle went down near floor. I thought trailer brakes were not working properly. Fortunately I was near home. Next morning I noticed large pool of brake fluid under the truck. I found that badly rusted brake lines on the 2003 silverado were leaking.”
NHTSA complaint #10652008, filed 2014-11, 71,850 miles - Electrical system
Erratic or dead speedometer and gauge cluster
- 74 complaints (16%)
- median 70,000 mi at 5.2 yrs old (64 state mileage)
- 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $700 (median of 9 quotes)
- filed 2004–2019
Owners describe the speedometer reading far too high or too low, dropping to zero, or the whole instrument cluster going dark, sometimes intermittently and sometimes permanently. Complaints mention the fuel gauge and oil pressure gauge behaving the same way. According to several complaints, dealers either could not find a fault or said the cluster needed replacement; one owner reported being told the vehicle was outside a mileage allowance. Mostly reported between about 30,000 and 100,000 miles, often appearing intermittently before becoming constant.
What to check: Cycle the key and watch the gauges sweep and settle, then compare the speedometer against a GPS reading on a test drive. Ask whether the cluster has been rebuilt or replaced and keep any repair receipt.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I have had speedo problems for over a 1 year. Now it has become regular. This is a safety issue. Chevy told me to go away because I am over mileage requirements. I see I am not alone. There are thousands of wacky speedometers out there. This kind of service has convinced me that chevy doesn't deserve to be in business anymore. The jokes will no longer be about fix or repair daily (ford).”
NHTSA complaint #10289644, filed 2009-10, 90,000 miles“While driving down the interstate on cruise control, the speedo will start to climb to over 120mhp. After several ignition cycles the speedo will come back down and work fine for awhile. This problem usually occurs while driving on the interstate. Problem is very intermittent-has happened several times and always corrects itself before I can get it in for repair- I have talked to several other owners with the exact same problem- the first time this problem occurred the truck only had 30,000 miles on it. …”
NHTSA complaint #10208837, filed 2007-11, 30,000 miles - Steering
Power steering and hydro-boost noises, hard steering
- 19 complaints (4%)
- median 80,500 mi at 6.6 yrs old (18 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2006–2022
Complaints describe the steering wheel becoming hard to turn, a rattling steering column, and abnormal noise from the hydro-boost area when the brake or accelerator pedal is pressed. One owner reports the power steering pump failing repeatedly, and another describes the intermediate shaft being replaced with the problem returning. Some complaints link steering loss to brake assist loss at the same time. Reported from about 60,000 to 125,000 miles, at various speeds, sometimes when turning at low speed.
What to check: With the engine running, turn the wheel lock to lock and listen for whining or rattling, and check power steering fluid level and color. Note any noise tied to pressing the brake pedal, since the brake and steering systems share the hydro-boost unit.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My 2003 Chevrolet 2500hd truck has had the power steering pump go out three times. When it goes out the steering and brakes fail and make it very hazardous to continue requiring me to stop and have some one pick up my truck and haul it home. I've also had my air conditioning go out twice and is nearing failure again. The front hub assembly has also gone out twice on this truck. Once the repair was made under warranty.”
NHTSA complaint #10231046, filed 2008-06, 80,000 miles“Started the truck and put into reverse. There was no brake and no steering control. I had to use the emergency brake to stop the vehicle. All fluids were topped off as normal and I regularly maintain this vehicle. After reviewing this issue in the diesel forum numerous duramax owners have endured the same problem with some ending in crashes. This is a major safety issue!!!!!!!!!!!! Simultaneous brake and steering failure. Are you kidding me? Wow! I tried chatting with GM and was dumped during the chat. No help there! I'll try again!”
NHTSA complaint #10565489, filed 2014-02, 94,000 miles - Engine
Broken exhaust manifold bolts
Mentioned in 4 of 60 sampled complaints
Complaints describe a ticking or exhaust leak noise that gets louder over time, traced to broken exhaust manifold bolts, often several on one side of the engine. Owners report the repair is expensive on the driver's side rear and that some repaired trucks developed broken bolts again. One owner notes fumes in the cab and concern about hot exhaust near wiring. Typically reported from about 90,000 to 120,000 miles, with the noise worsening gradually.
What to check: From a cold start, listen for a ticking or puffing at the exhaust manifolds that quiets as the engine warms, and look for soot streaks or missing bolt heads. Ask whether the manifold bolts have been replaced and by whom.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The exhaust manifold bolts are breaking creating a fire hazard from the hot exhaust reaching the wiring harness, it is also creating fumes in my cab. First noted a noise a week ago, found it to be a exhaust leak and the leak has gradually gotten worse. I am unable to not drive to the truck due to work.”
NHTSA complaint #10958705, filed 2017-03, 114,215 miles“The exhaust manifold bolts are breaking on the 6.0 engine. I think GM should do this repair since I have talked to several people and this is very common. It is a design defect as far as I am concerned. I have put up with this as it started as a small leak but is getting worse.”
NHTSA complaint #11054573, filed 2017-12, 160,000 miles
Buying note. These trucks are old enough that maintenance history matters more than mileage; have a shop inspect the brake lines, steering and hydro-boost hardware, and instrument cluster before buying. Ask for records of brake line, transmission, and exhaust manifold work, since those are the areas owners most often write about.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 449 consumer complaints for the 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. 407 of the complaints include a mileage, and 21% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 83,020 miles. Of all complaints, 23 involved a crash, 8 a fire, 10 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns and 401 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Brakes247 55%
- Electrical system86 19%
- Transmission and drivetrain30 6.7%
- Fuel system29 6.5%
- Steering17 3.8%
- Engine cooling16 3.6%
- Engine15 3.3%
- Body and structure15 3.3%
- Vehicle speed control15 3.3%
- Suspension14 3.1%
Also reported: Tires (14), Air bags (11), Other or unknown (8), Seat belts (5), Exterior lighting (4), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (4), Electronic stability control (3), Latches, locks and linkages (3), Wheels (3), Seats (2), Interior lighting (1).
Example complaints
Brakes: “Excessive corrosion to rear brake lines caused braking malfunction. Could not stop effectively. This happened in my driveway while moving vehicle to another parking space. Both rear brakes do not work. Section of brake line forward of brake line tee on differential failed. I am the original owner of my 2003 Chevrolet silverado 2500hd ls crewcab duramax 6.6l.”
NHTSA complaint #10640053, filed 2014-09, 126,000 milesElectrical system: “Instrument cluster just quit working altogether. This will be the third time the cluster will have been replaced. The first two were on GM; this one is going to be on me. What in the world is wrong with GM or the manufacturer of this part. Why do they keep producing crap? Until the cluster is replaced, I have no idea of engine functions and if it weren't for my GPS, I'd have no idea of my speed.”
NHTSA complaint #10597515, filed 2014-06, 145,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “Vehicle was in 4 wheel drive, when the whole truck shuttered, I lost the drive capabilities of the truck then stopped and looked underneath vehicle to find fluid coming out of the transfer case. In my case this happened on a residential street, if it would have happened on highway it could have resulted in a very bad accident. Please contact me on a possible recall for the transfer case. Updated 12/01/2014”
NHTSA complaint #10592220, filed 2014-05, 142,318 milesFuel system: “After loaning my daughter my truck we met at a location to exchange vehicles. I started to drive away and applied the brakes and the pedal went to the floor. I pumped the brakes and was unable to achieve any pedal pressure. I had my truck taken to my residence and inspected the brake system for the cause of the failure and found that the left rear steel line rusted through and created a loss of fluid. In my opinion this line rusting out is very premature for the age of the vehicle. …”
NHTSA complaint #10643579, filed 2014-10, 175,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
21% of the 407 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 54,385 and 116,600 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Silverado 2500 2WD (Bifuel) | 6.0L 8-cyl · bifuel (cng) | 4-speed automatic | 10 | 11 | 10 | $6,700 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 in the data used here. A recall can apply to some vehicles of a model year and not others, so check a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 401 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11020816Jul 18, 2025Other or unknown. This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.
- 11017252Mar 28, 2025Electrical system, Other or unknown. This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on OnStar Module 2G Sunset Information.
- 11014455Feb 20, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get…
- 11012907Dec 18, 2024Engine. This service bulletin explains how to measure for oil consumption and possible reasons for loss of oil.
- 11010544Oct 7, 2024Engine. This service bulletin explains how to measure for oil consumption and possible reasons for loss of oil.
- 11007208Sep 6, 2024Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire calibration for tires…
- 11006621Aug 26, 2024Electrical system. Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need…
- 11006421Jul 24, 2024Transmission and drivetrain. GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or inadequate packaging…
- 11004761Jun 28, 2024Fuel system, Engine. This service 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 or misfire, MIL with…
- 11004557Jun 17, 2024Other or unknown. This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
Other model years of the Chevrolet Silverado 2500
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 13 | 5,100 | 2 | — | — | — | Too new |
| 2025 | 30 | 15,250 | 1 | — | — | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2024 | 143 | 18,400 | 4 | — | — | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 47 | 47,000 | 1 | — | — | 25 · Fewer | Too new |
| 2022 | 97 | 37,500 | 3 | — | — | 62 · Typical | Rising |
| 2021 | 89 | 39,500 | 6 | — | — | 70 · More | Rising |
| 2020 | 109 | 25,000 | 10 | — | — | 93 · More | Rising |
| 2019 | 74 | 12,025 | 7 | 4 | — | 77 · More | Stable |
| 2018 | 53 | 24,138 | 5 | 4 | — | 48 · Typical | Stable |
| 2017 | 54 | 21,000 | 5 | 4 | — | 50 · Typical | Stable |
| 2016 | 123 | 35,000 | 6 | 4 | — | 77 · More | Falling |
| 2015 | 179 | 44,000 | 6 | 3–4 | — | 91 · More | Stable |
| 2014 | 40 | 70,900 | 2 | 2–4 | — | 0 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2013 | 51 | 74,742 | 3 | 2–4 | — | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2012 | 53 | 72,000 | 3 | 3–4 | — | 0 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2011 | 104 | 72,000 | 4 | — | — | 42 · Typical | Falling |
| 2010 | 21 | 98,000 | 5 | — | — | — | Falling |
| 2009 | 61 | 59,000 | 5 | — | — | 50 · Typical | Falling |
| 2008 | 191 | 56,000 | 4 | — | — | 60 · Typical | Falling |
| 2007 | 204 | 57,230 | 3 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 178 | 52,000 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2005 | 269 | 63,000 | 0 | — | 11 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 368 | 73,800 | 0 | — | 10 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 449 | 83,020 | 0 | — | 10 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 351 | 84,118 | 1 | — | 11 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 388 | 75,500 | 1 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2000 | 132 | 85,500 | 1 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1999 | 81 | 94,000 | 0 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1998 | 73 | 82,274 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 64 | 88,500 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
All Chevrolet Silverado 2500 model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 2500?
Owners of this model year most often write about brake hydraulic problems, especially steel brake lines that rust through and cause the pedal to go to the floor, sometimes while towing or at low speed. The issues reported most often: Rusted brake lines failing (pedal to the floor); Erratic or dead speedometer and gauge cluster; Power steering and hydro-boost noises, hard steering.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 have?
NHTSA recorded 449 consumer complaints for the 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 as of Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 is reported most often?
Brakes is named most often, in 247 complaints (55% of the total), followed by electrical system with 86.
Has the 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 been recalled?
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for this model year in the data used here. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 get?
The EPA rates the 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 (Silverado 2500 2WD (Bifuel), 6.0L 8-cyl · bifuel (cng)) at 10 mpg combined, 10 city and 11 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $6,700 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 reported?
Among the 407 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 83,020 miles and the middle half falls between 54,385 and 116,600 miles; 21% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.