2003 Chevrolet Astro: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 62 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is service brakes, hydraulic (28% of complaints); the 2004 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall May 2006
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 62 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl* 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.”Owner report · Suspension · Apr 2021
“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.”Owner report · Electrical System · Sep 2017
“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.”Owner report · Air Bags · Nov 2014
Show 7 more owner reports
“I was driving pulling a trailer on the freeway when suddenly the traffic stop. I applied the brakes at a safe distance when suddenly my brakes when all the way to the floor I applied the emergency brakes and stop. I had to go thru the emergency lane. I told my son to push the brake pedal while I was underneath and the brake lines broke. They where all rusted out. I had to get a wrecker to take it home.if you need to see my van call me so you can see the brake lines. *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes · May 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. *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes · Apr 2014
“The brake line rubbed up against the power steering pump, eventually rubbing through. I lost braking power and nearly caused an accident. Within minutes, I went from having brakes to having to push the brake peddle to the floor to stop. I had a local mechanic fix the problem at a substantial cost. *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jan 2009
“On several occasions over the past few months, the ABS light on my van has been coming on and when I apply the brakes, the van jerks around on the road and pulls to the left. I have almost hit other cars on many of these occasions. I had my mechanic look at it recently and he said he checked out the braking system and can see no visible reason for this happening. *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · May 2008
“Summary: on 2003 chevy minivan, the multifunction switch hs developed an open circuit condition in the stop lamp or hazard lamp circuit that results in the stop lamps and hazard lamps being inoperative. Consequence: the loss of stop lamps and rear hazard lamps cofailed to warn the following driver that the vehicle is braking and/or is stopped and could have lead to a vehicle crash. Remedy: dealers are replacing 2002 chevy astro hazard warning flasher switch free of charge, but not 2003 astros that have the same manufacturer defect. The recall began on april 13, 2005 for owners of 2002 chevy astros. Gm recall no. 05013. *tr”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Feb 2008
“While fueling my vehicle at a gas station, I pumped about $3.00 worth of gas into my 1/8 tank. After it reached $3.00 a loud hissing sound came from the filling neck of my van (not the actual gas station pump) and a large amount of gasoline sprayed me on the stomach and upper legs. There was no sign that this was going to happen. I am still awaiting word on getting repair authorized. It is my understanding that there is a tsb regarding the fuel system on the 2003 chevrolet astro van. *jb”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Sep 2007
“Thursday september 20, 2007 4:30 p.m. . Transmission failure, 200 miles from home in california. Driving on highway, heard roaring sound from engine, would not accelerate speed dropped. Exited freeway looking for mechanical help, none available. Overnight in campground. Next day to local repair shop for diagnosis of transmission failure. Van had to be towed to santa barbara, california. Transmission replaced, sept. 21, '07. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Sep 2007
When filing, owners marked a crash in 3 of these complaints and injuries in 4 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 3 campaigns
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.
Remedy: 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.
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, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.
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).
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Remedy: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
How other years compare
Check your exact Astro by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2003 Chevrolet Astro reliable?
NHTSA has 62 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 2003 Chevrolet Astro. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic (28% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2003 Chevrolet Astro problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 68,000 miles or less.
Does the 2003 Chevrolet Astro have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning suspension:front:control arm:lower ball joint. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.