2003 Chevrolet Chevrolet Truck problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 48 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 12.0 times the median Chevrolet Truck year — the 2003 model ranks #5 of 41 Chevrolet Truck years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include 2 deaths and 1 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.
Electrical System leads the complaint categories with 17 reports (35% of the total).
48
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
1
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
1
Injuries
2
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2003 compare to other Chevrolet Truck years?
What are the most common 2003 Chevrolet Chevrolet Truck problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 17 | 35% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 11 | 23% | — flat |
| Body & Structure | 5 | 10% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 5 | 10% | — flat |
| Transmission | 2 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Fuel System | 2 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Speed Control | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Other | 1 | 2% | — flat |
| Lighting | 1 | 2% | — flat |
| Suspension | 1 | 2% | — flat |
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Engine | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“FAILURE OF INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENTS INCLUDING TACHOMETER AND OIL PRESSURE GAUGES. RECEIVED A CITATION FOR SPEEDING ON 12\16\05. CALLED MECHANIC ON ARRIVAL AT DESTINATION AND WAS TOLD I HAD AN "ELECTRICAL GLITCH" WAS TOLD BY THE CHEVY DEALERSHIP ON 12/27/05 THAT ALL INSTRUMENTS WERE SUSPECT AS TO…”
“2003 CHEVY SS TRUCK, ALL WHEEL DRIVE, BRAKES ARE THE PROBLEM. SOMETIMES GOES ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR BEFORE STOPPING HAVE HAD IT TO CHEVY DEALER AND OTHER PLACES. CANNOT FIX. HAVE SPENT $ TRYING. FEEL IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. CHEVY SAYS NOTHING WRONG. THE BRAKES ARE NOT RIGHT. DON'T WANT TO WAIT FOR…”
“THUMPING IN STEERING SINCE PURCHASE OF THE VEHICLE STEERING HAS BEEN MAKING NOISE AND SHAKES AND HAS BEEN GETTING PROGRESSIVLEY WORSE. THE STEERING SHAFT HAS BEEN REPLACED WHEN NEW FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THESE TRUCKS. WE ARE VERY CONCERNED IF IT IS SAFE TO DRIVE.AK”
“THE BIGGEST ISSUE WITH THE GROWING NUMBER OF SUV LIKE VEHICLES ON THE ROADS IS THAT YOU CAN'T SEE THROUGH THEM. VERY OFTEN ACCIDENTS BETWEEN NON-SUV CARS ARE CAUSED BY THE FACT THAT THEY CAN'T SEE THROUGH AN SUV. THOSE CENTRAL-RAISED BRAKE LIGHTS ON CARS - YOU CAN'T SEE THOSE IF THERE IS AN SUV IN…”
“I AM EXPERIENCING THE PROBLEM WITH THE SERVICE BULLETIN ISSUED BY CHEVROLET WHERE THERE IS A CLUNKING NOISE ON THE 2-3 UPSHIFT. I CAN'T BELIEVE THEY HAVE A DO NOT ATTEMPT TO FIX RECOMMENDATION AS MY TRUCK JUST STARTED TO EXHIBIT THIS CONDITION AT 5000 MILES, AND IT DID NOT DO SO PRIOR TO THIS. TO…”
2003 Chevrolet Chevrolet Truck — common questions
Is the 2003 Chevrolet Chevrolet Truck reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 48 complaints put the 2003 model at #5 of 41 Chevrolet Truck years. It is one of the Chevrolet Truck years to avoid.
What are the most common 2003 Chevrolet Truck problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (17 complaints), brakes (11 complaints), body & structure (5 complaints).
Does the 2003 Chevrolet Chevrolet Truck have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2003 Chevrolet Chevrolet Truck.
Is the 2003 Chevrolet Chevrolet Truck under NHTSA investigation?
NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.
Which Chevrolet Chevrolet Truck years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Chevrolet Truck years to avoid are 1996, 1995, 1994, 1997, 2003, 2002, 1999, 1998, 2001. The cleanest record among Chevrolet Truck years belongs to 1975.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.