Chevrolet K1500 2003
Model K1500 made in 2003 by Chevrolet got 36 consumer complains there are 5 investigations as well as 4 service bulletins. Consumer complaints with reference, among others things, to air bags, digital instrument panel and electrical system. Technical service bulletines regarding exterior lighting, interior lighting and structure. The car had one investigation (parking brake).
Model 2003
Bulletins
| Bulletin | Bulletin date | Replacement Bulletin | Item no. | Summary | Added |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING - HEADLIGHTS | |||||
| 3170E | 10019186 | Ipc, interior lights and/or headlamps flicker. *ak fb2 | 02/16/2006 | ||
| INTERIOR LIGHTING | |||||
| 3170E | 10019186 | Ipc, interior lights and/or headlamps flicker. *ak fb2 | 02/16/2006 | ||
| STRUCTURE - FRAME AND MEMBERS | |||||
| PIT-3749D | 11/01/2010 | 10037570 | Ready | 05/25/2011 | |
| PIT-3749D | 11/01/2010 | 10037570 | Gm: on some truck models there is some frame corrosion. *rm | 05/25/2011 | |
Investigations
| NHTSA ID | Manufacturer | Date open | Date close | Subject | Recall campaign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PARKING BRAKE | ||||||
| EA04011 | GENERAL MOTORS CORP. | 04/09/2004 | 05/10/2005 | PARKING BRAKE FAILURE | 05V161000 | |
| In a letter dated april 20, 2005, gm notified nhtsa that it had decided that defects that relate to motor vehicle safety exist in certain model year (my) 1999-2002 c/k 1500 series (pbr parking brake system) and my 2001-2005 c/k 2500 and 3500 series (trw parking brake system) pickups with manual transmissions.according to gm, some of these vehicles may have conditions that cause the friction linings to wear to an extent where the parking brake can become ineffective in immobilizing a parked vehicle.gm's action covers an estimated total of 142,585 vehicles.dealers will install a low-force spring clip retainer for vehicles equipped with the pbr parking brake system and install a redesigned parking brake cable assembly on vehicles equipped with the trw parking brake system. a total of 58 non-duplicative complaints were received by odi and gm concerning the approximately 59,000 my 1999-2002 c/k 1500 series pickup trucks with the pbr parking brake system.these included 22 alleged rollaway incidents, resulting in a rate of 38.5 rollaway incidents per 100,000 vehicles.odi is aware of 24 complaints regarding the my 2001-2005 c/k 2500 and 3500 series manual transmission trucks recalled by gm, including 5 alleging rollaway incidents.though the conditions described in gm's letter are also present in the c/k trucks with automatic transmissions, the rollaway rate in those vehicles was similar to those observed in peer vehicles studied by odi in this investigation.this engineering analysis is closed. for additional information, see the attached closing report. | ||||||
| PE03057 | GENERAL MOTORS CORP. | 12/08/2003 | 04/09/2004 | PARKING BRAKE FAILURE | ||
| Odi opened pe03-057 to assess parking brake ineffectiveness in the subject vehicles.these vehicles are equipped with four wheel disc brakes that incorporate a single-shoe drum-in-hat parking brake independent of the service brakes.complaint and warranty data indicate that the parking brake linings tend to wear out early in the life of the vehicle (at an average of 24 months in service), reducing the parking brake system's torque below that needed to immobilize the vehicle.gm has attributed this accelerated wear to foreign material intrusion and a failure of the brake shoe to properly self-center within its brake drum.effective with the start of my 2003 production, a newer reduced force hold-down clip was introduced to facilitate brake shoe disengagement from the drum surface.this part is also available at the service level for the my 1999-2002 vehicles.gm has indicated that the paking brake is intended to operate in conjunction with the transmission to immobilze parked vehicles, and that in many cases, accelerated parking brake lining wear is caused by rough use, vehicle modifications, and driving with the parking engaged. odi has upgraded the preliminary evaluation to an engineering analysis to gather further information concerning parking brake usage factors and the circumstances surrounding the seventeen reported vehicle crashes. | ||||||
| PARKING BRAKE - CONVENTIONAL | ||||||
| EA04011 | GENERAL MOTORS CORP. | 04/09/2004 | 05/10/2005 | PARKING BRAKE FAILURE | 05V161000 | |
| In a letter dated april 20, 2005, gm notified nhtsa that it had decided that defects that relate to motor vehicle safety exist in certain model year (my) 1999-2002 c/k 1500 series (pbr parking brake system) and my 2001-2005 c/k 2500 and 3500 series (trw parking brake system) pickups with manual transmissions.according to gm, some of these vehicles may have conditions that cause the friction linings to wear to an extent where the parking brake can become ineffective in immobilizing a parked vehicle.gm's action covers an estimated total of 142,585 vehicles.dealers will install a low-force spring clip retainer for vehicles equipped with the pbr parking brake system and install a redesigned parking brake cable assembly on vehicles equipped with the trw parking brake system. a total of 58 non-duplicative complaints were received by odi and gm concerning the approximately 59,000 my 1999-2002 c/k 1500 series pickup trucks with the pbr parking brake system.these included 22 alleged rollaway incidents, resulting in a rate of 38.5 rollaway incidents per 100,000 vehicles.odi is aware of 24 complaints regarding the my 2001-2005 c/k 2500 and 3500 series manual transmission trucks recalled by gm, including 5 alleging rollaway incidents.though the conditions described in gm's letter are also present in the c/k trucks with automatic transmissions, the rollaway rate in those vehicles was similar to those observed in peer vehicles studied by odi in this investigation.this engineering analysis is closed. for additional information, see the attached closing report. | ||||||
| PARKING BRAKE - CONVENTIONAL - MECHANICAL | ||||||
| EA04011 | GENERAL MOTORS CORP. | 04/09/2004 | 05/10/2005 | PARKING BRAKE FAILURE | 05V161000 | |
| In a letter dated april 20, 2005, gm notified nhtsa that it had decided that defects that relate to motor vehicle safety exist in certain model year (my) 1999-2002 c/k 1500 series (pbr parking brake system) and my 2001-2005 c/k 2500 and 3500 series (trw parking brake system) pickups with manual transmissions.according to gm, some of these vehicles may have conditions that cause the friction linings to wear to an extent where the parking brake can become ineffective in immobilizing a parked vehicle.gm's action covers an estimated total of 142,585 vehicles.dealers will install a low-force spring clip retainer for vehicles equipped with the pbr parking brake system and install a redesigned parking brake cable assembly on vehicles equipped with the trw parking brake system. a total of 58 non-duplicative complaints were received by odi and gm concerning the approximately 59,000 my 1999-2002 c/k 1500 series pickup trucks with the pbr parking brake system.these included 22 alleged rollaway incidents, resulting in a rate of 38.5 rollaway incidents per 100,000 vehicles.odi is aware of 24 complaints regarding the my 2001-2005 c/k 2500 and 3500 series manual transmission trucks recalled by gm, including 5 alleging rollaway incidents.though the conditions described in gm's letter are also present in the c/k trucks with automatic transmissions, the rollaway rate in those vehicles was similar to those observed in peer vehicles studied by odi in this investigation.this engineering analysis is closed. for additional information, see the attached closing report. | ||||||
| PARKING BRAKE - CONVENTIONAL - MECHANICAL - LINKAGE AND CABLE | ||||||
| EA04011 | GENERAL MOTORS CORP. | 04/09/2004 | 05/10/2005 | PARKING BRAKE FAILURE | 05V161000 | |
| In a letter dated april 20, 2005, gm notified nhtsa that it had decided that defects that relate to motor vehicle safety exist in certain model year (my) 1999-2002 c/k 1500 series (pbr parking brake system) and my 2001-2005 c/k 2500 and 3500 series (trw parking brake system) pickups with manual transmissions.according to gm, some of these vehicles may have conditions that cause the friction linings to wear to an extent where the parking brake can become ineffective in immobilizing a parked vehicle.gm's action covers an estimated total of 142,585 vehicles.dealers will install a low-force spring clip retainer for vehicles equipped with the pbr parking brake system and install a redesigned parking brake cable assembly on vehicles equipped with the trw parking brake system. a total of 58 non-duplicative complaints were received by odi and gm concerning the approximately 59,000 my 1999-2002 c/k 1500 series pickup trucks with the pbr parking brake system.these included 22 alleged rollaway incidents, resulting in a rate of 38.5 rollaway incidents per 100,000 vehicles.odi is aware of 24 complaints regarding the my 2001-2005 c/k 2500 and 3500 series manual transmission trucks recalled by gm, including 5 alleging rollaway incidents.though the conditions described in gm's letter are also present in the c/k trucks with automatic transmissions, the rollaway rate in those vehicles was similar to those observed in peer vehicles studied by odi in this investigation.this engineering analysis is closed. for additional information, see the attached closing report. | ||||||
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| AIR BAGS - FRONTAL | |||
| 01/02/2004 | 1 | ||
| While driving 35 mph consumer's vehicle was involved in a frontal collision. upon impact, both frontal air bags failed to deploy, and both frontal and rear seat belts failed to lock. driver and two passengers sustained minor injuries, and were transported to the hospital. vehicle was towed to a dealer for inspection. *ak | |||
| DIGITAL INSTRUMENT PANEL | |||
| 07/30/2007 | 1 | ||
| 2001 chevy z71 truck. all of the gauges quit working on the instrument panel. the speedometer is stuck at 100 mph, the tachometer, oil, temperature and gas gauges register zero. *tr | |||
| 06/15/2007 | 70000 | 1 | 11/28/2004 |
| I have a 03' chevy silverado 1500 z71 with 70,000 miles. just recently i have noticed that the speedometer shows 30mph while not moving. at 60mph it registers over 120mph. i feel this is a very dangerous problem that i would like to see fixed by gm at no change. *tr | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | |||
| 12/22/2011 | 130000 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet tahoe k1500. the contact stated that the heater failed and would only emit extremely hot air. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where they advised the contact that the blower resister and plug needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure and offered no assistance. the failure mileage was approximately 130,000. kmj | |||
| 12/22/2011 | 130000 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet tahoe k1500. the contact stated that when trying to use her heat the blower had failed and it would just blow out really hot air. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and they advised her that blower resister and plug needed to be replaced. the vehicle had not been repaired. the manufacturer was contacted and they offered no assistance. the failure mileage was approximately 130,000. tb | |||
| 11/10/2010 | 57000 | ||
| Tl* the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet k1500 (n/a). while driving approximately 25 mph, the contact noticed that the fuel gauge was providing inaccurate fuel levels and was reading that the fuel tank was empty. the vehicle was taken to a dealer where the technician advised that the instrument cluster would need to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was contacted and stated that they could not provide any assistance. the vin was unavailable. the approximate failure mileage was 57,000. | |||
| 05/12/2008 | 146000 | 1 | |
| Speedometer sticks. *tr | |||
| EQUIPMENT - MECHANICAL - JACKS | |||
| 06/22/2004 | 27490 | 1 | 12/31/2002 |
| When changing a flat tire on a pick up truck the o e m bottle jack collapsed nearly injuring an employee. the base of jack came apart at the four crimped places which re used in place of welds, rivets or bolts. these jacks need to be recalled before someone is killed or seriously injured! we replaced the jack with a hydraulic jack. we still have the failed jack and will take digital pictures of it.*ak *nm | |||
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | |||
| 07/14/2010 | 82000 | 1 | |
| The under side of truck is rusting out. all the calipers, brake lines, and fuel lines are rusted badly. i have had to replace two brake lines already. also the frame is rusted. *tr | |||
| 07/14/2010 | 82000 | ||
| The under side of truck is rusting out. all the calipers, brake lines, and fuel lines are rusted badly. i have had to replace two brake lines already. also the frame is rusted. | |||
| POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION | |||
| 09/06/2006 | 1 | 09/19/2003 | |
| I have a 2003 k1500 chevrolet silverado with an automatic transmission that has a severe clunking noise when shifting between 2 and 3 gear. chevrolet acknowledges the clunking sound and gave me a document id#1828818 which states they have a problem but no solution. i have contacted the dealer i purchased the truck from and another local dealer since with my first visit on 12/17/04 at 14444 miles with the clunking noise progressively getting worse. i have been told by both dealers on every visit that chevrolet will not repair nor replace the transmission. please help. *nm | |||
| 12/31/2004 | 3 | ||
| While shifting gears driver heard a loud clanking noise coming from the front. vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that the computer needed to be reprogrammed, and reprogrammed it three times. however, the problem recurred. *ak | |||
| POWER TRAIN - DRIVELINE | |||
| 02/15/2003 | 200 | 0 | 10/17/2003 |
| Drivetrain noise; ranging from clunk to metallic clank; problem has existed since new. 1-2 upshift causes clunk at driver side front. (4 wheel drive model) and clank iat differential. situations with very light throttle (1-2 shift) result at times with impact/clank (w/ very audible metallic sound);sufficient to shudder vehicle. shifting in 4w low (manufcturer instructions) also results in clank/shudder; not unlike being struck by a hammer. slowing down/relasing throttle to negotiate 90 deg. turns; throttle goes dead - no response - then responds abruply. on 2 occasions now-wet conditions-rear end (3.73 limited slip), this has resulted in rear end drifting. my concern is snow/ice conditions. i view this as a legitimate saftey issue. dealer has looked at this 3 times and found nothing wrong; claiming all functions are normal. the last time i had it serviced, their report noted that the symptoms could not duplicated; yet the odometer reading indicated less than .2 miles driven. rockenbach chevrolet in grayslake illinois. they suggested that i get a lawyer. | |||
| SEAT BELTS - FRONT | |||
| 01/02/2004 | 1 | ||
| While driving 35 mph consumer's vehicle was involved in a frontal collision. upon impact, both frontal air bags failed to deploy, and both frontal and rear seat belts failed to lock. driver and two passengers sustained minor injuries, and were transported to the hospital. vehicle was towed to a dealer for inspection. *ak | |||
| SEAT BELTS - REAR | |||
| 01/02/2004 | 1 | ||
| While driving 35 mph consumer's vehicle was involved in a frontal collision. upon impact, both frontal air bags failed to deploy, and both frontal and rear seat belts failed to lock. driver and two passengers sustained minor injuries, and were transported to the hospital. vehicle was towed to a dealer for inspection. *ak | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES | |||
| 10/20/2012 | 85000 | 1 | |
| I was driving my 2003 silverado on the local highway pulling my 7 x 14 trailer in traffic and went to apply the foot brake pedal and it went to the floor with no signs of anything wrong, tried to pump the pedal and nothing went straight to the floor with no help of stopping, the only thing that kept me from a crash was the trailer brakes and the e-brake of the truck. i got off the highway and checked the brake fluid and both front and rear were empty, i started to look under the truck and saw were the fluid was dripping from the rusted thru brake lines and down the frame rails, now with no brakes and pulling a trailer i had to call a wrecker and have the truck and trailer towed 35 mile to my mechanic and replace 4 rusted brake lines that run under the truck, mine rusted thru almost right under the drivers door.. *tr | |||
| 10/20/2012 | 85000 | ||
| I was driving my 2003 silverado on the local highway pulling my 7 x 14 trailer in traiffit and went to apply the foot brake pedal and it went to the floor with no signs of anything wrong, tried to pump the pedal and nothing went straight to the floor with no help of stopping, the only thing that kept me from a crash was the trailer brakes and the e-brake of the truck. i got off the highway and checked the brake fliud and both front and rear were empty, i started to look under the truck and saw were the fluid was dripping from the rusted thru brake lines and down the frame rails, now with no brakes and pulling a trailer i had to call a wrecker and have the truck and trailer towed 35 mile to my mechanic and replace 4 rusted brake lines that run under the truck, mine rusted thru almost right under the drivers door.. | |||
| 08/11/2012 | 90000 | 1 | |
| I started drivin when my brake warning came on. i went to apply the brakes and the pedal went to the floor. i took my truck to a mechanic shop and he advised me the brake line rusted through and he couldn't order a replacement because there was other problems like mine. *tr | |||
| 07/14/2010 | 82000 | 1 | |
| The under side of truck is rusting out. all the calipers, brake lines, and fuel lines are rusted badly. i have had to replace two brake lines already. also the frame is rusted. *tr | |||
| 07/14/2010 | 82000 | ||
| The under side of truck is rusting out. all the calipers, brake lines, and fuel lines are rusted badly. i have had to replace two brake lines already. also the frame is rusted. | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - ANTILOCK - CONTROL UNIT/MODULE | |||
| 07/21/2006 | 26500 | 5 | 05/19/2003 |
| Antilock brakes activate every time i step on the brakes. this resulted in several near misses for collisions. *nm | |||
| 06/23/2006 | 10000 | 10 | 09/05/2003 |
| We purchased our 2003 silverado in sept. 2003 . from november 2003 we have been complaining to the dealer and manufacturer about the brake failures and the abs warning lights coming on . the dealer had the truck in may for almost a month and the truck was returned to us with the brake pedal going to the floor when depressed . the truck currently sits in our garage and we refuse to drive it. the manufacturer says this problem is normal and that the truck is safe. *nm | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC - ROTOR | |||
| 10/30/2007 | 53000 | 1 | 07/22/2003 |
| The brake rotors needed to be replaced before they wore out. the service dept at the chev dealer said that rust had penetrated into the rotor and had caused the brakes to pulse. this is a common problem on pickups like my 2003 silverado k1500. it seems to be a design problem since chevrolet switched from rear drum brakes to rear disc brakes. chevrolet started the problem by switching from drum brakes to disc brakes. owners shouldn't have to pay for bad rotors when it is a chev design fault. *tr | |||
| 11/16/2005 | 13482 | 1 | 09/30/2003 |
| 1-rusting & flaking of rear brake rotors at 13,482 miles ny state and gm inspection done at13,460 miles 2-rear brake failure 3-two gm dealers refused to repair under warranty third gm rep states this is normal wear (not covered) rotors have large pits and crevices up to 2long and 1/2wide in multiple locations on both rear rotors/ had too be replaced gm refused too cover cost i have old parts and pictures of rotors on vehicle. *nm | |||
| SUSPENSION | |||
| 07/14/2010 | 82000 | 1 | |
| The under side of truck is rusting out. all the calipers, brake lines, and fuel lines are rusted badly. i have had to replace two brake lines already. also the frame is rusted. *tr | |||
| 07/14/2010 | 82000 | ||
| The under side of truck is rusting out. all the calipers, brake lines, and fuel lines are rusted badly. i have had to replace two brake lines already. also the frame is rusted. | |||
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL - CABLES | |||
| 02/01/2005 | 38000 | 20 | 03/05/2003 |
| Sometimes the speedometer works and sometimes it doesn't. at approximately 38,000 miles this first occurred and i called a nearby dealer to see if they could reset the computer thinking that was the problem. at the time they couldn't fit me in and asked that i schedule an appointment. i discussed the problem with a co-worker and his 2004 had the same problem and was in the shop. apparently it has occurred many times because the dealership told him it was 4-7 weeks to get new parts or they could send out his existing parts to be reworked. the delaer has said that a bullitin has been issued but no recall has been ordered. i would think that vehicles a year or two old should have a working speedometer. the way i have found to fix it is to stop and remove the battery cables and let the computer reset. sometimes the speedometer goes to 120 mph and just stays there, even when the truck is not running. i am wondering if this effects my anti-lock brakes or my mileage readings.*ak | |||
Car dealers selling
| State | City | Zip | Name | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 00 | TERRACE BAY , ONT. CANADA | P0T 2W0 | SPADONI MOTORS | 1-800-465-3360 |
| CA | FAIRFIELD | 94533 | WOODARD CHEVEROLET | 800-734-5534 |
| IL | GRAYSLAKE | 60030 | ROCKENBACH | 847-223-8651 |
| ND | FARGO | 58102 | GATEWAY CHEVROLET | 7012825522 |
| NY | BAY SHORE | 11706 | ATLANTIC CHEVROLET | 631-665-0002 |
| NY | BROCKPORT | 14420 | SPURR CHEVROLET | 5853916558 |
| OH | LONDON | 43140 | COUGHLIN AUTOMOTIVE GROUP | 740-852-1122 |
| OK | SHAWNEE | 74801 | HARVEYS INC | 800-667-8126 |