MYRModel Year Report

2003 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500

◆ Worse than typical
2003 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500
RENDERED 2026-11-01T11:40:17.625Z

This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints
182
Recalls
2

Campaigns on file for 2003

Investigations
1

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Electrical system

47% of complaints

Complaints per year

2002: 154 complaints 2003: 182 complaints 2003 182 2004: 144 complaints 2005: 129 complaints 2006: 39 complaints 2006 2007: 113 complaints 2008: 37 complaints 2008 2009: 20 complaints 2010: 6 complaints 2010 2011: 28 complaints 2012: 16 complaints 2012 2013: 29 complaints
2002: 154 complaints 2002 2003: 182 complaints 2003 182 2004: 144 complaints 2004 2005: 129 complaints 2005 2006: 39 complaints 2006 2007: 113 complaints 2007 2008: 37 complaints 2008 2009: 20 complaints 2009 2010: 6 complaints 2010 2011: 28 complaints 2011 2012: 16 complaints 2012 2013: 29 complaints 2013
2002: 154 complaints 2002 2003: 182 complaints 2003 182 2004: 144 complaints 2004 2005: 129 complaints 2005 2006: 39 complaints 2006 2007: 113 complaints 2007 2008: 37 complaints 2008 2009: 20 complaints 2009 2010: 6 complaints 2010 2011: 28 complaints 2011 2012: 16 complaints 2012 2013: 29 complaints 2013

2003: 182 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
2002154
2003182
2004144
2005129
200639
2007113
200837
200920
20106
201128
201216
201329

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Electrical system

47% · 85 reports

Most commonly citing instrument cluster/panel.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

2003 chevy avalanche caught on fire from defective wires behind radio panel that shorted. Burned all the wiring and smoked the vehicle.

NHTSA ODI report, 2010-06-26

Service brakes

30% · 54 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASHFIRE

Air bags

7% · 12 reports
CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-12-12

Vehicle speed control

6% · 11 reports
CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

The vehicle was stopped at a 2-way stop. Upon turning right, my foot went from the brake to the gas pedal and got hooked on a piece of metal extending from the arm of the accelerator.

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-03-20

Also filed under Service brakes, hydraulic and structure

Steering

5% · 9 reports

Most commonly citing linkages.

CRASHINJURY

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. ▮
    2003Complaint volume 182 complaints filed for this model year.
  2. R
    2006-10-18Fuel system, gasoline06E043000 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…

    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).

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. R
    2008-02-07Wheels07E106000 Certain federal-mogul replacement wheel hub assemblies with the brand names: national, carquest p/nos. 515020, 515021, 515025, 515053, 515054, 515059, and 515060, shipped between January 23, 2006…

    Remedy: Federal-mogul will notify customers and will replace the hub assembly free of charge. The recall began on February 7, 2008. Owners can contact federal-mogul toll-free at 877-489-6659.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  4. I
    2011-01-05Engineering analysisClosed 2015-04-08 Brake line corrosion failure

Buy-smart checklist

2003 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Electrical system: 85 reports on file for this year.
  • Service brakes: 54 reports on file for this year.
  • Air bags: 12 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 06E043000 · Fuel system, gasoline
  • Recall 07E106000 · Wheels
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years2 years

FAQ

Is the 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 47% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.