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4.8

definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
21,262 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 3500 engine problems

engine problem

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2003 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 Owner Comments

problem #7

Nov 182004

Silverado 3500 8-cyl Diesel

  • 30,998 miles

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

This claim is on a Chevy Silverado 3500 diesel truck that I bought new. Around 30,000 miles this vehicle was taken in for clutch problems 3 times, brakes going to the floor, the windshield coming loose, radio problems, steering problems and tire wear. General Motors, the better business bureau and the federal government was contacted an assured me this truck was not a lemon, I said it was. Now between 30,000 and 90,000 miles I have had numerous problems. I had the doors lock for no reason at all, lock by themselves. Both driver and passenger doors have hung at the fender causing massive dents where I had to force the doors open due to contact between the door and fender. The initial brake problem has come back. I had a water leak in the cab around the lights, that caused water damage to the seats. I rewired the rear lights, because the circuit board went out several times. Four sets of tires have been placed on this truck at 90,000 miles (tires cost around $1,000 a set). I have tried three brands of tires. They are generals (6 ply), Geo trac (10 ply), and toyo (10 ply). The dash system is going out (dash costs $1200). The truck is lacking power when pulling and today 7/28/2010 the clutch almost came out during normal driving at 90,232 miles (probably will cost between $2,000 and $3,000 if not more). The engine oil plus filter, the fuel filters, and greasing of the tie rod ends are all done per manufactures specifications. This truck has never been in a wreck, but looking at the door and fender problem, one would think it has. This truck has been a problem from day one. It is a lemon and a safety hazard. The lemon law was changed from three failures to four failures during the time this happened. Now the vehicle lemon law year is any vehicle 2004 or after. This truck is a 2003 model. It is time all parties involved come to the table and deal. The vehicle had an oil leak between the clutch and the engine that was never fixed. The engine was not running at full RPM. Updated IVOQ 10/01/10

- Kingston, TN, USA

problem #6

Oct 162007

Silverado 3500

  • 81,739 miles
Vehicle loosing coolant. Determined cylinder head defect, tsb #06-06-01-019B. Cylinder head embossed with castech logo developed a porosity crack in a very specific area.

- Monterey, TN, USA

problem #5

Aug 152004

Silverado 3500 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 600 miles
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 #4

Dec 282004

Silverado 3500 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 32,000 miles

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

When braking at any speed brake pedal would go to the floor, and there would be extended stopping distance. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. ABS displayed brake system failure. The consumer stated that the brakes failed on inclines. The consumer stated that there was an electrical short. The odometer failed and added extra mileage. The tires started separating after 300 miles. The radio became hot and shorted out. The air conditioner shorted out. The consumer stated that the new vehicle checklist was not filled out nor reviewed with him. The consumer stated that the engine knocks. The consumers fingers were burned by the radio after it got hot. The consumer stated that he heard a growling noise in the power steering. The consumer heard a buzzing noise in the transmission. The consumer had to use the emergency brake to stop the vehicle coming down a hill. The right headlight went out and turned black. The headlight was replaced with the wrong high beam light. The cd player will not take the cd. The speedometer will only go to 20 mph at times.

- North Little Rock, AR, USA

problem #3

Jun 012003

Silverado 3500

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
While driving at any speed vehicle stalled. Consumer restarted the vehicle and drove it to the dealer for inspection. However, mechanic could not duplicate the problem.

- Jacksonville, FL, USA

problem #2

Aug 012003

Silverado 3500 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Engine makes a tapping sound when cold or warm. Dealer said it was called a piston slap. Dealer also said that there was no fix for the situation at this time and that it would not hurt the performance of the engine. I should not have to hear engine noise on a new vehicle.

- Palmdale, CA, USA

problem #1

Oct 102003

Silverado 3500 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 3,500 miles
Ticking sound coming from engine after engine warms up, occurs at idle.

- Hinesville, GA, USA

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