2003 Chevrolet Chevy van problems
The Chevrolet Van or Chevy Van (also known as the Chevrolet/GMC G-series vans and GMC Vandura) is a range of vans that was manufactured by General Motors from the 1964 to 1996 model years. Introduced as the successor for the rear-engine Corvair Corvan/Greenbrier, the model line also replaced the panel van configuration of the Chevrolet Suburban. The vehicle was sold both in passenger van and cargo van configurations as well as a cutaway van chassis that served as the basis for a variety of custom applications.
Produced across three generations (1964–66, 1967–70, and 1970–96), the model line was sold under a wide variety of model names under both the Chevrolet and GMC brands. The first two generations were forward control vehicles (with the engine placed between the seats); the third generation adopted a configuration placing the engine forward of the driver. The second and third generations shared powertrain commonality with the C/K pickup truck model line.
After the 1996 model year, GM retired the G-Series vans, replacing them with the GMT600-platform Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana.
Social links
Common 2003 Chevrolet Chevy van problems
The 2003 Chevrolet Chevy Van is reported to have several common problems, primarily related to the engine and electrical system.
- Starting and Stalling Problems: Some owners have reported that their 2003 Chevy Express vans experience difficulty starting or stalling, particularly when the engine is cold. This issue can be caused by a faulty fuel filter, which may need to be replaced. In some cases, the problem may be related to the ignition module harness, where a cracked wire can cause the engine to stall. Replacing the ignition module harness can resolve this issue.
- Fuel Pump Failure: The 1999 Chevrolet Express has been identified as the worst model year, with the most overall complaints, particularly in the engine category. The most reported problem for this model year is fuel pump failure, which can occur at an average mileage of 25,000 miles and result in an average repair cost of $3,000. This issue can also occur at higher mileages, with an average repair cost of $4,000 at 70,000 miles and $8,300 at 67,000 miles.
- Dead Battery: A dead battery is a common reason for a Chevy car, including the 2003 Chevy Express, to not start. This issue can be caused by battery corrosion or a low charge, which can be checked using a battery tester. A dead battery can be jumpstarted with jumper cables.
- Battery Corrosion: Corrosion on the battery can also cause starting problems in the 2003 Chevy Express. Regular maintenance and replacing the battery with OEM Chevy parts can help prevent this issue.
- Bad Timing Belt: A failed timing belt can cause engine failure and prevent the car from starting. This issue is crucial to address, as it can lead to more severe engine problems if left unresolved.
- Failed Ignition Coil: A damaged ignition coil can result in insufficient power to create an electric spark, which can prevent the engine from starting. Replacing the ignition coil can resolve this issue.
- Bad Starter Motor: A faulty starter motor may fail to physically turn the engine over and start it. Installing a new starter motor can address this issue.
In summary, the 2003 Chevrolet Chevy Van has several common problems, primarily related to the engine and electrical system. These issues can range from engine stalling and starting problems to dead batteries, battery corrosion, failed timing belts, damaged ignition coils, and faulty starter motors. Regular maintenance and addressing these issues promptly can help ensure the longevity and reliability of the vehicle.
Are Chevy Express vans reliable?
The Chevrolet Express 1500 Reliability Rating is 3.0 out of 5.0, which ranks it 9th out of 21 for commercial vans. The average annual repair cost is $963 which means it has poor ownership costs.
What is a 2003 Chevy conversion van worth?
Prices for a used 2003 Chevrolet Express Cargo Van currently range from $5,999 to $14,995, with vehicle mileage ranging from 91,873 to 181,442.
How many miles do Chevy cargo vans last?
With proper maintenance, a used Chevy Express van will last up to 300 thousand miles on the original motor. There are four gasoline engines on the model to choose from: The most basic had a volume of 4.3 liters (200 hp). This is the only 6-cylinder unit for the Express model.
What is the recall on the Chevy van?
Recall # N202325160 Date: 03/18/2021 Recall: General Motors, LLC is recalling certain 2021 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana vehicles equipped with 6.6L gasoline engines. The positive battery cable terminals may contact a fuse block assembly attachment post and cause an electrical short circuit.
Is Chevrolet van reliable?
The Chevrolet Express 1500 Reliability Rating is 3.0 out of 5.0, which ranks it 9th out of 21 for commercial vans.
What is the mileage on a Chevy van?
According to Kelley Blue Book's review of the 2022 model year, the base engine for the Chevy Express is a 4.3-liter V6. This engine has an estimated EPA fuel economy rating of 16 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 20 mpg on the highway.
How many miles can a Chevy van last?
A well-maintained 2021 Chevy Express can last around 200,000 miles, which is similar to other full size vans like the Ford Transit. Regular annual maintenance costs are also average for a large van, at $870 per year, according to data provided by Repair Pal.
When did they stop making Chevy vans?
The Chevy Express has been around for 27 years; as of 2023, this vehicle replaced the Chevrolet van in 1996. General Motors has announced that there are plans in the work to revamp the Chevy Express for the 2027 model year. General Motors will keep this vehicle around since GM is transitioning to EV powertrains.
2003 Chevrolet Chevy van car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Chevrolet Chevy van problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Fuel system problems
- Gasoline problems
- Seat belts problems
- Exterior lighting problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2003 Chevrolet Chevy van vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2003 Chevrolet Chevy van complaints
The NHTSA has received 10 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2003 Chevrolet Chevy van.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-10-02
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: NEW VEHICLES HAVE BLINDING HEADLIGHTS. VERY BAD. WHY ARE THESE BEING ALLOWED ON THE ROAD!?
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-04-10
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: 2003 CHEVY VENTURE SUDDENLY ACCELERATE AND CONTINUALLY GAIN SPEED EVEN WITHOUT MY FOOT ON THE GAS PEDAL. I ACTUALLY HAVE TO RIDE THE BRAKES TO GET WITHIN THE 25 MPH SPEED LIMIT ALL THE WAY. THIS EVENT REPEATING THEMSELVES EVERY TWO DAYS WAITING FOR AN ACCIDENT. I WENT ATLEAST 4 MECHANICS THEY CLEANED EVERYTHING THEY KEPT MY CAR THREE DAYS EACH. THEY DON'T KNOW WHAT IS THE PROBLEM. I WANT GM TO FIX THIS PROBLEM. MY CAR IS 10 YEARS OLD. THIS DOESN'T MEAN I HAVE TO FLY UP TO THE MOON WITH IT, KILLING MY FAMILY AND OTHER PEOPLE. *TR
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-05-10
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: FUEL FILLER NECK LEAKS DUE TO CORROSION. THIS VEHICLE HAS THE LH DOORS AND THE FUEL NECK IS ROUTED IN THE WHEEL WELL. *TR
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-08-02
- VIN: 1GBFG15T231
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: I NOTICED A VERY STRONG ODOR OF GAS EVERY TIME I FILLED THE CAR. IN DECEMBER, I SAW A LARGER POOL OF GAS UNDER MY CAR AS I WAS FILL THE TANK. I LOOKED UNDER AND SAW MOST OF THE GAS WAS SPILLING ONTO THE GROUND. TOOK THE CAR IN TO THE DEAL AND FOUND OUT THE FILLER TUBE WAS RUSTED THROUGH. THE REASON FOR THIS TYPE OF PROBLEM ON A CAR THAT IS 8 YEARS OLD STEMS AROUND THE COVERING AROUND THE TUBE. WATER GETS TRAPPED AND CANNOT DRY. BAD DESIGN. LUCKILY, I DO NOT SMOKE. *TR
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-07-23
- Fire: 1
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET 1500 CONVERSION VAN.(N/A) THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE DRIVER SEAT INDEPENDENTLY BECAME EXTREMELY HOT AND SCORCHED THE SEAT. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY AN ELECTRICAL SHORTAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 80,000.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-04-06
- VIN: 1GNDX03E03D
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WE HAVE A 2003 CHEVROLET VENTURE VAN V6 3.4L, ODOMETER-49698. VEHICLE MADE AN ODD SOUND WHEN STARTING. THIS SOUND HAPPENED SUDDENLY. WE TOOK IT TO THE CLOSEST AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR SHOP THEIR COMPUTER INDICATED A MISFIRE CODE AND THEY SUGGESTED CHANGING THE PLUGS. WE OPTED TO TAKE THE VAN TO OUR MECHANIC. THEY CHECKED THE PLUGS AND THEY LOOKED BRAND NEW AND WERE IN GOOD CONDITION. THE FOLLOWING DESCRIPTION IS STRAIGHT FROM THE SERVICE ADVISOR OF THE AUTOMOTIVE SHOP : ONE CYLINDER ONLY HAS 35 PSI AND THERE IS A TAPPING NOISE IN THE TOP HALF OF THE ENGINE. WILL NEED TO TEAR THE UPPER END DOWN FOR INSPECTION (UPPER AND LOWER INTAKES AND THE VALVE COVER GASKET). THE REAR CYLINDER HEAD ON THE #3 CYLINDER, THE STUDS THAT HOLD THE ROCKER ARMS HAVE PULLED OUT OF THE HEAD. THE MACHINE SHOP FOUND THE THREADS FOR THE ROCKER ARM STUDS ON THE REAR CYLINDER HEAD WERE PULLING OUT. HAD TO HAVE ALL THE ROCKER ARM STUDS HOLES REPAIRED. BASED ON THE MACHINE SHOP'S ADVICE THE FRONT CYLINDER HEAD WAS REMOVED AND TO HAVE THE ROCKER ARM STUD HOLES INSPECTED. THEY WERE ALSO FOUND TO BE PULLING OUT. ALL STUD HOLES ON THE FRONT CYLINDER HEAD WERE REPAIRED. REINSTALLED THE CYLINDER HEADS AND INTAKES. ALL IN ALL START TO FINISH THE REPAIR BILL WAS A RIDICULOUS $2609.48 AND A VEHICLE WITH LESS THAN 50K MILES. THE DEALERSHIP REFUSED TO LISTEN TO ANY COMPLAINTS, SIMPLY SAYING THE VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY. THE AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR SHOP IS THE SAME PLACE WHERE WE HAVE ALL OUR OIL CHANGES PERFORMED. THEY HAVE ALL THE RECORDS. AMAZING THIS IS THE FOURTH STRAIGHT GM VEHICLE WE HAVE BOUGHT. BASED ON THE WAY WE WERE TREATED BY THE DEALER WE WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER GM VEHICLE. *JB
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-05-28
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: CHEVY VENTURE MINIVAN REAR SLIDING POWER DOORS DO NOT REVERSE AND ARE VERY DANGEROUS CAUSING AN INJURY TO MY 12 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER WHILE ENTERING THE VAN WHEN THE DOOR SUDDENLY CLOSED ON HER AND POTENTIAL DEATH TO A YOUNG CHILD. *NM
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-06-28
- VIN: 1GNDX13E03D
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE SHOULDER STRAPS IN THE REAR OF THE VAN LOCK UP WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. IT IS VERY UNCOMFORTABLE AND THE PASSENGERS UNFASTEN IT IN ORDER TO READJUST THE BELT. THE BELT GETS TIGHTER AND TIGHTER IF NOT TAKEN OFF. THIS IS NOT SAFE WHILE GOING DOWN THE ROAD TO HAVE TO TAKE OFF YOUR SEATBELT. THIS HAS HAPPENED EVER SINCE I OWNED THIS VEHICLE. I HAVE A CHEVY VENTURE 2003 WHICH I PURCHASED NEW.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-10-13
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE THE STARTING MECHANISM SEEMS TO STAY ENGAGED EVEN AFTER THE VEHICLE HAS STARTED.*AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-03-13
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: I WAS GETTING INTO THE REAR SEAT OF A BRAND-NEW CHEVROLET FULLSIZE VAN AT THE LA QUINTA INN AT THE APEX IN RALEIGH-DURHAM NC. THERE IS A CIRCULAR DISK OF HARD PLASTIC WHICH HOLDS ON A SMALL BUNGEE WHICH IN TURN HOLDS A CHILD SEAT BELT ADJUSTER. AS I WAS GETTING IN, MY ARM CAME INTO CONTACT WITH THE PLASTIC DISK AND VERY NEATLY SLICED SEVERAL LAYERS OF MY SKIN OFF. IT WASN'T AN ATYPICAL ENTRANCE TO A VEHICLE, IN OTHER WORDS, I WASN'T FOOLING AROUND OR BEING INCAUTIOUS IN ANY WAY. I'VE NEVER COMPLAINED ABOUT ANYTHING LIKE THIS BEFORE, BUT I DON'T WANT MORE PEOPLE TO GET ACCIDENTALLY CUT. THAT HARD PLASTIC DISK IS AS SHARP AS A KNIFE! *NLM
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2003 Chevrolet Chevy van problems:
Q&A: Common Problems with 2003 Chevy Express 3500 Van
Oct 21, 2008 ... 2003 Chevy Express 3500 has problems starting it and keeping running - Answered by a verified Chevy Mechanic.
Chevrolet Express Questions - why does my 2003 chevy express ...
Dec 17, 2018 ... i had the same problem on my 2003 chevrolet express and discover that the ignition module harness it has a wire cracked i fix it ...
Q&A: Common Problems with 2004 Chevy Express 2500 Van
May 6, 2012 ... My 2004 chevy 2500 express van has a ground problem. When I turn the key nothing happens. Sometimes if I hold the key in - Answered by a ...
Chevrolet Express 1500 Problems and Complaints - 25 Issues
Top Chevrolet Express 1500 Problems · Check Engine Light and Misfire Due to Stuck Fuel Injectors · Fuel Level Sensor Failure · Intake Manifold Gaskets May Leak ...
2003 Express 5.3 oil pressure problems, engine slight tapping ...
Jul 6, 2010 ... Is this a common problem on these vans ... Tags 03, 2003, 53, chevrolet, chevy, engine, express, gm, installation, low, oil, pressure, problems, ...
Other years of Chevrolet Chevy van
Are you having problems with your 2003 Chevrolet Chevy van?
Leave your review of 2003 Chevrolet Chevy van