Most common 2003 Chevrolet Pickup problems
Share of the 10 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Chevrolet Pickup complaints by model year
Best Pickup years: 2003, 2002, 2001. Years to avoid: 1995, 1997, 1996. Compare all years →
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 2 possible defects involving the 2003 Chevrolet Pickup:
Hydraulic pump failres
GM is conducting a recall on all subject vehicles build between May 1999 and October 14, 1999.significant changes were incorporated into production in early October 1999, and vehicles built after that date have lower warranty failure rates.the complaint and warranty data appear to support the effectiveness of these changes.
Parking brake failure
In a letter dated April 20, 2005, GM notified NHTSA that it had decided that defects that relate to motor vehicle safety exist in certain model year (my) 1999-2002 c/k 1500 series (pbr parking brake system) and my 2001-2005 c/k 2500 and 3500 series (trw parking brake system) pickups with manual transmissions.according to GM, some of these vehicles May have conditions that cause the friction linings to wear to an…
What 2003 Chevrolet Pickup owners say
Brakes
While driving warning service brake system illuminated on the dashboard. The ABS and parking brake lights also illuminated. Vehicle was taken to the dealer, and told consumer that ABS brakes were inoperable.
When applying the brakes pedal went to the floor without warning. Dealer stated that was the way the vehicle was designed.
2003 Chevrolet Pickup engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.2L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | RWD | 19 / 25 / 22 |
| 2.2L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 17 / 23 / 19 |
| 4.3L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 15 / 21 / 18 |
| 4.3L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | RWD | 15 / 22 / 17 |
| 5.3L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 14 / 18 / 15 |
| 4.3L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 14 / 18 / 15 |
| 4.3L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 4WD/AWD | 12 / 17 / 14 |
EPA ratings. Class: Small pickup.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2003 Chevrolet Pickup a good car?
Based on 10 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2003 Pickup rates better than average: 76% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Pickup at the same age. It is one of the best Pickup years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2003 Chevrolet Pickup?
The brakes — 3 complaints, 30% of all complaints for this model year, most often about antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip. Next are the wheels & tires (2) and suspension (2).
How many recalls does the 2003 Chevrolet Pickup have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2003 Chevrolet Pickup. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Chevrolet Pickup?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2003, 2002 and 2001. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 1995, 1997 and 1996. See the full Chevrolet Pickup years comparison.
At what mileage do 2003 Chevrolet Pickup problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 24,000 miles; 71% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.