Brake lines, gas line, transmission fluid lines all rusted/corroded beginning at under 50,000 miles. * had near accidents as the brake lines blew while driving on a highway and was decelerating in an attempt to come to a stop..pedal went to the floor, I continued on (foot off the gas) until the truck slowed down enough on it's own, shifted into low gear & was able to come to a stop and get towed. * shortly after brake line incident, the same thing with the gas line, rusted/corroded and leaked gasoline when ignition was on and pump was running... Towed * a few ,months later, I was parking the truck and fluid started spewing from under the truck - after close examination I determined it was transmission fluid, the lines had rusted/corroded - again,towed. * rear bumper rotted out completely before hitting 35,000 miles- I had it replaced, now the wheels and side quarter panels and everything in between are also rotting out. * currently the dash lights/panel will intermittently begin to flash - the whole dash goes blank, lights off, then they come back on, while driving! **my mechanic recently told me after state inspection, that the frame is the next thing to go, it is rusting out more than expected for a vehicle of it's age/low mileage. Personally, I feel that inferior products were used when the truck was manufactured only because I have another chevrolet product with twice the mileage and 6 years older with barely any rust/rot/corrosion.
2003 Chevrolet Silverado body problems
19 complaints (3% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 34,500.
- owner complaints
- 19
- of this car's complaints
- 3%
- typical mileage
- 34,500
- crashes
- 0
- recalls
- 1
Which part fails
- Body: tailgate: hinge and attachments8
- Frame and members2
- Frame and members: underbody shields1
- Body: hatchback/liftgate: support device/strut1
- Body1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Chevrolet Silverado body problems in other years
Related recalls
Structure: body: tailgate: hinge and attachments
- What is wrong
- On certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles, the galvanized steel tailgate support cables that retain the tailgate in the full open (horizontal) position may corrode, weaken, and eventually fracture. If both cables fractured, the tailgate would suddenly drop and strike the top surface of the rear bumper.
- Risk
- Anyone sitting or standing on the horizontal surface of the tailgate when both cables fractured could be injured by falling from the tailgate. On vehicles that have had the bumper removed, the tailgate may drop even lower. Additionally, if there is cargo on the tailgate the cargo may fall off if the support cables fracture.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the cables. Interim owner notification began on april 7, 20004. The recall began on september 24, 2004, when replacement parts were available, and will continue through october 29, 2004. Owners should contact cadillac at 1‑866‑982‑2339, chevrolet at 1‑800‑630‑2438 or gmc at 1‑866‑996‑9463, or visit www.mygmlink.com, and enter your vehicle identification number.
Recall number 04V129000 · Recall details
What 2003 Chevrolet Silverado owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
I have had to replace the distributor cap and rotor bug often due to corrosion after less than 1000 miles. This is very dangerous. The dealership installed cover over the AC line and that had little effect. It is my belief that this is a manufacture flaw.
Frame rust enough to void inspection. Rust noticed within a year after purchase. Vehicle now fails inspection. I have another older gm vehicle housed in the same place, driven in the same area with double the mileage and three years older without this issue. I feel it is design/materials issue.
While changing my oil I noticed excessive rust on the brake fluid lines running from the front of the truck to the electronic brake module under the truck (along to frame rail). I began to search for pre-bend replacements and found several reports of issues with chevrolet vehicles having this problem. I want to ensure the vehicle is safe to drive but I am unable to find exact replacement brake fluid lines. It appears that people are replacing them with straight stock brake lines and getting the correct shape and length is difficult. These things appear to be hard to replace. I want to replace these to ensure the truck is safe to drive but even gm does not appear to provide a direct replacement.
Similar to the federal safety agency campaign id ea11001, brake lines rusted through on frame behind driver side front wheel. Frame/underside of vehicle is very rusted for vehicle's age/mileage. Chevrolet dealer estimating $2,700 to replace with stainless steel lines. Luckily, no cars/people were in front of truck when brake lines burst and greatly reduced braking power/increased stopping distance.
In-dash gear selector light is inoperable. Light stopped burning for no reason and during the day time can not see what gear the vehicle is currently in. There is a possibility that vehicle could not be in park and could roll away from vehicle operator when it was thought to be in a parked position. To fix the light one large part that covers multiple dash components is replaced not just a single component and this part costs hundreds of dollars even if other components are working fine. This component also has to be installed by a dealership since it covers the odometer.
I have owned my 2003 silverado for just over 3 years. I have had several problems already: 1) the air conditioner would only blow out hot air-- has been fixed. 2)vibration noise in rear end around 30-40 MPH--?? Can't be fixed/duplicated. 3) speedometer quit working--replaced at my cost; warranty just expired, go figure; also had to go to court to fight speeding ticket! ( relative has same truck, same problem!) 4) windshield wipers will not shut off, I get to pay for this one too, after warranty. I had to pull the fuse out! Not very safe in crazy mi weather!! 5) also had tailgate cables replaced under recall. 6) back seat loop replaced due to recall. No wonder chevy is not doing well, who wants to spend over $30,000 for a piece of junk! Will not buy another.
Dt: contact stated he and 2 others jumped on a tailgate to transport a couple of feet away. The cables on the driver's side tailgate broke, causing the tailgate to go down. This , in turn, it caused him to fall out, hitting the pavement. Injuries were sustained.
Recall for support cables fixed on 2003 chevrolet 2500 silverado. Reference consumer letter 10109434 regarding the other 2003 chevrolet 2500 also owned by the complainant. *mr the dealer does not have the parts to repair the recall. The consumer feels the manufacturer has had enough time to provide the dealer with the parts .
The federal safety agency recall 04v129000 on the tailgate support cable. Dealer refused to honor the recall without an explanation. *ak
Questions about the 2003 Chevrolet Silverado body
Does the 2003 Chevrolet Silverado have body problems?
Owners have filed 19 complaints about the body of the 2003 Chevrolet Silverado, 3% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 2003 Chevrolet Silverado body problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 34,500 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2003 Chevrolet Silverado body?
Yes, 1 recall: 04V129000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Chevrolet Silverado have the most body problems?
The Chevrolet Silverado model years with the most body complaints are 2000 (94 complaints), 1999 (85 complaints) and 2001 (53 complaints).
Other 2003 Chevrolet Silverado problems
Brakes 257Electrical 116Transmission 81Steering 80Engine 33Acceleration 29Suspension 28Tires 27Fuel system 26Airbags 21Visibility 20Locks 10Seat belts 10Lights 8Wheels 8Seats 6Driver assistance 1
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