Most common 2003 Chevrolet Astro problems
Share of the 62 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Chevrolet Astro complaints by model year
Best Astro years: 2005, 2004, 2003. Years to avoid: 1995, 1997, 1996, 1998, 2000. Compare all years →
2003 Chevrolet Astro recalls (1)
Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower ball joint
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.
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.
What 2003 Chevrolet Astro owners say
Brakes all 25 →
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. The cause of the incident according to the Chevrolet mechanics is as follows: 1) every time the steering wheel was turned, the tie rods etc. Would chafe against a bracket on the chassis that held down a battery cable. 2) eventually the bracket failed. 3) the battery cable arced against the brake line. 4) the brake line ruptured spraying hydraulic fluid over the hot engine manifold. 5) the ensuing fire burned through, among other things, the A/C hose carrying freon. 6) when the A/C hosed was severed, the freon gas escaped causing the loud explosion that we heard some distance away. 7) the smoke that we saw in the air was actually the escaping freon gas. …
I was driving approximately 30 miles per hour along slightly snow-covered road towards stopped traffic at red light on a slight downgrade. I stepped on the brakes gentle, as required by the conditions, but the ABS system started to shudder and the vehicle did not brake at all. I hit a stopped vehicle at the intersection and even with a relatively slow speed impact, our vehicle was written off and the other was towed away because it could not be driven. Our van was drivable, but just barely, and was subsequently written off by the insurance company. I was charged with careless driving which was absolutely not the case. We have another vehicle of the same year and similar model and it does the same thing occasionally but so far this has not resulted in any further collisions. We have owned Astro vans since they were first marketed in 1985 and this is the first one to act like this. …
Electrical system
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. The cause of the incident according to the Chevrolet mechanics is as follows: 1) every time the steering wheel was turned, the tie rods etc. Would chafe against a bracket on the chassis that held down a battery cable. 2) eventually the bracket failed. 3) the battery cable arced against the brake line. 4) the brake line ruptured spraying hydraulic fluid over the hot engine manifold. 5) the ensuing fire burned through, among other things, the A/C hose carrying freon. 6) when the A/C hosed was severed, the freon gas escaped causing the loud explosion that we heard some distance away. 7) the smoke that we saw in the air was actually the escaping freon gas. …
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.
Transmission & drivetrain
Driveline vibration - 40 - 60 MPH can be felt in seat and floor - dealer has replaced tail shaft bushings on first visit (2 days) returned vehicle with same problem - dealer installed dampeners on rear differential housing and rear leaf springs. (5 days) problem still persist. Dealer has ordered a dampener for exhaust pipe,has not been installed yet will call when part arrives. Dealer personel have been very polite and courteous .I feel they are trying to cover the symptoms rather than find the cause of the vibration?
When brakes are applied and vehicle body shifts back to rest a second bump can be felt underneath the vehicle like something is loose or the transmission shifts down late -or- when the transmission has shifted down from 3rd gear, like from 45 MPH or so to 0 MPH, and stopped for more than say 5 seconds, when the brake pedel is released a bump can be felt like the transmission is shifting into 1st very late. It feels like a vehicle tapped you from behind.
2003 Chevrolet Astro engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.3L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 15 / 21 / 17 |
| 4.3L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 14 / 18 / 15 |
EPA ratings. Class: Van.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2003 Chevrolet Astro a good car?
Based on 62 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2003 Astro rates better than average: 61% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Astro at the same age. It is one of the best Astro years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2003 Chevrolet Astro?
The brakes — 25 complaints, 40% of all complaints for this model year, most often about antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip. Next are the electrical system (10) and transmission & drivetrain (8).
How many recalls does the 2003 Chevrolet Astro have?
There is 1 recall for the 2003 Chevrolet Astro, the most recent from September 12, 2003 (lower ball joint). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Chevrolet Astro?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2005, 2004 and 2003. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 1995, 1997, 1996, 1998 and 2000. See the full Chevrolet Astro years comparison.
At what mileage do 2003 Chevrolet Astro problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 67,000 miles; 38% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.