There are no safety recalls for the 2003 Chevrolet Express 3500, but owners have filed 12 complaints with NHTSA.
2003 Chevrolet Express 3500 problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|
| Electrical System | 3 | |
| Visibility | 2 | |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 2 | |
| Seat Belts | 2 | |
| Structure | 1 | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 1 | |
| Air Bags | 1 | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 1 | |
| Engine | 1 | |
Most reported parts
- Electrical System › Wiring › Front Underhood — 1
- Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System — 1
- Structure › Body — 1
- Air Bags › Frontal — 1
- Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly › Filler Pipe and Cap — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 80,000 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 Express 3500 complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Electrical System · at 165,000 miles · reported 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…
Engine · at 58,500 miles · reported Oct 25, 2012
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.
Fuel/Propulsion System · at 151,000 miles · reported 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…
Seat Belts · at 65,030 miles · reported Dec 14, 2011
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 updated 01/20/12
Fuel System, Gasoline · at 51,459 miles · reported 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
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2003 Chevrolet Express 3500 have any recalls?
No. NHTSA has no safety recalls for the 2003 Chevrolet Express 3500 as of this update. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the latest status.
What is the most common problem with the 2003 Chevrolet Express 3500?
Owners report electrical system problems most often (3 reports), followed by visibility (2). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 80,000 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.