2003 Chevrolet Silverado Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 26about this part
- Share
- 4%of 695 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 19,765miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 26 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2003 Chevrolet Silverado, 4% of the 695 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 19,765 miles. 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I have several broken bolts on my exhaust manifolds. My check engine light goes on and off for emissions related codes. I will not be able to pass a smog test unless this is fixed. Several auto shops want about $1,000 to fix this. Its an ongoing problem and is known by chevy/GM and yet they will do nothing to help or fix it. This should be recalled immediately!”
NHTSA complaint #10448993, filed 2012-02, 112,000 miles“4x4 not working, charcoal canister, cd-player 3 times, complete new brake system from rotors,seals,caliperes etc. That I paid for $1,000., window regulator, door latches, noise coming from the steering area, dash peeling apart, chapman chevy replaced all four tires twice within 50,000 miles-I finally went and spent $1,200 on new tires to make sure my family and I our safe”
NHTSA complaint #10126360, filed 2005-06, 15,000 miles“I purchased a 2003 Chevrolet Silverado duramax in 4/04 used with 21,020 miles. At about 28,000 it started to smoke upon acceleration. This is a very thick blue smoke. The dealer has looked at it twice and says they cannot find anything wrong. But I think if I have to get it checked for emissions that it would fail miserably. It now has approx. 45,000 miles but is still covered with an extended warranty to about 72,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10116079, filed 2005-03, 28,000 miles“While idling at a red light the smell of exhaust fumes became prevalent inside the passenger cabin. Upon inspection of the exhaust system it was determined 5 of the exhaust manifold bolts had prematurely failed allowing exhaust gas to escape from the engine into the engine compartment and into the passenger cabin. The vehicle is currently used sparingly where family members or friends are not allowed to ride in the truck until the exhaust manifolds are repaired.”
NHTSA complaint #10424185, filed 2011-09, 92,900 miles“Warranty on catalytic converters on chev Silverado 1500 v6 4.3 went bad corrosion inside rattling. Replaced ,but not the muffler which was checked at same time and the bellow was found to have been loose due to corrosion,and debris from the converters, but was not covered on warranty. Why? I was informed it wasn't 't part of the exhaust system.??? The exhaust goes through the converters and out the muffler.”
NHTSA complaint #10138507, filed 2005-10, 60,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10056354Sep 1, 2014Gmc/chevrolet: engines, with egr system, has leakage from egr cooler engine coolant into the combustion chamber. Model 2002-15 silverado, sierra, 2004-09 kodiak c4500-c5500…
- 10058259Jul 16, 2014General motors: an optional engine block heater plug in for onboard ac power and with continuous usage will result in shorting of wires, over heating system, electrical failure…
- 10036464May 1, 2011Buick/cadillac/chevrolet/gmc/hummer/pontiac/saab: oil consumption and/or exhaust smoke-possible pcv baffle or lifter concern. Upon inspection, obvious oil will be found in the…
- 10037933Jan 1, 2011Gm: the service engine soon light is on, there is also a misfire or engine noise. There are multiple possible causes.
- 10017214Dec 1, 2008Hard start / no start outside temperatures below freezing. *tt updated 7/13/09.
- 10024344Feb 1, 2008Possible engine oil leak due to pcv freeze-up, equipped with the 4.8, 5.3, 6.0, and 6.2 v-8 engines.
- 10024154Feb 1, 2008Chevrolet gmc service campaign: see document search button for owner letter. Special coverage adjustment - engine glow plug on certain vehicles with 6.6l diesel v8 (rpo lb7 - vin…
- 10021839May 1, 2007Diesel engine cylinder head gasket missing thickness grade markings.
- 10021021Feb 22, 2007Service vme. Supplement to 00-02-35-003l. Update on new I-shaft.
- 10011126Dec 1, 2006Various intermittent driveability conditions - hesitation, lack of power, etc.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 1 | 1% |
| 2014 | 1 | 1% |
| 2013 | 1 | 2% |
| 2011 | 1 | 1% |
| 2010 | 3 | 5% |
| 2009 | 4 | 5% |
| 2008 | 4 | 2% |
| 2007 | 6 | 3% |
| 2006 | 7 | 4% |
| 2005 | 20 | 6% |
| 2004 | 24 | 4% |
| 2003 | 26 | 4% |
| 2002 | 58 | 8% |
| 2001 | 91 | 10% |
| 2000 | 88 | 7% |
| 1999 | 61 | 4% |
| 1998 | 15 | 5% |
| 1997 | 20 | 7% |
| 1996 | 13 | 7% |
| 1995 | 15 | 6% |
| 1994 | 5 | 2% |
| 1993 | 2 | 3% |
| 1992 | 7 | 18% |
| 1990 | 2 | 8% |
| 1989 | 3 | 14% |
| 1988 | 1 | 7% |
| 1984 | 1 | 20% |
Other parts of the 2003 Chevrolet Silverado
257 complaintsElectrical system
116 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
81 complaintsSteering
80 complaintsVehicle speed control
29 complaintsSuspension
28 complaintsTires
27 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 27, 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