2003 Chevrolet W3500 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. Fuel system
What's wrong, in plain English: Fuel lines, tank or pump. Fuel problems usually mean a leak, and leaks mean fire risk. ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH RPO IK9, DUE TO INSUFFICIENT DURABILITY AND TESTING, THE FUEL SWITCHING MANIFOLD SOLENOIDS LACK WATER OR SALT INTRUSION RESISTANCE, WHICH CAN LEAD TO FAILURE OF ONE OR MORE SOLENOIDS. FUEL SWITCHING MANIFOLD SOLENOID FAILURE WILL CAUSE INCORRECT FUEL DELIVERY RESULTING IN FUEL OVERFLOW FROM THE FUEL FILLER NECK.
What could happen: OVERFLOW FUEL MAY RESULT IN HIGH AMOUNT OF DIESEL FUEL LEAKAGE. FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SOLENOID VALVE ASSEMBLY WITH AN IMPROVED ASSEMBLY INCLUDING ADDITIONAL DETECTION CIRCUIT AND ENHANCED WATER RESISTANCE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 27, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ISUZU AT 1-800-255-6727.
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 W3500.
- Book a repair at any authorized Chevrolet dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 05V168000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-255-6727.
- 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: FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
Summary: ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH RPO IK9, DUE TO INSUFFICIENT DURABILITY AND TESTING, THE FUEL SWITCHING MANIFOLD SOLENOIDS LACK WATER OR SALT INTRUSION RESISTANCE, WHICH CAN LEAD TO FAILURE OF ONE OR MORE SOLENOIDS. FUEL SWITCHING MANIFOLD SOLENOID FAILURE WILL CAUSE INCORRECT FUEL DELIVERY RESULTING IN FUEL OVERFLOW FROM THE FUEL FILLER NECK.
Consequence: OVERFLOW FUEL MAY RESULT IN HIGH AMOUNT OF DIESEL FUEL LEAKAGE. FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SOLENOID VALVE ASSEMBLY WITH AN IMPROVED ASSEMBLY INCLUDING ADDITIONAL DETECTION CIRCUIT AND ENHANCED WATER RESISTANCE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 27, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ISUZU AT 1-800-255-6727.
Notes: RECALL NO. 05053. CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 2003 Chevrolet W3500 owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Steering (2), Wheels / tires (1), Brakes (1), Hydraulic (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (4)
07/31/2003 · Steering
THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKS WHEN APPLYING PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE CONSUMER CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES. AT 14,000 MILES THE DEALER INSTALLED A NEW POWER STEERING PUMP. THE DEALER ALSO STATED THIS IS NORMAL FOR THIS TRUCK. PLEASE PROVIDE DETAILS. *PH
07/15/2003 · Wheels / tires
GOODYEAR WRANGLER AT/S TT215/85R16 115/1120 LOAD RANDE E TIRES CAME ON A 2003 CHEVY 3500 4X4 ...WITH A DURAMAX ENGINE ...BOTH FRONT TIRES DEVELOPED SIDEWALL BULGES ...BOTH TIRES REPLACED...5 THOUSAND MILE LATER THE SECOND SET DEVELOPED SAME PROBLEM...TRUCK IS STILL AT DEALER WAITING FOR A GOODYEAR REP....LOOKS LIKE THESE TIRES CANT HOLD UP UNDER THE WEIGHT…
05/22/2003 · Brakes
THE BRAKES PULLED IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION OF THE STEERING WHEEL POSITION WHEN APPLIED. THE DEALER WAS BEEN UNABLE TO DETERMINE CAUSE. *JB
05/22/2003 · Steering
THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP WHILE DRIVING. *JB