Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
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).
The vehicle was being driven in a parking lot, fortunately, when there was a loud snapping noise that resulted in the total loss of steering control. The vehicle was moving at about 5 MPH at time of the incident. 10 minutes prior, it was being driven on the Freeway at 60 to 65 MPH. In the parking lot, at the time of the steering failure, it was put into Park, ignition was turned off and a Tow service was called to tow vehicle home. The next day, I (the owner) inspected the steering system and found the reason it failed. A threaded connection on the "Pitman Arm" had snapped in half, terminating the connection between the steering column and the center link, causing catastrophic failure of steering system. The vehicle was transported to a repair facility where my diagnosis was confirmed. The Pitman Arm was replaced, at a cost of about $600.00 and returned to service. …
2003 CHEVROLET Silverado1500 HD have power hydro brake liitle leaking when driving so loud same time steering to turning so loud and very hard apply brake step on brake so loud try to stop not easy scary and parked at home right now, i beleive fact recall now because your repoert said that "found none recall", it is now problems same my dad have van recall for 2003 Express 1500 and Express 2500 van problems hybro booster brake and steering system found recall now... as 2003 CHEVROLET Silverado 1500 hd problem same thing the problem, you shoud add up recall because show " no found recall " ???, are you notice different? It parts are same problems with van and truck power hydro and brake/steering system . Please let me to know and email back to me sooner, Thanks.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. While driving at approximately 45 MPH, the steering wheel pulled to the left and right and the vehicle swerved after driving over a bump. The dealer diagnosed that the vehicle and the two control arms were replaced. The approximate failure mileage was 85,000. Updated 12/23/16 the consumer stated the wiring harness for heater number 4 setting blew out. There was an electrical odor. Updated 01/04/17.
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
I am writing in regards to my anti lock baking system (ABS) and my steering column. I was nearly involved in an auto accident on dry pavement when my ABS system engaged and then dis-engaged at a speed of less than 10 MPH. When steering to the right to avoid the accident, my steering column had a strange vibration/loud humming noise. My antilock brakes engaged while I was slowing to swerve to miss the oncoming vehicle and then my ABS stopped working and my ABS warning light along with my parking brake (p) warning light came on. Now, since that day (2 days ago), my steering column still makes noises when I turn to the right and my ABS system continues to engage at slow speeds when stopping even on dry pavement. I have been told by a GM dealership that the two issues that I am experiencing are not on a recall list but are common problems with my vehicle. …
I am writing in regards to my anti lock baking system (ABS) and my steering column. I was nearly involved in an auto accident on dry pavement when my ABS system engaged and then dis-engaged at a speed of less than 10 MPH. When steering to the right to avoid the accident, my steering column had a strange vibration/loud humming noise. My antilock brakes engaged while I was slowing to swerve to miss the oncoming vehicle and then my ABS stopped working and my ABS warning light along with my parking brake (p) warning light came on. Now, since that day (2 days ago), my steering column still makes noises when I turn to the right and my ABS system continues to engage at slow speeds when stopping even on dry pavement. I have been told by a GM dealership that the two issues that I am experiencing are not on a recall list but are common problems with my vehicle. …
Reduced engine power. This has been occurring off and on for about 9 months, have taken it to dealer multiple times and replaced everything that was said would fix the problem. The problem still occurs even after replacing: accelerator and receiver on throttle body as well as checking wiring harness for issues. Essentially, the vehicle will lose the function of the accelerator without warning at any given time during the use of the vehicle. The dealer has told me that they don't have any idea why it still is having this issue...the other day the vehicle was being driven and reduced engine power mode set in and at the same time the power steering went out. Thought the power steering going out at the same time was a one time deal but it happened again the very next day. The vehicle had this issue on the highway the other day and nearly caused an accident. …
Power assist to the steering when turning left cuts out intermittently. This started occurring when the vehicle was almost new and still under warranty, but didn't happen very often and the dealer could not find anything wrong when brought in for warranty repairs. Now that the warranty has expired, it has gotten much worse. At lower speeds, especially under 25 MPH, there is often little or no power assist to the steering. This makes it especially difficult to go around corners and maneuver in parking lots. Internet search shows that this is a common problem with 2000-2006 Silverado and sierra pickups, as well as tahoes, suburbans and yukons. This is a serious safety defect in that the power assist can suddenly cut out when going around a curve or corner, making it very difficult to keep the vehicle on course and avoiding striking stationary objects or pedestrians. …
Five times truck (17 months old and 21000 miles) has been to dealerships for "service 4 wheel drive" message center indicator, ABS light, parking brake light, alarms, and inoperable. Also problems with clanking felt through the steering wheel. Every time truck was "fixed" by replacing/reprogramming the transfer case module, and lubing of steering column (which manufacture indicates was a poor lube job at construction). Problem recurred. Now dealership informs that the manufacture issued a TSB that instructs dealerships to not replace modules anymore, as GM is aware of problem and new modules will be not fix the problem. Were told that GM engineers are "investigating" it. Now, if module fails again, our 4-whhel drive truck will be without 4-wheel drive. Date is of first incident. Numerous tsbs have been posted concerning these problems, GM does not respond. …
Steering clunks on turns. Dealer replaced intermediate steering shaft under warranty per TSB. Problem resurfaced on 09/29/2006 at 44,045 miles. Dealer repaired under extended warranty . Problem showed up again on 06/17/2007 at 54, 451 miles. Dealer wanted $280 for the job. Have not repaired. The problem is now worse at 84,618 miles. Problem # 2 stop light sockets heat up and loose contact to the bulb. Dealer wants around $75 for each of the two sockets required. Problem #3 received notice from gmac stating there May be an instrument cluster problem. Don't come to the dealer unless you are experiencing the problem. GM extended the warranty to 7 years or 70,000 miles. Naturally, my gauges failed at 79,000 and 7 years and 10 months. Dealer wants over $400 for parts alone. Updated 07/05/11 updated 02/03/12
Steering complaints in other Silverado 1500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500?
NHTSA has 56 complaints about the steering of the 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 7% of the model year's 805 complaints. The component named most often is column (10 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering 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 steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 45,000 miles, and 26% 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.