RoadVitals

2003 Chevrolet Express 2500 Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
12
Latest Sep 22, 2016
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
7
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
0

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2003 Chevrolet Express 2500, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

  • Brakes535.7%
  • Fuel system321.4%
  • Body & structure214.3%
  • Engine17.1%
  • Steering17.1%
  • Suspension17.1%
  • Transmission17.1%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I WAS TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY AT THE SPEED OF 50 MPH AND THE VAN SUDDENLY BEGAN TO VIOLENTLY SHAKE AND SHUDDER FROM THE FRONT WHEELS AND UP AND INCLUDING THE SHAKE OF THE STEERING WHEEL. I SLOWED THE VEHICLE DOWN BY BRAKING TO 35 MPH AND IT SLOWLY STOPPED SHAKING. THIS HAS BECOME A REGULAR ISSUE WITH THE VEHICLE AND I HAVE TAKEN IT FROM SHOP TO SHOP AND MECHANICS CANNOT FIGURE OUT THE PROBLEM. I FEAR FOR MY FAMILY'S SAFETY AS WELL AS MY OWN WHEN DRIVING ALONE IN THIS VEHICLE. IT HAS BEEN A YEAR SINCE THIS HAS BEGUN. MECHANIC HAS CHANGED THE SHOCKS FOR THE VAN AND IT HAS BEGAN TO VIOLENTLY SHAKE AND SHUDDER MORE FREQUENTLY. I NEED TO KNOW WHY THIS IS HAPPENING. I OWN A CHEVROLET EXPRESS 2500 (2003). *TR

NHTSA ID 10660170 · filed Nov 21, 2014

SINCE APPROXIMATELY JANUARY OF 2010, FAMILY MEMBERS NOTICED AN INCREASING AMOUNT OF FUEL LEAKING ON THE GROUND DURING FUELING. AFTER FURTHER INVESTIGATION, I NOTICED IT ORIGINATED FROM THE FUEL FILLER TUBE WHICH ALLOWS THE GAS TO TRAVEL FROM THE GAS CAP TO THE GAS STORAGE TANK. AUGUST 2010, THE LEAKAGE BECAME SO SEVERE FROM THE FUEL FILLER TUBE I FEARED SOMEONE COULD IGNITE (I.E. CIGARETTE, CELL PHONE, STATIC CHARGE) THE 1 TO 2 GALLONS OF FUEL LEAKED AT THE PUMP. MY EXPRESS WAS ONLY OUT-OF-COMMISSION AT DEALERSHIP FOR 2 DAYS TO REPLACE THE FUEL FILLER TUBE. DROPPING A AT THE TIME OF FILL UP. THE REPAIR COST $167.00 AND THE DEALERSHIP WHO REPAIRED MY 2003 CHEVY PASSENGER EXPRESS VAN SAID, "... THE CAUSE WAS A PARK BRAKE CABLE RUBBING ON THE TUBE." AS A CONSUMER AND AUTOMOTIVE ENGINEER, I FEEL THE MANUFACTURER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS DESIGN DEFECT. THE DEALERSHIP SIMPLY INDICATED THEY NEVER SEEN THIS ON THE EXPRESS. IT APPEARS THIS IS MORE THAN AN ISOLATED OCCURRENCE. *TR

NHTSA ID 10349272 · filed Aug 13, 2010

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

FILLING UP THE VAN, NOTICE THAT GASOLINE WAS LEAKING FROM THE FUEL FILLER TUBE. INVESTIGATION CONCLUDED THAT THE PLASTIC CORRIGATED WRAP THAT CHEVY PLACED ON THE TUBE, TRAPS WATER, SALT, DIRT, ECT... IN IT, ALLOWING THE PIPE TO RUST, WITHOUT THE DRIVER/OWNER NOTICING THE DAMAGE UNTIL IT STARTS LEAKING. AS A FIREFIGHTER, I REALIZE THE DANGERS OF GASOLINE LEAKING UNDER A VEHICLE, I FEEL THAT THIS IS A SERIOUS DESIGN FLAW FOR THE FILLER TUBE. *TT

NHTSA ID 10411911 · filed Jul 11, 2011

CHEVY 2003 EXPRESS VAN FUEL FILLER NECK HAS RUSTED THROUGH IN 2 PLACES AND GAS POURS OUT EVERY TIME I REFUEL. ONLY 63,000 MILES ON VAN. I BELIEVE THIS I S A VERY SERIOUS FIRE HAZARD!!! IS THERE A RECALL? *TR

NHTSA ID 10355871 · filed Sep 16, 2010

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I WAS TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY AT THE SPEED OF 50 MPH AND THE VAN SUDDENLY BEGAN TO VIOLENTLY SHAKE AND SHUDDER FROM THE FRONT WHEELS AND UP AND INCLUDING THE SHAKE OF THE STEERING WHEEL. I SLOWED THE VEHICLE DOWN BY BRAKING TO 35 MPH AND IT SLOWLY STOPPED SHAKING. THIS HAS BECOME A REGULAR ISSUE WITH THE VEHICLE AND I HAVE TAKEN IT FROM SHOP TO SHOP AND MECHANICS CANNOT FIGURE OUT THE PROBLEM. I FEAR FOR MY FAMILY'S SAFETY AS WELL AS MY OWN WHEN DRIVING ALONE IN THIS VEHICLE. IT HAS BEEN A YEAR SINCE THIS HAS BEGUN. MECHANIC HAS CHANGED THE SHOCKS FOR THE VAN AND IT HAS BEGAN TO VIOLENTLY SHAKE AND SHUDDER MORE FREQUENTLY. I NEED TO KNOW WHY THIS IS HAPPENING. I OWN A CHEVROLET EXPRESS 2500 (2003). *TR

NHTSA ID 10660170 · filed Nov 21, 2014

I HAVE A 2003 CHEVROLET EXPRESS VAN 2500 THAT THE PAINT JUST STARTED FALLING OFF IN LARGE FLAKES ON THE REAR AND SIDE DOORS, AND THE FRONT HOOD. I HAVE TRIED TOUCH UP PAINT TO TRY AND STOP THE PEELING, BUT IT HAS NOT HELPED.WHEN I WASH THE VEHICLE OR IT RAINS MAKES THE PROBLEM WORSEN BY FILLING UP POCKETS BEHIND THE PAINT. THIS IS A MY COMPANY VAN WHICH HAS DECAL LETTERING ON IT. THE FLAKING IS STARTING TO GET TO THE LETTERING. IF IT CONTINUES, I WILL LOOSE APPROX. $800.00 TO A $1000.00 IN DECAL LETTERING PLUS THE VAN LOOKS TERRIBLE FOR A COMPANY VAN. THE COLOR OF THE VAN IS WHITE. I HAVE NOTICED MANY GM CARS AROUND WHERE I LIVE THAT HAVE THIS PROBLEM. I NEVER REALLY NOTICED UNTIL MY VAN STARTED TO DO IT. MANY OF OUR CITY POLICE CARS WHERE I LIVE ARE WHITE GM PRODUCTS AND HAVE PAINT PEEL ON THEM.WHY IS GM NOT CORRECTING THIS ISSUE? WHAT CAN I DO TO GET THIS PROBLEM CORRECTED? I HAVE OTHER GM PRODUCTS I OWN. I AM NOT SURE IF I WILL PURCHASE ANOTHER DUE TO PROBLEMS SHOWING UP YEARS DOWN THE ROAD THAT SHOULD NOT EXIST IF THEIR PRODUCT IS A QUALITY PRODUCT AND GM STANDS BEHIND THEIR QUALITY OF WHAT THEY PRODUCE. NOW I AM FACED WITH THE COST OF A PAINT JOB AND THE COST OF RELETTERING THE VAN. THE SMARTER ANSWER MAY BE TO BUY ANOTHER VAN OF ANOTHER MAKE AND STAY AWAY FROM GM IF THEY CANNOT STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT QUALITY. I HAVE READ TOO MANY ARTICLES ABOUT PAINT PEEL ON GM PRODUCTS SINCE INVESTIGATING THIS ISSUE. MANY SUGGEST SMALL CLAIMS COURTS BECAUSE GM WILL DO NOTHING ABOUT IT. NEED HELP IF THERE IS ANY SUGGESTIONS.

NHTSA ID 10443849 · filed Jan 15, 2012

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

SEVERAL OF THE EXHAUST HEADER BOLTS ARE BROKEN ON BOTH SIDES OF MY 5.3 LITTER ENGINE. I DID SOME INTERNET SEARCHING AND FOUND A LOT OF PEOPLE WITH 5.3 LITTER ENGINES HAVING THE SAME ISSUE.

NHTSA ID 10908790 · filed Sep 22, 2016

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

I WAS TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY AT THE SPEED OF 50 MPH AND THE VAN SUDDENLY BEGAN TO VIOLENTLY SHAKE AND SHUDDER FROM THE FRONT WHEELS AND UP AND INCLUDING THE SHAKE OF THE STEERING WHEEL. I SLOWED THE VEHICLE DOWN BY BRAKING TO 35 MPH AND IT SLOWLY STOPPED SHAKING. THIS HAS BECOME A REGULAR ISSUE WITH THE VEHICLE AND I HAVE TAKEN IT FROM SHOP TO SHOP AND MECHANICS CANNOT FIGURE OUT THE PROBLEM. I FEAR FOR MY FAMILY'S SAFETY AS WELL AS MY OWN WHEN DRIVING ALONE IN THIS VEHICLE. IT HAS BEEN A YEAR SINCE THIS HAS BEGUN. MECHANIC HAS CHANGED THE SHOCKS FOR THE VAN AND IT HAS BEGAN TO VIOLENTLY SHAKE AND SHUDDER MORE FREQUENTLY. I NEED TO KNOW WHY THIS IS HAPPENING. I OWN A CHEVROLET EXPRESS 2500 (2003). *TR

NHTSA ID 10660170 · filed Nov 21, 2014

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

WHILE DRIVING ON A TWO LANE MOUNTAIN ROAD BETWEEN OAKHURST, CALIFORNIA AND YOSEMITE I OBSERVED A FRONT END VIBRATION COMING THROUGH THE STEERING WHEEL. I PULLED OVER AND COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG SO I MADE A U-TURN AND WENT TO OAKHURST TO EFFECT A REPAIR. I BARELY MADE IT TO TOWN TO A SHOP WHEN THE LEFT FRONT BEARING ASSEMBLY FAILED ,REQUIRING THE ENTIRE UNIT TO BE REPLACED. THE SHOP WAS SURPRISED THAT THE WHEEL HAD NOT COME OFF. THE COST WAS $520 ,AND NECESSITATED AN OVERNIGHT STAY DUE TO THE PART HAVING TO BE BROUGHT IN FROM FRESNO. I HAD PURCHASED THE VEHICLE NEW, BUT IT WAS THREE WEEKS OUT OF WARRANTY. THE MILEAGE WAS 25,000. I TOOK THE PART TO MY LOCAL CHEVROLET DEALER, THEY INFORMED ME IN WRITING THAT THE BEARING HAD INADEQUATE LUBRICATION AT THE FACTORY. THE OTHER BEARING WAS PULLED, AND IT WAS OKAY. GM HAS TOTALLY DUCKED ANY FORM OF REIMBURSEMENT. I AM JUST THANKFUL THAT WE DID NOT HAVE A ACCIDENT ON THAT MOUNTAIN ROAD *AK

NHTSA ID 10190998 · filed May 17, 2007

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Transmission

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

STARTED TO HEAR A CLUNKING NOISE. THEN VEHICLE WOULD NOT BACK UP. CHECKED TRANSMISSION FLUID AND FOUND LOW. ADDED FLUID (1 QUART) AND WAS ABLE TO MOVE, BUT SINCE THEN THE VEHICLE WILL NOT STAY IN PARK. IT CREEPS AHEAD OR BACK ON UNEVEN GROUND SEVERAL FEET. CALLED TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT AND DROPPED VEHICLE OFF TO DEALER WHOM I BOUGHT IT. THEY HAD IT FOR A DAY AND CALLED TO HAVE ME PICK IT UP. THEY HAD A BILL FOR ME AND TOLD ME NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. I TOLD THEM THERE WAS SOMETHING WRONG AND THE MANAGER BROUGHT THE MECHANIC OUT AND HE CONFIRMED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG. I TOLD THEM THAT THE VEHICLE ROLLS IN PARK. MECHANIC SAID NO WAY AND I SAID I'LL SHOW YOU. SO I TOOK THEM FOR A RIDE OUT BACK OF THE SHOP TO A SLIGHT HILL AND PARKED ON SAID HILL, IN PARK, SHUT THE ENGINE OFF AND THE VEHICLE ROLLED SLOWLY DOWN THE HILL. MECHANIC SAID HE NEVER SAW ANYTHING LIKE THAT. THEY ARE FIXING THE VEHICLE AND I ASKED FOR A DETAILED LIST OF WHAT WAS WRONG AND THE FAXED ME A QUOTE WITH PRICE ONLY. *NM

NHTSA ID 10161433 · filed Jul 5, 2006

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .