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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
3 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
36,476 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 2500 steering problems

steering problem

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2003 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 Owner Comments (Page 1 of 3)

problem #43

Jun 062019

Silverado 2500

  • 208,000 miles

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

I bought a 2003 Chevy Silverado 2500hd 15 years ago and gave it to my 16 year old son. Recently we noticed that the brakes and steering was acting funny and making a noise, so we replaced the power steering pump and hoses. The problem only started getting worse. I did some research and found an old recall or notice related to the hydro-boost relief valve that was defected because of O-ring failure. Just searching the vehicle will show several sites revealing the problem. The nada site goes into more detail on the problem. We have parked the truck until a decision is made. I contacted the manufacture and they stated that there was no problem, the vehicle has trouble when steering and looses braking.

- White, GA, USA

problem #42

Feb 232016

Silverado 2500

  • 196,000 miles
The contact owned a 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. While driving 25 mph, the contact made a left turn and the reduced engine power light illuminated. The steering failed and the vehicle crashed into a tree. The air bags did not deploy. The vehicle was destroyed. The contact suffered nerve pain in the back and legs from the impact of the crash. Medical attention was not received. A police report was filed and the vehicle was towed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 196,000.

- Hudson Falls, NY, USA

problem #41

Jul 012014

Silverado 2500

  • 100,000 miles
The contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet Silverado. While driving 60 mph, the vehicle lost power and failed to accelerate. The ABS, check engine, and passenger side air bag lights remained illuminated. In addition, the power steering failed. The failures recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed, but a failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.

- St Paul , MN, USA

problem #40

Mar 102012

Silverado 2500 8-cyl

  • 99,201 miles

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

I purchased my Chevy Silverado truck in 2003 new off the lot at [xxx] in roseville California. Within a couple years, I made a left hand turn at an intersection and lost power. I nearly hit a homeless man with a shopping cart, as I came up over a sidewalk. I called Chevy and got towed back in. They told me it was a solenoid? they fixed it and that was that. A year later, I am driving down a busy major street and make a left turn. As turning I lose power and my truck dies. Cars behind me honking. Light changes to red and cars still behind me. Now other lights are green. I turn my key again and it turns on and I get out of the way. I have 4 teenagers in my truck with me screaming. I take my truck to [xxx] and they test drive. Nothing happens. They say there is nothing to fix. Couldn't get it to die on them. A year later, make a U turn on busy street. It dies and loses power. I have no brakes and no steering. Cars honking. Again take it to [xxx]. nothing. A year later, taking a car load of women out to dinner and drinks. All hard working mothers. I am the only non drinker. At midnight I am taking the women home. U-turn at intersection, and truck dies. Again. No brakes or steering. Scared women. Turn it over and it goes. I take my truck to [xxx]. they have just moved to another building down the street. All my records of ignition problems gone. They have no idea where any of them went. They test drive. Nothing. They have yet to fix anything on it. It hasn't done it in over a year. But no telling when it does happen. It just happens. Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Sacramento, CA, USA

problem #39

Feb 222014

Silverado 2500

  • 94,000 miles
Started the truck and put into reverse. There was no brake and no steering control. I had to use the emergency brake to stop the vehicle. All fluids were topped off as normal and I regularly maintain this vehicle. After reviewing this issue in the diesel forum numerous duramax owners have endured the same problem with some ending in crashes. This is a major safety issue!!!!!!!!!!!! simultaneous brake and steering failure. Are you kidding me? wow! I tried chatting with GM and was dumped during the chat. No help there! I'll try again!

- Sherwood,, OR, USA

problem #38

Dec 112012

Silverado 2500 8-cyl

  • 81,000 miles
The steering column rattles to the point you think it is coming undone, turning, driving straight, it doesn't matter. Very unsafe in our opinion in our company truck.

- Saint Joseph, MO, USA

problem #37

Dec 132011

Silverado 2500

  • 120,000 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 steering wheel was very hard to turn to the left. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the contact was told that the steering box had to be replaced. The dealer stated that the manufacturer revised the steering box because of the failures, but did not issue a recall. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 120,000 and the current mileage was 122,000.

- Farnham, VA, USA

problem #36

Jun 192007

Silverado 2500

  • 58,351 miles
Had fuel in oil new injectors replaced and 5000 miles later had to replace fuel injector pump leaking on bottom. Now truck lose fuel from filter and has to be hand pumped to start truck can sat for days and be ok or may sat for just couple hours lose fuel pressure. Have also had to have steering pump replaced.

- Mission, TX, USA

problem #35

Sep 012008

Silverado 2500 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 49,500 miles
The contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet Silverado. While driving 5-10 mph, the steering wheel locked during left and right turns. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and they stated that the power steering pump failed and needed to be replaced at the cost of $350. The power steering pump was replaced, but the failure persisted. The dealer then stated that the cause of the failure was the power steering box; however, it has not yet been replaced. The manufacturer is waiting for a diagnostic from the dealer to determine the true cause of the failure. The current mileage was 50,000 and failure mileage was 49,500. Updated 10/03/08 the power steering failed at parking lot speeds, the front wheels would not turn until vehicle speed was increased. Updated 10/07/08.

- Paden City , WV, USA

problem #34

Mar 052007

Silverado 2500 6-cyl

  • miles
We have a 2003 Chevy Silverado with 58,000 miles. There is a loud clunking sound coming from the steering shaft. When I asked about it I was told it could be greased but the noise would return. My son is an auto salesman and has talked to other people who have the same problem or have had the steering shaft replaced. Should not the dealer or GM in particular be responsible for this repair.

- Ocala, FL, USA

problem #33

Dec 102007

(reported on)

Silverado 2500

  • miles

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

2003 Chevy Silverado and Tahoe with defective steering shaft. Consumer states that when they replace the steering shaft it only lasts a few thousand miles. Consumer states that the vehicle will not pass inspection.

- Erie, PA, USA

problem #32

Oct 282007

Silverado 2500 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 20,400 miles
Clunking noise in steering wheel/column. GM flaw in intermediate shaft, that sould be recalled.

- Chelmsford, MA, USA

problem #31

Jan 252007

Silverado 2500 4WD 8-cyl

  • 17,992 miles
I have a 2003 chev. 2500 4X4 est. Cab long box. It has 18000 miles on it. I had to replace the rear brakes and rotors at 18000 miles. This is unacceptable for a truck of this type. (heavy duty). I also had a dim brake light on the dash, which I had checked out at the dealer. They said it was in the dash board and would cost 400.00+ to fix. The dealer also said the steering was loose and this was caused by the factory when installed, 250.00+ to fix. What kind of product are they making?

- Rockford, MI, USA

problem #30

Nov 042005

Silverado 2500 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 21,000 miles
On 25500hd Silverado, steering has to much free play and is sloppy. Steering also wanders. Had alignment done 3 time within 2 month period, and steering shaft replacement per bulletin - did not correct situation. Still wonders to left. Not safe when hauling a trailer or not. To date this has not been corrected properly.

- Rosemount, MN, USA

problem #29

Mar 292006

Silverado 2500 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 15,000 miles
: the contact stated while driving in normal conditions, the steering makes a rattle noise. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times for inspection, but the problem can not be duplicated or resolved.

- Bensalem, PA, USA

problem #28

Mar 272006

Silverado 2500 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 14,301 miles
: the contact stated while driving 10 mph and below, the steering allowed too much play and maneuvered loosely. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who replaced the steering shaft. However, the problem still exists. The rack and pinion had a slight leak. The consumer has had numerous components replaced on the vehicle such as wheel bearings, ball joints, tie rod ends, control arms, steering gear, shocks, steering linkages, coils springs, wheel hubs steering column and the power steering gear. The intermediate shaft was replaced three times and lubricated the last time. The consumer was told the steering design was flawed, which contains a looseness that can't seem to be corrected. The transmission hesitated at times. The dealer stated the clutches were burnt and glazed. The tires were exhibiting premature wear. Updated 08/02/06. Updated 04/16/08

- Westminster, CA, USA

problem #27

Feb 242006

Silverado 2500 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 36,500 miles
: the contact stated intermittently, when the outside conditions are cold the steering is stiff. This occurs at any speed. The problem is worse when the brake pedal is depressed and turning the steering wheel. The dealership replaced the valve in the power steering. This has not corrected the problem. There is a technical service bulletin, #10013533, regarding this, but no repair available. The water pump gasket was replaced. The transfer case bearings were replaced. Updated 03/22/06.

- Slippery Rock, PA, USA

problem #26

Feb 162006

Silverado 2500 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 10,003 miles
: the contact stated while driving at 5mph, a popping noise was heard in the steering. The vehicle had 21,000 miles at the time of incident. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection. The dealer discovered the steering shaft was fractured and broken. The dealer made all necessary repairs. However, the steering shaft was previously replaced at 10,000 miles. The vehicle is occasionally driven and only on paved roads.

- Arden, NC, USA

problem #25

Feb 012005

Silverado 2500 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 25,000 miles
: the contact stated while driving there was a knocking sound in the steering wheel. This occurred while turning left and right on normal road conditions and during normal steering. The vehicle was taken to the dealership for inspection. Upon inspection, the dealership replaced the steering shaft which remedied the problem. The manufacturer was alerted. Updated 03/03/06.

- Perryville, MO, USA

problem #24

Feb 072006

Silverado 2500 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 2,000 miles
: the contact stated since purchase, every several thousand miles, there is excessive play in the steering wheel. The dealership has replaced the intermediate steering shaft 4 times, but this has not repaired the problem. Updated 3/17/2006 -

- Miller Place, NY, USA

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