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 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet Silverado. While driving 60 MPH, the vehicle lost power and failed to accelerate. The ABS, check engine, and passenger side air bag lights remained illuminated. In addition, the power steering failed. The failures recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed, but a failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
Vehicle safety: quadrasteer (4 wheel steer) maneuverability when sliding on ice. Was driving my Chevrolet 1500hd crew cab 4x4 quadrasteer pickup 30 MPH (in 40 MPH zone) and coming around a right hand bend in the road when the truck hit ice on the road. The vehicle immediately started to slide off the road to the right. The quadrasteer was on and engaged. At this speed the quadrasteer has the rear wheels turn in the opposite direction of the front wheels. As the truck was sliding to the right, I responded as convention dictates, which is to turn into the slide to maintain control of the vehicle. When I turned the steering to the right (into the slide), the rear wheels turned to the left, which almost instantly put the truck in a free slide now going slide ways because the rear wheel steering caused the back of the truck to come around from the left side. …
Dt: contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet Silverado. There is abounce and vibration in the steering column while driving under normal circumstances, but it became worse while turning the steering wheel left or right. Sometimes there was a grinding noise coming from the steering column while turning the steering wheel. This happened every time the contact drove the vehicle. There was a remedy kit available from Chevrolet that iwascovered under warranty or the contact would have to cover the expense. While the vehicle was still under warranty this kit was installed in approximately a year ago, but the vehicle was experiencing the same problems again. The new recommendation from Chevrolet was to replace the intermediate steering shaft. The service dealer said the vehicle iwasout of warranty, and that there was no recall. The contact would have to cover the cost of the repair. …
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. …
My daughter had an accident in our 2003 Chevrolet 1500 series pickup truck due to a steering problem. She was making a left turn at a low speed and said something went wrong with the steering. It made a popping/grinding sound, spun her in a circle and caused her to hit a curb and then a yield sign. We had the truck towed to the dealer because I thought it sounded like a mechanical problem. The dealer contacted GM and they said that the damage would have to be repaired before anyone could check out the steering. The damage has been repaired, but the dealer said they could find nothing wrong with the steering. I don't believe that especially since I read an article regarding the recall of certain GM cars whose drivers experienced the exact same problem. …
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 10 MPH and below, the steering allowed too much play and maneuvered loosely. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who replaced the steering shaft. However, the problem still exists. The rack and pinion had a slight leak. The consumer has had numerous components replaced on the vehicle such as wheel bearings, ball joints, tie rod ends, control arms, steering gear, shocks, steering linkages, coils springs, wheel hubs steering column and the power steering gear. The intermediate shaft was replaced three times and lubricated the last time. The consumer was told the steering design was flawed, which contains a looseness that can't seem to be corrected. The transmission hesitated at times. The dealer stated the clutches were burnt and glazed. The tires were exhibiting premature wear. Updated 08/02/06. Updated 04/16/08
I along with 4 close friends each individually oun 2003 Chevrolet 2500hd pick up trucks. All of us have had a steering problem stemming from a steering component called the "intermediate steering shaft" all of my friends have had their shafts changed out under chevrolets factory warranty. I was not able to have mine covered because I am outside of the warranty milage, however I did have the problem diagnosed by my local dealer and was confirmed that the intermediate shaft was bad. I do not know what this shaft does but I am terrified to drive my truck in fear of my steering shaft breaking and falling out. Chevrolet has refused to cover this part as a good faith repair so I am looking into making this a recall situation due to the number of warranty repairs they make on these trucks.
Tl contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet Silverado. While driving 5-10 MPH, the steering wheel locked during left and right turns. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and they stated that the power steering pump failed and needed to be replaced at the cost of $350. The power steering pump was replaced, but the failure persisted. The dealer then stated that the cause of the failure was the power steering box; however, it has not yet been replaced. The manufacturer is waiting for a diagnostic from the dealer to determine the true cause of the failure. The current mileage was 50,000 and failure mileage was 49,500. Updated 10/03/08 the power steering failed at parking lot speeds, the front wheels would not turn until vehicle speed was increased. Updated 10/07/08.
Along with at least a dozen other complaints filed with NHTSA I also have concerns with the intermediate steering shaft sectoron my 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 hd making a rattling , clicking noise espically when turning. What is the criteria to get GM to announce a recall? I feel this should be addressed before more serious consequences occur. So far I have made an appointment with the dealer and was told they would look at it and possibly replace the sector or place a lubrication kit in it.in reading other complaints it doesn't sound like this resolves the problem. My vehicle is out of warranty but this has been ongoing before the warranty expiration. I would be happyto allow and encourage you to forward this to GM for action.
Dt:contact stated the braking system was defective. The pedal went down very far and was spongy. It took a long time for the truck to stop. The consumer stated pumping the pedal did not help. Contact bought vehicle new and was having this problem somewhat since he purchased it, but did not realize it was so bad until he drove other vehicles. This happens at any speed. The dealer said it was operating as designed. The consumer stated the ABS light came on. When the consumer drove 45 MPH down a gravel road, and applied the brakes, there was no ABS function and the wheels did not lock. Although the truck did eventually stop, it took a great distance to do so. The steering shaft was replaced.
Steering complaints in other Silverado years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2003 Chevrolet Silverado?
NHTSA has 80 complaints about the steering of the 2003 Chevrolet Silverado, 12% of the model year's 695 complaints. The component named most often is column (15 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2003 Chevrolet Silverado steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering 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 steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 20,000 miles, and 62% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 6 crashes, 0 fires and 0 injuries to steering 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.