Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (accelerator pedal, throttle, sudden acceleration, cruise control).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2003 Chevrolet Silverado owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet Silverado. The contact stated that the vehicle suddenly accelerated without warning while in reverse. The contact crashed into a pile of debris. The contact suffered injuries to the neck and back. The contact notified the dealer regarding the sudden acceleration and the dealer stated that they had no reports of any Silverado's accelerating without warning. The contact then notified the manufacturer and filed a complaint. The failure mileage was 77,000. Updated 05/16/12
The vehicle was in an accident and rolled over, the consumer stated she must have fallen asleep at the wheel. Neither front driver or passenger air bags deployed. Driver could not recall whether there was pre-impact braking, but assumed so since it was a natural reaction. Both passengers were wearing seat belts, and the air bag warning light was not illuminated at any time prior to the collision. Driver sustained serious injuries, such as broken ribs/ contusions and bruises. The passenger was killed. Odi spoke to consumer. The complainant was driving the vehicle and May have fell asleep at the wheel. Husband was most likely a sleep in the passenger's front seat at the time of the crash. The vehicle drifted into opposite lane. The driver upon realization of what was going on over corrected and hit a concrete drain resulting in the vehicle flipping 2 1/2 times. …
Purchase truck used in June of 2005 with 49000miles truck has less then 55000miles on it.. First day ran out of gas ..gas guage and digital reading showed 50 more miles worht of gas.fixed thegas guage problem or so they say then oil guage started showingway past full on oil then would go back to no oil then to normal speedometer sticks and on occasion will go back to zero for the most part your start off speed is at least 40mph.. Was told by dealer it was a faulty I.c.p and that they have been having several brought into the dealership with the same problem.. I feel if this is a problem that obviously Chevy is aware of it should be recalled and fixed with no out of pocket expense to its consumers. Was also told that my dash would have to be shipped out of town to be repaired and that I would be without a vehicle for awhile.. …
Dt: the consumer complained about several problems. While driving he had trouble shifting from first gear. The dealer reprogrammed the engine control module and the transmission module control. The vehicle was still shifting hard, and the rpms revved. The replacement of the aforementioned did not remedy the transmission problem. The second problem was with the brake light coming on the cluster assembly. The service dealer replaced it, and it seemed to work well at this time. The third problem was with a noise in the rear of the vehicle. The dealer replaced the gear kit, two gaskets, case, the rear differential carrier assembly, carrier gears, and shims. The noise was still heard. The dealer recommended that the contact install carpet to cut down on the noise. The final problem was with a loss of rear traction. …
We have a 2003 Chevrolet Silverado and a 2004 impala. Speedometers have broken on both. The impala was replaced under warranty. The Silverado was turned in under warranty but not repaired and now it is out of warranty. This apparently is a major and widespread problem with Chevrolet vehicles and the company will not stand behind the product. Bob howard Chevrolet in oklahoma city tells me cost to fix this problem is $400-600 for the part and $125-175 for labor. How many of these module clusters have prematurely malfunctioned? Mechanics and GM service centers say they are on national back order. That should illustrate the need for review and recall.
I own a 2003 Chevrolet Silverado extended cab pick up which was purchased used 3 months ago. Since the time that I purchased this vehicle I have been having trouble with the accelerator sticking. Because of this problem, I have had an automobile accident. I have spoken with a Chevrolet dealership in my area and general motors has issued a recall due to this problem but they claim that I am not eligible because I purchased the vehicle used and out of warranty. This is a safety issue, as I have stated I have had an accident due to the sticking accelerator.
Speedometer reads erratically either highor low. Will register various speed when stopped. Sometimes will work properly, then go bad again. 1st noticed when read 35 MPH on road keeping up with traffic in 60mph zone. Dealer say he has seen a run on this problem with 5-6 in last couple of weeks. At first it would seem okay when it warmed up for 15-20 minutes now really erratic. Requires module replacement at $680 and 7 days to get part. Unsafe to drive with no reliable speed measure.
Dt*: the contact stated the speedometer failed while driving on the interstate. The vehicle cruise control was set for 70 MPH when the speedometer needle began reading 120 MPH. The contact did not notice a change in the actually speed the vehicle was traveling. The cruise control was reset at 70 MPH and the speedometer continued to register at 120 MPH. The speedometer never worked properly again. The dealership replaced the speedometer cluster.
I own a 2003 Chevrolet 1500 z71 ext cab pickup. On dec 23, 2004 the speedometer would not decrease its reading, even if the vehicle was at a complete stop. The speedometer will only display the incorrect speed or top out and not move from 120mph. When I contacted the dealership were the vehicle was purchased they notified me that this is an ongoing problem and the part they need to fix the speedometer is on back order for a minimum of 30 days.
On 4/1/2003,took delivery of a Chevrolet 3500 p/up VIN:[redacted] it has a sudden acceleration. Dealer has had vehicle 3 weeks GM has no cure, they want to drive it and try and capture the data to fix it. My insurance co doesn't want them to drive it because of liability. Where do I go from here.
Acceleration complaints in other Silverado years
Frequently asked questions
How common are acceleration problems on the 2003 Chevrolet Silverado?
NHTSA has 29 complaints about the speed control & acceleration of the 2003 Chevrolet Silverado, 4% of the model year's 695 complaints. The component named most often is accelerator pedal (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2003 Chevrolet Silverado acceleration problems?
No. NHTSA lists no speed control & acceleration recall for the 2003 Chevrolet Silverado, though it has 6 recalls for other components. 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 acceleration problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 40,000 miles, and 35% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 2 injuries and 1 death to speed control & acceleration 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.