2003 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Electrical8441.2%
- Brakes5326.0%
- Airbags125.9%
- Driver assistance115.4%
- Steering94.4%
- Body & structure83.9%
- Visibility52.5%
- Engine52.5%
- Suspension42.0%
- Fuel system42.0%
- Powertrain (other)31.5%
- Tires & wheels31.5%
- Other / unspecified21.0%
- Transmission10.5%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
SERVICE LIGHT DOSE NOT COME ON WHEN MY TRUCK WON'T NOT STARTED UP UNTIL I GOT IT TOWED
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 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
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
BRAKES WENT OUT WITH NO WARNING, TWO DIFFERENT TIMES. ON A HIGHWAY STOPPING FOR A RED LIGHT.
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.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
THE DASHBOARD HAS DEVELOPED A CRACK IN THE PLASTIC ON THE PASSENGER SIDE RIGHT NEAR THE AIRBAG AREA.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
INSTRUMENT PANEL HAS STOPPED WORKING. NONE OF THE GAUGES WORK. START VEHICLE NO GAUGES MOVE. DRIVE AND NO GAUGES MOVE, INCLUDING SPEEDOMETER
ENGINE LIGHT AND REDUCE ENGINE POWER AND START LOOSING SPEED. AFTER TURNED OFF FOR A FEW MINUTES WORK FINE. THIS YEAR IN AN HOUR RIDE HAVE TO STOP AT LEAST 20 TIMES. COMPUTER CODES STATED NEED TO CHANGE THROTTLE BODY. LAST WEEK I CHANGE IT AND AGAIN THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
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 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
I CAN HEAR A CLUNKING OR RATTLING NOISE IN MY STEERING WHEEL. I CAN ALSO FEEL IT IN THE STEERING WHEEL WHILE DRIVING.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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????
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
I HAVE A 2003 CHEVY AVALANCHE AND THE BACK WINDOW IS CRACK WHEN I TALKED TO GM THEY SAID THAT IT WAS OUT OF WARRANTY AND WOULD NOT DO ANYTHING. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
ENGINE LIGHT AND REDUCE ENGINE POWER AND START LOOSING SPEED. AFTER TURNED OFF FOR A FEW MINUTES WORK FINE. THIS YEAR IN AN HOUR RIDE HAVE TO STOP AT LEAST 20 TIMES. COMPUTER CODES STATED NEED TO CHANGE THROTTLE BODY. LAST WEEK I CHANGE IT AND AGAIN THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LOW COOLANT LEVEL WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CYLINDER HEADS WERE FRACTURED AND ALLOWING COOLANT TO INADVERTENTLY ENTER THE ENGINE. AS A RESULT, THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AT THE OWNER'S EXPENSE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 129,000. UPDATED 05/28/14 MA UPDATED 06/4/2014 *JS
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
I WAS DRIVING WEST ON PETERS RD IN MIDDLEFIELD WHEN I HIT A PATCH OF BLACK ICE PUTTING THE TRUCK INTO A SKID WHICH PUT ME IN THE DITCH I HIT A MAILBOX AND A CULVERT (DRAIN PIPE) HEAD ON TEARING UP THE WHOLE FRONT END OF THE AVALANCHE IT HIT RIGHT ON THE SENSORS BUT THE AIR BAGS NEVER DEPLOYED. *TR
I WENT TO PRIMM NEVADA FOR A OFF ROAD RACE AND NOTICE THAT AT HIGH SPEEDS THE TIRES DEVELOP A PULL TO ONE SIDE. I HAVE HAD THE TRUCK ALIGNED AND NOT ABLE TO FIX THE PULL. THE TIRES ARE PRO COMP EXTREME ALL TERRAINS. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE ENGINE LIGHT HAS COME ON FOR THE SECOND TIME SAYING THAT IS A VACUUM LEAK IN THE FUEL CAP I REPLACE THE CAP
I WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 TO 20 MPH DOWN A HILL THAT WAS CURVY AND ALL OF A SUDDEN MY TRUCK COMPLETELY SHUTS OFF AS I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HILL AND ALMOST WENT INTO A DITCH BECAUSE THE TRUCK JUST SHUT OFF WHILE IN DRIVE AND LUCKILY I WAS QUICK ENOUGH TO PUT IT IN NEUTRAL SO I COULD STEER IT AWAY FROM THE DITCH AND I TURNED THE IGNITION OVER AND LUCKILY IT TURNED ON WHILE IN NEUTRAL OTHERWISE I WOULD OF CRASHED INTO THE DITCH. THEN IT SHUT OFF AGAIN ABOUT 30 SECONDS AFTER AND LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO PUT IT IN NEUTRAL AGAIN SO I COULD STEER AND COAST DOWN THE HILL BECAUSE IT WOULDN'T START UP THE SECOND TIME WHEN IT ALL SHUT OFF. I WAS STRANDED AT THE BOTTOM OF THE HILL NEAR A LIGHT SO I TRIED TO START IT AGAIN AND IT WOULD KEEP TRYING TO TURN OVER BUT WOULDN'T START AGAIN. I WAS STRANDED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD AND HAD TO CALL AAA TO TOW MY AVALANCHE TO MY HOUSE. THIS COULD OF KILLED ME IF I WASN'T QUICK ENOUGH TO FIGURE OUT TO PUT IT IN NEUTRAL TO BE ABLE TO STEER. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON WHATEVER MADE THIS HAPPEN AND I STILL DON'T KNOW WHAT IS WRONG WITH IT BECAUSE IT HAPPENED LATE LAST NIGHT AND I WAS LOOKING FOR RECALLS AND IT DOESN'T SHOW ANYTHING ON THIS. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
I WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 TO 20 MPH DOWN A HILL THAT WAS CURVY AND ALL OF A SUDDEN MY TRUCK COMPLETELY SHUTS OFF AS I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HILL AND ALMOST WENT INTO A DITCH BECAUSE THE TRUCK JUST SHUT OFF WHILE IN DRIVE AND LUCKILY I WAS QUICK ENOUGH TO PUT IT IN NEUTRAL SO I COULD STEER IT AWAY FROM THE DITCH AND I TURNED THE IGNITION OVER AND LUCKILY IT TURNED ON WHILE IN NEUTRAL OTHERWISE I WOULD OF CRASHED INTO THE DITCH. THEN IT SHUT OFF AGAIN ABOUT 30 SECONDS AFTER AND LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO PUT IT IN NEUTRAL AGAIN SO I COULD STEER AND COAST DOWN THE HILL BECAUSE IT WOULDN'T START UP THE SECOND TIME WHEN IT ALL SHUT OFF. I WAS STRANDED AT THE BOTTOM OF THE HILL NEAR A LIGHT SO I TRIED TO START IT AGAIN AND IT WOULD KEEP TRYING TO TURN OVER BUT WOULDN'T START AGAIN. I WAS STRANDED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD AND HAD TO CALL AAA TO TOW MY AVALANCHE TO MY HOUSE. THIS COULD OF KILLED ME IF I WASN'T QUICK ENOUGH TO FIGURE OUT TO PUT IT IN NEUTRAL TO BE ABLE TO STEER. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON WHATEVER MADE THIS HAPPEN AND I STILL DON'T KNOW WHAT IS WRONG WITH IT BECAUSE IT HAPPENED LATE LAST NIGHT AND I WAS LOOKING FOR RECALLS AND IT DOESN'T SHOW ANYTHING ON THIS. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
3 OF 4 TIRES, COOPER DISCOVERER LSX P265 / 70R17, FAILED WITHIN 8 MONTHS OF EACH OTHER DUE TO STEEL BELTS SEPARATING AT APPROXIMATELY 19 - 20,000 MILES. IN THE LAST INSTANCE I EXPERIENCED A BLOWOUT WHILE DRIVING. ALL 4 TIRES WERE PURCHASED NEW AND IN GOOD CONDITION WHEN THE INCIDENTS OCCURRED. THEY ALL HAVE THE SAME D.O.T #: UP1YCL71010. *TR
DRIVING MY 2003 CHEVY AVALANCHE ON PA I -380 TIRE FIRESTONE WILDERNESS 265/70/16 BLOW-OUT ON REAR DRIVER SIDE CAUSE DAMAGE TO PLASTICS COVERS .MY WIFE HEAR THE BLOW TIRE AND SHE WAS THINKING IT WAS FROM TRUCK PASSING BUT IT WAS ON MY CAR. STOP THE CAR SAFE AND USED SPARE TIRES TO NEXT SERVICE SHOP. STOP IN SCRANTON AT FIRESTONE DEALER AND REPLACE BLOW TIRE WITH SAME BRAND {APROX 4 MONTHS JUST REPLACE 2 NEW FIRESTONE WILDERNESS TIRES ON FRONT] I HAVE 25 YEARS EXP. ON CDL CLASS A AND NEVER EXPECT ON CARS TIRE BLOW-OUT LIKE TRUCKS. I ALL TIME CARE FOR VEHICLE IM DRIVING AND NEVER JUST DRIVE. TIRES PRESSURE CK IS ALL TIME IN MY MAINTENANCE AND KEPT AT 36PSI. FIRESTONE DEALER REFUSE TO CHANGE BLOW TIRE WITH OUT OF CHARGE SO I PAID 140.00 FOR NEW TIRE AND KEEP THE BLOW TIRE FOR RECORD. HOPE NOT FOR REFUND JUST TO KEEP ROUNDS SAFE AND NOT HAVE A ACCIDENT FROM A CAR WITH BLOW TIRES. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
2004 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE BROKEN MANIFOLD BOLTS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE 5.3 ENGINE THIS IS A SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUE GM SHOULD RECALL THIS ISSUE INSTEAD OF TURNING THERE BACK AND STICKING THERE LOYAL CUSTOMERS WITH THE BILL! *TT
AFTER ONLY 26K MILES HAD A CLUNKING NOISE IN THE FRONT END AND ESPECIALLY WHEN MAKING A HARD TURNING MOTION. EVIDENTLY THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM BECAUSE THE CHEVY DEALER KNEW EXACTLY WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS. THE DESCRIPTION ON THE REPAIR INDICATES END-LUBE I-SHAFTAND THEY USED A GN LUBE KIT FP#26098419. AFTER ONLY 19 MONTHS AND 8K MILES LATER IT'S DOING THE EXACT SAME THING.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
SINCE PURCHASING THIS TRUCK ON 02/01/2007, THERE HAVE BEEN MULTIPLE PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMISSION, ENGINE, AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEM THAT HAVE NOT GOTTEN RESOLVED, HOWEVER THEY DO SEEM TO GET WORSE. THE WORST OF THESE PROBLEMS HAS OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING ON THE NORTHEAST EXTENSION OF THE PENNSYLVANIA TURNPIKE. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PASS ANOTHER VEHICLE IN THE LEFT LANE THE ENGINE "SHUT OFF". I WAS DOING APPROX. 60-65 MPH WHEN THIS OCCURRED DURING THE AM RUSH HOUR. AFTER LOSING ENGINE POWER I SOMEHOW MADE IT SAFELY TO THE RIGHT HAND SHOULDER AND LET THE TRUCK "COAST" TO A STOP. THE POWER STEERING WAS NOT WORKING, NOR WERE THE POWER BRAKES. AFTER FINALLY STOPPING, THE TRUCK DID RESTART AND I SLOWLY CONTINUED ON MY WAY TO WORK. THE TRUCK WAS TAKEN TO A DEALERSHIP, AND FOR ALMOST (2) WEEKS THE TRUCK SAT THERE WHILE THEY TRIED TO FIGURE THIS OUT. AFTER GETTING THE TRUCK BACK, THE SAME PROBLEM OCCURRED, AND IT WENT BACK TO THE SAME DEALERSHIP. SINCE THEN IT HAS BEEN OK, EXCEPT I HAVE LOST DASHBOARD LIGHTS, RADIO LIGHTS, AND ALSO THE CRUISE CONTROL INDICATOR LIGHT, THEY CLAIM OTHER PROBLEMS, HOWEVER THESE ISSUES WERE NEVER A PROBLEM BEFORE THEY WORKED ON THE TRUCK. NOW I HAVE AIR-BAG LIGHTS FLASH AT ME WHILE DRIVING, AND THE TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING, THIS WAS THE FIRST PROBLEM WITH THE TRUCK THAT I REPORTED ON 03/14/2007 TO THE DEALERSHIP THAT I PURCHASED THIS TRUCK FROM. I HAVE ALREADY PAID OVER $1500.00 I REPAIR COSTS, ONLY TO HAVE THEM TELL ME IT WILL COST APPROX. ANOTHER $800.00-$1000.00 TO CORRECT THE AIR-BAG, AND TRANSMISSION ISSUES. THESE SHOULD BE COVERED BY MY WARRANTY, EXCEPT THE DEALERSHIP INSISTS I PAY FOR THE REPAIRS. I HAVE PAID ENOUGH, AND I AM AT MY WIT'S END WITH THIS TRUCK, AND THE DEALERSHIP. I FEEL THAT I CAN NO LONGER "SAFELY" DRIVE MY FAMILY AROUND IN THIS TRUCK, AND I STILL HAVE MANY YEARS OF PAYMENTS LEFT. ( I HAVE NEVER BEEN LATE ON A PAYMENT) PLEASE HELP ME, I FEEL AS THOUGH I HAVE BEEN SOLD A "MONEY PIT". *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .