Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
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).
While attempting to park in a parking lot vehicle swerved to the left and collided with a tree. Consumer examined the under side of the vehicle, and discovered that the left tie rod broke. Dealer claimed that the collision caused the tie rod to break. Consumer was not injured in the collision, and no other vehicle was involved. Front lower control arm had to be replaced and front wheel alignment was performed.
While driving at 65 MPH, the rear end started shaking and without warning the steering wheel had locked up, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle. The consumer stated, ' the vehicle rolled over three times before resting on its side'. The vehicle was towed to the dealership. The three passengers were taken to the hospital by ambulance. Please provide any further details.
My 2003 Chevrolet duramax truck that I recently purchased, sheared the driver side rear shock mount off after hitting a cut off tree stump in some tall grass. Not knowing this occurred, the following morning on 7/27/03, I went to stop at a stop sign along a busy highway in ninilchik, alaska, and had break failure. Checking, I found a sheared shock mount and with the break line attached to this bracket with a bolt, it took the break line out as well. After having my vehicle towed to hutchensons cheverolet in soldotna, alaska the repairs were made and I left. Before making it back to ninilchik, ak. I almost rear-end a vehicle because I had no breaks. Checking out the shock mount again, I find the weld had not held and broke again and takeing out the break line again. Hutchenson Chevrolet refused to bolt to any other place other than where the manufacture had bolted it before. …
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
Both wheel bearings on the front axle failed on our 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 2500hd 4x4 4-door pickup. It has 39,000 miles and has been used in light duty situations only (primarily highway driving with light towing). A large squeak developed over a three week period when turning right corners. Our local mechanic found that both front wheels, especially the drivers side, were close to falling off the truck. Even though it was out of warranty, the local dealer replaced both failed mechanisims without question with in stock parts. A little odd that they would have multiple sets of front hub assemblies in stock on last year's model, don't you think?
Dt: both rear axle seals leaked and grease was coming out and getting on the end of the axles and on the rear rotor disc brakes. When braking heavy on hills smoke eminated, mostly on the left side. Mechanic was on vacation and consumer was waiting mechanic's return for repairs. Consumer did contact GM, who said they had no reports on this issue, but there was a recall on the rear brakes. Consumer had an appointment, and dealer stated they would look into axles when repairing the recall.
When turning at any speed consumer can hear a rattling noise coming from the steering wheel. Vehicle is controllable when this problem happens. At the dealership, mechanic indicated that the problem was coming from the steering column and would need to order parts to correct it. Consumer is still waiting for parts to come in........dealership lndicated that they have hundreds of repair parts on order, but received non e as of 12/28/2004.
4x4 not working, charcoal canister, cd-player 3 times, complete new brake system from rotors,seals,caliperes etc. That I paid for $1,000., window regulator, door latches, noise coming from the steering area, dash peeling apart, chapman Chevy replaced all four tires twice within 50,000 miles-I finally went and spent $1,200 on new tires to make sure my family and I our safe
Under warranty, rear driver's spring sags 3/4 inch and more. Just out of warranty, (40,000) speedometer fails to read accurately, intermittent problem. Rear vew mirror display shows backward "f" for seventies, can not isolate temp from compus. Windshield wipers will not shut off when it rains or car is washed.
Failure of the left front wheel hub bearings. Resulted in severe wobble while driving, especially noted in turning to the left. Dealer advised this was a serious problem and could have resulted in wheel failure or fire due to overheating. Vehicle has under 42,000 miles.
Suspension complaints in other Silverado years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 2003 Chevrolet Silverado?
NHTSA has 28 complaints about the suspension of the 2003 Chevrolet Silverado, 4% of the model year's 695 complaints. The component named most often is rear (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2003 Chevrolet Silverado suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension 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 suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 14,000 miles, and 70% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 3 injuries to suspension 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.