2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500: 0 recalls, 805 owner complaints and up to 16 mpg combined.
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Recalls
No recalls on file for this model year. Still worth a VIN check.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 7 mention a fire, 13 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Brakes (273): the most common themes are brake failure / soft pedal (149).
- Electrical (195): the most common themes are electrical failure (27), stalls / loses power (12).
- Brakes (hydraulic) (151): the most common themes are rust / corrosion (93), brake failure / soft pedal (58), leaks (23).
- Steering (56): the most common themes are steering problems (54), noise or vibration (32).
The 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 has 805 owner complaints, ranking #7 of 33 Silverado 1500 model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 547). Complaints peaked in 2014 (127 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 8 years old, at a median of 80,317 miles. Neighboring years: 2002 (509 complaints, 0 recalls), 2004 (797 complaints, 0 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.3 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 19 | 16 | Regular |
| 4.3 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 19 | 16 | Regular |
| 4.8 L 8-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 19 | 16 | Regular |
| 4.8 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 18 | 15 | Regular |
| 5.3 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 | 17 | 15 | Regular |
| 5.3 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 | 18 | 15 | Gasoline or E85 |
| 4.3 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 | 17 | 14 | Regular |
| 4.3 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 | 17 | 14 | Regular |
| 4.8 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 | 16 | 14 | Regular |
| 4.8 L 8-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 | 17 | 14 | Regular |
| 5.3 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 | 16 | 14 | Regular |
| 5.3 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 12 | 16 | 14 | Gasoline or E85 |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 have any recalls?
NHTSA doesn't list any vehicle recalls for the 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to be sure.
What are the most common 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 problems?
Owners have filed 805 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are brakes (273), electrical (195), brakes (hydraulic) (151).
What gas mileage does the 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 get?
EPA ratings run up to 16 mpg combined (4.3 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 12 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.