2003 Chevrolet Astro recalls and problems

The 2003 Chevrolet Astro has 1 safety recall and 62 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Chevrolet dealer.

Recalls
1
Complaints
62
Crashes / fires
3 / 3
Injuries / deaths
4 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2003 Chevrolet Astro vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2003 Chevrolet Astro recalls

Recall 03V-328: Suspension

Reported Sep 12, 2003 · 41,477 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Problem: Certain minivans have an interference condition between the lower ball joint rubber boot and the steering knuckle (Both left/right sides), which could result in cutting of the boot that is intended to seal the ball joint. If the lower ball joint boot were cut, contamination from the road (Salt, dirt, water, etc.) could enter the ball socket area of the ball joint causing the joint to wear out too quickly.

Risk: The steering knuckle could separate from the lower control arm, dropping down the affected corner of the vehicle. The coil spring would push the control arm down into contact with the ground, creating a drag that would slow the vehicle. The driver could have difficulty in maintaining the directional control of the vehicle. In addition, the affected wheel assembly could separate from the vehicle if forces resulting from the wheel's dragging action were sufficient to fracture the tie rod end and upper ball joint connections. Separation of the wheel assembly would also sever that wheel's hydraulic brake hose, resulting in lost braking performance from the front brake system. Vehicle stopping distance would increase, which could result in a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the steering knuckles. Owner notification is expected to begin on april 8, 2004. Owners should contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or gmc at 1-866-996-9463.

2003 Chevrolet Astro problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Service Brakes, Hydraulic24
Electrical System10
Power Train9
Suspension8
Steering6
Service Brakes5
Latches/Locks/Linkages3
Engine and Engine Cooling3
Visibility2
Vehicle Speed Control2
Exterior Lighting2
Structure1

Most reported parts

  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — 10
  • Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint — 4
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 3
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm) — 2
  • Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch — 2
  • Power Train › Transfer Case (4-Wheel Drive) — 2
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor — 2
  • Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v Battery › Cables — 2

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 67,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2003 Chevrolet Astro complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Suspension · at 392,000 miles · reported Apr 30, 2021
The contact owns a 2003 chevrolet astro. The contact was made aware by an independent mechanic that his vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign number: 03v328000 (Suspension) while performing routine maintenance on the vehicle. The vehicle was diagnosed with a faulty steering knuckle and lower ball joints. Myrtle beach chevrolet (1785 us-501, myrtle beach, sc 29577) and the manufacturer were made aware of the issues. The contact was informed that the parts were no longer made and there were no after market parts available. The failure mileage was 392,000.
Electrical System · at 118,000 miles · reported Oct 27, 2017
Front suspension issues, electrical gauges, replacement of fuel tank pump, door latches failing to open on sliding side door making exiting of vehicle impossible, recall of 02v328000 unable to be confirmed as handled by any dealers.
Air Bags · at 206,000 miles · reported Jul 30, 2015
2003 chevrolet astro cargo van air bag did not deploy at time of collision. Astro van was hit on passenger side, front wheel well & bumper. Driver who hit van was exceeding speed limit, approximately doing closer to 40 MPH in a 25 MPH zone when they hit our van. We were just starting to proceed after a stop sign, barely doing 10 - 15 MPH. The astro van was dragged approximately 6-7 feet into the intersection. The air bag never deployed, driver was injured right side back & ribs bruised and possible concussion head injury to left side of head due to force of impact.
Service Brakes · at 150,000 miles · reported Apr 5, 2014
My spouse was driving and we were stopped at a yard sale. We returned to the vehicle and started to back out when she noticed the steering wheel was extremely hard to turn. Then when she wanted to stop the vehicle the brakes were extreme hard to operate. After some research we learned of hundreds of brake malfunctions on similar vehicles and other cars that use similar brake booster technology.
Service Brakes · at 50,000 miles · reported Oct 9, 2013
I AM complaining of the safety issues regarding the ABS computer system. I have put my vehicle in the shop to be checked out by a few car repair facilities and all have said the same thing my ABS cpu. My van is hesitating terribly and causing the van to not accelerate properly. I have nearly been in three accidents since the problem has been occurring. I have also done some research on this issue via internet and found that many people are having the same problem across the USA. And GM is blaming it on the weather conditions in the north but the problems are happening to astro vans(2003)…

Other Chevrolet Astro years

Compare all Chevrolet Astro years · All Chevrolet models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 Chevrolet Astro have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2003 Chevrolet Astro: 03V-328 (suspension). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2003 Chevrolet Astro?

Owners report service brakes, hydraulic problems most often (24 reports), followed by electrical system (10). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 67,000 miles.

Are Chevrolet recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Chevrolet dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.