2003 Chevrolet Express 1500: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 18 owner complaints on record; most reports concern fuel system, gasoline; the 2002 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 18 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Corroded and leaking fuel filler neck. Foolish design involving dissimilar metals held in contact and surrounded with a conduit which holds water and road salt. Design is destined for failure. Gm has a partial recall for the snow belt. Such a foolish design should be fixed everywhere as it is just a matter of time until failure.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Dec 2015
“The passenger side swing doors are very hard to open and shut and the drivers side swing doors are in the initial stage of this. The passenger swing door that is first to open (right) does not want to open and doesn't want to shut. I have to force it. The second door (left) is getting worse as well. This is causing the interior light pin in the door jam to not push in all the way, therefore; the lights will not shut off.”Owner report · Structure · Aug 2015
“Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet express 1500 van. The contact stated that when fueling the vehicle, fuel sprayed from the filler neck. The dealer diagnosed that fuel filler pipe needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been notified. The approximate failure mileage was 107,000.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Jul 2014
Show 7 more owner reports
“Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet express 1500. The contact stated that fuel was leaking from under the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The technician and the mechanic advised that the return and delivery fuel lines would have to be replaced due to corrosion. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 148,000.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Nov 2012
“For sometime, there was a smell of gasoline when filling this van, which I just attributed to a vapor release when the tank was full. Recently, I notice gas leaking under the van when filling at the gas station. The gas leaks in and around the brake lines. This van is a 2003 chevrolet express 1500 with left hand door option. This is my family vehicle and in researching this problem further, I understand it to be a known problem and a design flaw, where the fuel fill hose rusts. This needs a recall with immediate attention. *tr”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Mar 2012
“I was refueling my van and gas started pouring out from the bottom. After looking I discovered the fuel filler neck was rusted thru. The van only has 64k miles. I replaced it myself at this time. There was no collision damage....simply heavy corrosion. *tt”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Jan 2012
“Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet express 1500. The contact stated that after refueling, he noticed an overpowering fuel odor. The contact further inspected the vehicle and found that the fuel tank was leaking and rusted. The vehicle was inspected by the dealer and they advised the contact that the gasoline filler tube needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and they offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 64,000. Updated 02/13/12”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Sep 2011
“Drivers seat belt became stuck and I had to limbo to get out of my express conversion van. I had to bag on it to make it release. It doesn't latch anymore and I need to replace the bottom section. *tr”Owner report · Seat Belts · Jul 2011
“Gas filler tube rusted through and gasoline leaked every time I refueled. This was not a small hole. The metal on the whole tube broke down causing fuel to leak and creating a fire hazard. Updated 08/11/11 *bf updated 3/08/2012 *ln *tr”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Jul 2010
“Seat back of drivers seat failed and now seat will not stay in the upright position. The vehicle was not involved in a collision and this occured while driving. *tr”Owner report · Seats · Dec 2008
When filing, owners marked a crash in 0 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
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).
How other years compare
Check your exact Express 1500 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
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Is the 2003 Chevrolet Express 1500 reliable?
NHTSA has 18 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2003 Chevrolet Express 1500. The most complained-about area is fuel system, gasoline.
Does the 2003 Chevrolet Express 1500 have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning fuel system, gasoline. 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.