Seven problems related to tailgate hinge have been reported for the 2003 Chevrolet Silverado. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Contact stated he and 2 others jumped on a tailgate to transport a couple of feet away. The cables on the driver's side tailgate broke, causing the tailgate to go down. This , in turn, it caused him to fall out, hitting the pavement. Injuries were sustained.
Recall campaign: the consumer tried to contact the dealer on several occasions to have recall the recall (04v-129000) on the support cable fixed on his two trucks. The dealer indicated that the parts were not available. Reference consumer letter 10109434 regarding the other 2003 Chevrolet 2500 also owned by the complainant. The consumer feels the manufacturer has had enough time to provide the dealer with the parts.
Nhtsa recall 04v129000 on the tailgate support cable. Dealer refused to honor the recall without an explanation.
Consumer was standing on the tailgate when cables broke. As a result, consumer was thrown to the ground. No injuries reported.
While waiting for the parts to have the tailgate recall 04v129000 repairs performed the right tailgate cable broke, and the tailgate fell on the consumer's hand. This occurred while vehicle was being loaded.
Consumer was pulling down the tailgate and the cables snapped. Consumer placed the cables inside of the vehicle and drive it to the dealer. Mechanic informed consumer that no cables were available.
Tailgate cables on 2003 Silverado - premature rusting and possible failure. Inspected tailgate cables and found them to be rusting already underneath the plastic coating. The truck is only 18 mos old. They haven't broke yet, but I fear personal injury due to the frequent use of the tailgate - especially standing on it loading & unloading boxes and cargo. Reluctantly, I might have to purchase another set of (defective) cables.