2003 Chevrolet Express Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 17%of 59 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 27,400miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the electrical system of the 2003 Chevrolet Express, 17% of the 59 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 27,400 miles. 6 a fire, according to the filers.
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.
“Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2003 Chevrolet Express. The contact discovered a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was approximately 156,000. It was later discovered that the mileage on July 2, 2024, was 258,051.”
NHTSA complaint #11724984, filed 2026-03, 258,051 miles“The panic alarm went off and couldn't be turned off initially. Dealer advised to bring vehicle in. Alarm went off when vehicle started for second time. Vehicle driven about 3 miles, engine shut down while driving. Pulled over, smoke poured from under hood, then flames until vehicle engulfed in flames. Vehicle totally destroyed by fire.”
NHTSA complaint #10062712, filed 2004-03, 18,000 miles“Consumer was awakened by a horn blasting in the driveway of residence. After a few minutes consumer heard a loud explosion. When the consumer arrived at the front door, vehicle was in flames. Engine was totally consumed by the fire. The fire department arrived, and informed the consumer that faulty wiring caused the fire.”
NHTSA complaint #10044186, filed 2003-11, 1,700 miles“Dt: the consumer stated that while driving at 50-60 MPH 2003 Chevrolet Express stalled. The vehicle sat for about a minute, then it restarted. There were no lights that came on the dashboard. This happened with no warning. The dealership has not been contacted as of now. The manufacturer has not been called. The consumer was going to contact the dealer so they could examine the van. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but they found nothing wrong with the vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10135447, filed 2005-10, 7,260 miles“Fire that originated in the right rear back door factory wiring where arcing and electrical faulting were present, specifically the wiring traveling to the lock motor, where a short to ground occurred and ignited wiring insulation into open flame.”
NHTSA complaint #10019088, filed 2003-05, 3,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11017252Mar 28, 2025This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on OnStar Module 2G Sunset Information.
- 11009156Oct 25, 2024This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 11006621Aug 26, 2024Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which…
- 11002312Jun 6, 2024This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414…
- 10252735Mar 28, 2024This bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement fasteners with conductive finish.
- 10244214Sep 21, 2023This informational bulletin provides information for the IPC odometer programming method quick reference guide.
- 10237671May 19, 2023This Preliminary Information communication advises the technician that the Hydro-Boost is not serviceable and will need to be replaced if the brake pedal moves or applies on its…
- 10230605Jan 6, 2023This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on OnStar Module 2G Sunset Information.
- 10225615Oct 19, 2022This service bulletin provides information on Module Harvesting.
- 10210817Apr 21, 2022This technical bulletin provides a procedure to repair a possible wiring harness repair if damaged by the parking brake, brake booster mount or brake pedal bolt.
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 3 | 18% |
| 2019 | 1 | 13% |
| 2018 | 4 | 36% |
| 2017 | 2 | 10% |
| 2016 | 3 | 20% |
| 2015 | 2 | 25% |
| 2014 | 3 | 21% |
| 2013 | 5 | 23% |
| 2012 | 3 | 23% |
| 2011 | 1 | 8% |
| 2010 | 2 | 13% |
| 2009 | 1 | 10% |
| 2008 | 2 | 14% |
| 2007 | 2 | 11% |
| 2006 | 2 | 17% |
| 2005 | 4 | 17% |
| 2004 | 1 | 5% |
| 2003 | 10 | 17% |
| 2002 | 9 | 16% |
| 2001 | 6 | 13% |
| 2000 | 4 | 5% |
| 1999 | 7 | 10% |
| 1998 | 1 | 4% |
| 1997 | 1 | 3% |
| 1996 | 3 | 20% |
Other parts of the 2003 Chevrolet Express
11 complaintsFuel system
11 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
6 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaintsAir bags
4 complaintsEngine
4 complaintsSeat belts
4 complaintsSteering
3 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
3 complaintsEngine cooling
2 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Chevrolet Express
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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