2003 Chevrolet Express 2500
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
Vehicles › Chevrolet › Express 2500 › 2003
These records cover every 2003 Chevrolet Express 2500. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
1 recall names the 2003 Chevrolet Express 2500. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
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.
Remedy
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).
Owner complaints
12 complaints
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Engine
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.
- Service brakes · Steering · Structure › Body
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…
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
- Structure › Body · Unknown or other
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…
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.
- Fuel system, gasoline
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…
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
- Fuel system, gasoline
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
- Fuel system, gasoline · Parking brake
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…
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
- Unknown or other
Under normal use rear side door IS hard to open or close and now broken. The door, even before it was broke was hard to latch if it would latch. This would make the front side door not close tight. Now with the hinge broken the door does not latch correctly. All express vans have this same problem…
Under normal use rear side door IS hard to open or close and now broken. The door, even before it was broke was hard to latch if it would latch. This would make the front side door not close tight. Now with the hinge broken the door does not latch correctly. All express vans have this same problem and manufacture knows it. I tried using every penetrating oil and it would not keep the door hinge from seizing up. This IS a company van and we have 2 of them with broken hinges (both are the top rear on the side door) and a 3RD that IS very hard to open close. If this were a passenger type the door could be hit on the inside and opened by accident. We are in the process of locating a hinge to replace the one on the van I drive and was told by the local dealer to keep all receipts incase of a recall. I was told it would be around $1200 to fix 1 door. I do not have the vin at this time, but during the day I am with the van 7AM to 4PM . *Tr
- Suspension › Front › Wheel bearing
While driving on a two lane mountain road between oakhurst, california and yosemite I observed a front end vibration coming through the steering wheel. I pulled over and could find nothing wrong so I made a u-turn and went to oakhurst to effect a repair. I barely made it to town to a shop when…
While driving on a two lane mountain road between oakhurst, california and yosemite I observed a front end vibration coming through the steering wheel. I pulled over and could find nothing wrong so I made a u-turn and went to oakhurst to effect a repair. I barely made it to town to a shop when the left front bearing assembly failed ,requiring the entire unit to be replaced. the shop was surprised that the wheel had not come off. the cost was $520 ,and necessitated an overnight stay due to the part having to be brought in from fresno. I had purchased the vehicle new, but it was three weeks out of warranty. the mileage was 25,000. I took the part to my local chevrolet dealer, they informed me in writing that the bearing had inadequate lubrication at the factory. the other bearing was pulled, and it was okay. gm has totally ducked any form of reimbursement. I am just thankful that we did not have a accident on that mountain road *ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Brake failure on 2003 chevy express 2500 cargo van. Gm knows about this problem, see general motors tsb #'s..03-05-25-003 & 02-05-25-005 & 05-05-25-002. This should be fixed via a "safety recall " since the only way to fix the vehicle IS to have the ABS computer reprogrammed at a chevy or GMC…
Brake failure on 2003 chevy express 2500 cargo van. Gm knows about this problem, see general motors tsb #'s..03-05-25-003 & 02-05-25-005 & 05-05-25-002. This should be fixed via a "safety recall " since the only way to fix the vehicle IS to have the ABS computer reprogrammed at a chevy or GMC dealer. This IS an obvious manufacturing error as noted by the tsb's, & should be repaired free of charge. No amount of normal servicing could prevent this from occurring. I've called gm re. This & they say it's not a safety issue?????? Loss of brakes IS not a safety issue ??? the dealer charged me $90. To correct their programming error. *jb
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
TL*- the contact stated that the brakes on the 2003 chevrolet express were defective due to a program error in the ABS computer system per general motors. therewas not failure to date, but the contactwas concerned. general motors has three (3) service bulletins to date concerning these brakes. 03-05-25-003, 02-05-25-005, 05-05-25-002.*ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic
TL*- the contact stated that the brakes on the 2003 chevrolet express were defective due to a program error in the ABS computer system per general motors. there was not failure to date, but the contact was concerned. general motors has three (3) service bulletins to date concerning these…
TL*- the contact stated that the brakes on the 2003 chevrolet express were defective due to a program error in the ABS computer system per general motors. there was not failure to date, but the contact was concerned. general motors has three (3) service bulletins to date concerning these brakes. 03-05-25-003, 02-05-25-005, 05-05-25-002. *ak updated 2/22/2007 - the brakes failed. gm reprogrammed the computer through the dealer. *nm* updated 02/22/07. *Jb
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Started to hear a clunking noise. Then vehicle would not back up. checked transmission fluid and found low. Added fluid (1 quart) and was able to move, but since then the vehicle will not stay in park. It creeps ahead or back on uneven ground several feet. called to make an appointment and…
Started to hear a clunking noise. Then vehicle would not back up. checked transmission fluid and found low. Added fluid (1 quart) and was able to move, but since then the vehicle will not stay in park. It creeps ahead or back on uneven ground several feet. called to make an appointment and dropped vehicle off to dealer whom I bought it. They had it for a day and called to have me pick it up. They had a bill for me and told me nothing was wrong with the vehicle. I told them there was something wrong and the manager brought the mechanic out and he confirmed that there was nothing wrong. I told them that the vehicle rolls in park. Mechanic said no way and I said I'll show you. So I took them for a ride out back of the shop to a slight hill and parked on said hill, in park, shut the engine off and the vehicle rolled slowly down the hill. Mechanic said he never saw anything like that. they are fixing the vehicle and I asked for a detailed list of what was wrong and the faxed me a quote with price only. *nm
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Fuel Filler Pipe Corrosion/Leakage
On August 7, 2012 General Motors (GM) notified the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) that it will conduct a safety related recall for model year (MY) 2003-2004 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana vehicles.The recall affects vehicles equipped with a left side cargo door and that were originally sold or currently…
On August 7, 2012 General Motors (GM) notified the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) that it will conduct a safety related recall for model year (MY) 2003-2004 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana vehicles.The recall affects vehicles equipped with a left side cargo door and that were originally sold or currently registered in the corrosion or salt-belt states of Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia and Wisconsin. Dealers are to install a new fuel filler neck. Consumer notification letters will be sent in early October 2012, when sufficient parts are available. ODI has received 12 complaints alleging unique incidents of fuel leakage during refueling of a subject vehicle. Eleven of the complaints occurred on Chevrolet Express vans, and 1 of the complaints involved a GMC Savana. All vehicles were equipped with the left side cargo door option. For vehicles so equipped, water and road debris can become trapped in the protective conduit that covers the fuel filler pipe and may subsequently cause the pipe to corrode. If the corrosion creates a significant perforation in the pipe, fuel may leak onto the ground while refueling the vehicle. An illuminated Check Engine light (on some vehicles) or the presence of fuel odor may also act as precursors to fuel leakage. Fuel in the presence of an ignition source could cause a fire to occur. In their response to ODI's information request, GM reported 24 owner reports and 1 field report alleging fuel filler pipe failure/corrosion in the subject vehicle population. Six additional records were also provided that included the replacement of the fuel filler pipe, however not enough information existed to determine a relation to the alleged problem. After further review of the reports, ODI determined that a total of 27 individual GM reports were related to filler pipe corrosion. The complaints received from both ODI and GM primarily occurred in the corrosion states. During the investigation, the scope of the subject vehicle population was expanded to include MY 2004 Express vans, and MY 2003 and 2004 GMC Savana vans (with V6 engines) also equipped with left hand side door options, since the Savana vans also utilize the same, or substantially similar fuel filler pipe configuration. GM subsequently modified the design of the fuel filler pipe on vehicles equipped with side doors to correct the corrosion concern, so these vehicles do not have the defect issue.The affected vehicle population shown above reflects the total number of vehicles registered in the salt-belt states listed in GM's defect information report (DIR). Prior to the safety recall announcement, GM had issued a special coverage adjustment for vehicles in these states, during which a total of 771 repairs were made. Accordingly the vehicle population noted in the DIR reflects that of the remaining vehicle population.The investigation is closed based on GM's announcement of safety recall 12V388. The reports cited above can be reviewed online at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification (ODI) numbers: 10463398, 10459328, 10456403, 10453725, 10445925, 10443143, 10441615, 10413568, 10413214, 10411911, 10353717, 10259377.
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.
- 11010544This service bulletin explains how to measure for oil consumption and possible reasons for loss of oil.
- 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.
- 10242252This technical bulletin provides information and a solution to a condition of Brake Pedal Moves or Self Applies at Full Turns.
- 10240344This service bulletin explains how to measure for oil consumption and possible reasons for loss of oil.
- 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.
- 10232156This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on OnStar Module 2G Sunset Information.
- 10232136This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water Leaks and Replacement Guidelines.
- 10230605This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on OnStar Module 2G Sunset Information.
- 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.
Every Chevrolet Express 2500 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.