- The problem
- Certain replacement fuel filters, fram brand name p/n g3727, with date codes x52911 through x60801 sequentially or x600141 and a mexico country or origin marking on the fuel filter housing manufactured from october 18, 2005, through march 21, 2006, sold for use on the vehicles listed above and on certain school buses. (To see the school bus engine sizes, click on "document search" and then "bus applications"). The connector on the fuel filter was not manufactured to honeywell's specification. As a result, the o-ring may not seat correctly on the fuel line.
- The risk
- This condition may cause an inadequate seal at the connection, potentially leading to a fuel leak. In the presence of an ignition source, a fire could occur.
- The fix
- Honeywell will notify owners and replace the fuel filters free of charge. The recall began on october 18, 2006. Owners may contact fram customer service at 1-800-890-2075 (option 1).
Vehicle safety record
2003 Chevrolet Astro Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 89 complaints about the 2003 Chevrolet Astro with NHTSA, most often about the brakes (25) and the electrical system (19). Those complaints describe 4 crashes, 3 fires and 7 injuries. It is covered by 3 recalls, the latest in May 2006 for the fuel system, gasoline. For comparison, the 2002 has 82 and the 2004 has 14.
NHTSA data checked
CAbout as many problems as a typical Astro year, for its age
#128 most complained-about 2003 vehicle
- Complaints
- 89
- Recalls
- 3
- Crashes
- 4
- Fires
- 3
- Injuries
- 7
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 2003 Chevrolet Astro problems
Share of all 89 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2003 Chevrolet Astro recalls 3
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- Certain pro-a motors corner lamps, turn signals, and headlights sold as replacement lamps for use on certain passenger vehicles listed above. Some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
- The risk
- Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
- The fix
- Pro-a motors will notify owners and offer to repurchase the lamps. The recall began on april 3, 2006. Owners may contact pro-a motors at 323-838-2988.
- The problem
- Certain minivans have an interference condition between the lower ball joint rubber boot and the steering knuckle (both left/right sides), which could result in cutting of the boot that is intended to seal the ball joint. If the lower ball joint boot were cut, contamination from the road (salt, dirt, water, etc.) Could enter the ball socket area of the ball joint causing the joint to wear out too quickly.
- The risk
- The steering knuckle could separate from the lower control arm, dropping down the affected corner of the vehicle. The coil spring would push the control arm down into contact with the ground, creating a drag that would slow the vehicle. The driver could have difficulty in maintaining the directional control of the vehicle. In addition, the affected wheel assembly could separate from the vehicle if forces resulting from the wheel's dragging action were sufficient to fracture the tie rod end and upper ball joint connections. Separation of the wheel assembly would also sever that wheel's hydraulic brake hose, resulting in lost braking performance from the front brake system. Vehicle stopping distance would increase, which could result in a crash.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the steering knuckles. Owner notification is expected to begin on april 8, 2004. Owners should contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or gmc at 1-866-996-9463.
What owners say
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89 complaints about the 2003 Chevrolet Astro
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 4.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet astro. The contact was made aware by an independent mechanic that his vehicle was included in nhtsa campaign number: 03v328000 (suspension) while performing routine maintenance on the vehicle. The vehicle was diagnosed with a faulty steering knuckle and lower ball joints. Myrtle beach chevrolet (1785 us-501, myrtle beach, sc 29577) and the manufacturer were made aware of the issues. The contact was informed that the parts were no longer made and there were no after market parts available. The failure mileage was 392,000.
Front suspension issues, electrical gauges, replacement of fuel tank pump, door latches failing to open on sliding side door making exiting of vehicle impossible, recall of 02v328000 unable to be confirmed as handled by any dealers.
2003 Chevrolet astro cargo van air bag did not deploy at time of collision. Astro van was hit on passenger side, front wheel well & bumper. Driver who hit van was exceeding speed limit, approximately doing closer to 40 mph in a 25 mph zone when they hit our van. We were just starting to proceed after a stop sign, barely doing 10 - 15 mph. The astro van was dragged approximately 6-7 feet into the intersection. The air bag never deployed, driver was injured right side back & ribs bruised and possible concussion head injury to left side of head due to force of impact.
I was driving pulling a trailer on the freeway when suddenly the traffic stop. I applied the brakes at a safe distance when suddenly my brakes when all the way to the floor I applied the emergency brakes and stop. I had to go thru the emergency lane. I told my son to push the brake pedal while I was underneath and the brake lines broke. They where all rusted out. I had to get a wrecker to take it home.If you need to see my van call me so you can see the brake lines. *Tr
My spouse was driving and we were stopped at a yard sale. We returned to the vehicle and started to back out when she noticed the steering wheel was extremely hard to turn. Then when she wanted to stop the vehicle the brakes were extreme hard to operate. After some research we learned of hundreds of brake malfunctions on similar vehicles and other cars that use similar brake booster technology. *Tr
I am complaining of the safety issues regarding the abs computer system. I have put my vehicle in the shop to be checked out by a few car repair facilities and all have said the same thing my abs cpu. My van is hesitating terribly and causing the van to not accelerate properly. I have nearly been in three accidents since the problem has been occurring. I have also done some research on this issue via internet and found that many people are having the same problem across the usa. And gm is blaming it on the weather...
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conditions in the north but the problems are happening to astro vans(2003) across the entire us. This is a problem that should be addressed as soon as possible.. The contact stated while applying brake pressure at 20mph or less, the abs activated with an increased stopping distance. The vehicle was seen by an independent repair shop. A diagnostic test was performed which indicated a failure in the right front wheel speed sensor. The mechanic determined the wheel speed sensor of the antilock brakes needed to be replaced. There is a nhtsa recall, # 05v379000, regarding the antilock brakes. The vehicle has the same problems as indicated in the recall; however it is not included in the recall due to the vin. This vehicle currently has this issue, and was checked by a repair shop. They described the problem undetectable; the recall was on models up to 2002. It seems that it carried over to this model, can the dealer assist in replacing the parts. I would pay the labor but the parts involved are about $1500.00 From the dealer alone. Can I get help from the nhtsa to get this critical issue resolved. *Tr
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet astro van. The contact stated that the brake pedal went all the way to the floor while making a left turn. The contact also stated that the vehicle failed to start when the vehicle was parked and the wheels were turned to the left. A mechanic looked under the vehicle and found that the wiring harness that was located near the front passenger side tire had burned out. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but the contact was unsure of what would be repaired. The failure mileage was unknown but the current mileage was 67,000. *Tr
Complete brake failure due to rusting brake lines. The previous day this vehicle was pulling a small trailer on a michigan interstate highway. The following day it was parked in my driveway and a wet area was visible on the concrete. It was brake fluid on the ground that had dripped from the rusted brake line and drained the master cylinder reservoir. I discovered this when moving the vehicle to try and determine the cause of the fluid leak. The brake line had completely rusted through! Fortunately this did not...
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happen the previous day as it could easily have been fatal. The vehicle was towed to the gm dealership. There are no replacement parts for the brake lines and none are available in the aftermarket. The dealer wanted over $1700 to replace the lines and said there may be more items to replace - possibly another $700 or more. Plus, fuel lines were also rusting and they should be replaced too. This could easily have been a fatal incident or extreme damage as the brakes were completely useless in my driveway and I had to put the vehicle into reverse to stop it, even at a very slow speed. I have had other vehicles for a much longer time - including gm - and never had anything like this before. *Tr
2003 Chevrolet astro van. Consumer states the steering knuckle/arm is designed in a way that causes it to come into contact with a wiring harness when the vehicle is turned to the left *tgw over a period of time, the constant contact damaged the wiring harness and allowed the steering knuckle/arm to touch the wires inside the wiring harness. The end result caused damage to other wires. The consumer stated the problem started in february 2011 when making a left turn would sometimes cause the radio and the ac to...
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die. The abs light and brake light would also come on and the brake pedal would sink to the floor. The dealer was unable to duplicate the problem. Two weeks ago, while pulling out of a parking space, everything died. The engine would not restart and nothing electrical worked. The consumer was unable to exit the vehicle and there was a smell of burning wires. The consumer was finally able to manually push up the door locks to exit the vehicle. *Jb the consumer stated he discovered a tsb and found the steering knuckle was not the source of the problem, but the battery cable retaining clips were not properly secured in their retaining holes in the engine cradle frame below the engine oil pan. As a result, the battery cable made contact with the steering linkage components and rubbed through the insulation on the cable. Updated 06/01/11
Potentially dangerous defect in the 2003 chevrolet astro van. The steering knuckle/arm is designed in a way that causes it to come into contact with a wiring harness when the vehicle is turned sharply to the left. Over a period of time, this constant contact damages the wiring harness and allows the steering knuckle/arm to touch the wires inside the wiring harness. The wiring harness is connected directly to the battery so the end result is damage to other wires also sheathed in that wiring harness. Two weeks...
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ago, while pulling out of a grocery store parking space, everything died. The engine would not re-start and nothing electrical worked, from the door locks to the radio. Everything was dead. We could smell burning wires and tried to get out of the vehicle. Because the doors were locked we could not get them open. We had to manually push up our door locks; each of us pushing up the lock of our own door, so that we could get out of the vehicle. Since then when the problem occurred, additional issue was that the abs light and brake light would come on and the brake pedal would sink to the floor. We came close to rear-ending someone several times. On april 23, 2011, we showed the damaged wiring harness to the mechanic at the chevrolet dealership. Within two hours, we received a call to let us know the electronic control module (ecm) and the anti-lock brake (abs) module had been damaged. Both had to be replaced at a cost of over $2,100. We contacted general motors customer service this morning. Their response was that they considered this issue to be caused by ?Normal wear, based upon the age of the vehicle.? We disagree with their findings. Concern is that this defect can cause damage to important safety items, such as the brakes and door locks. The area of the wiring harness that is coming into contact with the steering knuckle/arm should either be moved or better protected. We don't want other drivers injured. *Tr
Throttle cable sticking due to outer layer of braided cable being frayed. Routing of cable caused a kink in the outer jacket that frayed the outer layer of a braided cable from the gas peddle to the throttle body. This caused the throttle to open and remain at what ever point it was by the pushing the accelerator pedal causing uncontrollable acceleration. The cable was routed below a hose at the firewall pushing the outer jacket downward and was that way from the factory as far as I am aware. No hoses have been...
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changed. Replaced the throttle cable and routed it above the hose at the firewall to eliminate the downward pressure on the outer jacket and all is operating properly. Dealer had no interest in fixing or investigating the problem without cost being incurred by me. Made the repair myself with a new throttle cable obtained through a dealer parts department. *Tr
2003 Chevrolet astro van. Drove vehicle without incident on august 1, 2010. Monday morning august, 2, 2010 battery was dead (purchased new february 2010). Replaced with new battery on august 2, 2010. First connected the positive cable. Attempted to connect negative cable. Negative post terminal sparked and battery cable got very hot. Disconnected battery cable. Inspected fuses. All good. Trace visible portions of positive cable to fuse box, alternator, and starter. No indication of grounding. Contacted mechanic...
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who on august 14, 2010 performed test on fuse box, alternator, and starter. All good. Mechanic thoroughly traced positive cable. Discovered short located at the passenger side of the engine behind the steering linkage. Stated that cable sheath had been worn away by the rubbing of the tie rod and was grounding out on the body and that it was extremely fortunate that the vehicle had not caught on fire. I had to have the vehicle towed to chevrolet dealership and had cable replaced. *Tr
My daughter had a wreck in her vechicle and the air bag didn't deploy. *Tr
I was driving approximately 30 miles per hour along slightly snow-covered road towards stopped traffic at red light on a slight downgrade. I stepped on the brakes gentle, as required by the conditions, but the abs system started to shudder and the vehicle did not brake at all. I hit a stopped vehicle at the intersection and even with a relatively slow speed impact, our vehicle was written off and the other was towed away because it could not be driven. Our van was drivable, but just barely, and was subsequently...
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written off by the insurance company. I was charged with careless driving which was absolutely not the case. We have another vehicle of the same year and similar model and it does the same thing occasionally but so far this has not resulted in any further collisions. We have owned astro vans since they were first marketed in 1985 and this is the first one to act like this. We purchased 1985, 1992, 1998, and 2003 models (2). I am asking my wife, rose, who is also the registered owner of the vehicle to submit this report on my behalf. Please respond to her with any resolutions. We purchased the salvage from the insurance company so it is still in our possession although not on the road. *Tr
I own a 2003, chevrolet astro. On sunday, june, 28, 2009, I was driving on i-94, between alexandria, mn and fergus falls, mn. I had my cruise control set at 70 mph, the posted speed limit, when I approached a vehicle that was traveling at a slower speed. I pulled over to the left lane and proceeded to pass. As I was passing, I looked in my rear view mirror and noticed a vehicle was coming up to me at a fast pace, so I stepped on the accelerator, to get by the vehicle, that I was passing, a little quicker. ...
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When I passed the vehicle, I let up on the accelerator, to get back to the speed I was previously traveling. Instead of my vehicle slowing back down, it continued to go faster, I touched my brake pedal, to release the cruise control, but my vehicle continued to pick up speed, 80mph and climbing. I then stepped on my brake, on and off, to get back to about 60mph, moved my switch,for the cruise control, to the off position. I continued to pick up speed. There just happened to be an exit, to a town, so I went up the exit, stepping on and off the brake pedal to slow down. When I got to the top of the exit, I turned off the ignition and with the help of braking, I coasted to a stop. At this point, both my wife and I were very scared. I thought my cruise control had stuck, so I turned on the ignition and the engine roared, so I shut it off. I tried it once more and the same thing happened. Then I knew it was more than the cruise control, so I called my roadside service. After about a two hour wait,they brought my van to a chevrolet dealer in alexandria, mn. It wa determined, by a mechanic, the next day, that my accelerator cable was frayed and that caused it to stick. The accelerator cable was replaced. I have the frayed cable. *Tr
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet venture. Condensation accumulates inside of the headlights. After fueling the vehicle, she smelled a strong odor of gasoline inside of the vehicle. The windshield wipers intermittently fail . She speculated that the vehicle has an electrical defect. The manufacturer was notified, but she was not provided with any assistance. The current mileage was 109,200 and failure mileage was 92,000.
Driving down a city road the low trac light came on when stopped at a light the car dies pushed it to a parking lot tried to start would not. Took it to the dealer and found that it was a bad fuel pump. This could of been scary if it would of died on the highway vehicle has 84,000 miles on it. *Tr
Vehicle: 2003 chevy astro van defect summary: factory design directs leaked battery acid to drip down on a steel brake line. Details: the (+) battery terminal spontaneously broke off this vehicle's oem delco battery. The breakage was due to either: 1) cable connector being over-torqued at the gm factory, or 2) an integral fault within the battery. The design of this year-model of astro is such that the natural path for acid drip-page is on to a steel brake line located below, and in front, of the battery. I...
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am going to have the brake line replaced by a local certified mechanic because the line is severely corroded due to the acid exposure. Because of the inaccessibility of the brake line and its connections, the repair cost will not be cheap. Please note that the battery and cable have not been exposed to any post-manufacture misuse or disturbance. The problem is solely due to poor placement of the hydraulic line, coupled with the factory induced battery breakage. I have digital photographs for your inspection of the broken battery terminal, the geometry of the battery compartment, the (brake) hydraulic line, and the resulting corrosion. *Tr
The brake line rubbed up against the power steering pump, eventually rubbing through. I lost braking power and nearly caused an accident. Within minutes, I went from having brakes to having to push the brake peddle to the floor to stop. I had a local mechanic fix the problem at a substantial cost. *Tr
2003 Chevrolet astro with brake problems. Consumer states that gm will not reimburse her for the repairs made on her vehicle. *Kb the consumer stated while braking at low speeds, the vehicle lunged forward. Also, the abs light illuminated. The consumer had to pay to have the sensors replaced. *Jb
Thursday september 20, 2007 4:30 p.M. . Transmission failure, 200 miles from home in california. Driving on highway, heard roaring sound from engine, would not accelerate speed dropped. Exited freeway looking for mechanical help, none available. Overnight in campground. Next day to local repair shop for diagnosis of transmission failure. Van had to be towed to santa barbara, california. Transmission replaced, sept. 21, '07. *Tr
On several occasions over the past few months, the abs light on my van has been coming on and when I apply the brakes, the van jerks around on the road and pulls to the left. I have almost hit other cars on many of these occasions. I had my mechanic look at it recently and he said he checked out the braking system and can see no visible reason for this happening. *Tr
Summary: on 2003 chevy minivan, the multifunction switch hs developed an open circuit condition in the stop lamp or hazard lamp circuit that results in the stop lamps and hazard lamps being inoperative. Consequence: the loss of stop lamps and rear hazard lamps cofailed to warn the following driver that the vehicle is braking and/or is stopped and could have lead to a vehicle crash. Remedy: dealers are replacing 2002 chevy astro hazard warning flasher switch free of charge, but not 2003 astros that have the same manufacturer defect. The recall began on april 13, 2005 for owners of 2002 chevy astros. Gm recall no. 05013. *Tr
I purchased a 2003 chevrolet tahoe lt and the back glass hinge has came unglued from the glass and fallen on one side. I have been told by four glass company's that they have had to replace many of 2003 tahoes and surburbans with the same problem with the back glass and that it is a defect. I called the chevrolet company and was told that there was nothing they could do because it was over 100,000 miles but its there problem they are the ones that glued the hinges to the glass and why should I have to pay 900.00...
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Dollars to replace the glass especially when I don't have it. Please do something about this problem I know that I am not the only one with this problem. Please make the chevrolet company fix this problem. It has caused the back glass to stick up over the back about a inch and you can not even open it because the hinge on the glass has come completely unglued it falls down when you open it and is very very hard to close once you open it. Because you have to pick up on the glass and try to close it at the same time believe me my fingers has gotten smashed many times so I stopped even opening it. But before this happened I really used it alot to put stuff in the back when the 3rd row seat was being used if you opened the whole door then your stuff falls out because there's not much room to put your stuff back there. *Tr
I have a 2003 tahoe and have had the speedometer stick a number of times. I have taken it in for repair several times however the service tech could not duplicate the condition so they told me not to repair the issue because of the cost. Gm is now offering a "special coverage" that extends the warranty of the instrument panel, however only if the tahoe has less than 70,000 miles or you have owned the vehicle under 7 years whichever occurs first. I feel that gm has known about this issue and should issue a full recall to correct this issue. This is a very dangerous issue that needs to be addressed. *Tr
Chevrolet Astro: every year compared
All Astro years2003 Chevrolet Astro vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 Chevrolet Astro | 89 | 3 | C | |
| 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche | 422 | 6 | F | Compare |
| 2003 Chevrolet Blazer | 104 | 1 | D | Compare |
| 2003 Chevrolet C/K Series | 7 | 0 | F | Compare |
| 2003 Chevrolet C4500 | 5 | 1 | C | Compare |
| 2003 Chevrolet C5500 | 3 | 0 | A | Compare |
| 2003 Chevrolet Caprice | 1 | 0 | A | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 2003 Chevrolet Astro
Does the 2003 Chevrolet Astro have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2003 Chevrolet Astro: fuel system, gasoline (May 2006); exterior lighting (March 2006); lower ball joint (September 2003). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Chevrolet Astro?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the brakes (25), electrical system (19), suspension (9).
How many complaints has the 2003 Chevrolet Astro had?
89 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on February 3, 2003 and the latest on April 30, 2021. Of these, 4 describe a crash and 3 a fire, and together they report 7 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 2003 Chevrolet Astro a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 53 out of 100 (grade C: about as many problems as a typical Chevrolet Astro year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Chevrolet Astro years have the most complaints?
1995 (446), 1997 (366), 1994 (347). See every Chevrolet Astro year compared.
What should I do if my 2003 Chevrolet Astro has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data