2003 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data
N/A
Safety Rating
238
Owner Complaints
6
Recalls
16
Service Bulletins
0
Investigations
Overview of the 2003 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE
The 2003 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE has received a total of 238 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 6 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with EXTERIOR LIGHTING, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE, SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER. 16 technical service bulletins have been issued by General Motors, LLC for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Service Brakes (51 complaints), Electrical System Instrument Clusterpanel (20 complaints), and Electrical System (18 complaints).
Recalls for the 2003 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE
NHTSA has recorded 6 recalls for the 2003 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE, potentially affecting up to 5,201,217 vehicles.
Recall 09E012000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
| 16,270 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: 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.
View full details →Recall 06E043000 — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
| 88,303 vehicles affected
Defect: 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...
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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).
View full details →Recall 05V163000 — SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER
| 1,359,824 vehicles affected
Defect: 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...
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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...
View full details →Recall 04V129000 — STRUCTURE:BODY:TAILGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
| 3,662,211 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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...
View full details →Recall 04V045000 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
| 68,875 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
View full details →Recall 03V019000 — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
| 5,734 vehicles affected
Defect: 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...
Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: 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...
View full details →Owner Complaints for the 2003 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE
238 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2003 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.
Most Recent Complaints
MY 17 YEAR OLD SON WAS ON THE FREEWAY AND THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELLED ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR WHILE ATTEMPTING TO STOP. THE SERVICE BRAKE SYSTEM LIGHT CAME ON AT THE SAME TIME. STOPPING DISTANCE WAS INCREASED DRAMATICALLY, BY AT LEAST DOUBLE. IF THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN A CURVE OR CAR IN FRONT OF HIM THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN AN ACCIDENT. PARKED THE TRUCK UNTIL IT COULD BE INSPECTED AND FOUND A LEAK UNDER DRIVER SIDE FRONT DOOR. ALL OF THE MAIN BRAKE PIPES WERE RUSTED AND FRAGILE. TAKING TRUCK TO DEALERSHIP TO HAVE ALL BRAKE PIPES REPLACED WITH KIT MENTIONED IN (TSB) 13-05-22-001. I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED THAT GM IS FIGHTING A RECALL BY SIGHTING THE FACT THAT THERE ARE TWO DIFFERENT BRAKE SYSTEMS AND IT IS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE. WHAT IF THE RUSTED BRAKE LINES FOR BOTH SYSTEMS FAILED. AT THE VERY LEAST IT SEEMS THAT HAVING YOUR STOPPING DISTANCE INCREASE BY ALMOST DOUBLE WITH OUT WARNING IS A SAFETY ISSUE.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FAILED. IN ADDITION, THE DRIVER SIDE HEADLIGHT FAILED. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FAILED. IN ADDITION, THE DRIVER SIDE HEADLIGHT FAILED. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
BRAKE LINE FAILURE: I HAD A RUPTURED STEEL BREAK LINE FAILURE WHILE APPLYING NORMAL BREAKING PRESSURE ON THE PEDAL. AFTER FURTHER INSPECTION OF BREAK LINES, I FOUND ALL BREAK LINES WERE RUSTED AND IN DANGER OF ALSO RUPTURE.
THE OTHER DAY I STARTED NOTICING THAT WHEN I TURN RIGHT (OR LEFT IN REVERSE) AT A LOW RATE OF SPEED THE VEHICLE MAKES A CLUNKING NOISE AND MY STEERING IS AFFECTED. I STARTED LOOKING ONLINE FOR A REMEDY TO THIS PROBLEM AND FOUND THAT SEVERAL PEOPLE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AND DID NOT KNOW WHERE TO REPORT IT. I DON'T FEEL IT IS FAIR THAT AS THE CONSUMER THAT I AM RESPONSIBLE FOR A DESIGN FLAW BY GM. I ALSO DON'T FEEL ITS FAIR TO HAVE TO SPEND UP $400 WHEN ITS ALL SAID AND DONE EACH TIME THAT IT WILL HAVE TO BE REPAIRED.
Safety Rating for the 2003 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE
NHTSA has not yet tested the 2003 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE in its New Car Assessment Program.
Technical Service Bulletins for the 2003 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE
General Motors, LLC has issued 16 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2003 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.
030844018A — EQUIPMENT
REAR SEAT AUDIO (RSA) AND/OR REAR HVAC INOPERATIVE. *TT UPDATE. *TT
040850003 — SEAT BELTS
ENABLING MEMORY SEAT FEATURE VIA DIC IF FEATURE APPEARS INOPERATIVE. *EH
01414B — EQUIPMENT
PARTS RESTRICTION FOR CARGO COVERS CANCELLED. SERVICE VME. THIS BULLETIN REPLACES 01414A DATED 11/18/03. *TT
01448A — STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS
WATER LEAKING FROM CENTER ROOF CONSOLE. *TT
01936 — STRUCTURE:BODY
PAINTED BODY SIDE MOLDINGS DIMPLE (RAISED SURFACE). SERVICE VME. *TT
3024 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
4.8 5.3 6.0 GEN 111 ENGINE COATED PISTON INFORMATION. *MJ
3040 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT AND / OR REDUCED ENGINE POWER MODE DUE TO DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P0120, P0220, P1516 AND/OR P1518. THIS CONDITION IS NORMALLY VERY INTERMITTENT. *TT
01267B — POWER TRAIN:TRANSFER CASE (4-WHEEL DRIVE)
SERVICE 4WD LIGHT ON NO CODES BESIDES U1000 CODES. SERVICE VME. *TT
00690B — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE C0327 WITH OR WITHOUT ADDITIONAL DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS) SETTING. *TT
010866006A — STRUCTURE:BODY
INFORMATION REGARDING CADILLAC ESCALADE EXT AND CHEVROLET AVALANCHE CARGO AREA. *TT
Showing 10 of 16 technical service bulletins.
NHTSA Investigations for the 2003 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE
There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.
Other Model Years of the CHEVROLET AVALANCHE
- 2000 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE — 2 complaints
- 2001 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE — 2 complaints
- 2002 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE — 562 complaints
- 2003 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE (current)
- 2004 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE — 202 complaints
- 2005 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE — 85 complaints
- 2006 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE — 14 complaints
- 2007 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE — 492 complaints
- 2008 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE — 323 complaints
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- CHEVROLET EQUINOX — 12,135 total complaints
- CHEVROLET BLAZER — 11,032 total complaints
- CHEVROLET SILVERADO — 10,928 total complaints
- CHEVROLET SUBURBAN — 10,375 total complaints