2003 Chevrolet Avalanche
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 |
|---|---|
| 1999 | 0 |
| 2000 | 2 |
| 2001 | 2 |
| 2002 | 444 |
| 2003 | 204 |
| 2004 | 165 |
| 2005 | 71 |
| 2006 | 11 |
| 2007 | 377 |
| 2008 | 258 |
| 2009 | 76 |
| 2010 | 111 |
| 2011 | 127 |
| 2012 | 36 |
| 2013 | 82 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
39% of complaints: service brakes — 79 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and electric.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
MY SON WAS DRIVING HOME FROM ICE FISHING , ON A HILLY AND CURVY ROAD WHEN THE BRAKES FAILED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20150117
DRIVING WENT TO STOP DIDN'T HAVE ANY BRAKES I REPLACE ALL THE BRAKE LINES AND REPLACE BUMPER LIGHTS COST ABOUT 4, 000.00 THE ABS WENT OUT WHICH IS NOT FIX. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20130604
21% of complaints: electrical system — 43 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing instrument cluster/panel and 12v/24v/48v battery.
FIRE7% of complaints: air bags — 14 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing side/window and sensor/control module.
CRASH INJURY7% of complaints: power train — 14 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and transfer case (4-wheel drive).
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
ON DECEMBER 12, 2003 VEHICLE STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION, RESULTING IN A CRASH THAT COULD HAVE BEEN FATAL. CONSUMER STATED, THIS VEHICLE HAD BEEN SEVEN TO EIGHT TIMES AT DEALER WITH ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20031215
Also filed under ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
5% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 11 distinct reports on file.
CRASHSAFETY TIMELINE
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
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 FRE
Campaign 03V019000 — check if this car was fixed
TAILGATE CABLE BREAKAGE
HYDRAULIC PUMP FAILRES
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 V
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 HUM
Campaign 04V045000 — check if this car was fixed
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 FR
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
Campaign 04V129000 — check if this car was fixed
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
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, 200
Campaign 05V163000 — check if this car was fixed
PARKING BRAKE FAILURE
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
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 CONF
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.
Campaign 09E012000 — check if this car was fixed
Brake line corrosion failure
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2003 Chevrolet Avalanche — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (79 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (43 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (14 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 03V019000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 04V045000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 04V129000 (structure) has been completed.
- Verify recall 05V163000 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E043000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 09E012000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche?
The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 39% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche have?
6 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.