2003 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2002 | 154 |
| 2003 | 182 |
| 2004 | 144 |
| 2005 | 129 |
| 2006 | 39 |
| 2007 | 113 |
| 2008 | 37 |
| 2009 | 20 |
| 2010 | 6 |
| 2011 | 28 |
| 2012 | 16 |
| 2013 | 29 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
47% of complaints: electrical system — 85 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing instrument cluster/panel.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
2003 CHEVY AVALANCHE CAUGHT ON FIRE FROM DEFECTIVE WIRES BEHIND RADIO PANEL THAT SHORTED. BURNED ALL THE WIRING AND SMOKED THE VEHICLE. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20100626
30% of complaints: service brakes — 54 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.
CRASH FIRE7% of complaints: air bags — 12 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow 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, 20181212
6% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 11 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow 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, 20130320
Also filed under SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC and STRUCTURE
5% of complaints: steering — 9 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing linkages.
CRASH INJURYSAFETY TIMELINE
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 MANUFACTURE
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).
Campaign 06E043000 — check if this car was fixed
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, AND
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.
Campaign 07E106000 — check if this car was fixed
Brake line corrosion failure
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2003 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (85 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (54 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (12 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 06E043000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 07E106000 (wheels) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST 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 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.