2003 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 15about this part
- Share
- 3%of 449 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 113,390miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 15 complaints about the engine of the 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3% of the 449 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 113,390 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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“We were traveling east on I-90 in mass. Traffic came to a sudden stop. When the brakes were applied the truck began to slow and then the brake pedal went to the floor. Upon investigation after the crash we found at least two badly corroded brake lines that had burst.”
NHTSA complaint #10538490, filed 2013-09, 33,500 miles“My 2003 chevy 2500 hd has an exhaust manifold leak and this is an ongoing and chronic problem with these vehicles. I can see evidence of hot exhaust gases leaking into the engine compartment.”
NHTSA complaint #10607921, filed 2014-07, 80,000 miles“I notice a ticking from the engine compartment over the last couple of days. I assumed it may be an exhaust leak and I was correct. This vehicle has a stainless steel exhaust system that should last a lifetime yet there seems to be a real problem with exhaust manifold bolts breaking off, causing exhaust leaks which pollute the air and ruin other vehicle components such as the catalytic converter. I am also thinking that the manifolds are warping causing the bolts to break. These repairs are very expensive and/or time consuming. Stainless steel bolts would have possibly prevented this problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #10509263, filed 2013-04, 112,780 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11012907Dec 18, 2024This service bulletin explains how to measure for oil consumption and possible reasons for loss of oil.
- 11010544Oct 7, 2024This service bulletin explains how to measure for oil consumption and possible reasons for loss of oil.
- 11004761Jun 28, 2024This 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…
- 10211658May 2, 2022This service bulletin provides policy information on warranty administration guidelines for multiple repairs with independent causes (GM Canada Dealers Only).
- 10178387Jul 27, 2020This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about finding needle bearings during an oil change. Technician will gain access to the roller…
- 10176645May 28, 2020This information bulletin explains how to measure for oil consumption and possible reasons for loss of oil.
- 10176326May 21, 2020This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308…
- 10176607May 8, 2020This 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…
- 10173398Feb 28, 2020This diagnostic tip provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
- 10167437Oct 14, 2019This Preliminary information communicates to the technician the need to inspect the induction system for potential icing issues in very cold ambient temperatures. To allow the…
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 15% |
| 2025 | 7 | 23% |
| 2024 | 13 | 9% |
| 2023 | 7 | 15% |
| 2022 | 7 | 7% |
| 2021 | 8 | 9% |
| 2020 | 10 | 9% |
| 2019 | 19 | 26% |
| 2018 | 12 | 23% |
| 2017 | 12 | 22% |
| 2016 | 8 | 7% |
| 2015 | 12 | 7% |
| 2014 | 7 | 18% |
| 2013 | 6 | 12% |
| 2012 | 8 | 15% |
| 2011 | 9 | 9% |
| 2010 | 2 | 10% |
| 2009 | 3 | 5% |
| 2008 | 4 | 2% |
| 2007 | 3 | 1% |
| 2006 | 5 | 3% |
| 2005 | 5 | 2% |
| 2004 | 14 | 4% |
| 2003 | 15 | 3% |
| 2002 | 13 | 4% |
| 2001 | 25 | 6% |
| 2000 | 1 | 1% |
| 1999 | 2 | 2% |
| 1997 | 1 | 2% |
Other parts of the 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 2500
247 complaintsElectrical system
86 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
30 complaintsFuel system
29 complaintsSteering
17 complaintsEngine cooling
16 complaintsBody and structure
15 complaintsVehicle speed control
15 complaintsSuspension
14 complaintsTires
14 complaintsAir bags
11 complaintsOther or unknown
8 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 2500
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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