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2003 Chevrolet C4500 problems

The most common problem on the 2003 Chevrolet C4500 is engine and cooling. Its complaint count is close to a typical C4500 model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Owner complaints
5
Recalls
1
Service bulletins
95
Worst area
Engine

The worst 2003 Chevrolet C4500 problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Engine
    3
  • Electrical
    2
  • Fuel system
    1
  • Suspension
    1

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Engine
    3
  • Electrical
    2
  • Fuel system
    1
  • Suspension
    1

Recalls 1

Suspension: rearReported July 26, 2002 · 952 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Certain medium duty trucks equipped with 11,000 lb. Rear axle have a condition where the rear axle anchor plate may fracture. As the anchor plate fractures, there is an audible "bang." if this indication of a condition requiring the driver's attention went unnoticed or was ignored, and under certain rebound, braking, or cornering maneuvers, the rear axle would be free to move fore and aft and provide unexpected steering inputs to the vehicle.
Risk
If this happens while the vehicle is moving, a crash could result.
Remedy
Dealers will install a new rear axle anchor plate and spacer. Owner notification began august 16, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact chevrolet at 1‑800‑222‑1020 or gmc at 1‑800‑462‑8782.

Recall number 02V202000 · Recall details

See all 1 recalls for the 2003 Chevrolet C4500

Technical service bulletins for the 2003 Chevrolet C4500 95

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 95 bulletins for the 2003 Chevrolet C4500

What 2003 Chevrolet C4500 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Sep 8, 2011 · Fuel system · 65,000 miles · MA

After months of hard starting the engine, thinking it was the cold weather, older glow plugs, it turned out to be not enough pressure in the fuel system. The fuel injectors are leaking diesel fuel into the crankcase. Chevy has know of this problem for some time. They want 4500.00 to replace the injectors. The oil is contaminated and can catch on fire. I do not know if there is further damage to the cylinders or pistons or other components due to driving with contaminated oil. Chevy says to bad. Roll the dice on the repair or buy a new truck. Easy for them to say, it is not their hard work or money that has to pay for their defect. Chevy has changed the design of the new fuel injector,knowing the old one was faulty. Reading online for duramax engines [chevy kodiak and then some] it am finding out this is a common problem. Also reading where chevy is not standing up for what they know is a problem. After talking to the service dept at the local chevy dealer and gm headquarters, they both say this is a common problem. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Feb 22, 2006 · Engine · 57,000 miles · MO

Dt*: the contact stated when driving at any speed, the vehicle stalled intermittently. When the ignition was turned off, the vehicle would restart without a problem. The dealership replaced the fuel pump and exchange pump, although this helped the stalling, it did not correct the problem. The stalling progressively got worse. The dealership is unable to determine a problem.

Filed Nov 30, 2005 · Electrical · FL

The 2003 chevrolet kodiak c-4500 crew cab truck comes standard with a factory installed exhaust brake. When the brake is engaged, no brake lights come on at the rear of the vehicle. This size truck is commonly used to haul rv trailers, fifth wheel trailers and horse trailers. Since the brake lights are not activated on the truck, neither are they activated on the rear of the trailer. When activating the exhaust brake while going down a steep hill, the vehicle and trailer can be slowing down, but not give any indication to a following vehicle. This is a very dangerous situation. I asked the gm engineers to send me a wiring diagram to fix this but they refused, claiming that it was a safety issue if the system was rewired. There are currently 2003 and 2004 class a motor homes wired in the manner I'm suggesting. On these vehicles, when the exhaust brake is activated, the rear brake lights also activate warning anyone following that the leading vehicle is slowing down.

Filed Sep 8, 2004 · Electrical, Engine · NV

While driving 60 MPH vehicle stalled. Consumer was unable to restart vehicle, and had it towed to the dealer for inspection. Mechanic determined that the temperature sensor needed to be replaced, and replaced it. However, the problem recurred, and vehicle was taken back to the dealer . Mechanic replaced the computer sensor, and the problem recurred again.

Filed Nov 28, 2003 · Engine, Suspension · 38,000 miles · CA · crash

Consumer complained about an engine problem. It did not maintain the throttle. Engine went into neutral without a cause. Also, a suspension problem due to bolts placed in upside down position which caused vehicle to flip. Wires and plastic bolt holders melted.

Compare the 2003 Chevrolet C4500

Other model years

2003200420052006

Questions about the 2003 Chevrolet C4500

Is the 2003 Chevrolet C4500 reliable?

Owners have filed 5 complaints about the 2003 Chevrolet C4500, close to a typical C4500 model year.

What is the most common problem with the 2003 Chevrolet C4500?

Engine and cooling, with 3 complaints. Next is electrical (2).

How many recalls does the 2003 Chevrolet C4500 have?

1 recall, covering suspension.

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