The Lemon Index
200220052nd generation
About average · most complaints: brakes
35 owner complaints, first 3 years 14–17 mpg combined, EPA
Similar cars, same year
2003 Kia Sedona 2152003 Mazda MPV 2362003 Ford Windstar 123
Lemon Index: 100 = the average car, lower is better.
When problems show up
Most problems on this year showed up between 21,000 and 50,000 miles (34,000–80,000 km) (the middle half of the 22 complaints, of all 35 filed so far, that listed a mileage).
- At 60K, 100K and 150K miles (97K, 161K and 241K km) Past the range where most problems showed up: it has likely had them or dodged them, so repair records matter most.
This is when owners who had a problem reported it, not the odds that one car will have it.
Questions to ask the seller
- Were recalls 06E043000 (fuel system, gasoline), 06E026000 (lights) and 03V328000 (suspension) done? Ask for the dealer printout, or check the VIN.
- Do the brakes feel even, with no ABS or brake warning light? When were the pads and brake fluid last done?
- Any slipping, hard or late shifts, or a transmission warning light? Ask for transmission fluid service records.
- Any clunks over bumps or uneven tire wear? Were struts, shocks or control arms replaced?
- Chevy sent dealers 403 repair notes for this car. Was this one done: “The service engine soon lamp is illuminated, no 3rd and 4th gear, the transmission does not…”?
From this year's own recalls, top problems, top repair bills and Chevy's repair notes. Recall repairs are free at any dealer.
How serious. Out of all 35 owner complaints filed so far (every year since it was sold, not just the first 3), owners reported:
“Average car” = what the same number of complaints would include at the rate across every model year we track. Owners report these themselves; NHTSA doesn't confirm the cause.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
Check engine light on? Look up any code →
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 21K to 50K miles (34K to 80K km) on the car (22 of all 35 complaints filed so far listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
In owners' words
Consumer was informed that the transfer case was causing the vehicle to shimmy. Dealership repaired the problem.
2003 Chevrolet Astro owner · NHTSA complaint 10109277
Problems Chevy told dealers about
Chevy sent dealers 403 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- The service engine soon lamp is illuminated, no 3rd and 4th gear, the transmission does not…
- Slip condition in 2nd, 3rd or 4th damaged 2-4 band 3-4 clutch on the 4l60e/4l65e automatic…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Recalls 3
- Fuel system, gasoline · recall issued 2006
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, 2…
- Lights · recall issued 2006
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE.
- Suspension · recall issued 2003
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…
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Canada? See recalls at Transport Canada
Safety
Crash stars (older test): front ★★★☆☆ · side ★★★★★ · rollover ★★★☆☆
Fuel cost and engines
About $3,550–$4,300 (USD) a year in fuel (EPA estimate at U.S. prices, 15,000 miles or 24,000 km a year). Engines: 4.3L 6-cyl.
Every Chevrolet Astro year. 2003 is highlighted. Lower is better.
Newest year first. Red = worse than average, gray = about average or too few complaints to score.
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<iframe src="https://lemonindex.com/embed/cars/chevrolet-astro/?y=2003" title="Chevrolet Astro reliability by model year (The Lemon Index)" width="100%" height="307" style="border:0;max-width:720px" loading="lazy"></iframe><p style="font-size:13px;margin:4px 0 0">Data: <a href="https://lemonindex.com/cars/chevrolet-astro/2003/">Lemon Index</a> (2003 Chevrolet Astro reliability)</p>Quick answers
Is the 2003 Chevrolet Astro reliable?
About average by government complaints. It drew about the average number of complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 107; 100 is average, lower is better). The Chevrolet Astro year with the fewest complaints per car sold is 2002.
What are the most common 2003 Chevrolet Astro problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are brakes (37%), transmission & drivetrain (20%) and suspension (17%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2003 Chevrolet Astro have?
3 safety recalls (latest: fuel system, gasoline). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2003 Chevrolet Astro get?
14 to 17 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2003 Chevrolet Astro problems show up?
Most problems on this year showed up between 21,000 and 50,000 miles (34,000–80,000 km) (the middle half of the 22 complaints, of all 35 filed so far, that listed a mileage). At 60K, 100K and 150K miles, a 2003 is past the range where most problems showed up: it has likely had them or dodged them, so repair records matter most. This is when owners who had a problem reported it, not a prediction for one car.
Does the 2003 Chevrolet Astro have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 20% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2003 Chevrolet Astro cost in fuel a year?
About $3,550 to $4,300 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2003 Chevrolet Astro have?
4.3L 6-cyl.
What Chevrolet Astro year is better than the 2003?
Nearby, the 2002 drew fewer owner complaints per car sold (about three-quarters as many complaints as the average car).
The Lemon Index counts owner complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model years (100 = average, lower is better). It measures complaints, not crash safety. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works