MYRModel Year Report

2003 Chevrolet Astro

▲ Better than typical
2003 Chevrolet Astro
RENDERED 2026-09-17T03:36:53.335Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Chevrolet Astro Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2003 highlighted. 1984: 1 complaints 1984 1985: 5 complaints 1986: 23 complaints 1987: 29 complaints 1987 1988: 56 complaints 1989: 58 complaints 1990: 70 complaints 1990 1991: 96 complaints 1992: 132 complaints 1993: 135 complaints 1993 1994: 338 complaints 1995: 446 complaints 1996: 263 complaints 1996 1997: 360 complaints 1998: 241 complaints 1999: 133 complaints 1999 2000: 175 complaints 2001: 91 complaints 2002: 70 complaints 2002 2003: 62 complaints 2003 2004: 14 complaints 2005: 9 complaints 2005
2003: 62 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19830
19841
19855
198623
198729
198856
198958
199070
199196
1992132
1993135
1994338
1995446
1996263
1997360
1998241
1999133
2000175
200191
200270
200362
200414
20059

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

SERVICE BRAKES 47%

47% of complaints: service brakes — 29 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASH FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET ASTRO VAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN.

NHTSA ODI report, 20130722

COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURE DUE TO RUSTING BRAKE LINES. THE PREVIOUS DAY THIS VEHICLE WAS PULLING A SMALL TRAILER ON A MICHIGAN INTERSTATE HIGHWAY. THE FOLLOWING DAY IT WAS PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY AND A WET AREA WAS VISIBLE ON THE CONCRETE.

NHTSA ODI report, 20120818

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 16%

16% of complaints: electrical system — 10 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing cables and interior/under dash.

FIRE INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

ON SEPTEMBER 9, 2005 MY 2003 CHEVROLET ASTRO VAN EXPLODED AND CAUGHT FIRE IN A PARKING LOT. THE FIRE DEPT. ARRIVED AND PUT OUT THE FIRE; THE FIREMEN DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY CABLE. THE VAN WAS TOWED TO HUFFINES CHEVROLET IN PLANO, TX.

NHTSA ODI report, 20051114

Also filed under SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

CONSUMER STATED THAT BOTH SHE AND HER 2 YEAR OLD CHILD GOT BURNED BY THE INTERIOR BULB. IT OVERHEATED AND MELTED THE HOUSING AROUND IT.

NHTSA ODI report, 20040903

POWER TRAIN 15%

15% of complaints: power train — 9 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and transfer case (4-wheel drive).

SUSPENSION 13%

13% of complaints: suspension — 8 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing lower ball joint and upper ball joint.

Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 20210430

STEERING 10%

10% of complaints: steering — 6 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing rack and pinion and arm.

CRASH FIRE INJURY

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20040408 — suspension

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

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.

Campaign 03V328000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20060403 — exterior lighting

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 S

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.

Campaign 06E026000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20061018 — fuel system, gasoline

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 MANUFACTURE

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).

Campaign 06E043000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2003 Chevrolet Astro — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for service brakes issues (29 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (10 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for power train issues (9 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 03V328000 (suspension) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 06E026000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 06E043000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 1988 ▲ 1989 ▲ 2002

WORST YEARS

■ 1995 ■ 1997 ■ 1994

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2003 Chevrolet Astro reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2003 Chevrolet Astro is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2003 Chevrolet Astro?

The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 47% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2003 Chevrolet Astro have?

3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.