2003 Chevrolet Express
Recalls, consumer complaints and crash ratings from NHTSA
Recalls11
Fuel system, gasolineStorage, tank assembly, filler pipe and capAug 8, 2012, Campaign 12V388000
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, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia. Water and road contaminants may become trapped in the protective conduit that covers the fuel filler pipe and may cause the pipe to corrode.
Risk
Significant corrosion may allow fuel to leak during refueling, and in the presence of an ignition source; there is an increased risk of fire.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will install a new fuel filler neck, free of charge. The safety recall began on October 1, 2012. Owners may contact the Chevrolet owner center at 1-866-694-6546 and GMC at 1-866-996-9463.
Exterior lightingApr 7, 2009, Campaign 09E012000
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, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Risk
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy
SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
Seat beltsDec 19, 2005, Campaign 05V558000
ON CERTAIN FULL-SIZE PASSENGER, CARGO, OR CUTAWAY VANS, THE FRONT AND REAR SEAT BELT BUCKLES WILL NOT LATCH OR WILL NOT UNLATCH.
Risk
IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, A SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BUCKLES AND, IF FOUND TO BE INOPERATIVE, THE ENTIRE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY WOULD BE REPLACED. FOR BUCKLES FOUND TO BE OPERATIVE, DEALER WILL REPLACE ONLY THE UPPER BUCKLE COVER. THE RECALL WILL BE CONDUCTED IN PHASES. THE FIRST PHASE MAILING BEGAN DURING MARCH 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 OR GMC AT 1-866-996-9463.
Seat beltsFront, anchorageMay 11, 2004, Campaign 04V225000
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 WITH CHILD RESTRAINT LOWER ANCHORAGES.
Risk
THE STANDARD REQUIRES CHILD SEAT LOWER ANCHORAGES IN TWO SEATING POSITIONS FOR VEHICLES WITH THREE REAR SEATING POSITIONS. THE STANDARD CAB AND CARGO VAN VEHICLES, WHICH ONLY HAVE FRONT SEATING POSITIONS, HAVE AN AIR BAG OFF SWITCH TO DISABLE THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG AND DO NOT HAVE CHILD RESTRAINT LOWER ANCHORAGES IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. THE STANDARD REQUIRES PASSENGER SEAT CHILD SEAT LOWER ANCHORAGES IN VEHICLES WITH AN AIR BAG OFF SWITCH. HOWEVER, THE STANDARD DOES NOT REQUIRE VEHICLES WITH ONLY FRONT SEATING POSITIONS TO HAVE LOWER ANCHORAGE PROVISIONS IF THE VEHICLE IS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AN AIR BAG OFF SWITCH.
Remedy
TO BRING THE STANDARD CAB AND CARGO VAN VEHICLES INTO COMPLIANCE, DEALERS WILL INJECT EPOXY INTO THE AIR BAG OFF SWITCH TO PREVENT AIR BAG ACTIVATION, RELOCATE THE SWITCH BEHIND THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THEN INSTALL A COVER OVER THE RESULTING OPENING. THE SUN VISOR LABEL AND OWNER'S MANUAL WILL ALSO BE CHANGED. THE CORRECTION FOR THE EXTENDED CAB VEHICLE WILL CONSIST OF CHANGING THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT TO A SEAT THAT HAS CHILD RESTRAINT LOWER ANCHORAGES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 9, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 OR GMC AT 1-866-996-9463.
Service brakes, hydraulicFeb 4, 2004, Campaign 04V045000
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.
Risk
CONSEQUENTLY, THE VALVE O-RING SEAL MAY FRACTURE. STEERING EFFORTS MAY BE SLIGHTLY INCREASED WHILE BRAKING OR PARKING. UNDER CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS, A FRACTURED SEAL MAY REQUIRE A SLIGHT INCREASE IN THE APPLIED BRAKE PEDAL EFFORT TO ACHIEVE THE SAME VEHICLE DECELERATION RATE AS PRIOR TO THE SEAT FRACTURE.
Remedy
DEALERS ARE TO REPLACE THE HYDRO-BOOST RELIEF VALVE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 18, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339; CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438; GMC AT 1-866-996-9463; OR HUMMER AT 1-866-486-6376.
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EquipmentOther, owners/service/other manualJul 15, 2003, Campaign 03V250000
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 SYSTEM.
Risk
THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.
Remedy
OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A SUPPLEMENT FOR THEIR OWNER'S MANUAL. THIS SUPPLEMENT DESCRIBES AND SHOWS THE LOCATION SYMBOLS FOR THE CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORS THAT ARE LOCATED IN THE VEHICLE AND ON THE CHILD RESTRAINT OR BOOSTER CUSHION. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 18, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537.
Exterior lightingJun 10, 2003, Campaign 03V217000
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 LAMP SOCKET COULD INCREASE TO THE POINT THAT IT MAY BEGIN TO SOFTEN AND MELT.
Risk
IF THE SOCKET ASSEMBLY WERE TO REACH THE POINT OF MELTING, THE OCCUPANTS OF THE VEHICLE MAY NOTICE AN ODOR AND SMOKE AT THE REAR DOORS OF THE VEHICLE. IF THIS ODOR AND SMOKE WERE IGNORED, THE PLASTIC COULD IGNITE AND A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW SEALED REAR LICENSE PLATE LAMP SOCKET ASSEMBLY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 21, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020 OR GMC AT 1-800-462-8782.
Seat beltsFront, buckle assemblyFeb 14, 2003, Campaign 03V050000
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.
Risk
THIS COULD RESULT IN INCREASED RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE SAFETY BELT BUCKLE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 3, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020 OR GMC AT 1-800-462-8782.
SteeringLinkagesDec 12, 2002, Campaign 02V330000
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.
Risk
A SEPARATION COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, AND A CRASH COULD OCCUR WITH PRIOR WARNING.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL TIGHTEN THE PITMAN ARM NUT TO THE PROPER SPECIFICATION. IF THE NUT IS MISSING, THE DEALER WILL INSTALL A NEW NUT AND TIGHTEN IT CORRECTLY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 10, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020 OR GMC AT 1-800-462-8782.
SteeringLinkages, tie rod assemblyDec 2, 2002, Campaign 02V326000
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.
Risk
SEPARATION OF A TIE ROD CAN CAUSE UNEXPECTED VEHICLE STEERING IN SOME MANEUVERS AND COULD CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL TIGHTEN THE TIE ROD END NUT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE TIE ROD END. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN NOVEMBER 27, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020 OR GMC AT 1-800-462-8782.
WheelsLugs/nuts/bolts/studsNov 14, 2002, Campaign 02V305000
CERTAIN VANS WERE BUILT WITHOUT A WHEEL BEARING ASSEMBLY RETAINING NUT, WHICH COULD LEAD TO A POSSIBLE BEARING SEPARATION.
Risk
IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR, THE AMBER-COLORED ABS TELL-TALE LAMP IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WOULD ILLUMINATE AND THE ABS SYSTEM WOULD BE DISABLED. THE DRIVER WOULD ALSO NOTICE A GRINDING NOISE, A DECREASE IN THE VEHICLE SPEED, AND THE STEERING WILL PULL IN THE DIRECTION OF THE AFFECTED BRAKE ASSEMBLY. THIS COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE WHEEL BEARING ASSEMBLY. IF THE INSPECTION REVEALS A MISSING RETAINING NUT, THE WHEEL BEARING ASSEMBLY WILL BE REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN NOVEMBER 13, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020 OR GMC AT 1-800-462-8782.
All recalls issued for this model year. To see whether any are still unrepaired on a specific vehicle, check its VIN at NHTSA.
Recent complaints128 total
Most reported, across all 128 complaints
- Electrical system19%
- Fuel system, gasoline13%
- Service brakes, hydraulic9%
Fuel system, gasolineFiled Sep 22, 2026
The contact recently purchased a 2003 Chevrolet Express. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel due to a corroded catalytic converter. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V388000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue; however, the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 125,000.
Incident Sep 22, 2026
Electrical systemFiled Mar 17, 2026
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2003 Chevrolet Express. The contact discovered a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was approximately 156,000. It was later discovered that the mileage on July 2, 2024, was 258,051.
Incident Oct 10, 2024
Unknown or otherFiled Dec 27, 2018
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.
Incident Dec 1, 2018
Seat beltsFiled Feb 12, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET EXPRESS 3500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SEAT BELT BUCKLES PREMATURELY DETERIORATED TO THE POINT THAT THE BUCKLES FAILED TO LOCK THE SEAT BELTS TO SECURE A PASSENGER. THE MANUFACTURER INDICATED THAT A SEAT BELT RECALL REPAIR WAS PERFORMED IN 2016, BUT THE CONTACT EXPLAINED THAT THE REMEDY MAY NOT HAVE PROVIDED A SOLUTION. THE DEALER (MARSHFIELD CHEVROLET, 14963 MO-38, MARSHFIELD, MO 65706, (866) 218-7896) WAS CONTACTED. THE CONTACT WAS UNCERTAIN AS TO WHEN THE VEHICLE WOULD BE REPAIRED DUE TO THE MANUFACTURER STATING THAT THE RECALL HAD ALREADY BEEN PROVIDED. THE MANUFACTURER ISSUED FOUR TSBS AND THREE RECALLS FOR THE SEAT BELTS. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000. *TT *TR
Incident Feb 12, 2018
Seat belts, structureFiled Aug 9, 2017
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
Incident Aug 5, 2017
StructureFiled Oct 21, 2016
HINGES BROKE; DOORS ARE UNSAFE.
Incident Jun 6, 2013
EngineFiled Sep 22, 2016
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.
Incident Aug 2, 2016
Fuel/propulsion systemFiled Dec 21, 2015
CORRODED AND LEAKING FUEL FILLER NECK. FOOLISH DESIGN INVOLVING DISSIMILAR METALS HELD IN CONTACT AND SURROUNDED WITH A CONDUIT WHICH HOLDS WATER AND ROAD SALT. DESIGN IS DESTINED FOR FAILURE. GM HAS A PARTIAL RECALL FOR THE SNOW BELT. SUCH A FOOLISH DESIGN SHOULD BE FIXED EVERYWHERE AS IT IS JUST A MATTER OF TIME UNTIL FAILURE.
Incident Dec 21, 2015
StructureFiled Aug 13, 2015
THE PASSENGER SIDE SWING DOORS ARE VERY HARD TO OPEN AND SHUT AND THE DRIVERS SIDE SWING DOORS ARE IN THE INITIAL STAGE OF THIS. THE PASSENGER SWING DOOR THAT IS FIRST TO OPEN (RIGHT) DOES NOT WANT TO OPEN AND DOESN'T WANT TO SHUT. I HAVE TO FORCE IT. THE SECOND DOOR (LEFT) IS GETTING WORSE AS WELL. THIS IS CAUSING THE INTERIOR LIGHT PIN IN THE DOOR JAM TO NOT PUSH IN ALL THE WAY, THEREFORE; THE LIGHTS WILL NOT SHUT OFF.
Incident Aug 3, 2015
SuspensionFiled Apr 6, 2015
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
Incident Apr 1, 2015
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Fuel/propulsion systemFiled Jan 24, 2015
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
Incident Dec 3, 2014
Power train, engineFiled Dec 21, 2014
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 REPORTED A LESS SEVERE CASE OF THIS SEVERAL MONTHS AGO, BUT RECEIVED NO REPLY FROM THE NHTSA. DOING INTERNET RESEARCH I FIND THAT IT MAY BE A DEFECTIVE SPEEDOMETER DASHBOARD ASSEMBLY THAT WOULD NEED TO BE SENT AWAY FOR REPAIR/EXCHANGE. THEY REQUIRE A LARGE DEPOSIT IN ORDER TO GO THRU THE VERIFICATION PROCESS THAT THE ODOMETER READING I REPORT IS THE SAME AS THE UNIT I SEND IN. PART COST WITH DEPOSIT IS CLOSE TO $600, AND THEY SHOW AN ONLINE INTERNET VIDEO OF HOW TO REMOVE THE DASHBOARD UNIT WHICH TAKES LESS THAN 3 MINUTES. I'VE READ THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE MAKE, MODEL AND YEAR. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER SINCE NEW, AND IT HAS LESS THAN 17,000 ACTUAL MILES ON IT. *TR
Incident Dec 21, 2014
Steering, structure, service brakesFiled Nov 21, 2014
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
Incident Nov 1, 2013
Fuel/propulsion systemFiled Sep 3, 2014
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.
Incident Aug 7, 2014
Power train, vehicle speed control, service brakesFiled Aug 30, 2014
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 STORE AS AN EXAMPLE, IT WILL CLEAR IT'S PROBLEM AS IF A CPU IS "RE-BOOTED", AND REPEAT THE CYCLE OF ERRATIC BEHAVIOR FROM THAT NEW STARTING POINT. WHEN I BOUGHT + INSTALLED ACTRON BRAND OBD-II CODE READER WHICH FEATURES ABILITY TO REVEAL ABS BRAKE CODES, IT NEVER SHOWS ANY OTHER STORED CODES EXCEPT A SINGLE PO446 WHICH IS AN EMISSIONS RELATED CODE. THIS VAN WAS ORIGINALLY SENT NEW BY THE SELLING NH CHEVROLET DEALER TO THE PENNSYLVANIA BASED QUIGLEY CONVERSION FACILITY, SO IN FEBRUARY 2004 WAS MODIFIED FROM RWD TO A 4WD BY EXCHANGING STOCK MODEL 2500 FRONT END FOR A 4 WD PICKUP TRUCK NEW FACTORY FRONT END WITH 4WDL, NEUTRAL, 2WDH 4WDH FLOOR CONTROL LEVER. THE DRIVER'S DOOR JAM HAS AN 8600 LB GVW CERTIFICATION WHICH IS APPROPRIATELY QUIGLEY'S. MY VERY LOW ODOMETER AT 16,614 MILES IS ACCURATE, AS I ALSO HAVE OTHER VEHICLES TO USE, AND WORK AT HOME. *TR
Incident Aug 25, 2014
Fuel/propulsion systemFiled Aug 26, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET EXPRESS 1500 VAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN FUELING THE VEHICLE, FUEL SPRAYED FROM THE FILLER NECK. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT FUEL FILLER PIPE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 107,000.
Incident Jul 1, 2014
Electrical systemFiled Aug 6, 2014
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE, ALL ELECTRICAL STOPPED, DISCOVERED THAT THE IGNITION HAD TURNED OFF BY ITSELF AND CAUSED A LOSS OF ALL POWER CREATING DANGEROUS STEERING AND STOPPING SITUATION.. I WAS ABLE TO PULL TO THE SIDE OF ROAD AND STOPPED VEHICLE. TOOK THE TRUCK TO CHEVROLET DEALER IN SARASOTA RT. 41 AND BEE RIDGE AND WAS TOLD IT WAS NOT PART OF RECALL. THIS DOES NOT MAKE SENSE, IT HAS THE SAME SYMPTOMS AS THE OTHER DEFECTIVE VEHICLES MAYBE THEY DON'T WANT TO INCREASED THEIR PROBLEMS WITH ANOTHER YEAR AND MODEL. PLEASE HELP, I AM UNABLE TO DRIVE MY TRUCK FOR WORK AND AM LOSING MONEY AND CUSTOMERS, AS I AM A GENERAL ONE MAN CONTRACTOR. PLEASE ADVISE. *TR
Incident Jun 13, 2014
Steering, power train, air bags, structure, engine, fuel/propulsion systemFiled May 15, 2014
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 DUE TO INSUFFICIENT FUEL BURNING. THE POOR BACKDOOR DESIGN MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO SEE OUT THE BACK WINDOW AND IT IS CLEARLY EVIDENT BY ALMOST EVERY VAN OF THIS TYPE HAVING A DENTED BUMPER DUE TO THIS BLINDSPOT IN DESIGN. I HAVE NOT BEGUN TO LIST ALL THE THINGS NOT RIGHT WITH THIS VEHICLE BUT I WILL CHALK THEM UP TO DOWNRIGHT LYING AND JUST INFERIOR PARTS AND CRAFTSMENSHIP. THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN A NIGHTMARE. *TR
Incident Sep 1, 2003
EngineFiled Apr 17, 2014
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
Incident Apr 16, 2014
Electrical systemFiled Apr 8, 2014
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
Incident Mar 10, 2014
Service brakesFiled Dec 20, 2013
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
Incident Jul 23, 2012
EngineFiled Jul 8, 2013
MY 2003 CHEVY EXPRESS 2500 CARGO VAN WAS IN EVENING RUSH HOUR STOP AND GO TRAFFIC. AFTER REDUCING MY SPEED TO 10 MPH THEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE STALLED AND BEGAN TO IDLE ROUGH AND SHUT-OFF. I HAD TO PUT THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL AND RESTART IN THE MIDDLE OF THE INTERSTATE. I HAD TO CONTINUE TO SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL AND PRESS THE GAS TO PREVENT THE VEHICLE FROM SHUTTING OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC. I HAD THE PLUGS AND WIRES CHANGE THE VERY NEXT DAY AND THE PROBLEM CONTINUED. THIS COULD HAVE TURNED INTO A MAJOR ACCIDENT WITH THE VEHICLE SHUTTING OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC. THIS ISSUE SHOULD BE ADDRESSED AND AN IMMEDIATE RECALL NOTICE SHOULD BE PUT INTO EFFECT TO PREVENT A MAJOR ACCIDENT WHICH COULD LEAD TO A POSSIBLE FATALITY. THIS IS DANGEROUS! I'VE RESEARCHED THIS ISSUE AND HAVE FOUND MULTIPLE CHEVY EXPRESS OWNER'S WITH THE SAME CONCERN. GM SHOULD DO THE RIGHT THING FOR THE CUSTOMERS WHO SUPPORT THEIR BRAND AND PRODUCT. *TR
Incident Jul 2, 2013
Fuel/propulsion systemFiled Jan 17, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET EXPRESS 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT FUEL WAS LEAKING FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN AND THE MECHANIC ADVISED THAT THE RETURN AND DELIVERY FUEL LINES WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED DUE TO CORROSION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 148,000.
Incident Nov 15, 2012
Fuel/propulsion systemFiled Nov 13, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET EXPRESS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE NOTICED A LEAK UNDER THE VEHICLE WHEN SHE WOULD PUT REFUEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY ADVISED THAT THE FUEL FILLER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THEY WOULD PAY A PORTION OF THE REPAIR COSTS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 126,600.
Incident Oct 17, 2012
EngineFiled Oct 25, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET EXPRESS 3500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE THE TRANSMISSION FAILED TO SHIFT INTO GEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE CAUSE OF FAILURE WAS UNKNOWN. HOWEVER, THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE MAF CENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED THE CATALYTIC CONVERTERS REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,500.
Incident Aug 9, 2012
Fuel/propulsion systemFiled Oct 24, 2012
WHEN THE VEHICLE FUEL TANK IS FILLED, GAS FUMES ARE DETECTED AND SOME FUEL CAN BE SEEN ON THE BOTTOM OF THE TANK (A FEW DROPS OF FUEL). AS THE TANK CONTENTS LOWER THE SMELL AND LEAK GOES AWAY. AN ACCESS HOLE ON THE SIDE OF THE VAN REVEALS THAT THE TANK HAS A SMALL LEAK WHERE THE PLASTIC FILL NECK WAS BONDED TO THE TANK. THE STEEL FILL NECK AND RUBBER CONNECTION LOOK FINE. THIS IS A CONVERSION VAN W/O A LEFT HAND DOOR. THIS VEHICLE WAS BOUGHT FROM A SOUTHERN CLIMATE AREA AND IS ONLY RECENTLY BEEN BROUGHT TO A NORTHERN CLIMATE SO CORROSION IS NOT SUSPECTED. SINCE I SEE NO RECALL OR MANY COMPLAINTS, I AM LOOKING TO REPAIR OR REPLACE THE TANK. CURRENTLY LOOKING FOR A SEAL MATERIAL THAT COULD BE APPLIED TO THE LEAK AND THAT WORKS ON POLYURETHANE AND RESISTS FUEL. HAVE NOT FOUND ONE. THE VEHICLE IS WELL OUT OF WARRANTY BUT THIS DOES SEEM TO PRESENT A SAFETY ISSUE. SHORT TERM SOLUTION IS TO NOT FILL THE TANK. *TR
Incident Jul 2, 2012
StructureFiled Oct 9, 2012
DURING A FAMILY OUTING WE WERE UNABLE TO CLOSE THE RIGHT REAR PASSENGER DOOR. EXPERIENCED DIFFICULTY CLOSING DOOR. AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS, I NOTICED THE DOOR WAS NOT ALIGNED WITH THE BODY OF THE CAR WHICH PROHIBITED THE DOOR LATCH TO CONNECT AND CLOSE. THE DOOR WOULD NOT CLOSE SHUT COMPLETELY AND HAS SINCE KNOCKED WHILE DRIVING AND ALSO CREATES A SAFETY HAZARD FOR CHILDREN & ADULTS BECAUSE IT IS PRIMARY EXIT FOR THE REAR EXIT TO THE SIDEWALK FORCING PASSENGERS TO EXIT FROM THE REAR LEFT DOOR PASSENGER DOOR ONTO THE STREET TO ONCOMING TRAFFIC THAT CAN LEAD TO ACCIDENT, BODILY INJURY OR FATALITY. NO PRIOR MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS OR SUGGESTED UPKEEP WAS DOCUMENTED IN THE BUYERS MANUAL WHICH CAME WITH THE VEHICLE THAT WOULD INDICATE POSSIBLE HINGE CORROSION OR RUSTING. POSSIBLE PIN DEFECT DETECTED BY CERTIFIED DEALER ON 10/7/2012, WHEN TAKEN IN FOR SAFETY RECALL ON FUEL FILLER PIPE RECALL 12166 CAMPAIGN ID#12V388. MULTIPLE COMPLAINT FOR HINGE/PINS HAVE BEEN DOCUMENTED IN COMPLAINTS ON SAFERCAR.ORG WEBSITE FOR 2003 CHEVY EXPRESS VAN. I BELIEVE THIS ISSUE SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED TO AVOID ACCIDENTAL DEATHS DUE TO INOPERABLE ACCESS TO SIDEWALK FROM THE LEFT REAR PASSENGER DOOR. *TR
Incident Aug 10, 2007
Seat beltsFiled Aug 28, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET EXPRESS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY BROKE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE SEAT BELT WAS WORKING UP TO SPECIFICATIONS. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 03V050000 COMPONENT: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY. BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Incident Dec 14, 2011
Fuel/propulsion systemFiled Aug 22, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET EXPRESS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A SMALL AMOUNT OF FUEL CONTINUOUSLY LEAKED OUT OF THE FUEL TANK FILLER NECK IMMEDIATELY AFTER REFUELING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE FUEL FILLER NECK TUBE EXHIBITED RUST CORROSION. THE PART WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THERE WAS A RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 12V388000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY: FILLER PIPE AND CAP) HOWEVER THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 111,000.
Incident Aug 17, 2011
Fuel/propulsion systemFiled Aug 14, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET EXPRESS CONVERSION VAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, HE NOTICED A HOLE IN THE FUEL FILLER NECK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 127,000.
Incident Aug 14, 2012
Fuel/propulsion systemFiled May 22, 2012
ON A FEW OCCASIONS PRIOR TO LOCATING A LEAK, I NOTICED A GASOLINE SMELL. FINALLY WHEN FILLING EARLIER THIS MONTH, I SAW A LOT OF LEAKING COMING OUT OF THE FUEL FILLER TUBE, BETWEEN THE METAL TUBE AND THE PLASTIC COVER SURROUNDING THE TUBE. WHEN I GOT HOME, I CUT OFF THE PLASTIC TUBE ABOUT HALFWAY AND FOUND A STATIC WIRE RUNNING THE LENGTH OF THE TUBE. EVERYWHERE, WHERE THIS WIRE TOUCHED TO METAL PIPE, IT WAS CORRODED COMPLETELY THROUGH. THE STATIC WIRE IS OF A DIFFERENT MATERIAL AND WAS NOT CORRODED. PRESENTLY I HAVE WRAPPED THE TUBE WITH A GASOLINE RESISTANT TAPE. BUT, I WILL HAVE TO REPLACE THE TUBE SOON. THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP HAS QUOTED APPROX. $241.00 WITHOUT INSTALLATION. ARE THERE OTHER INSTANCES LIKE THIS AND IS THERE A RECALL I'M NOT AWARE OF. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. *TR
Incident May 1, 2012
Fuel system, gasolineFiled Apr 1, 2012
FOR SOMETIME, THERE WAS A SMELL OF GASOLINE WHEN FILLING THIS VAN, WHICH I JUST ATTRIBUTED TO A VAPOR RELEASE WHEN THE TANK WAS FULL. RECENTLY, I NOTICE GAS LEAKING UNDER THE VAN WHEN FILLING AT THE GAS STATION. THE GAS LEAKS IN AND AROUND THE BRAKE LINES. THIS VAN IS A 2003 CHEVROLET EXPRESS 1500 WITH LEFT HAND DOOR OPTION. THIS IS MY FAMILY VEHICLE AND IN RESEARCHING THIS PROBLEM FURTHER, I UNDERSTAND IT TO BE A KNOWN PROBLEM AND A DESIGN FLAW, WHERE THE FUEL FILL HOSE RUSTS. THIS NEEDS A RECALL WITH IMMEDIATE ATTENTION. *TR
Incident Mar 31, 2012
Fuel system, gasolineFiled Jan 30, 2012
I WAS REFUELING MY VAN AND GAS STARTED POURING OUT FROM THE BOTTOM. AFTER LOOKING I DISCOVERED THE FUEL FILLER NECK WAS RUSTED THRU. THE VAN ONLY HAS 64K MILES. I REPLACED IT MYSELF AT THIS TIME. THERE WAS NO COLLISION DAMAGE....SIMPLY HEAVY CORROSION. *TT
Incident Jan 19, 2012
StructureFiled Jan 15, 2012
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.
Incident Nov 7, 2011
Fuel system, gasolineFiled Jan 9, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET EXPRESS 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER REFUELING, HE NOTICED AN OVERPOWERING FUEL ODOR. THE CONTACT FURTHER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND FOUND THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS LEAKING AND RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY THE DEALER AND THEY ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE GASOLINE FILLER TUBE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 64,000. UPDATED 02/13/12
Incident Sep 1, 2011
Fuel system, gasolineFiled Dec 29, 2011
2003 CHEVROLET EXPRESS FUEL FILLER PIPE LEAK: GAS FILLER TUBE RUSTED THROUGH AND GASOLINE LEAKED EVERY TIME I REFUELED. CORROSION HOLES CAUSED FUEL TO LEAK AND CREATING A FIRE HAZARD. THIS VAN HAS A LEFT SIDE REAR CARGO DOOR. THIS IS A SIMILAR COMPLAINT AS: ODI ID NUMBER : 10413214 *KB
Incident Dec 26, 2011
Seat beltsFiled Dec 14, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET EXPRESS 3500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER AND REAR SEAT BELTS WOULD NOT LATCH AND ONE OF THE REAR SEAT BELTS WAS COMPLETELY INOPERABLE. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE CONTACTED AND ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 05V558000 (SEAT BELTS). THE RECURRING FAILURE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,030 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 65,040. UPDATED 01/20/12*LJ UPDATED 01/20/12
Incident Dec 9, 2011
Fuel system, gasolineFiled Jul 19, 2011
GAS LEAKING FROM FUEL FILLER PIPE ONTO INSIDE OF WHEEL WELL AND GROUND. EXAMINATION REVEALS DESIGN OF PIPE ASSEMBLY (METAL PIPE INSIDE CORRUGATED PLASTIC TUBE), TRAPS CONDENSATION AND WATER AROUND METAL PIPE GUARANTEEING RUST AND LEAKS. MAY BE WORSE IN HIGH HUMIDITY REGIONS BUT SAME ASSEMBLY IS OPEN TO WATER SPLASHED UP FROM ROAD. THIS MAY ONLY OCCUR ON CARGO VANS WITH LEFT HAND DOOR OPTION. UPDATED 08/11/11 *BF *KB
Incident Jun 10, 2011
Seat beltsFiled Jul 17, 2011
DRIVERS SEAT BELT BECAME STUCK AND I HAD TO LIMBO TO GET OUT OF MY EXPRESS CONVERSION VAN. I HAD TO BAG ON IT TO MAKE IT RELEASE. IT DOESN'T LATCH ANYMORE AND I NEED TO REPLACE THE BOTTOM SECTION. *TR
Incident Jul 16, 2011
Fuel system, gasolineFiled Jul 17, 2011
GAS FILLER TUBE RUSTED THROUGH AND GASOLINE LEAKED EVERY TIME I REFUELED. THIS WAS NOT A SMALL HOLE. THE METAL ON THE WHOLE TUBE BROKE DOWN CAUSING FUEL TO LEAK AND CREATING A FIRE HAZARD. UPDATED 08/11/11 *BF UPDATED 3/08/2012 *LN *TR
Incident Jul 10, 2010
Electrical systemFireFiled Jul 16, 2011
WIRE HARNESS FIRE. WATER GOT INTO THE END OF ONE OF THE CONNECTORS FROM THE WIRE HARNESS GOING INTO THE TRASMISSION. THE RESULT OF THE WATER GETTING INTO THE TRANSMISSION CAUSED AN ELECTRICAL FIRE AND CAUSED A SHORT IN THE TRANSMISSION AND ENGINE WIRE HARNESS, THE FINAL RESULT WAS THE WIRE HARNESS WAS COMPLETELY BURNED UP. THERE WAS EVIDENCE OF GLUEING THE CONNECTORS YEARS AGO.I IF THE CONNECTORS ARE NOT SEALED, IT IS POSSIBLE FOR WATER TO ENTER AND SHORT OUT CONNECTORS AND OTHER ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS. *TT
Incident Jun 26, 2011
Fuel system, gasolineFiled Jul 11, 2011
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
Incident Jun 20, 2011
VisibilityFiled May 11, 2011
WHEN DRIVING IN A HORRIBLE RAINSTORM, THE DRIVER'S SIDE WINDSHIELD WIPER STOPPED MOVING AND THEN ON THE NEXT ROTATION, SWUNG ITSELF AROUND AND GOT LODGED BY THE SIDE VIEW MIRROR. AN ACCIDENT WAS AVOIDED, BUT IT OCCURRED 3 MORE TIMES RANDOMLY THAT SAME DAY, AND THEN TODAY. IT WAS A MIRACLE THROUGH THE HEAVY RAIN THAT WE DIDN'T WRECK. LUCKILY THE PASSENGER SIDE WIPER KEPT WORKING AND WITH SOME LUCK, WE EXITED TO SAFETY. *TR
Incident May 9, 2011
Service brakes, hydraulicFiled May 9, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET EXPRESS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH THE CONTACT APPLIED PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL BUT THE VEHICLE HESITATED TO STOP. THE CONTACT APPLIED EXCESSIVE PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTO SHOP WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED. THE TECHNICIANS WERE ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THE BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS WERE IN GOOD CONDITION BUT INFORMED THE CONTACT OF A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V045000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
Incident Nov 15, 2010
Air bagsCrash2 injuredFiled Feb 10, 2011
I WAS IN AN ACCIDENT TRAVELING 65 MPH AND HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE BROADSIDE AND THE AIR BAG NEVER DEOLOYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. ITS A 2003 3500 CHEVY VAN. *TR
Incident Jan 28, 2011
Fuel system, gasolineFiled Sep 16, 2010
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
Incident Sep 13, 2010
Fuel system, gasolineFiled Sep 3, 2010
FUEL LEAKING FROM FUEL TANK FILLER TUBE WHEN FILLING GAS TANK. *TR
Incident Sep 3, 2010
Parking brake, fuel system, gasolineFiled Aug 13, 2010
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
Incident Aug 13, 2010
Air bagsFiled Jun 25, 2010
VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN OUR COMPANY PARKING LOT, VEHICLE WAS NOT RUNNING AND THE KEY WAS NOT IN THE IGNITION. EMPLOYEE WAS LOADING TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT INTO REAR OF VEHICLE AFTER COMPLETING A JOB. SIDE SLIDING DOOR WAS OPEN. PASSENGER AIR BAG ONLY DEPLOYED. VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN A WRECK. *TR
Incident Jun 23, 2010
TiresCrashFiled Jun 23, 2010
2003 CHEVROLET EXPRESS LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE STRIKING THE MEDIAN BARRIER. *BF ACCORDING TO THE POLICE REPORT, THE REAR TIRES HAD VERY LITTLE TREAD. ON THE INSIDE OF THE TIRES, THERE WAS NO TREAD. (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT # 10-0234-91)*JB UPDATED 07/22/10 *BF
Incident May 11, 2010
NHTSA crash ratings
2003 Chevrolet Express Van
- Front, driver
- Not Rated
- Front, passenger
- Not Rated
- Side, front seat
- Not Rated
- Side, rear seat
- Not Rated
- Rollover
- Not Rated
Rated under NHTSA's pre-2011 program, which scored each seat. These stars can't be compared with ratings from 2011 on.
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