2003 Chevrolet Chevy Van
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Chevrolet › Chevy Van › 2003
These records cover every 2003 Chevrolet Chevy Van. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
10 complaints1 involved a fire3 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Exterior lighting
New vehicles have blinding headlights. very bad. why are these being allowed on the road!?
- Vehicle speed control
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…
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
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
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…
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
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…
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 › Engine
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…
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 › Body › Door
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 › Rear/other
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 › Ignition
When starting the vehicle the starting mechanism seems to stay engaged even after the vehicle has started.*ak
- Seat belts › Rear/other
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…
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
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Hydraulic pump failres
Gm IS conducting a recall on all subject vehicles build between may 1999 and october 14, 1999.significant changes were incorporated into production in early october 1999, and vehicles built after that date have lower warranty failure rates.the complaint and warranty data appear to support the effectiveness of these…
Gm IS conducting a recall on all subject vehicles build between may 1999 and october 14, 1999.significant changes were incorporated into production in early october 1999, and vehicles built after that date have lower warranty failure rates.the complaint and warranty data appear to support the effectiveness of these changes. Gm made additional changes in november 1999, february 2000, may 2001, and february 2004.odi will continue to monitor this problem and will take further action, if warranted, in the future.for further technical details see the attached engineering analysis report.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 11007208This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire calibration for tires that have been sized, tested and designed for the vehicle in question and its applications. Technician should not use the information that is provided by the antilock braking system tire size selection.
- 11006621Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). The updating of modules is completed in parallel instead of the technician needing to update one module at a time. This allows a more streamlined approach for dealers and customers.
- 11006421GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or inadequate packaging or shipping. This bulletin advises the dealers to be more careful not to damage the transmissions during removal and to package the core properly for return.
- 11004761This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
- 11004557This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
- 11002312This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and resolution information.
- 11000576This Warranty Administration bulletin provides retail and wholesale service personnel with the policies/procedures and the warranty transaction submission procedures that support the Personal Property Damage process.
- 10252735This bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement fasteners with conductive finish.
- 10252163XM Audio Traffic And Travel Link Availability And Operation.
- 10251890This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
- 10250775This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system.
- 10249590This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
- 10249579This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10249011This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage.
- 10248444Vehicle Recalls
- 10247681Information On Requests To Add OnStar Bluetooth Option.
- 10247552This service bulletin provides information on Concerns or Questions Regarding Installation of Dealer Installed Accessories.
- 10246952Programming And Activation Of Replacement OnStar Modules.
- 10246951Programming And Activation Of Replacement OnStar Modules.
- 10246631Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- 10245951Canadian Customers Unable To Place Calls And Turn By Turn Inoperative In The United States.
- 10245950Canadian Customers Unable To Place Calls In The United States
- 10244274This service bulletin provides information about the Hunter wheel Road Force balancers that should be utilized for all repairs requiring balance and Road Force measurement.
- 10244214This informational bulletin provides information for the IPC odometer programming method quick reference guide.
- 10244201This service bulletin provides information for dealers on how to submit a product information report (PIR) (Canada Only).
- 10242843The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the customer that it is normal for the delay.
- 10242262This service bulletin provides graphics, information and guidelines for engine component wear to assist service personnel as a guideline to perform necessary engine repairs and prevent unnecessary engine replacement.
- 10235802This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
- 10235799This service bulletin provides information about the Hunter wheel Road Force balancers that should be utilized for all repairs requiring balance and Road Force measurement.
- 10234141This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
- 10234110This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
- 10232287This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10232136This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water Leaks and Replacement Guidelines.
- 10228906This Warranty Administration bulletin provides retail and wholesale service personnel with the policies/procedures and the warranty transaction submission procedures that support the Personal Property Damage process.
- 10228888This service bulletin provides diagnostic tips/steps on testing for possible EVAP leaks in the system to correct a customer concern of an MIL Illuminated with DTCs P0442 and/or P0455 Set.
- 10227674This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire calibration for tires that have been sized, tested and designed for the vehicle in question and its applications. Technician should not use the information that is provided by the antilock braking system tire size selection.
- 10227056This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system.
- 10225615This service bulletin provides information on Module Harvesting.
- 10224820This service bulletin provides information for dealers on how to submit a product information report (PIR) (Canada Only).
- 10222839This service bulletin provides information on Handling Requests for Modifications to Permanently Import/Export Vehicles Between the U.S. and Canada.
Every Chevrolet Chevy Van model year
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