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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
36,477 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 engine problems

engine problem

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2003 Chevrolet Silverado Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #23

Apr 082012

Silverado 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 77,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet Silverado. The contact stated that the vehicle suddenly accelerated without warning while in reverse. The contact crashed into a pile of debris. The contact suffered injuries to the neck and back. The contact notified the dealer regarding the sudden acceleration and the dealer stated that they had no reports of any Silverado's accelerating without warning. The contact then notified the manufacturer and filed a complaint. The failure mileage was 77,000. Updated 05/16/12

- Churubusco, IN, USA

problem #22

Oct 202007

Silverado 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 28 miles
Speedometer began to fail to operate several times before finally stopped working at all bought speedometer sensor but did not fix problem. Parts place said it could be in computer.also said it may cause failure of other gauges on dash.

- Prattville, AL, USA

problem #21

Jan 222007

Silverado 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 33,000 miles
Speedometer incorrect reading, then total failure.

- Summerville, SC, USA

problem #20

Jan 012006

Silverado 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 40,000 miles

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

Speedometer malfunctioned.

- Columbus, OH, USA

problem #19

Sep 302006

Silverado

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
2003 Chevy Silverado speedometer moving erratically. Gets stuck at 120mph.

- Uniontown, OH, USA

problem #18

Nov 202006

Silverado 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 106,000 miles
Reduced engine power message and drops into "limp mode", there is no problem with engine overheating. The computer give a code 1516 "drive by wire" sensor calibration problem. Dealer indicated "yellow" wire broken on some vehicles others have to replace the throttle sensor. Danger is on loose of power in traffic, instead of a message to check the engine.

- Grand Saline, TX, USA

problem #17

Mar 052006

Silverado 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 50,000 miles

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

: the contact stated while driving 45 mph, the speedometer would not move. Even while driving at higher speeds, the speedometer displayed 0 miles per hour. The service dealer was not contacted however the manufacturer provided the phone number to file the complaint.

- Lubbock, TX, USA

problem #16

Mar 122006

Silverado 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
I have owned my 2003 Silverado for just over 3 years. I have had several problems already: 1) the air conditioner would only blow out hot air-- has been fixed. 2)vibration noise in rear end around 30-40 mph--?? can't be fixed/duplicated. 3) speedometer quit working--replaced at my cost; warranty just expired, go figure; also had to go to court to fight speeding ticket! ( relative has same truck, same problem!) 4) windshield wipers will not shut off, I get to pay for this one too, after warranty. I had to pull the fuse out! not very safe in crazy mi weather!! 5) also had tailgate cables replaced under recall. 6) back seat loop replaced due to recall. No wonder Chevy is not doing well, who wants to spend over $30,000 for a piece of junk! will not buy another.

- Ypsilanti, MI, USA

problem #15

Dec 182005

Silverado 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 72,000 miles
: the contact stated the speedometer failed while driving on the interstate. The vehicle cruise control was set for 70 mph when the speedometer needle began reading 120 mph. The contact did not notice a change in the actually speed the vehicle was traveling. The cruise control was reset at 70 mph and the speedometer continued to register at 120 mph. The speedometer never worked properly again. The dealership replaced the speedometer cluster.

- Graniteville, SC, USA

problem #14

Sep 062005

Silverado 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 50,000 miles
Purchase truck used in June of 2005 with 49000miles truck has less then 55000miles on it.. first day ran out of gas..gas guage and digital reading showed 50 more miles worht of gas.fixed thegas guage problem or so they say then oil guage started showingway past full on oil then would go back to no oil then to normal speedometer sticks and on occasion will go back to zero for the most part your start off speed is at least 40mph.. was told by dealer it was a faulty I.C.P and that they have been having several brought into the dealership with the same problem.. I feel if this is a problem that obviously Chevy is aware of it should be recalled and fixed with no out of pocket expense to its consumers. Was also told that my dash would have to be shipped out of town to be repaired and that I would be without a vehicle for awhile.. I am truly disappointed with what I thought would be the perfect truck considering its a 44000 dollar vehicle only to find out I need to spend an additional 4-500 dollars.. wow what a disappointment:(

- Vail, AZ, USA

problem #13

Aug 152004

Silverado 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 600 miles

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

The consumer complained about several problems. While driving he had trouble shifting from first gear. The dealer reprogrammed the engine control module and the transmission module control. The vehicle was still shifting hard, and the rpms revved. The replacement of the aforementioned did not remedy the transmission problem. The second problem was with the brake light coming on the cluster assembly. The service dealer replaced it, and it seemed to work well at this time. The third problem was with a noise in the rear of the vehicle. The dealer replaced the gear kit, two gaskets, case, the rear differential carrier assembly, carrier gears, and shims. The noise was still heard. The dealer recommended that the contact install carpet to cut down on the noise. The final problem was with a loss of rear traction. The dealer has been unsuccessful in identifying the root of the traction problem. The cruise control stopped working. Updatd 11/29/05.

- Wheelersburg, OH, USA

problem #12

Sep 082005

Silverado 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 18,000 miles
We have a 2003 Chevrolet Silverado and a 2004 Impala. Speedometers have broken on both. The Impala was replaced under warranty. The Silverado was turned in under warranty but not repaired and now it is out of warranty. This apparently is a major and widespread problem with Chevrolet vehicles and the company will not stand behind the product. Bob howard Chevrolet in Oklahoma city tells me cost to fix this problem is $400-600 for the part and $125-175 for labor. How many of these module clusters have prematurely malfunctioned? mechanics and GM service centers say they are on national back order. That should illustrate the need for review and recall.

- Mutual, OK, USA

problem #11

Mar 302004

Silverado 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 11,500 miles
2003 Chevy Silverado while driving goes into reduced power mode. The vehicle can not be drove over 40 mph.

- Worthing, SD, USA

problem #10

Feb 012005

Silverado 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 86,183 miles
My speedometer and tachometer quit working along with a tail light my mechanic said the part alone would cost $300. I thought my tach was still working until I got a $150 ticket. I can't afford that much especially with my ticket.

- Council Hill, OK, USA

problem #9

Nov 302004

Silverado 8-cyl Diesel

  • Automatic transmission
  • 41,000 miles
We have had several thing go wrong with our truck. We have had the expandable mirrors replaced once and fixed several times, the transmission was rebuilt, the speedometer quit working and the memory does not recall the driver or seat position.

- Hamilton, OH, USA

problem #8

Dec 242004

Silverado 4WD 8-cyl Diesel

  • Automatic transmission
  • 36,400 miles
Speedometer reads erratically well above or below actual speed or may read correctly then become off be a little or a lot without warning. Dealer says they have had a rash of these failures. Could result in unsafe speeds without notice. I first noticed it in a 35 mph zone when the speedometer read 35 and I was passing everyone quickly.

- Summerville, SC, USA

problem #7

Jun 232004

Silverado 8-cyl

  • 75,000 miles
While driving, the consumer noticed the speedometer was not working. The consumer was unable to determine how fast he was traveling.

- Lakin, KS, USA

problem #6

Dec 242004

Silverado 4WD 8-cyl Diesel

  • Automatic transmission
  • 38,500 miles
Speedometer reads erratically either highor low. Will register various speed when stopped. Sometimes will work properly, then go bad again. 1st noticed when read 35 mph on road keeping up with traffic in 60mph zone. Dealer say he has seen a run on this problem with 5-6 in last couple of weeks. At first it would seem okay when it warmed up for 15-20 minutes now really erratic. Requires module replacement at $680 and 7 days to get part. Unsafe to drive with no reliable speed measure.

- Summerville, SC, USA

problem #5

Dec 232004

Silverado 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 42,000 miles
I own a 2003 Chevrolet 1500 Z71 ext cab pickup. On Dec 23, 2004 the speedometer would not decrease its reading, even if the vehicle was at a complete stop. The speedometer will only display the incorrect speed or top out and not move from 120mph. When I contacted the dealership were the vehicle was purchased they notified me that this is an ongoing problem and the part they need to fix the speedometer is on back order for a minimum of 30 days.

- Albers, IL, USA

problem #4

Nov 012004

Silverado 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 17,000 miles
Under warranty, rear driver's spring sags 3/4 inch and more. Just out of warranty, (40,000) speedometer fails to read accurately, intermittent problem. Rear vew mirror display shows backward "F" for seventies, can not isolate temp from compus. Windshield wipers will not shut off when it rains or car is washed.

- Homosassa, FL, USA

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