Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
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. While driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning and failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 227,792.
This is the second of three fatal collisions investigated this year by my office involving Chevrolet pickups that caught fire after being involved in frontal collisions. This was an off set head on, passenger side to passenger side. Passenger in pickup was pinned in vehicle due to crush and consumed by fire.
After a 3 mile ride, backing up truck noticed smoke then flames coming out from under the hood. Fire melted all electical lines, destroyed hood and windshield. Weather was perfect, air conditioning May have been on.
After the vehicle had been parked for a week, a fire started under the hood. The fire was put out and the dealership was notified. The problem was not resolved. The cause was not determined.
When braking at any speed brake pedal would go to the floor, and there would be extended stopping distance. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. ABS displayed brake system failure. The consumer stated that the brakes failed on inclines. The consumer stated that there was an electrical short. The odometer failed and added extra mileage. The tires started separating after 300 miles. The radio became hot and shorted out. The air conditioner shorted out. The consumer stated that the new vehicle checklist was not filled out nor reviewed with him. The consumer stated that the engine knocks. The consumers fingers were burned by the radio after it got hot. The consumer stated that he heard a growling noise in the power steering. The consumer heard a buzzing noise in the transmission. The consumer had to use the emergency brake to stop the vehicle coming down a hill. …
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. …
First time:main computer failed. Second time:stalling, running rough, boggs down and makes loud noise,mis-fire in #5 & #6 cilander.A/C not working.not fixed. Third time: everything same as second time and engine light now coming on.not fixed. Fourth time:all lights on dash come on and all messages appearing on message board.not fixed. After computer changed truck preformed unsatisfactory and is still unsatisfactory. All having to do with computer. Told it is a random problem that is hard to detect and May not ever be fixed.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet Silverado. The contact stated that the engine stalled without warning. The vehicle was able to restart, but the failure recurred on multiple occasions. On one occasion, another vehicle rear ended the contact's vehicle due to the failure. A police report was filed. The contact sustained neck and back injuries that required medical attention. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unavailable.
Dt*: the contact stated intermittently, when the outside conditions are cold the steering is stiff. This occurs at any speed. The problem is worse when the brake pedal is depressed and turning the steering wheel. The dealership replaced the valve in the power steering. This has not corrected the problem. There is a technical service bulletin, #10013533, regarding this, but no repair available. The water pump gasket was replaced. The transfer case bearings were replaced. Updated 03/22/06.
While idling at a red light the smell of exhaust fumes became prevalent inside the passenger cabin. Upon inspection of the exhaust system it was determined 5 of the exhaust manifold bolts had prematurely failed allowing exhaust gas to escape from the engine into the engine compartment and into the passenger cabin. The vehicle is currently used sparingly where family members or friends are not allowed to ride in the truck until the exhaust manifolds are repaired.
Engine complaints in other Silverado years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2003 Chevrolet Silverado?
NHTSA has 33 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2003 Chevrolet Silverado, 5% of the model year's 695 complaints. The component named most often is engine (6 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2003 Chevrolet Silverado engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling 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 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 32,000 miles, and 43% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 4 fires and 2 injuries and 1 death to engine & cooling 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.