2003 Chevrolet Silverado Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 257about this part
- Share
- 37%of 695 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 68,642miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 257 complaints about the brakes of the 2003 Chevrolet Silverado, 37% of the 695 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 68,642 miles. 11 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“While routinely driving my 03 chev Silverado truck, the brakes failed. When I was able to safely stop and move to a safe place, I looked under the vehicle and saw brake fluid leaking from one of the brake lines which had failed due to excessive corrosion. As a retired police officer, I have excellent driving skills which helped me to avoid a collision with another vehicle when the brakes failed!”
NHTSA complaint #10852707, filed 2016-03, 210,515 miles“I got off interstate hit my brakes to stop at light when I hit my brakes it made a noise and went to the floor I almost hit another car in the rear had to run a stop light because it wouldn't stop some one could have been hurt bad this has happened to me twice. I was told my brake line was rusted which I had it replaced about 2 months ago and my ABS lights come on and it dings.”
NHTSA complaint #10567524, filed 2014-03, 179,000 miles“On july 18, 2014 while driving at approximately 45 MPH I went to press the brakes and the peddle went to the floor. I pulled over and looked under my truck. I notice that the four brake line under the drivers door were all rusted and one broke. I searched the internet and see that this is a common problem with this truck. This is a safety concern and could get someone hurt or killed.”
NHTSA complaint #10614922, filed 2014-07, 95,000 miles“Brakes gave out , could not hardly stop the vehicle , come to find out after doing a google search the years between 1999 and 2003 the ( NHTSA ) is investigating and had other complaints about these problems. I called to see if GM had a recall on the the vehicle and I was told they had not. The GM customer assist department gave a case number. Reason corrosion on some of the brake lines.”
NHTSA complaint #10617297, filed 2014-07, 140,000 miles“I went to apply the brakes to stop for a red light, but the brake pedal went all the way to the floor and I had no stopping power. After this happened then a notification came across my dash to have brake system checked. But there was no warning of the failure before and now there is no indication from the computer system. Still no brakes.”
NHTSA complaint #10478574, filed 2012-10, 90,225 milesRelated recalls
- 05V161000Apr 22, 2005On certain pickup trucks equipped with manual transmissions and built with either pbr parking brake systems or trw parking brake systems, the parking brake…Covers: Chevrolet Silverado 1999–2005, GMC Sierra 1999–2005
- 04V045000Feb 4, 2004Certain sport utility vehicles, pickup trucks, and passenger vans fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 135…Covers: Chevrolet Silverado 2003–2004, GMC Yukon 2003–2004, Cadillac Escalade 2003–2004 +10 more
Related service bulletins
- 10113364Jan 31, 2017This Preliminary Information communication advises the technician that the Hydro-Boost is not serviceable and will need to be replaced if the brake pedal moves or applies on its…
- 10054261Sep 1, 2014Chevrolet/gmc/cadillac: anytime hydraulic brake pipes assembly need replacing, pre-formed and pre-flared brake pipes are available, except rear axle crossover pipe. Model…
- 10112546Nov 6, 2012This Preliminary Information communication advises the technician that the Hydro-Boost is not serviceable and will need to be replaced if the brake pedal moves or applies on its…
- 10022470Jun 1, 2007Abs light on, dtc's c0265, c0201, u1041 set and/or loss of communication with brake module. (reground ebcm ground).
- 10021133Mar 13, 2007Service brake booster message.
- 10014878May 11, 2005Anti-lock braking system (abs) telltale illuminated with diagnostic trouble code c0550.
- 10012587Oct 1, 2004Antilock brake system light on service brake system message on driver information center. *eh updated
- 10011125Oct 1, 2004Low brake pedal, red brake light on, brake system warning message on. *tt updated
- 10012141Jun 1, 2004Availability of rear wheel mud flaps to reduce debris build-up on rear brake calipers and/or rear wheels.
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 33 | 26% |
| 2015 | 8 | 11% |
| 2014 | 9 | 7% |
| 2013 | 2 | 3% |
| 2012 | 9 | 13% |
| 2011 | 9 | 12% |
| 2010 | 2 | 3% |
| 2009 | 7 | 9% |
| 2008 | 10 | 6% |
| 2007 | 34 | 19% |
| 2006 | 101 | 55% |
| 2005 | 87 | 28% |
| 2004 | 211 | 34% |
| 2003 | 257 | 37% |
| 2002 | 350 | 49% |
| 2001 | 418 | 48% |
| 2000 | 607 | 47% |
| 1999 | 1,003 | 60% |
| 1998 | 89 | 32% |
| 1997 | 62 | 23% |
| 1996 | 31 | 17% |
| 1995 | 29 | 11% |
| 1994 | 17 | 8% |
| 1993 | 6 | 9% |
| 1992 | 5 | 13% |
| 1991 | 6 | 35% |
| 1990 | 10 | 40% |
| 1989 | 5 | 23% |
| 1988 | 1 | 7% |
Other parts of the 2003 Chevrolet Silverado
116 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
81 complaintsSteering
80 complaintsVehicle speed control
29 complaintsSuspension
28 complaintsTires
27 complaintsEngine cooling
26 complaintsFuel system
26 complaintsAir bags
21 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
20 complaintsBody and structure
19 complaintsOther or unknown
16 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Chevrolet Silverado
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