CHEVROLET EXPRESS · model year

2003 CHEVROLET EXPRESS

74 NHTSA complaints, 2 crash reports, and 11 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2003CHEVROLETEXPRESS carries 74 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 2 crashes, 7 fires, 1 injury, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2003 EXPRESS is fuel/propulsion system with 6 filings, followed by engine (4) and service brakes, hydraulic (3). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 11 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle, the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 57 investigation files overlapping the 2003 EXPRESS, and 2 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page, a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

74
Complaints
2
Crashes
7
Fires
1
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

74 filings

Crashes Reported

2 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM6
ENGINE4
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC3
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL3
SEAT BELTS3
POWER TRAIN3
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING2
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR2
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD2
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH2
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL2
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2

Recalls (11)

05V55800019/12/2005

SEAT BELTS

ON CERTAIN FULL-SIZE PASSENGER, CARGO, OR CUTAWAY VANS, THE FRONT AND REAR SEAT BELT BUCKLES WILL NOT LATCH OR WILL NOT UNLATCH.

03V25000015/07/2003

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

CERTAIN MINIVANS, PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEM." THE OWNER'S MANUAL DOES NOT EXPLAIN THE MEANING OF THE LOCATION SYMBOLS FOR THE CHILD RESTRAINT LOWER UNIVERSAL ANCHORAGE

02V30500014/11/2002

WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS

CERTAIN VANS WERE BUILT WITHOUT A WHEEL BEARING ASSEMBLY RETAINING NUT, WHICH COULD LEAD TO A POSSIBLE BEARING SEPARATION.

03V05000014/02/2003

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY

ON CERTAIN VANS WITH A GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT OF LESS THAN 8,500 POUNDS, DURING A VEHICLE CRASH SUFFICIENT ENOUGH TO DEPLOY THE SAFETY BELT PRETENSIONER, THE FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLES MAY NOT RELEASE AFTER THE VEHICLE CRASH, OR ALTERNATELY MAY EJECT THE SAFETY BELT LATCH DURING THE VEHICLE CRASH.

02V33000012/12/2002

STEERING:LINKAGES

ON CERTAIN VANS WITH AN 8,500 LB. OR 8,600 LB. GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT RATING, THE NUT ATTACHING THE PITMAN ARM TO THE STEERING LINKAGE MAY NOT BE TIGHTENED ADEQUATELY RESULTING IN A POSSIBLE SEPARATION.

04V22500011/05/2004

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE

CERTAIN EXTENDED AND REGULAR CAB PICKUP TRUCKS AND CARGO VANS CONVERTED TO COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS (CNG) FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, 'CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS.' THESE VEHICLES HAVE ONE SEATING POSITION, THE CENTER REAR SEAT, EQUIPPED

03V21700010/06/2003

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

CERTAIN VANS HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH WATER MAY ENTER AND CORRODE THE REAR LICENSE PLATE LAMP SOCKET. IF THE LAMP SOCKET WERE TO CORRODE, THE REAR LICENSE PLATE LAMP MAY OPERATE INTERMITTENTLY OR NOT AT ALL, AND THE LEFT REAR TAIL LAMP MAY BECOME INOPERATIVE. THE TEMPERATURE OF THE LICENSE PLATE

12V38800008/08/2012

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP

General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana vehicles, equipped with a left side cargo door, and originally sold or currently registered in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri,

09E01200007/04/2009

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES

04V04500004/02/2004

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, PICKUP TRUCKS, AND PASSENGER VANS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 135, ?PASSENGER CAR BRAKE SYSTEMS.? SOME OF THESE VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH AN OUT-OF-SPECIFICATION BRAKE HYDRO-BOOST HOUSING RELIEF VALVE BORE.

02V32600002/12/2002

STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY

ON CERTAIN VANS, THE RIGHT-HAND TIE ROD END NUT MAY NOT BE TIGHTENED ADEQUATELY. THE NUT CAN LOOSEN RESULTING IN SEPARATION OF THE TIE ROD FROM THE STEERING KNUCKLE.

Recent Complaints

20181227UNKNOWN OR OTHER

THE FRAME AND ITS CROSSMEMBERS ARE RUSTED (ROTTED) THRU ABOVE THE GAS TANK MAKING THE VAN USELESS. THE GAS TANK IS EVEN ATTACHED AT THOSE AREAS MAKING IT A TICKING TIME BOMB. THIS IS A KNOW GM FRAME PROBLEM FOR MANY YEARS ON MANY TRUCK BODIES.

Mileage: 190,000

20170809SEAT BELTS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET EXPRESS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CABLE THAT HELD THE SEAT BELTS TOGETHER, LOCATED IN THE REAR MIDDLE ROW, SNAPPED WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT, IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT BELTS WOULD NOT SECURE PROPERLY AND CAUSE AN INJURY. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE REAR DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE DOOR HINGES FRACTURED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOORS WERE GLUED SHUT. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 228,000. UPDATED 10/17*LJ UPDATED 10/4/18*JB

Mileage: 228,000

20170809STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET EXPRESS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CABLE THAT HELD THE SEAT BELTS TOGETHER, LOCATED IN THE REAR MIDDLE ROW, SNAPPED WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT, IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT BELTS WOULD NOT SECURE PROPERLY AND CAUSE AN INJURY. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE REAR DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE DOOR HINGES FRACTURED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOORS WERE GLUED SHUT. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 228,000. UPDATED 10/17*LJ UPDATED 10/4/18*JB

Mileage: 228,000

20150406SUSPENSION

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET EXPRESS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE VIBRATED WHENEVER THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN OVER 30 MPH OVER A BUMP. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE CONTROL ARMS, THE PITMAN ARM, THE TIRES AND THE HUBS WERE REPLACED, BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 109,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. ....UPDATED 07/22/15 *BF UPDATED 10/4/2017*CN

Mileage: 109,000

20150124FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

I RECEIVED A NOTICE FROM GM ( DOC ID #32202443, #12167 FUEL FILLER PIPE CORROSION) STATING THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON MY VEHICLE FOR LEAKING GASOLINE. I BROUGHT IT TO SIGHN CHEVROLET IN RIVERSIDE CA AND THE SERVICE MANAGER TOLD ME THAT CA VEHICLES DO NOT QUALIFY. I CONTACTED CUSTOMER COMPLAINTS CASE # [XXX] AND ALL THEY DID WAS CALL THE SAME SERVICE MANAGER AND GOT BACK TO ME SAYING THEY WON'T FIX IT. I BELIEVE I AM DRIVING AROUND WITH A VEHICLE LEAKING GAS ON THE ROAD CREATING AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SITUATION FOR MY FAMILY WITH A DIRE FIRE HAZARD. MY CONTENTION IS, WHY WOULD THEY SEND ME A RECALL NOTICE AND THEN TELL ME I DON'T QUALIFY? I DID RECEIVE THE NOTICE AND IT SAID IT HAD TO BE ACTED ON BEFORE 12/31/12 BUT IT WAS NOT LEAKING THEN. I DON'T CARE WHEN IT EXPIRES. IT IS A ADMITTED DEFECT AND GM SHOULD STAND BEHIND THEIR DANGEROUS ERRORS. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).' *TR

Mileage: 72,000

20141221ENGINE

MY SPEEDOMETER QUICKLY JUMPS FROM ONE INDICATED SPEED TO ANOTHER SPEED THAT IS CLEARLY INACCURATE, DOWN AS LOW AS -0- WHILE DRIVING, ACCOMPANIED BY THE TRANSMISSION ATTEMPTING TO DOWNSHIFT ON IT'S OWN, WHICH CAUSES A SEVERE ENGINE OVER-REV CONDITION OR GOING INTO A NEUTRAL MOMENTARILY WITH NO INPUT FROM ME AS THE DRIVER. THERE ARE NO SPECIFIC ACTIONS I CAN TAKE TO TRIGGER THE ERRATIC SYMPTOM, NOR ANY SPECIFIC ACTION I CAN TAKE TO CAUSE NORMAL OPERATION. WITH SNOW AND ICE ON THE ROADS AT THIS TIME OF THE YEAR THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AS IT COULD CAUSE THE VAN TO LOCK UP THE REAR WHEELS ON SLIPPERY PAVEMENT CAUSING LACK OF CONTROL. THIS CONDITION CAN OCCUR REGARDLESS OF WHETHER OR NOT CRUISE CONTROL IS SELECTED, REGARDLESS OF THE GEAR I MANUALLY SELECT, AND REGARDLESS OF THE TRAILER MODE BEING SELECTED OR NOT. SIMULTANEOUSLY THE "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT GOES ON, THE "ABS LIGHT" AND "BRAKES" LIGHTS ARE LIT ON THE DASHBOARD ALTHOUGH NO BRAKING ABNORMALITIES ARE NOTED. I REPOR

Mileage: 15,500

20141221POWER TRAIN

MY SPEEDOMETER QUICKLY JUMPS FROM ONE INDICATED SPEED TO ANOTHER SPEED THAT IS CLEARLY INACCURATE, DOWN AS LOW AS -0- WHILE DRIVING, ACCOMPANIED BY THE TRANSMISSION ATTEMPTING TO DOWNSHIFT ON IT'S OWN, WHICH CAUSES A SEVERE ENGINE OVER-REV CONDITION OR GOING INTO A NEUTRAL MOMENTARILY WITH NO INPUT FROM ME AS THE DRIVER. THERE ARE NO SPECIFIC ACTIONS I CAN TAKE TO TRIGGER THE ERRATIC SYMPTOM, NOR ANY SPECIFIC ACTION I CAN TAKE TO CAUSE NORMAL OPERATION. WITH SNOW AND ICE ON THE ROADS AT THIS TIME OF THE YEAR THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AS IT COULD CAUSE THE VAN TO LOCK UP THE REAR WHEELS ON SLIPPERY PAVEMENT CAUSING LACK OF CONTROL. THIS CONDITION CAN OCCUR REGARDLESS OF WHETHER OR NOT CRUISE CONTROL IS SELECTED, REGARDLESS OF THE GEAR I MANUALLY SELECT, AND REGARDLESS OF THE TRAILER MODE BEING SELECTED OR NOT. SIMULTANEOUSLY THE "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT GOES ON, THE "ABS LIGHT" AND "BRAKES" LIGHTS ARE LIT ON THE DASHBOARD ALTHOUGH NO BRAKING ABNORMALITIES ARE NOTED. I REPOR

Mileage: 15,500

20140903FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET EXPRESS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A FUEL LEAK COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT AFTER REFUELING, FUEL PUDDLE UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FILLER NECK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND THE METAL FUEL FILLER PIPE WAS CORRODED. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 12V388000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 153,500.

Mileage: 153,500

20140830POWER TRAIN

DRIVING ON INTERSTATE AT 65 MPH, THE ABS WARNING LIGHT CAME ON, AND THE SPEEDOMETER STARTED JUMPING ERRATICALLY FROM ACTUAL SPEED TO LOWER SPEEDS 45, 25 + OTHERS AS LOW AS 8 (EIGHT) MPH. THIS CAUSED THE TRANSMISSION TO DOWNSHIFT UNPREDICTABLY, OVER-REVVING THE ENGINE SPEED. IT HAPPENED REPEATEDLY SO I DOCUMENTED THE ODOMETER ERRATIC MOVEMENT ON MY CELL PHONE AS A VIDEO, SHOWING ROAD MOVEMENT + ALL GAUGES + AUDIO EVENTS LIKE ENGINE OVER-REVVING AT SAME TIME. THE VIDEO IS OF HIGH QUALITY AND THE EVENTS TAKING PLACE ARE DOCUMENTED WITH THE VIDEO. RURAL AREA WITH FEW CARS ON ROAD AT THE TIME. IF IT TOOK PLACE IN A CITY INTERSTATE ENVIRONMENT (ESPECIALLY IN THE WINTER MONTHS) IT MIGHT HAVE CAUSED A MULTIPLE CAR COLLISION WITH SUDDEN UNEXPECTED DOWNSHIFTING THAT WAS OUT OF MY CONTROL. ENGINE RPM ALSO HUNTS ERRATICALLY AND OUT OF MY CONTROL. PREDICTABLE IN WHAT IT DOES, IT BEGINS APPROXIMATELY WITHIN A RANGE OF 4-8 MILES AFTER LEAVING HOME DAILY. WHEN ENGINE TURNED OFF AND PARKED AT A LOCAL S

Mileage: 16,614

20140830VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

DRIVING ON INTERSTATE AT 65 MPH, THE ABS WARNING LIGHT CAME ON, AND THE SPEEDOMETER STARTED JUMPING ERRATICALLY FROM ACTUAL SPEED TO LOWER SPEEDS 45, 25 + OTHERS AS LOW AS 8 (EIGHT) MPH. THIS CAUSED THE TRANSMISSION TO DOWNSHIFT UNPREDICTABLY, OVER-REVVING THE ENGINE SPEED. IT HAPPENED REPEATEDLY SO I DOCUMENTED THE ODOMETER ERRATIC MOVEMENT ON MY CELL PHONE AS A VIDEO, SHOWING ROAD MOVEMENT + ALL GAUGES + AUDIO EVENTS LIKE ENGINE OVER-REVVING AT SAME TIME. THE VIDEO IS OF HIGH QUALITY AND THE EVENTS TAKING PLACE ARE DOCUMENTED WITH THE VIDEO. RURAL AREA WITH FEW CARS ON ROAD AT THE TIME. IF IT TOOK PLACE IN A CITY INTERSTATE ENVIRONMENT (ESPECIALLY IN THE WINTER MONTHS) IT MIGHT HAVE CAUSED A MULTIPLE CAR COLLISION WITH SUDDEN UNEXPECTED DOWNSHIFTING THAT WAS OUT OF MY CONTROL. ENGINE RPM ALSO HUNTS ERRATICALLY AND OUT OF MY CONTROL. PREDICTABLE IN WHAT IT DOES, IT BEGINS APPROXIMATELY WITHIN A RANGE OF 4-8 MILES AFTER LEAVING HOME DAILY. WHEN ENGINE TURNED OFF AND PARKED AT A LOCAL S

Mileage: 16,614

20140830SERVICE BRAKES

DRIVING ON INTERSTATE AT 65 MPH, THE ABS WARNING LIGHT CAME ON, AND THE SPEEDOMETER STARTED JUMPING ERRATICALLY FROM ACTUAL SPEED TO LOWER SPEEDS 45, 25 + OTHERS AS LOW AS 8 (EIGHT) MPH. THIS CAUSED THE TRANSMISSION TO DOWNSHIFT UNPREDICTABLY, OVER-REVVING THE ENGINE SPEED. IT HAPPENED REPEATEDLY SO I DOCUMENTED THE ODOMETER ERRATIC MOVEMENT ON MY CELL PHONE AS A VIDEO, SHOWING ROAD MOVEMENT + ALL GAUGES + AUDIO EVENTS LIKE ENGINE OVER-REVVING AT SAME TIME. THE VIDEO IS OF HIGH QUALITY AND THE EVENTS TAKING PLACE ARE DOCUMENTED WITH THE VIDEO. RURAL AREA WITH FEW CARS ON ROAD AT THE TIME. IF IT TOOK PLACE IN A CITY INTERSTATE ENVIRONMENT (ESPECIALLY IN THE WINTER MONTHS) IT MIGHT HAVE CAUSED A MULTIPLE CAR COLLISION WITH SUDDEN UNEXPECTED DOWNSHIFTING THAT WAS OUT OF MY CONTROL. ENGINE RPM ALSO HUNTS ERRATICALLY AND OUT OF MY CONTROL. PREDICTABLE IN WHAT IT DOES, IT BEGINS APPROXIMATELY WITHIN A RANGE OF 4-8 MILES AFTER LEAVING HOME DAILY. WHEN ENGINE TURNED OFF AND PARKED AT A LOCAL S

Mileage: 16,614

20140515STRUCTURE

THIS VEHICLE WAS BOUGHT BRAND NEW BUT UNBEKNOWNST TO ME WAS MADE IN CANADA (SOMETHING WHICH WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN ACCEPTABLE TO ME HAD I BEEN TOLD). UPON POSSESSION THE WINDSHIELD MOLDING CAME OFF ON THE RIDE HOME. THE DRIVER SIDE TIEROD END WENT AT 12,000 MILES AND AGAIN AT 24,000 MILES BECAUSE UPON INSPECTION THE BALL JOINTS WERE NEVER PROPERLY TIGHTENED. THE BOLTS ON THE TRANSMISSION WERE FOUND BY THE DEALER TO HAVE BEEN NEVER PROPERLY TIGHTENED. THE SIDEDOOR HINGE HAD TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $600 BECAUSE IT FROZE UP AND COULD NOT BE OPENED. THE POWER STEERING UNIT RUSTED OUT AT 12,000 MILES AND STARTED LEAKING FLUID AND, WHAT I FIND MOST IMPORTANT, I AM NOT SURE IF I HAVE AIRBAGS BECAUSE THE AIRBAG LIGHT STAYS ON BUT IS NOTED TO GO OFF WHEN THE KEY IS PARTIALLY TURNED HOWEVER THE KEY CANNOT STAY IN THIS POSITION AND MUST BE TURNED TO START THE VEHICLE. FUEL EXPECTATION WAS NEVER NEAR WHAT I WAS TOLD IT WOULD BE AND TAILPIPE CONSISTENTLY SHOWED EVIDENCE OF BEING BLACKENED DU

20140515STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY

THIS VEHICLE WAS BOUGHT BRAND NEW BUT UNBEKNOWNST TO ME WAS MADE IN CANADA (SOMETHING WHICH WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN ACCEPTABLE TO ME HAD I BEEN TOLD). UPON POSSESSION THE WINDSHIELD MOLDING CAME OFF ON THE RIDE HOME. THE DRIVER SIDE TIEROD END WENT AT 12,000 MILES AND AGAIN AT 24,000 MILES BECAUSE UPON INSPECTION THE BALL JOINTS WERE NEVER PROPERLY TIGHTENED. THE BOLTS ON THE TRANSMISSION WERE FOUND BY THE DEALER TO HAVE BEEN NEVER PROPERLY TIGHTENED. THE SIDEDOOR HINGE HAD TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $600 BECAUSE IT FROZE UP AND COULD NOT BE OPENED. THE POWER STEERING UNIT RUSTED OUT AT 12,000 MILES AND STARTED LEAKING FLUID AND, WHAT I FIND MOST IMPORTANT, I AM NOT SURE IF I HAVE AIRBAGS BECAUSE THE AIRBAG LIGHT STAYS ON BUT IS NOTED TO GO OFF WHEN THE KEY IS PARTIALLY TURNED HOWEVER THE KEY CANNOT STAY IN THIS POSITION AND MUST BE TURNED TO START THE VEHICLE. FUEL EXPECTATION WAS NEVER NEAR WHAT I WAS TOLD IT WOULD BE AND TAILPIPE CONSISTENTLY SHOWED EVIDENCE OF BEING BLACKENED DU

20140515POWER TRAIN

THIS VEHICLE WAS BOUGHT BRAND NEW BUT UNBEKNOWNST TO ME WAS MADE IN CANADA (SOMETHING WHICH WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN ACCEPTABLE TO ME HAD I BEEN TOLD). UPON POSSESSION THE WINDSHIELD MOLDING CAME OFF ON THE RIDE HOME. THE DRIVER SIDE TIEROD END WENT AT 12,000 MILES AND AGAIN AT 24,000 MILES BECAUSE UPON INSPECTION THE BALL JOINTS WERE NEVER PROPERLY TIGHTENED. THE BOLTS ON THE TRANSMISSION WERE FOUND BY THE DEALER TO HAVE BEEN NEVER PROPERLY TIGHTENED. THE SIDEDOOR HINGE HAD TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $600 BECAUSE IT FROZE UP AND COULD NOT BE OPENED. THE POWER STEERING UNIT RUSTED OUT AT 12,000 MILES AND STARTED LEAKING FLUID AND, WHAT I FIND MOST IMPORTANT, I AM NOT SURE IF I HAVE AIRBAGS BECAUSE THE AIRBAG LIGHT STAYS ON BUT IS NOTED TO GO OFF WHEN THE KEY IS PARTIALLY TURNED HOWEVER THE KEY CANNOT STAY IN THIS POSITION AND MUST BE TURNED TO START THE VEHICLE. FUEL EXPECTATION WAS NEVER NEAR WHAT I WAS TOLD IT WOULD BE AND TAILPIPE CONSISTENTLY SHOWED EVIDENCE OF BEING BLACKENED DU

20140515AIR BAGS

THIS VEHICLE WAS BOUGHT BRAND NEW BUT UNBEKNOWNST TO ME WAS MADE IN CANADA (SOMETHING WHICH WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN ACCEPTABLE TO ME HAD I BEEN TOLD). UPON POSSESSION THE WINDSHIELD MOLDING CAME OFF ON THE RIDE HOME. THE DRIVER SIDE TIEROD END WENT AT 12,000 MILES AND AGAIN AT 24,000 MILES BECAUSE UPON INSPECTION THE BALL JOINTS WERE NEVER PROPERLY TIGHTENED. THE BOLTS ON THE TRANSMISSION WERE FOUND BY THE DEALER TO HAVE BEEN NEVER PROPERLY TIGHTENED. THE SIDEDOOR HINGE HAD TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $600 BECAUSE IT FROZE UP AND COULD NOT BE OPENED. THE POWER STEERING UNIT RUSTED OUT AT 12,000 MILES AND STARTED LEAKING FLUID AND, WHAT I FIND MOST IMPORTANT, I AM NOT SURE IF I HAVE AIRBAGS BECAUSE THE AIRBAG LIGHT STAYS ON BUT IS NOTED TO GO OFF WHEN THE KEY IS PARTIALLY TURNED HOWEVER THE KEY CANNOT STAY IN THIS POSITION AND MUST BE TURNED TO START THE VEHICLE. FUEL EXPECTATION WAS NEVER NEAR WHAT I WAS TOLD IT WOULD BE AND TAILPIPE CONSISTENTLY SHOWED EVIDENCE OF BEING BLACKENED DU

20140515ENGINE

THIS VEHICLE WAS BOUGHT BRAND NEW BUT UNBEKNOWNST TO ME WAS MADE IN CANADA (SOMETHING WHICH WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN ACCEPTABLE TO ME HAD I BEEN TOLD). UPON POSSESSION THE WINDSHIELD MOLDING CAME OFF ON THE RIDE HOME. THE DRIVER SIDE TIEROD END WENT AT 12,000 MILES AND AGAIN AT 24,000 MILES BECAUSE UPON INSPECTION THE BALL JOINTS WERE NEVER PROPERLY TIGHTENED. THE BOLTS ON THE TRANSMISSION WERE FOUND BY THE DEALER TO HAVE BEEN NEVER PROPERLY TIGHTENED. THE SIDEDOOR HINGE HAD TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $600 BECAUSE IT FROZE UP AND COULD NOT BE OPENED. THE POWER STEERING UNIT RUSTED OUT AT 12,000 MILES AND STARTED LEAKING FLUID AND, WHAT I FIND MOST IMPORTANT, I AM NOT SURE IF I HAVE AIRBAGS BECAUSE THE AIRBAG LIGHT STAYS ON BUT IS NOTED TO GO OFF WHEN THE KEY IS PARTIALLY TURNED HOWEVER THE KEY CANNOT STAY IN THIS POSITION AND MUST BE TURNED TO START THE VEHICLE. FUEL EXPECTATION WAS NEVER NEAR WHAT I WAS TOLD IT WOULD BE AND TAILPIPE CONSISTENTLY SHOWED EVIDENCE OF BEING BLACKENED DU

20140515FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

THIS VEHICLE WAS BOUGHT BRAND NEW BUT UNBEKNOWNST TO ME WAS MADE IN CANADA (SOMETHING WHICH WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN ACCEPTABLE TO ME HAD I BEEN TOLD). UPON POSSESSION THE WINDSHIELD MOLDING CAME OFF ON THE RIDE HOME. THE DRIVER SIDE TIEROD END WENT AT 12,000 MILES AND AGAIN AT 24,000 MILES BECAUSE UPON INSPECTION THE BALL JOINTS WERE NEVER PROPERLY TIGHTENED. THE BOLTS ON THE TRANSMISSION WERE FOUND BY THE DEALER TO HAVE BEEN NEVER PROPERLY TIGHTENED. THE SIDEDOOR HINGE HAD TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $600 BECAUSE IT FROZE UP AND COULD NOT BE OPENED. THE POWER STEERING UNIT RUSTED OUT AT 12,000 MILES AND STARTED LEAKING FLUID AND, WHAT I FIND MOST IMPORTANT, I AM NOT SURE IF I HAVE AIRBAGS BECAUSE THE AIRBAG LIGHT STAYS ON BUT IS NOTED TO GO OFF WHEN THE KEY IS PARTIALLY TURNED HOWEVER THE KEY CANNOT STAY IN THIS POSITION AND MUST BE TURNED TO START THE VEHICLE. FUEL EXPECTATION WAS NEVER NEAR WHAT I WAS TOLD IT WOULD BE AND TAILPIPE CONSISTENTLY SHOWED EVIDENCE OF BEING BLACKENED DU

20140417ENGINE

FOR THE SECOND TIME IN ONE WEEK THE ENGINE RACED TO MAX RPM WITHOUT A THROTTLE INPUT. HAD TO PUT IT IN NEUTRAL TO SLOW DOWN WITH THE BRAKES. THE FIRST TIME (35MPH SLOWING DOWN FOR A RED LIGHT) WENT TO NEUTRAL, FOOT ON BRAKE AND BACK TO DRIVE, THE ENGINE RESPONDED NORMALLY. LAST NIGHT THE ENGINE RACED TO MAX RPM AGAIN 100 FEET FROM MY PARKING SPOT GOING LESS THAN 5MPH WENT TO NEUTRAL BACK TO DRIVE NO CHANGE IN ENGINE SPEED BACK TO NEUTRAL GLIDE TO PARKING SPOT TURNED ENGINE OFF. NO WARNING WHEN THE MAX ENGINE REV WOULD BEGIN, ONE WAS SLOW SPEED THE OTHER MODERATE SPEED, TEMP 75 ONE DAY, TEMP 45 YESTERDAY. WORKED FINE TODAY. WORRIED THE PROBLEM IS NOT REPEATABLE OR CAN BE FOUND USING A CODE READER. WORRIED THAT THE ONLY WAY NOW TO STOP MAX ENGINE RPM IS BY TURNING ENGINE OFF, NOT SAFE WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE. *TT

Mileage: 254,000

20140408ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET EXPRESS CONVERSION VAN. THE CONTACTED STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, ALL OF THE GAUGES AND ELECTRICAL FEATURES FAILED HOWEVER, THE LIGHT FUNCTIONS REMAINED OPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE A FAILURE. NO REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED TO THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 84,000. UPDATED 5/22/14*CN

Mileage: 80,000

20131220SERVICE BRAKES

DRIVER A NOTICED LACK OF PRESSURE IN BRAKE PEDAL. THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT FULLY TO THE FLOOR AND RESULTED IN LESS BRAKING THAN EXPECTED. DRIVER REDUCED SPEED BY DOWNSHIFTING TO LOWER GEARS (AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION) AND PULLED INTO FIRST AVAILABLE PARKING AREA. BY PUMPING THE BRAKES AND PULLING INTO AN UPHILL PARKING SPOT, DRIVER ACHIEVED ENOUGH BRAKING TO COME TO A FULL STOP WITHOUT USING THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. INSPECTION SHOWED A NEARLY FULL BRAKE RESERVOIR AND NO LEAKAGE FROM WHEEL CYLINDERS. FURTHER INSPECTION SHOWED LEAKING FLUID FROM BRAKE LINE ON LEFT SIDE UNDER THE DRIVERS SEAT AND ABOVE THE VEHICLE FRAME. IT SQUIRTED OUT FROM A CRACK IN A BRAKE LINE WHEN BRAKE PEDAL WAS PUMPED. THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED FOR REPAIR. *TR

Mileage: 29,000

Compare 2003CHEVROLETEXPRESS to Similar Vehicles

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2003 CHEVROLET EXPRESS have?
The 2003 CHEVROLET EXPRESS has 74 NHTSA complaints, 2 crashes, 7 fires, 1 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2003 CHEVROLET EXPRESS?
Yes, the 2003 CHEVROLET EXPRESS has 11 recall(s). The most common affected component is SEAT BELTS. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 CHEVROLET EXPRESS?
The most-complained component for the 2003 CHEVROLET EXPRESS is FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM with 6 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include ENGINE and SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC.
Is the 2003 CHEVROLET EXPRESS safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.