2003 Chevrolet W-Series recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-18. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Electrical system
What's wrong, in plain English: Wiring, modules, batteries. Short circuits can cause stalls or fires. Isuzu Manufacturing Services of America, Inc. (Isuzu) is recalling certain model year 2001-2013 Isuzu N-Series; model year 2001-2010 Chevrolet and GMC W-Series; model year 2001-2004 Isuzu FRR and model year 2001-2004 Chevrolet and GMC WT5500 trucks. The affected vehicles are equipped with an optional oil pan heater (RPO code IG3). Debris may collect at the contact point of the heater plug and the extension cord. Thi…
What could happen: Overheating of the extension cord could melt the oil pan heater plug and/or block heater plug, resulting in an increased risk of fire.
The fix: Isuzu will notify owners and dealers will inspect the trucks. The extension cord and damaged components will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on August 30, 2013. Owners may contact Isuzu at 1-866-441-9638.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2003 W-SERIES.
- Book a repair at any authorized Chevrolet dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 13V259000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-866-441-9638.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Summary: Isuzu Manufacturing Services of America, Inc. (Isuzu) is recalling certain model year 2001-2013 Isuzu N-Series; model year 2001-2010 Chevrolet and GMC W-Series; model year 2001-2004 Isuzu FRR and model year 2001-2004 Chevrolet and GMC WT5500 trucks. The affected vehicles are equipped with an optional oil pan heater (RPO code IG3). Debris may collect at the contact point of the heater plug and the extension cord. This may cause overheating of the extension cord.
Consequence: Overheating of the extension cord could melt the oil pan heater plug and/or block heater plug, resulting in an increased risk of fire.
Remedy: Isuzu will notify owners and dealers will inspect the trucks. The extension cord and damaged components will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on August 30, 2013. Owners may contact Isuzu at 1-866-441-9638.
Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- Portable jump starter
- 2003 Chevrolet W-Series owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Brakes (1), Air (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (1)
02/28/2009 · Brakes
WAS DRIVING TO MY DEALER MOTORHOME SUPERSTORE ,VERO BCH. FL. 78 MILES AWAY I SMELLED SOMETHING HOT AND FLUID SMELL. I STOPPED LOOKED AROUND AND DROVE THE LAST COUPLE OF BLOCKS TO THE RV PLACE WHEN I GOT THERE THEY SAID MY FRONT WHEELS WERE SMOKING I SAW FLUID ALL OVER THE TIRES ,THEY SENT ME TO SERVICE CHEVROLET A FEW BLOCKS AWAY ON SATURDAY HE CALLED ME…