Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (fuel pump, injectors, fuel tank, hybrid and EV propulsion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
My truck is a older model Chevrolet Silverado pickup HD the problem is it say engine power reduced. I have had it worked on a few times and keeps reducing if engine power. Can you tell me if there is a recall on this issue or at one point there was a recall? I have had the truck almost 2 years any info would be appreciated. I bought the truck from an individual.
Takata recall. While driving on a city street, truck suddenly lost power and shut off in the middle of an intersection, while I was turning.I tried several times to start it but nothing. I believed it to be the catalytic converter, and had it towed to a muffler shop. After fixing the problem truck still would not crank. I had to have it towed once again to my residence. Before this I would have to make 2-3 attempts to crank the truck before it would start. Also prior to this I noticed I have not been getting as good of gas mileage as I should and the truck would not accelerate as it should. I have done research and seen a number of people with my same model truck have several issues with their fuel pump.
The rear fuel tank strap holding the fuel tank to the frame of the vehicle has rusted/corroded and failed. The result was the tank strap separating from the portion near where the strap bolts to the frame. The vehicle was in motion on primary city roads during this issue. The separated fuel tank strap then rubbed against the rear portion of the drive shaft near the rear axle housing. This caused it to separate from the vehicle and enter the roadway. After the retaining strap failed, the rear portion of the fuel tank was then hanging dangerously low towards the roadway.
On multiple occasions the vehicle has lost power at highway speed and the engine dies. After a few attempts the engine restarts and operates normally for an unpredictable interval. This has happened at least 10 times. The authorized dealer and other mechanic shops have not been able to diagnose the reason for the power failure as they have not been able to cause it to duplicate failure when they have it. This sudden unexpected condition is very dangerous when it occurs and renders the vehicle unusable for anything other than short usage.
Vehicle will suddenly decrease power and the message "engine power reduced" shows on message display. First time was 9/8/2012. Last time was feb 24, 2015. Has done this at 25 MPH on a city street, 35 MPH city street twice, and 55 MPH on highway. Supposedly repaired three times. Am afraid to use vehicle as usually tow 5th wheel and do not want it to do this while towing.
Brake lines completely rusted thru, had to replace all lines, fuel lines recently leaked and upon inspection are found to be completely rust as well, bad material used in these lines, big safety issue with leaking fuel and inability to stop when brakes go out
Fuel pump went out while driving on the highway (very dangerous). Truck just die while driving. Have it check to learn the fuel pump is needs to replace. I did a little research and find out this is a common problem to this truck ... Recall?
Sound coming from transmission when push on gas,no power on right side gear light doesn't work I service 4 wd it's tell me to service I start up it's picks which gear (stationary) door on right stop working lost all power.
My engine has been giving me lean condition codes p0171, p0174 and truck is lacking performance really bad and coolant problems too please message me back
Just bought a 2003 Chevy Silverado 4x4 with a 5.3lt engine . Problems with the fuel gauge, it worked when test drove at dealer and after buying the truck it stopped on the way home!!!! Been told it will cost hundreds to fix !!!! After researching on the net I have found that this is a common problem with GM trucks,and not only with 2003 trucks but many of other years!!!!!!!! And also some car models now with all the problems people are having this cannot be a coincidence!! If you want proof just read the GM forums it's amazing how many people are having gas gauge problems !!!!!!!!! I do not understand why there is not a recall on this, as well as all the people on a number of GM chat forums, everyone is wondering why GM (government motors)have not sent out a recall either !!!!!!!! …
Fuel System complaints in other Silverado 1500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are fuel system problems on the 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500?
NHTSA has 28 complaints about the fuel & propulsion system of the 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 3% of the model year's 805 complaints. The component named most often is delivery › hoses, lines/piping, and fittings (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 fuel system problems?
No. NHTSA lists no fuel & propulsion system recall for the 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 fuel system problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 116,000 miles, and 4% before 25,000 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.