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9.6

really awful
Typical Repair Cost:
$2,040
Average Mileage:
84,250 miles
Total Complaints:
14 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. gm cert. replacement transmission (6 reports)
  2. had transmission rebuilt (4 reports)
  3. i rebuilt it (2 reports)
  4. not sure (2 reports)
2003 Chevrolet Silverado transmission problems

transmission problem

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2003 Chevrolet Silverado Owner Comments

problem #14

Dec 002012

Silverado LS 5.3L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 123,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Well starting having an issue took to shop, left thought it was something simple. I was told to take it to a transmission place. I asked why they said it was going out. Was told at that time this happens in this year of truck. Many long trips to get it fixed and the cooler leaked through and ruined the tranny. Common problem ?????

- Della D., Chillicothe, OH, US

problem #13

Jan 252014

Silverado LS 5.3L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 200,100 miles

click to see larger images

blown transmission blown transmission

I took my truck to a shop where I always have gone. When the tranny went out they didn't tell that was the problem. They say something about the master cylinder pump was out. It wasn't, tranny was blown. Spent money on parts an labor for nothing.

- Victor P., Coalinga, CA, US

problem #12

Feb 212012

Silverado

  • Automatic transmission
  • 82,000 miles

Bought used 2003 silverado with 7800 on it should of known better when i took test drive brakes were smoking when we got back.A month later gas starts leaking from filter,then ac pump blows up,then the u joint goes,rear seals go leaking oil on brakes thats why they were smoking said they fixed it after test drive now trannys gone.In all trucks been in shop for seven weeks while waiting for approval from warranty company nothing but BS,never buy another chevy.

- tattoo888, Sterling, MA, US

problem #11

Dec 282010

Silverado LS 5.3L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 136,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

this was the FOURTH and so far final transmission replacement.

I instructed my shop to replace everything and not put a single GM made part back in it. They rebuilt it as strong as possible, and when the rear end locked up it snapped the pinion without any damage to the transmission.

- lksmith, Magnolia, AR, US

problem #10

Nov 202004

Silverado LS 5.3L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 36,001 miles

This was the SECOND time the Tranny blew

THis time it was the torque converter that wasn't replaced the first time although it was on the invoice

- lksmith, Magnolia, AR, US

problem #9

Jun 202007

Silverado LS 5.3L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 76,000 miles

This was the THIRD transmission to go out. on this time the planetary gears broke, as did the park pawl

- lksmith, Magnolia, AR, US

problem #8

May 012003

Silverado LS 5.3L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 24,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Transmission blew the FIRST time @ ~24000.

Turned out to be the forward clutch on the tranny

- lksmith, Magnolia, AR, US

problem #7

May 012010

Silverado LX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 95,000 miles

Actually the transmission and the transfer case went. Cause was fluid blowing out of the transmission.

- Anthony H., Rochester, NY, US

problem #6

Aug 122008

Silverado Z71 LS 1500 5.3L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 50,000 miles

I have never towed anything with my truck, but my trans went out at 50,000 mile and had to be replaced.Transmission # 2 , Well that is not the end because now I have 138,000 miles and still have not towed anything and now my trans is slipping and not shifting properly.I thought I was purchasing a superior truck but I must have been mistaken.

- Edward F., Sacramento, CA, US

problem #5

Sep 242008

Silverado 1500 4.3lV8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 75,000 miles

Seems to me if Chevy cared about their clients they would not have put the same faulty part in their transmissions since 1993.If I could not have done the work my self it would have cost me 2000.00 to have transmission rebuilt.All because they continue to keep using the same faulty sun shell..I am done with Chevy...I will not wast any more money on them I should have learnt my lesson A long time ago,It would not have been,so bad if Chevy would have stood be hind their mistakes!

- Jeremy D., Willowspring, NC, US

problem #4

Jul 082009

Silverado 1500 LS 5.3L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 95,025 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I have had both the 2001 and the 2003 silverado transmissions completely rebuilt. GM has signifigantly lowered the quality of their products but at the same time have raised prices to the point where the average working american cant afford to own these vechicles. I am a union worker and have always bought american made products. Let it be known I am through with GM.

- brinkley, Jesup, GA, US

problem #3

Jun 132008

Silverado 1500 V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 46,736 miles

It's worn me out too much to yell, but here goes: Arkansas, Purchased used, 15000mi. Financed 60mos. Regularly maintained, went to Chicago area for major family emergency, transmission failed about 2 days later, June 13 Wolf Chevrolet, No vehicle for a week. 47000 mi.Wolf dealership did not want to participate at that time, in assistance, put expense on credit card Used that dealership for maintenance: oil change, and replaced fuel pump for $1000.00 at 49211 miles. Then my "new" transmission fails again. I drove 300 miles when it failed. got a huge run around by the phony balony service manager. No assistance. They claim i was not a loyal customer, by the way, but they sure knew me. My hometown purchase dealership is now giving me the run around. Lucky's Chevrolet. Anyway, This is my 3rd transmission, I hate this truck and it's turning into a money pit. I cannot afford to purchase another. When I bought this one it was my intention to keep it til the end.

- madaboutit, Monticello, AR, US

problem #2

Mar 152006

(reported on)

Silverado LS

  • 62,000 miles

I can't believe how hard I worked to get the tranny covered under warranty. Had to replace a rear rotor and brake pads at 19,000km's and now at 79,000k's I have to replace all 4 rotors and brake pads. What a JOKE!!! I will never in my life consider a new or used North American built POS. Problems, problems, problems... I could go on with other more minor problems but why... it's way to late for that.

- Blake C., Kamloops, BC, Canada

problem #1

Jul 082007

(reported on)

Silverado LS K1500 5.3L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 78,000 miles

I purchased a 2003 silverado K1500 thinking I was buying a bullet proof engine transmission combo. I do not tow anything. Transmission blown at 78000 miles. Called GM service to see if this was common. The words that actually came out of the service techs mouth were "I can't beleve you got that many mile before it went out." "The sun gear is made from to soft of metal and when it goes it shreads the whole transmission"

The transmission currently has 129,000mi on it and is starting to slip/ not shift consistently. ( warranty expired at 128k mi)

- Andrew B., Garner, NC, US

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