Chevrolet Express 3500 2003
Model Express 3500 made in 2003 by Chevrolet got 27 consumer complains there are 6 investigations as well as 4 service bulletins. Consumer complaints with reference, among others things, to air bags, electrical system and engine. Technical service bulletines regarding steering, structure and tires. The car had one investigation (fuel system, gasoline).
Model 2003
Bulletins
| Bulletin | Bulletin date | Replacement Bulletin | Item no. | Summary | Added |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| STEERING | |||||
| 05-02-32-008D | 06/01/2012 | 10044941 | General motors: diagnosing power steering concerns. in rare cases, customers may comment on a lack of steering assist when stopped or during parking lot type of maneuvers. *js | 08/06/2012 | |
| STRUCTURE - FRAME AND MEMBERS | |||||
| PIT-3749D | 11/01/2010 | 10037570 | Ready | 05/25/2011 | |
| PIT-3749D | 11/01/2010 | 10037570 | Gm: on some truck models there is some frame corrosion. *rm | 05/25/2011 | |
| TIRES | |||||
| 05-02-32-008D | 06/01/2012 | 10044941 | General motors: diagnosing power steering concerns. in rare cases, customers may comment on a lack of steering assist when stopped or during parking lot type of maneuvers. *js | 08/06/2012 | |
Investigations
| NHTSA ID | Manufacturer | Date open | Date close | Subject | Recall campaign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | ||||||
| PE11040 | General Motors LLC | 12/14/2011 | 08/16/2012 | Fuel Filler Pipe Corrosion/Leakage | 12V388000 | |
| On august 7, 2012 general motors (gm) notified the office of defects investigation (odi) that it will conduct a safety related recall for model year (my) 2003-2004 chevrolet express and gmc savana vehicles.the recall affects vehicles equipped with a left side cargo door and that were originally sold or currently registered in the corrosion or salt-belt states of connecticut, delaware, district of columbia, illinois, indiana, iowa, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, west virginia and wisconsin. dealers are to install a new fuel filler neck. consumer notification letters will be sent in early october 2012, when sufficient parts are available. odi has received 12 complaints alleging unique incidents of fuel leakage during refueling of a subject vehicle. eleven of the complaints occurred on chevrolet express vans, and 1 of the complaints involved a gmc savana. all vehicles were equipped with the left side cargo door option. for vehicles so equipped, water and road debris can become trapped in the protective conduit that covers the fuel filler pipe and may subsequently cause the pipe to corrode. if the corrosion creates a significant perforation in the pipe, fuel may leak onto the ground while refueling the vehicle. an illuminated check engine light (on some vehicles) or the presence of fuel odor may also act as precursors to fuel leakage. fuel in the presence of an ignition source could cause a fire to occur. in their response to odi's information request, gm reported 24 owner reports and 1 field report alleging fuel filler pipe failure/corrosion in the subject vehicle population. six additional records were also provided that included the replacement of the fuel filler pipe, however not enough information existed to determine a relation to the alleged problem. after further review of the reports, odi determined that a total of 27 individual gm reports were related to filler pipe corrosion. the complaints received from both odi and gm primarily occurred in the corrosion states. during the investigation, the scope of the subject vehicle population was expanded to include my 2004 express vans, and my 2003 and 2004 gmc savana vans (with v6 engines) also equipped with left hand side door options, since the savana vans also utilize the same, or substantially similar fuel filler pipe configuration. gm subsequently modified the design of the fuel filler pipe on vehicles equipped with side doors to correct the corrosion concern, so these vehicles do not have the defect issue.the affected vehicle population shown above reflects the total number of vehicles registered in the salt-belt states listed in gm's defect information report (dir). prior to the safety recall announcement, gm had issued a special coverage adjustment for vehicles in these states, during which a total of 771 repairs were made. accordingly the vehicle population noted in the dir reflects that of the remaining vehicle population.the investigation is closed based on gm's announcement of safety recall 12v388. the reports cited above can be reviewed online at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/complaints under the following identification (odi) numbers: 10463398, 10459328, 10456403, 10453725, 10445925, 10443143, 10441615, 10413568, 10413214, 10411911, 10353717, 10259377. | ||||||
| PE11040 | GENERAL MOTORS LLC | 12/14/2011 | Corrosion of the Fuel Filler Pipe | |||
| Nhtsa has received five complaints alleging fuel leakage while refueling on model year 2003 chevrolet express vans (subject vehicles) equipped with a left hand door(s) behind the driver's door.fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.all five complaints originate from salt belt states.in the subject vehicles the fuel filler pipe is located farther back/rearward than on vans not equipped with a left side passenger door.as a result the filler pipe routes through the rear wheel well which exposes the filler pipe to road debris and water kick up (spray) by the rear tire. according to some complaints, the debris and water collects between the fuel filler pipe and a protective tubing that covers it, which causes the pipe to corrode and leak fuel. one of the complainants indicated that the plastic tubing on a service replacement filler pipe has a slit that may minimize debris and water collection. odi is opening this preliminary evaluation to evaluate the alleged defect in the subject vehicles. | ||||||
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE - DELIVERY | ||||||
| PE11040 | General Motors LLC | 12/14/2011 | 08/16/2012 | Fuel Filler Pipe Corrosion/Leakage | 12V388000 | |
| On august 7, 2012 general motors (gm) notified the office of defects investigation (odi) that it will conduct a safety related recall for model year (my) 2003-2004 chevrolet express and gmc savana vehicles.the recall affects vehicles equipped with a left side cargo door and that were originally sold or currently registered in the corrosion or salt-belt states of connecticut, delaware, district of columbia, illinois, indiana, iowa, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, west virginia and wisconsin. dealers are to install a new fuel filler neck. consumer notification letters will be sent in early october 2012, when sufficient parts are available. odi has received 12 complaints alleging unique incidents of fuel leakage during refueling of a subject vehicle. eleven of the complaints occurred on chevrolet express vans, and 1 of the complaints involved a gmc savana. all vehicles were equipped with the left side cargo door option. for vehicles so equipped, water and road debris can become trapped in the protective conduit that covers the fuel filler pipe and may subsequently cause the pipe to corrode. if the corrosion creates a significant perforation in the pipe, fuel may leak onto the ground while refueling the vehicle. an illuminated check engine light (on some vehicles) or the presence of fuel odor may also act as precursors to fuel leakage. fuel in the presence of an ignition source could cause a fire to occur. in their response to odi's information request, gm reported 24 owner reports and 1 field report alleging fuel filler pipe failure/corrosion in the subject vehicle population. six additional records were also provided that included the replacement of the fuel filler pipe, however not enough information existed to determine a relation to the alleged problem. after further review of the reports, odi determined that a total of 27 individual gm reports were related to filler pipe corrosion. the complaints received from both odi and gm primarily occurred in the corrosion states. during the investigation, the scope of the subject vehicle population was expanded to include my 2004 express vans, and my 2003 and 2004 gmc savana vans (with v6 engines) also equipped with left hand side door options, since the savana vans also utilize the same, or substantially similar fuel filler pipe configuration. gm subsequently modified the design of the fuel filler pipe on vehicles equipped with side doors to correct the corrosion concern, so these vehicles do not have the defect issue.the affected vehicle population shown above reflects the total number of vehicles registered in the salt-belt states listed in gm's defect information report (dir). prior to the safety recall announcement, gm had issued a special coverage adjustment for vehicles in these states, during which a total of 771 repairs were made. accordingly the vehicle population noted in the dir reflects that of the remaining vehicle population.the investigation is closed based on gm's announcement of safety recall 12v388. the reports cited above can be reviewed online at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/complaints under the following identification (odi) numbers: 10463398, 10459328, 10456403, 10453725, 10445925, 10443143, 10441615, 10413568, 10413214, 10411911, 10353717, 10259377. | ||||||
| PE11040 | GENERAL MOTORS LLC | 12/14/2011 | Corrosion of the Fuel Filler Pipe | |||
| Nhtsa has received five complaints alleging fuel leakage while refueling on model year 2003 chevrolet express vans (subject vehicles) equipped with a left hand door(s) behind the driver's door.fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.all five complaints originate from salt belt states.in the subject vehicles the fuel filler pipe is located farther back/rearward than on vans not equipped with a left side passenger door.as a result the filler pipe routes through the rear wheel well which exposes the filler pipe to road debris and water kick up (spray) by the rear tire. according to some complaints, the debris and water collects between the fuel filler pipe and a protective tubing that covers it, which causes the pipe to corrode and leak fuel. one of the complainants indicated that the plastic tubing on a service replacement filler pipe has a slit that may minimize debris and water collection. odi is opening this preliminary evaluation to evaluate the alleged defect in the subject vehicles. | ||||||
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE - DELIVERY - HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS | ||||||
| PE11040 | General Motors LLC | 12/14/2011 | 08/16/2012 | Fuel Filler Pipe Corrosion/Leakage | 12V388000 | |
| On august 7, 2012 general motors (gm) notified the office of defects investigation (odi) that it will conduct a safety related recall for model year (my) 2003-2004 chevrolet express and gmc savana vehicles.the recall affects vehicles equipped with a left side cargo door and that were originally sold or currently registered in the corrosion or salt-belt states of connecticut, delaware, district of columbia, illinois, indiana, iowa, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, west virginia and wisconsin. dealers are to install a new fuel filler neck. consumer notification letters will be sent in early october 2012, when sufficient parts are available. odi has received 12 complaints alleging unique incidents of fuel leakage during refueling of a subject vehicle. eleven of the complaints occurred on chevrolet express vans, and 1 of the complaints involved a gmc savana. all vehicles were equipped with the left side cargo door option. for vehicles so equipped, water and road debris can become trapped in the protective conduit that covers the fuel filler pipe and may subsequently cause the pipe to corrode. if the corrosion creates a significant perforation in the pipe, fuel may leak onto the ground while refueling the vehicle. an illuminated check engine light (on some vehicles) or the presence of fuel odor may also act as precursors to fuel leakage. fuel in the presence of an ignition source could cause a fire to occur. in their response to odi's information request, gm reported 24 owner reports and 1 field report alleging fuel filler pipe failure/corrosion in the subject vehicle population. six additional records were also provided that included the replacement of the fuel filler pipe, however not enough information existed to determine a relation to the alleged problem. after further review of the reports, odi determined that a total of 27 individual gm reports were related to filler pipe corrosion. the complaints received from both odi and gm primarily occurred in the corrosion states. during the investigation, the scope of the subject vehicle population was expanded to include my 2004 express vans, and my 2003 and 2004 gmc savana vans (with v6 engines) also equipped with left hand side door options, since the savana vans also utilize the same, or substantially similar fuel filler pipe configuration. gm subsequently modified the design of the fuel filler pipe on vehicles equipped with side doors to correct the corrosion concern, so these vehicles do not have the defect issue.the affected vehicle population shown above reflects the total number of vehicles registered in the salt-belt states listed in gm's defect information report (dir). prior to the safety recall announcement, gm had issued a special coverage adjustment for vehicles in these states, during which a total of 771 repairs were made. accordingly the vehicle population noted in the dir reflects that of the remaining vehicle population.the investigation is closed based on gm's announcement of safety recall 12v388. the reports cited above can be reviewed online at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/complaints under the following identification (odi) numbers: 10463398, 10459328, 10456403, 10453725, 10445925, 10443143, 10441615, 10413568, 10413214, 10411911, 10353717, 10259377. | ||||||
| PE11040 | GENERAL MOTORS LLC | 12/14/2011 | Corrosion of the Fuel Filler Pipe | |||
| Nhtsa has received five complaints alleging fuel leakage while refueling on model year 2003 chevrolet express vans (subject vehicles) equipped with a left hand door(s) behind the driver's door.fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.all five complaints originate from salt belt states.in the subject vehicles the fuel filler pipe is located farther back/rearward than on vans not equipped with a left side passenger door.as a result the filler pipe routes through the rear wheel well which exposes the filler pipe to road debris and water kick up (spray) by the rear tire. according to some complaints, the debris and water collects between the fuel filler pipe and a protective tubing that covers it, which causes the pipe to corrode and leak fuel. one of the complainants indicated that the plastic tubing on a service replacement filler pipe has a slit that may minimize debris and water collection. odi is opening this preliminary evaluation to evaluate the alleged defect in the subject vehicles. | ||||||
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| AIR BAGS - FRONTAL | |||
| 01/28/2011 | 108000 | ||
| I was in an accident traveling 65 mph and hit another vehicle broadside and the air bag never deoloyed. the vehicle was totaled. its a 2003 3500 chevy van. | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | |||
| 06/26/2011 | 150000 | ||
| Wire harness fire. water got into the end of one of the connectors from the wire harness going into the trasmission. the result of the water getting into the transmission caused an electrical fire and caused a short in the transmission and engine wire harness, the final result was the wire harness was completely burned up. there was evidence of glueing the connectors years ago.i if the connectors are not sealed, it is possible for water to enter and short out connectors and other electrical components | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - WIRING - FRONT UNDERHOOD | |||
| 08/29/2006 | 28000 | 1 | 04/01/2003 |
| Fire to vehicle . *jb | |||
| ENGINE | |||
| 08/09/2012 | 58500 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet express 3500. the contact stated that after starting the vehicle the transmission failed to shift into gear. the vehicle was towed to the dealer who stated that the cause of failure was unknown. however, the technician stated that the maf censor needed to be replaced. the vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. the vehicle was taken back to the dealer who stated that the vehicle needed the catalytic converters replaced. the vehicle was repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 58,500. pmb | |||
| 08/09/2012 | 58500 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet express 3500. the contact stated that the driver started the vehicle but the vehicle would not shift into get. the vehicle was towed to the dealer and they stated the stated that the cause of failure was unknown. the dealer continued to look at the vehicle and then stated that the maf censor needed to be replaced. the vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. the dealer went back and looked at the vehicle and stated that the vehicle needed catalytic converters. the vehicle was repaired. the manufacturer was notified and they closed the case. the failure mileage was 58,500. ap | |||
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | |||
| 07/02/2012 | 151000 | 1 | |
| When the vehicle fuel tank is filled, gas fumes are detected and some fuel can be seen on the bottom of the tank (a few drops of fuel). as the tank contents lower the smell and leak goes away. an access hole on the side of the van reveals that the tank has a small leak where the plastic fill neck was bonded to the tank. the steel fill neck and rubber connection look fine. this is a conversion van w/o a left hand door. this vehicle was bought from a southern climate area and is only recently been brought to a northern climate so corrosion is not suspected. since i see no recall or many complaints, i am looking to repair or replace the tank. currently looking for a seal material that could be applied to the leak and that works on polyurethane and resists fuel. have not found one. the vehicle is well out of warranty but this does seem to present a safety issue. short term solution is to not fill the tank. *tr | |||
| 07/02/2012 | 151000 | ||
| When the vehicle fuel tank is filled, gas fumes are detected and some fuel can be seen on the bottom of the tank (a few drops of fuel). as the tank contents lower the smell and leak goes away. an access hole on the side of the van reveals that the tank has a small leak where the plastic fill neck was bonded to the tank. the steel fill neck and rubber connection look fine. this is a conversion van w/o a left hand door. this vehicle was bought from a southern climaate area and is only recently been brought to a northern climate so corrosion is not suspected. since i see no recall or many complaints, i am looking to repair or replace the tank. currently looking for a seal material that could be applied to the leak and that works on polyurethane and resists fuel. have not found one. the vehicle is well out of warranty but this does seem to present a safety issue. short term solution is to not fill the tank. | |||
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | |||
| 06/10/2011 | 51459 | ||
| Gas leaking from fuel filler pipe onto inside of wheel well and ground. examination reveals design of pipe assembly (metal pipe inside corrugated plastic tube), traps condensation and water around metal pipe guaranteeing rust and leaks. may be worse in high humidity regions but same assembly is open to water splashed up from road. this may only occur on cargo vans with left hand door option. | |||
| SEAT BELTS | |||
| 12/09/2011 | 65030 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet express 3500. the contact stated that the front driver and rear seat belts would not latch and one of the rear seat belts was completely inoperable. the dealer and manufacturer were contacted and advised that the vehicle was previously repaired under nhtsa campaign id number: 05v558000 (seat belts). the recurring failure was not repaired. the failure mileage was 65,030 and the current mileage was 65,040. kmj | |||
| 12/09/2011 | 65030 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet express. the contact stated that the driver and rear seat belts would not latch. also, there was a seat belt in the rear that was completely broken. the dealer and manufacturer made the contact aware of the nhtsa campaign id number: 05v558000 (seat belts) recall and stated the the repairs were already performed on that vehicle. the recurred failure was not repaired. the failure mileage was 65,030 and the current mileage was 65,040. nw | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC | |||
| 12/01/2008 | 38000 | ||
| Tl*the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet express 3500. the contact stated that the vehicle made a grinding noise. he inspected the vehicle and discovered that the front and rear brake pads and rotors were corroded. a report was filed with the manufacturer and they stated that they could cover 50% of the repair cost for the rotors; however, the contact would be responsible for the brake pads and any additional costs. the vehicle is out of warranty. the manufacturer also stated that if the vehicle is not driven regularly, the components could corrode. the vehicle has not been repaired. the current and failure mileages were 38,000. | |||
| STRUCTURE - BODY | |||
| 05/21/2008 | 41208 | 1 | |
| I purchased my 2003 chevy express 3500 in 2003. on the passenger side of the van there is a front passenger door and are two passenger doors on the side of the van. in five years time i have had trouble with the side passenger door hinge seizing up and now i can't open the left side door and it is improperly seated in the door opening, i now do not have a tight seal and the right side door cannot close properly. this poses a safety hazard because in an emergency the left side door cannot be opened. *tr | |||
| VISIBILITY | |||
| 01/07/2008 | 101000 | 1 | 06/15/2003 |
| 2003 chevy express. turned on the rear defroster. the rear passenger side window caught fire and began burning. pulled the vehicle to the side of the road and another car pulled over with me. the window continued to burn, and then exploded in my face. the fire went out and the window had shattered into fragments. *tr | |||
| VISIBILITY - DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER SYSTEM | |||
| 01/07/2008 | 101000 | 1 | 06/15/2003 |
| 2003 chevy express. turned on the rear defroster. the rear passenger side window caught fire and began burning. pulled the vehicle to the side of the road and another car pulled over with me. the window continued to burn, and then exploded in my face. the fire went out and the window had shattered into fragments. *tr | |||
Car dealers selling
| State | City | Zip | Name | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CT | MYSTIC | 06355 | VALENTI | 8006508374 |
| NJ | PARAMUS | PARAMUS AUTO MALL | 2012617100 | |
| OH | LORAIN | 44055 | JOE FIRMENT CHEVROLET | (440) 277-5700 |