Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the power steering failed causing the steering wheel to become hard to maneuver. The contact heard an abnormal sound coming from the hydro boost area when the brake pedal or accelerator pedal were depressed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed that the intermediate shaft was faulty. The intermediate shaft was replaced however, the failure recurred. The contact requested the dealer to replace the power steering pump but the dealer informed the contact that the failure was caused by the power steering pump. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 115,000.
While driving down a 50 mph roadway there was a line of cars slowing for a vehicle to make a turn. When gently pushing the brakes to slow down, brake went clear to the floor and could not slow down. Truck was driven into the ditch to avoid rear-ending vehicles. This happened immediately without warning, all braking prior to this incident was normal. When taken to our mechanic, they advised the brake lines underneath were notorious for rusting out and failing, new stainless steel lines were then installed to correct the problem.
I was plowing snow, stepped on the brakes and the pedal went to the floor and crashed into the side of a garden shed. No warning or indicator light. I parked the truck in the garage and the next day found a large puddle of brake fluid under the truck. The master cylinder reservoir was empty. I added an entire quart of fluid, found a ruptured brake line under the truck (in the area of the drivers side seat location), started the truck to see if any of the braking was working and the brake warning light came on. There was no braking whatsoever, even after filling the brake fluid reservoir .
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. While driving 15 MPH, the ABS light illuminated. The contact depressed the brake pedal, which failed to stop the vehicle. As a result, the contact crashed into another vehicle at a low speed. The contact sustained back injuries that required medical attention. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 05V379000 (service brakes, hydraulic). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 154,330.
In June of 2013 while drive my 2003 Silverado the brakes line completely rusted through nearly causing a severe accident as I was in a very busy section of us127s in frankfort, ky.. By sure luck I was able to manoeuvre the truck to a safe place to stop,without hitting another person or vehicle by going up a slight grade and placing in park before rolling backwards it had to be towed to o'brien & gaites Chevrolet in frankfort, ky. Where the informed me that the brake lines had rusted through and needed to be replaced. I ask if there had been a recall on these lines and was told no. The lines were replaced both the front from booster to ABS and then from ABS back to rear wheels at a cost of $400 plus. The truck only has 89,000 miles on it and the in September of 2015 after sitting in my driveway the brakes stopped working. …
Takata recall. This is my third event relating to brake line failure. This event, I was driving and noticed the brake pedal became spongy. Further inspection showed a leak of brake fluid above my fuel tank and at the left front tire. There appears to be fluid on the frame of the truck behind the driver side front tire. I have not been able to inspect the line above the fuel tank at this time. I have attached a photo of the wet frame behind the left front tire. It shows a rusted brake line. The first two events my juvenile son was driving. For all events we were extremely fortunate to be operating in our yard, so no accidents. The first two events happened approximately 2 years ago. Inspecting the brake lines that failed, showed that these lines were severely rusted. As a matter of fact, inspecting the lines that are visible, they all show signs of rusting. …
This is the second time the brake lines have failed on this vehicle and a report issued to NHTSA. This time, my son was driving and applied the brakes to stop at a stop sign. The brake pedal went to the floor. He went through the stop sign, crashed into a median that slowed him down, and ended up on top of the median. Thank goodness the truck was empty and no one was using the right-of-way at the intersection. Inspection showed yet another corroded brake line. This brake line was OEM. The brake lines were replaced after the previous incident look fine and are not corroded. It appears that all of the brake lines need to be replaced to correct this safety defect. The consumer stated he experienced hydraulic brake failure at 51,848 miles due to corroded brake lines. The lines burst in an area that was weakened by corrosion and failed under normal usage and brake line pressure. …
While driving down the highway at 55mph approaching a stop light signal it turned yellow. Knowing that I wasn't going to make it through the intersection before it turned red I hit the brakes to stop. While pushing down on the brakes everything felt normal with resistance from the pedal until all of a sudden the brake pedal lost its resistance or pressure and went straight to the floor and I had little to no brakes. Thankfully no one was in front of me as I would not have been able to stop in time. I then pulled over and after further inspection found that the rear hydraulic brake line had failed due to corrosion. Corrosion that was caused by using inferior products that cant sustain the elements it's used in. I now see that this was a known problem that GM hasn't informed its owners or recalled. Shame on them. …
The brake line to the front brakes burst and resulted in no brakes. In 2013 the brake line to the rear burst and had the same result. Fortunately I did not have an accident in either case. I repaired the rear brake line and I expected your organization to issue a recall because my research indicated this is a common problem. How many people have to be injured or killed to issue a recall. There is a reasonable expectation that a vehicle in good condition that is ten years old and less than 100,000 miles should not have its brakes fail completely and unexpectedly. Why are these vehicles allowed to be produced with brake lines made of materials that will certainly fail in a short period of time. In both instances, I was traveling at a low speed. What happens when a driver, especially an inexperienced driver has their brakes fail at a high rate of speed. …
Brake line failure in several places. Was under vehicle performing an oil change. Noticed fluid on the bottom of the fuel tank. Investigated and found the rear most hard brake line leaking. Continued to inspect all hard lines and found several areas where leaks were present. Removed vehicle from use and started replacing all hard brake lines. New lines are stainless steel thus I should never run into this issue again. GM should have used stainless steel lines in the first place rather than plain steel lines. The original brakes lines broke like twigs when I bent them to throw them away. I have never seen brake lines in this type of condition on a vehicle with 130,000 miles. This is a safety hazard and possible accident waiting to happen. I have never experienced brake line failure on a vehicle like the Chevy Silverado. …
NHTSA investigations
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.
Brake complaints in other Silverado 2500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 2500?
NHTSA has 247 complaints about the brakes of the 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 55% of the model year's 449 complaints. The component named most often is foundation components › hoses, lines/piping, and fittings (14 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. 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 2500 brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 86,000 miles, and 4% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 16 crashes, 2 fires and 1 injury to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.