2003 Chevrolet Avalanche recalls and problems
The 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche has 4 safety recalls and 204 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Chevrolet dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2003 Chevrolet Avalanche recalls
Recall 05V-163: Seat Belts
Problem: 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 the fit condition for this user group. In addition to instructions on proper infant and young child restraint (With child seats or boosters), special verbiage for restraining older child is included in the owner's manual. Also, the suggested seat belt fit/routing for adults, irrespective of seating position, is described in the owner's manual text.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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 contact cadillac at 1-866-982-2339, chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, gmc at 1-866-996-9463, or hummer at 1-800-732-5493.
Recall 04V-129: Structure
Problem: 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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 1-800-630-2438 or gmc at 1-866-996-9463, or visit www.mygmlink.com, and enter your vehicle identification number.
Recall 04V-045: Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Problem: 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Recall 03V-019: Fuel System, Gasoline
Problem: 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 could result in a puncture of the fuel tank and possible fuel leakage.
Risk: Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
Fix: 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 contact chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020 or gmc at 1-800-462-8782.
2003 Chevrolet Avalanche problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Service Brakes | 51 | |
| Electrical System | 43 | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 27 | |
| Air Bags | 14 | |
| Power Train | 14 | |
| Visibility | 11 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 11 | |
| Structure | 9 | |
| Steering | 8 | |
| Tires | 7 | |
| Suspension | 7 | |
| Exterior Lighting | 7 |
Most reported parts
- Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel — 20
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 5
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — 4
- Power Train › Transfer Case (4-Wheel Drive) — 4
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor — 4
- Tires › Tread/Belt — 2
- Tires › Temporary/Emergency Spare Tire — 2
- Exterior Lighting › Headlights — 2
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 65,543 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Chevrolet Avalanche years
Compare all Chevrolet Avalanche years · All Chevrolet models
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche: 05V-163 (seat belts), 04V-129 (structure), 04V-045 (service brakes, hydraulic), 03V-019 (fuel system, gasoline). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche?
Owners report service brakes problems most often (51 reports), followed by electrical system (43). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 65,543 miles.
Are Chevrolet recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Chevrolet dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.