2003 Chevrolet W4500 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 W4500.
- 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 W4500 owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Wheels / tires (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)
10/24/2003 · Wheels / tires
WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR TIRE EXPERIENCED TREAD SEPARATION. THEN A MONTH LATER THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TIRE EXPERIENCED TREAD SEPARATION. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL. *JB