2003 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 10%of 42 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 73,202miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 3500, 10% of the 42 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 73,202 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.
“Transfer case failure due to faulty design. Oil pump in transfer case rubs a hole in the case and dumps all the lubricant on the highway. Then the case ends up destroying itself. Hundreds of these failures are occurring. Mine happened at 83,000 miles.”
NHTSA complaint #10203366, filed 2007-09, 83,000 miles“The contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet SILVERADO 3500. While driving approximately 4 MPH, the clutch panel assembly fractured into the floorboard without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and a dealer on two separate occasions where it was diagnosed that the clutch panel failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired both times, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 85,337.”
NHTSA complaint #10872305, filed 2016-06, 85,337 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11006421Jul 24, 2024GM 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…
- 10249579Jan 12, 2024This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10242843Sep 1, 2023The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the…
- 10222770Sep 16, 2022This service bulletin provides information on OEM and Remanufactured Engine and Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Identification.
- 10220319Sep 1, 2022This diagnostic tip advises the tech not to separate the flexplate from the torque convertor or damage my occur if the engine is started while diagnosing for noise from the…
- 10201098Dec 1, 2015OEM and Remanufactured Engine and Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Identification
- 10190503Dec 1, 2015OEM and Remanufactured Engine and Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Identification
- 10139078May 30, 2013This informational bulletin provides information for Automatic Transmission Oil Cooler Flow Test Essential Tool J-45096 TransFlow.
- 10112600Nov 26, 2012This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician with the axel setup information from American Axle Manufacturing. Technician should be advised…
- 10025667Jan 1, 20084l80e, mt1 and 4l85e, mn8 simplified valve body reconditioning instructions, dtc p0741, p0742, p0752, p0752, p0756, p0757, p0894, harsh or delayed shifts, slips, no drive, no…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 3 | 25% |
| 2024 | 15 | 29% |
| 2023 | 10 | 63% |
| 2022 | 3 | 11% |
| 2021 | 7 | 17% |
| 2020 | 16 | 38% |
| 2019 | 5 | 23% |
| 2018 | 2 | 11% |
| 2017 | 2 | 15% |
| 2016 | 3 | 6% |
| 2015 | 5 | 10% |
| 2013 | 5 | 19% |
| 2012 | 1 | 4% |
| 2011 | 5 | 17% |
| 2007 | 3 | 8% |
| 2006 | 9 | 17% |
| 2005 | 4 | 9% |
| 2004 | 1 | 2% |
| 2003 | 4 | 10% |
| 2002 | 3 | 6% |
| 2001 | 2 | 3% |
| 2000 | 5 | 6% |
| 1999 | 3 | 6% |
| 1998 | 5 | 7% |
| 1997 | 6 | 10% |
Other parts of the 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 3500
24 complaintsFuel system
7 complaintsElectrical system
6 complaintsEngine cooling
3 complaintsEngine
2 complaintsEquipment
2 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaintsSteering
2 complaintsTires
2 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
1 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 3500
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