2003 Chevrolet Astro Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 13%of 62 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 31,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2003 Chevrolet Astro, 13% of the 62 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 31,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10242274, filed 2008-09, 46,520 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10005162, filed 2003-02, 800 miles“Shudder and/or ABS activation during low speed turns, mainly to the left. Vehicle is an 03 Astro van awd with 67k miles. Vehicle pulls pretty sharply left when this occurs.”
NHTSA complaint #10189686, filed 2007-05, 67,800 miles“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?”
NHTSA complaint #10100227, filed 2004-11, 27,500 miles“The following problem existed while the vehicle was under warranty and still exists. This is the 3rd time that it has been to the dealer for the same problem. In the beginning, it felt like my vehicle was shifting too soon and then would shift immediately afterwards. When I slow down or stop in traffic on an incline, the problem is really pronounced. When traffic begins to move slowly after being stopped at or on an incline and I accelerate as traffic begins to move, it will jerk, then shift, jerk, then shift etc., until I reach a speed of approximately 40 MPH. …”
NHTSA complaint #10163506, filed 2006-07Related service bulletins
- 11006421Jul 24, 2024GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or…
- 10249579Jan 12, 2024This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10242843Sep 1, 2023The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the…
- 10222770Sep 16, 2022This service bulletin provides information on OEM and Remanufactured Engine and Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Identification.
- 10224273Sep 1, 2022This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician to not remove the torque converter bolts and start the engine as this may cause damage to the…
- 10220319Sep 1, 2022This diagnostic tip advises the tech not to separate the flexplate from the torque convertor or damage my occur if the engine is started while diagnosing for noise from the…
- 10096073Feb 17, 2016This preliminary information communication provides information to the technician about vehicle that after a transmission or torque converter replacement the vehicle may have a…
- 10201098Dec 1, 2015OEM and Remanufactured Engine and Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Identification
- 10114916Oct 21, 2015This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicle that after a transmission or torque converter replacement the vehicle may have a…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 8 | 13% |
| 2002 | 5 | 7% |
| 2001 | 5 | 5% |
| 2000 | 19 | 11% |
| 1999 | 21 | 16% |
| 1998 | 26 | 11% |
| 1997 | 53 | 15% |
| 1996 | 19 | 7% |
| 1995 | 21 | 5% |
| 1994 | 12 | 4% |
| 1993 | 20 | 15% |
| 1992 | 12 | 9% |
| 1991 | 5 | 5% |
| 1990 | 5 | 7% |
| 1989 | 4 | 7% |
| 1988 | 8 | 14% |
| 1986 | 2 | 9% |
| 1985 | 1 | 20% |
Other parts of the 2003 Chevrolet Astro
25 complaintsElectrical system
10 complaintsSuspension
8 complaintsSteering
6 complaintsEngine cooling
3 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
3 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaintsVehicle speed control
2 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
2 complaintsAir bags
1 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Chevrolet Astro
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology