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4.4

definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
25,838 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2003 Chevrolet Silverado brakes problems

brakes problem

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2003 Chevrolet Silverado Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #31

Nov 072007

Silverado 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 50,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet Silverado. The interior passenger side rear brake pad wore out and damaged the rotor. The contact replaced the rotors and pads. Chevrolet stated that nothing could be done outside of the tsb that they issued for this failure. The current mileage was 50,050 and failure mileage was 50,000.

- Hazen, AR, USA

problem #30

Sep 032007

Silverado 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • 17,000 miles
2003 Chevrolet truck Silverado 1500. Rear brake rotors were replaced by Chevrolet service garage at 15000 miles and again needed the disc rotors again at 21000 miles. The disc rotors are flaking off badly leaving a rough rust surface. Also the ABS produces a rumble and brake pedal pushes back just before coming to a complete stop causing the vehicle to travel several feet farther before the stop. My friend has the same problem with his 2003 Chevrolet which he had converted so he can drive because of severe back damage because of a falling accident. This problem should result in a recall because of this problem and also the brake lines leading to back and front brakes are very rusted and could burst at any time causing the truck to crash causing injury and death. This problem has gone on for several years. I had the same on my other 1997 Chevrolet Silverado. This condition needs correction, why not now?

- Seven Hills, OH, USA

problem #29

Dec 142006

Silverado 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 18,000 miles
The rear brakes are prematurely wearing out and have been replaced three times with less than 40,000 miles. My ABS sensors had to be replaced also. Chevrolet is obviously aware of the design flaws of these type of vehicles, based on the number of online complaints I have read regarding the disc brake system of 2002-2004 pickup trucks. Chevrolet went back to drum brakes on the rear for 06 due to the problems, but they will not recall or warranty any of the problems.

- Bernhards Bay, NY, USA

problem #28

Aug 282006

Silverado 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I have a 2003 Silverado truck that has only 24,000 miles on it and Chevy said the warranty was out and my truck had to have brakes and new rotors put on this week. I fell this is not right and they should have taken care of this truck for me.

- Dubois, PA, USA

problem #27

Aug 152006

Silverado 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 49,062 miles
: the contact stated while attempting to stop the vehicle, excessive pressure had to be applied to the brake pedal. The vehicle was taken to the dealership who determined the brake rotors and pads were rusted. The vehicle was located in a salt belt state. The rotors and pads were replaced.

- Emlenton, PA, USA

problem #26

Jun 052006

Silverado 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 36,000 miles
Took vehicle in for routine oil change @ approx. 36,000 miles. Asked service technician to examine brakes for wear. Technician stated that the front disc brakes were fine, however, the rear rotors were flaking and rusted. Rear rotors and pads needed to be replaced. Technician stated that this seemed to be a frequent problem with Chevrolet trucks. He also stated that this was not typical wear based on his experience, particularly at such a low mileage.

- Bel Air, MD, USA

problem #25

Jun 232006

Silverado 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 42,118 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Front and back rotors need replaced, even though vehicle has low mileage, due to rusting rotors. This creates an unforeseen expense as well as hazardous conditions that may cause brake failure.

- Columbus, OH, USA

problem #24

Jun 072006

Silverado 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 38,000 miles
: the contact stated during a tire replacement the dealer noticed the brake rotors were rusted. The vehicle had no indication of a problem prior to the tire replacement. The dealer determined the rotors needed to be replaced.

- Avon, OH, USA

problem #23

May 112006

Silverado 4WD 8-cyl Diesel

  • Automatic transmission
  • 35,475 miles
: the contact stated while attempting to apply brake pressure there was an increase in stopping distance. This occurred at various speeds on normal roads without any prior warning. The dealership determined the rear rotors needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was alerted. 05/30/06 updated - dealer removed rear wheels and noted rotors flaking apart.

- Airville, PA, USA

problem #22

Apr 122006

Silverado 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 35,000 miles
I brought my 2003 Chevrolet truck in for an annual inspection and they informed me that the rear brakes (rotors, pads and emergency brake pads) needed to be replaced. The truck has 35,000 miles on it and the rear rotors are heavily rusted and are crumbling away. The disc brake pads are also completely worn out. There was no accident but I believe this is a significant safety issue and is the result of defective parts on these vehicles. I have seen many other comments on the internet from other Silverado owners indicating that they have the same problem. I believe that Chevrolet should recall these rotors and pads and correct the problem before there are serious accidents from failing brakes.

- Bedford, NH, USA

problem #21

Feb 062006

Silverado 8-cyl Diesel

  • Automatic transmission
  • 26,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The brakes have not felt as though they were working properly since I purchased this truck. Sponge brake difficulty stopping at slow speeds longer stopping distance pulling to one side. I have brought it back to the dealer twice with this complaint. I felt the problem was becoming worse. I took it back again, the dealer now tells me that the rear rotors are rusted and pitted beyond repair and the front rotors are showing rust also and that they will not cover this expense. This vehicle has under 30,000 miles. I called the manufacturer for assistance and they will only pay for one rotor (a good will gesture) this is a terrible response, I have now found that I am only one of many with this problem. This is a safety issue that should be published I had very little warning of problem.

- Rowley, MA, USA

problem #20

Jan 062006

Silverado 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 42,700 miles
: the contact stated the vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop to have the tires rotated. The technician determined all four rotors have reached an unsafe thickness. The rotors will be replaced within the next week. Updated 1/25/2006 - the rotors were badly rusted and worn paper thin. This vehicle is often used to tow trailers, boats and other loads.

- Marlboro, NY, USA

problem #19

Sep 022003

Silverado 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 24,000 miles
: the contact states there is a NHTSA recall campaign 05V379000 regarding the ABS. The vehicle has the same problems as indicated in the recall. The ABS activated at low speeds, however it was not included in the recall due to the VIN. The dealer replaced a wheel sensor on 9-2-03, but this did not correct the problem. The rotors have been replaced twice, which also did not correct the problem. The contact finally disabled the ABS in 12-04 as a solution to the problem.

- Frostburg, MD, USA

problem #18

Dec 042005

Silverado 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 51,069 miles
The contact stated a squeal was coming from the brakes. He took the vehicle to a mechanic who determined the rear rotors were rusted. Then, he took the vehicle to the dealer, where it was purchased. They advised him this was a very common problem because of the grade of metal being used in the rotors. The front rotors appeared to be fine. The vehicle has not been repaired.

- Bellville, OH, USA

problem #17

Oct 012005

Silverado 4WD Diesel

  • Automatic transmission
  • 42,145 miles
Contact stated while driving vehicle did not brake well. The vehicle was taken to a Goodyear tire to have the tires replaced. The mechanic told her the tires wore out. This resulted from the rotors being rusted. Also, the rear brakes wore out due to the rotors being rusted. The rotors needed to be replaced. The repairs will be made at the contact's expense. However, the repairs haven't been done at this time.

- Horton, MI, USA

problem #16

Oct 172005

Silverado 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 32,400 miles
Vehicle, 2003 Chevy 1500, 2 wheel drive truck. Part failed: Rear brake rotor. The rear brake rotors are failing internally. Large pieces of rust are breaking away in the cooling fin area.

- Warrington, PA, USA

problem #15

Oct 192005

Silverado 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
2003 Chevrolet Silverado. My vehicle is two years old and only has 13, 000 miles on it. Had to take vehicle to dealership to have the brakes checked. The brakes were grinding metal to metal, and the brake pads were worn out. The brakes should have not worn out at 13, 000 miles. The warranty expired since the consumer had the vehicle for two years. The consumer should not have to pay to have the brakes fixed. The dealership told the consumer that warranty was for two years. Or 24, 000 miles. Just noticed this week how bad the brakes were. Did not have any accidents, and when pressing on the brakes could hear them scrape against the metal.

- Lindley, NY, USA

problem #14

Oct 142005

Silverado 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
2003 Chevrolet Silverado. The contact stated the rear rotors wore out and the pads were still at half. He noticed this on October 14, 2005 when he heard a rubbing from the rear brakes. He took the vehicle to a local mechanic, and they diagnosed the problem. Has an appointment with the dealership to have this inspected.

- Westover, WV, USA

problem #13

Oct 102005

Silverado 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 5,000 miles
I have a 2003 Chevy Silverado 1500 with 28000 miles. I purchased the vehicle in March 2003. The rotors on the rear breaks are completely rusted. The dealer would not warrant the rotors and pad even though I complained about the problem while the truck was still under warranty. The brakes are extremely soft, especially at low speeds. I want the entire brake system replaced for safety. I have 2 friends with the same vehicle, both have twice replaced pads and rotors in less than 60000 miles! I cannot afford to pay this replacement my self. I want Chevy to make good on a faulty design that I paid my entire savings on!!!!

- Ferrisburg, VT, USA

problem #12

Sep 232005

Silverado 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
The contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet Silverado. The tires wore out very quickly took the vehicle to midas to have the tires replaced, and they told the contact that the rotors were pitted. The manufacturer told him that I would have to pay $1000 to replace the rotors and the emergency brake pads the contact felt that the metal in the rotors were worn out.

- Ellicott, MD, USA

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