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Vehicle safety record

2003 Chevrolet Avalanche Problems, complaints & recalls

Owners have filed 422 complaints about the 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche with NHTSA, most often about the brakes (140) and the electrical system (136). Those complaints describe 16 crashes, 5 fires and 12 injuries. It is covered by 6 recalls, the latest in April 2009 for the exterior lighting. For comparison, the 2002 has 671 and the 2004 has 319.

NHTSA data checked

FFar more problems than a typical Avalanche year, for its age

#32 most complained-about 2003 vehicle

Complaints
422
Recalls
6
Crashes
16
Fires
5
Injuries
12
Deaths
0

Most common 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche problems

Share of all 422 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.

2003 Chevrolet Avalanche recalls 6

Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do

Exterior lighting

09E01200016,270 vehicles affected

The problem
Sabersport is recalling 16,270 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." These lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors.
The risk
Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
The fix
Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on may 11, 2009. Owners may contact sabersport at 1-909-598-7589.

Fuel system

06E04300088,303 vehicles affected

The problem
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, 2005, through march 21, 2006, sold for use on the vehicles listed above and on certain school buses. (To see the school bus engine sizes, click on "document search" and then "bus applications"). The connector on the fuel filter was not manufactured to honeywell's specification. As a result, the o-ring may not seat correctly on the fuel line.
The risk
This condition may cause an inadequate seal at the connection, potentially leading to a fuel leak. In the presence of an ignition source, a fire could occur.
The fix
Honeywell will notify owners and replace the fuel filters free of charge. The recall began on october 18, 2006. Owners may contact fram customer service at 1-800-890-2075 (option 1).

Seat belts: rear / other

05V1630001,359,824 vehicles affected

The problem
On certain crew cab pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles, the 2nd row center occupant seat belt routing may make it difficult to position the lap portion of the safety belt low around the hips of occupants, especially smaller occupants, seated in this position. Appropriate use of a child seat or booster seat, as recommended for small children, does improve the fit condition for this user group. In addition to instructions on proper infant and young child restraint (with child seats or boosters), special verbiage for restraining older child is included in the owner's manual. Also, the suggested seat belt fit/routing for adults, irrespective of seating position, is described in the owner's manual text.
The risk
A lap portion of the seat belt routing that is not low and snug on the hips can allow the lap belt to ride up on an occupant's abdomen instead of fitting low around their hipbones, and therefore, can expose them to more risk of abdominal and internal organ injury.
The fix
Dealers will cut open the guide loop, remove a portion of the loop, and then the remaining two sides should be folded over and secured with a retainer free of charge. The recall began on july 21, 2005. Owners may contact cadillac at 1-866-982-2339, chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, gmc at 1-866-996-9463, or hummer at 1-800-732-5493.

Structure: hinge and attachments

04V1290003,662,211 vehicles affected

The problem
On certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles, the galvanized steel tailgate support cables that retain the tailgate in the full open (horizontal) position may corrode, weaken, and eventually fracture. If both cables fractured, the tailgate would suddenly drop and strike the top surface of the rear bumper.
The risk
Anyone sitting or standing on the horizontal surface of the tailgate when both cables fractured could be injured by falling from the tailgate. On vehicles that have had the bumper removed, the tailgate may drop even lower. Additionally, if there is cargo on the tailgate the cargo may fall off if the support cables fracture.
The fix
Dealers will replace the cables. Interim owner notification began on april 7, 20004. The recall began on september 24, 2004, when replacement parts were available, and will continue through october 29, 2004. Owners should contact cadillac at 1-866-982-2339, chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or gmc at 1-866-996-9463, or visit www.Mygmlink.Com, and enter your vehicle identification number.

Service brakes

04V04500068,875 vehicles affected

The problem
Certain sport utility vehicles, pickup trucks, and passenger vans fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 135, ?Passenger car brake systems.? Some of these vehicles were produced with an out-of-specification brake hydro-boost housing relief valve bore.
The risk
Consequently, the valve o-ring seal may fracture. Steering efforts may be slightly increased while braking or parking. Under certain driving conditions, a fractured seal may require a slight increase in the applied brake pedal effort to achieve the same vehicle deceleration rate as prior to the seat fracture.
The fix
Dealers are to replace the hydro-boost relief valve. The recall began on june 18, 2004. Owners should contact cadillac at 1-866-982-2339; chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438; gmc at 1-866-996-9463; or hummer at 1-866-486-6376.

Fuel system: tank assembly

03V0190005,734 vehicles affected

The problem
On certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles, vehicles, during a 30 degree left angle frontal impact of sufficient severity, a tear could develop in the mid-frame cross member at its attachment to the left frame rail. If the mid-frame cross member tears during frontal impact and produces a sharp edge, contact of the sharp edge with the fuel tank could result in a puncture of the fuel tank and possible fuel leakage.
The risk
Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
The fix
Dealers will install a fuel tank shield. Owner notification began february 20, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020 or gmc at 1-800-462-8782.

What owners say

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422 complaints about the 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche

Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 17.

Body, doors & structure

The contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was on a lift at an independent mechanic, the independent mechanic found rust on the subframe. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was a private sale. The contact had purchased the vehicle two months prior to finding the rust. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to replace the muffler. The contact was informed that the subframe was rusted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 91,000.

Filed Incident StructureNHTSA 11683105
Brakes

Brakes lines broke while in traffic at stop light. Manage to drive in low gear 1/2 block to repair shop. They replaced the lines

Filed Incident Service brakesNHTSA 11606301
Electrical system

Service light dose not come on when my truck won't not started up until I got it towed

Filed Incident Electrical system · Unknown or otherNHTSA 11414981
SteeringElectrical system

I bought this vehicle and the cluster is out I do not know what model this is other than a z66 so I cannot see on how to program my phone at to the onstar or any of that I don't know if I have satellite radio there is no auxiliary plug in heated seats it's only the back of the seat that works I'm not sure if that's all that is heated and it says that it's supposed to be come with a key fob I did not receive my car completely dies I have to turn it completely off turn the key around and started again the whole...

Read the full complaint

steering column looks like it has been replaced I did not receive the key fob I cannot lock the doors because the keys don't work in the door but they do an ignition sometimes I have to turn the key around sometimes even when I'm in the middle of driving I have to cut it completely off because it will stall out turn key around and it start it again. I have no idea what the real milage is. Jelp im a single and only in come parent to 3 bous and this momma needs help please

Filed Incident Steering · Electrical system · Unknown or otherNHTSA 11386897
Electrical systemVisibility & wipers

I am a new owner of a 2003 avalanche, I was satisfied with my purchase but my soonroof falls under the appropriate serial numbers (6,000,000-6,300,000) recall states that it may be covered by the company webasto hollandia. Vehicle is fine to drive places but sunroof must be fixed for coming winter. It worries me as there's a slight danger of it causing a road hazard if it were to fall out.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Unknown or other · Visibility / wiperNHTSA 11384649
Brakes

Brakes went out with no warning, two different times. On a highway stopping for a red light.

Filed Incident Service brakesNHTSA 11193455
Steering

I can hear a clunking or rattling noise in my steering wheel. I can also feel it in the steering wheel while driving.

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 11192061
Transmission & drivetrain

This is the second transmission, the clip that holds the transmission line to the radiator breaks allowing the line to come off resulting in all transmission fluid being lost and resulting in destroying transmission

Filed Incident Power trainNHTSA 11162859
AirbagsCrash

My airbags deployed as I slid into a vehicle in front of me. I was in number to number traffic and I tried changing lanes. My front left bumper tapped his rear right bumper. The other vehicle was scratched.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11160865
Fuel system

The engine light has come on for the second time saying that is a vacuum leak in the fuel cap I replace the cap

Filed Incident Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11130262
Body, doors & structure

Cladding on my 2003 has turned grey and ugly. There is nothing used that will renew it back to original look. What can you do about this problem????

Filed Incident StructureNHTSA 11129693
Brakes

Was driving home and brakes failed. Massive holes in the lines, pedal down to the floor no brake warning light until it was too late. Thank god my wife and kids were not with me this time. Lucky I'm alive. I was not on a main highway. So far the cost is up to $2000.00 To replace all the lines. Also now the master cylinder seems to be faulty. Another $400.00. I have read way tooo many complaints about gm brake lines rusting out way too soon many with low mileage. Something has to be done about this in the form of compensation. Lives could be lost and some probably have.

Filed Incident Service brakesNHTSA 11030157
Brakes

I have read nhtsa # 05v37900 and see that addresses the brake problems with brake line that I am having problems where the brake goes to the floor with no warning that is the same as the 2002 that is included in your recall. It appears that the same brake lines were used on the 2003 model. So why was the 2003 model not included in the recall as losing the brakes not a safety hazard. I was driving down the road when the brakes went out and was lucky there was no other traffic in the area.

Filed Incident Service brakesNHTSA 11019935
Electrical systemAcceleration & cruise control

Instrument panel has stopped working. None of the gauges work. Start vehicle no gauges move. Drive and no gauges move, including speedometer

Filed Incident Electrical system · Vehicle speed controlNHTSA 11015926
Brakes

While braking for a red stop light the truck was stopping normally and was almost stopped when the brake pedal went nearly to the floor and braking action was severely affected causing a much delayed completion to the stop. When the brake pedal collapsed a chime came on and a brake failure light appeared on the dash panel. Luckily I was able to avoid hitting the car in front of me. I was able to drive the car slowly out of traffic going very slow and using the emergency brake. Upon initial inspection, brake fluid was observed leaking from somewhere under the truck. The truck was towed to a service garage where the initial diagnosis was a rusted out brake line.

Filed Incident Service brakesNHTSA 10994090
Brakes

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet avalanche 1500. While driving 25 mph, the contact depressed the brake pedal and noticed that there was no brake functionality. The contact was able to coast the vehicle to the nearest fuel station. The brake warning indicator illuminated when the failure occurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the front brake line failed due to corrosion and the rear brake line also experienced severe corrosion and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.

Filed Incident Service brakesNHTSA 10979808
Electrical system

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet avalanche 1500. While driving 60 mph, the vehicle failed to accelerate. The instrument panel gauges fluctuated independently and several warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle also stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle, but the failure recurred multiple times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the vehicle had electrical issues. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 230,000.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 10967809
Other & unknown

I was driving down the hill on my way home with my three lillte kids in the truck when it just shut off n was hard to steer the abs light come on n then a light with a lock with a key the truck acted like it wanted to turn over but did n still to this day it will no turn over n start up n still showing the lil lock with a key.

Filed Incident Unknown or otherNHTSA 10935940
Body, doors & structure

Dashboard is cracked above the speedometer. I have 56000 miles on the vehicle. I owned a 2008 model and had same issue. I thought this was addressed and fixed on newer models. I'm told it'll cost me $1500 to fix. If they aren't going to make this good I'm switching over to toyotas. This vehicle was parked for days when I went to use it noticed the crack. Very dissappointed!

Filed Incident Structure · Unknown or otherNHTSA 10926521
Airbags

The dashboard has developed a crack in the plastic on the passenger side right near the airbag area.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 10916490
Brakes

Lost total braking at red light at busy intersection,45 mph with the grace of god avoided a broadside hit, just missed a child on a bike, this was caused by a rusted brake line. What happen to the safety back-up in this design ? This is wrong. In so many ways. In the usa we need to hold our safety to its highest. How many will die before this problem is resolved .

Filed Incident Service brakesNHTSA 10896640
Other & unknown

When you hit a bump the door locks unlock and lock abs lights come on says reduced power you maybe going 55 mph then when you hit the bump you loose power maybe be lucky to go 5 mph very very dangerous have spent a lot of money trying to figure out the problem should be a recall with all the complaints I have seen online about this problem I can't drive my truck afraid I will get killed

Filed Incident Unknown or otherNHTSA 10882455
Brakes

I lost the complete hydraulic braking system due to a line(s) burst due to rust. Thankfully I was just coming out of a parking lot so I was not going fast. My foot immediately went to the floor, the warning sound and indicator came on, but I had absolutely no brakes other than the emergency brake, which I used to pull over. It goes to the shop on tuesday so I will know then the extent of the damage. Had I been going 30 or 40 and coming to a crowed intersection, someone surely would have been hurt, there would have been absolutely no way for me to stop in time. I had no pre-warning of an issue, no low fluid indications, no brake warning lights, just my foot going to the floor. Pretty scary.

Filed Incident Service brakesNHTSA 10882290
Other & unknown

Dashboard above radio cracked regardless if excellent care if car and sun protection. Under mirror back to air vents and spreading across other mid section. Out of warranty. Out of luck! Not good since have had many other vehicles that didn't crack under same conditions.

Filed Incident Unknown or otherNHTSA 10881687
Brakes

Sitting at a stop light the brakes failed. Holding the brake while waiting for the light to change, the pedal all of a sudden went to the floor. When I began moving I had to keep the truck below 30 mph to allow the brakes to work with increased stopping distance factored in. After about a 5 mile drive home, checked the brakes and noticed a leak from rusted brake lines near the driver's door. Truck cannot be safely driven until rusted lines are replaced. No ability to make a regular stop much less an emergency stop in the present condition.

Filed Incident Service brakesNHTSA 10859894

Chevrolet Avalanche: every year compared

YearComplaintsRecallsCrashesFiresTop problemGrade
200749341210AirbagsF
200653162Transmission & drivetrainB
2005206344Electrical systemD
20043196151Electrical systemF
20034226165BrakesF
20026714583BrakesF
20012000Body, doors & structureA
20002000Body, doors & structureA
All Avalanche years

2003 Chevrolet Avalanche vs rivals

More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.

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Questions about the 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche

Does the 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche have any recalls?

Yes - NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche: exterior lighting (April 2009); fuel system, gasoline (May 2006); rear / other (April 2005); hinge and attachments (March 2004) and more. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.

What are the most common problems with the 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche?

By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the brakes (140), electrical system (136), airbags (28).

How many complaints has the 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche had?

422 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on March 7, 2003 and the latest on August 26, 2025. Of these, 16 describe a crash and 5 a fire, and together they report 12 injuries and 0 deaths.

Is the 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche a reliable vehicle?

Its Safety Index is 14 out of 100 (grade F: far more problems than a typical Chevrolet Avalanche year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.

Which Chevrolet Avalanche years have the most complaints?
What should I do if my 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche has a problem?

If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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