2003 CHEVROLET Avalanche Problems & Complaints
Real owner complaints and problems reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). View common issues by component.
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422
Complaints Reported
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Complaints by Component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
113 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE 1500. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE. THE INSTRUMENT PANEL GAUGES FLUCTUATED INDEPENDENTLY AND SEVERAL WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE ALSO STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD ELECTRICAL ISSUES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 230,000.
Mar 22, 2017
IN LIGHT OF THE RECENT INFORMATION CONCERNING GM'S INTENTIONAL WITHHOLDING OF PROBLEMS WITH THE IGNITION SWITCH IN CERTAIN GM VEHICLES, I FEEL COMPELLED TO SHARE MY STORY. I DO SEE OTHER COMPLAINTS FILED HERE CONCERNING THE SAME ISSUE. IN OCTOBER 2003, I PURCHASED A NEW 2003 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE 1500. THE VEHICLE HAD 5,500 DEMO MILES ON THE ODOMETER. I DROVE MANY MILES FOR WORK AND FOR TRANSPORTING HOCKEY KIDS TO PRACTICE, GAMES, TOURNAMENTS, ETC. IN DECEMBER 2006 I ALREADY HAD 80,000+ MILES ON THE VEHICLE AND THE SPEEDOMETER, GAS GAUGE (CAUSING ME TO RUN OUT OF GAS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT!), OIL GAUGE, BATTERY VOLTMETER, RPMS, WHICH ARE ALL COMPONENTS OF AN ELECTRICAL CLUSTER BEGAN FAILING. I CONTACTED MY GM DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT A 'SILENT RECALL' HAD BEEN ISSUED TO DEALERS STATING THAT IF A VEHICLE WITH LESS THAN 3 YEARS AND UNDER 70,000 MILES WAS BROUGHT IN, THE DEALER SHOULD FIX THE ITEM AS A WARRANTY REPAIR. SINCE MY VEHICLE WAS 2 MOS OVER THE 3 YR AND OVER THE 70,000 MILES, I WAS DENIED A WARRANTY REPAIR AND QUOTED $700.00 TO FIX THE PART. SINCE THAT DATE, MY SON'S CHEVROLET VEHICLE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM! AND, IN 2009 A FRIEND'S BRAND NEW DENALI WITH LESS THAN 10,000 MILES HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. I HAVE NEVER FIXED THE PROBLEM DUE TO COST AND DISAGREEMENT WITH GM. I WROTE THE CORPORATE OFFICE AND GOT NOWHERE. I DON'T SEE HOW A SAFETY ISSUE LIKE THIS CAN BE ALLOWED TO CONTINUE TO HAPPEN NOR HOW GM CAN KNOW ABOUT THE PROBLEM BUT NOT TELL OWNERS OF THE VEHICLE AND/OR FUTURE POSSIBLE BUYERS OF THE VEHICLE. OH WAIT, YEA GM DOESN'T SAY ANYTHING BECAUSE CONSUMERS MIGHT TAKE THEIR BUSINESS ELSEWHERE! I SIMPLY WANTED TO GM TO FIX THE PROBLEM, THAT WAS OBVIOUSLY KNOWN ABOUT, BUT RATHER, GM SIMPLY KEEPS PUTTING THE SAME BAD COMPONENT IN FUTURE VEHICLES!! *TR
Mar 13, 2014
MY SPEEDOMETER AND SEVERAL GAUGES HAVE BEEN ACTING ERRATICALLY FOR MONTHS, AND NOW THE SPEEDOMETER BATTERY GAUGE, AND THE OIL PRESSURE GAUGE HAVE STOPPED WORKING COMPLETELY. IN RESEARCHING THE PROBLEM, I HAVE FOUND OUT THAT THERE WAS A RECALL TO FIX THIS PROBLEM SEVERAL YEARS AGO. I NEVER RECEIVED NOTICE OF THIS RECALL. I HAVE LIVED IN THE SAME LOCATION SINCE 2001, BUT HAVE NEVER BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE RECALL. IF THERE WAS A RECALL AFFECTING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL, I WOULD HAVE TAKEN IT IN. WHY DIDN'T CHEVROLET NOTIFY ALL OWNERS? *TR
Dec 16, 2013
I WAS DRIVING MY TRUCK AND THE SPEEDOMETER WAS READING 60 AND WHEN I LOOK DOWN AGAIN IT WAS READING 120. I STOP AND STARTED AGAIN THEN I REALIZE THAT IT WAS NOT READING NOW. MY FUEL, RPM, OIL PRESSURE GAUGES STOP ALSO. I HAD A MECHANIC LOOK AT IT AND THEY SAID IT WAS THE CLUSTER. I RESEARCH AND I NOTICE THAT ALL THESE VEHICLE IS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS. I THINK THAT CHEVY SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS DEFECTIVE ITEM. I BROUGHT THIS TRUCK NEW AND I DIDN'T THINK THAT I WOULD BE HAVING ANY PROBLEMS LIKE THIS. I REPLACED THE PART BUT GUESS WHAT, ITS DOING THE SAME THING AFTER SIX MONTHS. NOW THE DOOR CHIME WILL NOT STOP WHEN THE DOOR IS CLOSE AND WHILE IM DRIVING SO I DON'T DRIVE IT. *TR
Mar 03, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SPEEDOMETER FAILED TO PROVIDE ACCURATE SPEED READINGS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO CONFIRMED THAT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 108,965.
Aug 10, 2012
+ 108 more complaints for this component
SERVICE BRAKES
81 complaints
Brakes lines broke while in traffic at stop light. Manage to drive in low gear 1/2 block to repair shop. They replaced the lines
Aug 03, 2024
BRAKES WENT OUT WITH NO WARNING, TWO DIFFERENT TIMES. ON A HIGHWAY STOPPING FOR A RED LIGHT.
Apr 02, 2019
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.
Sep 27, 2017
I HAVE READ NHTSA # 05V37900 AND SEE THAT ADDRESSES THE BRAKE PROBLEMS WITH BRAKE LINE THAT I AM HAVING PROBLEMS WHERE THE BRAKE GOES TO THE FLOOR WITH NO WARNING THAT IS THE SAME AS THE 2002 THAT IS INCLUDED IN YOUR RECALL. IT APPEARS THAT THE SAME BRAKE LINES WERE USED ON THE 2003 MODEL. SO WHY WAS THE 2003 MODEL NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL AS LOSING THE BRAKES NOT A SAFETY HAZARD. I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WHEN THE BRAKES WENT OUT AND WAS LUCKY THERE WAS NO OTHER TRAFFIC IN THE AREA.
Aug 27, 2017
WHILE BRAKING FOR A RED STOP LIGHT THE TRUCK WAS STOPPING NORMALLY AND WAS ALMOST STOPPED WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT NEARLY TO THE FLOOR AND BRAKING ACTION WAS SEVERELY AFFECTED CAUSING A MUCH DELAYED COMPLETION TO THE STOP. WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL COLLAPSED A CHIME CAME ON AND A BRAKE FAILURE LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASH PANEL. LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO AVOID HITTING THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE CAR SLOWLY OUT OF TRAFFIC GOING VERY SLOW AND USING THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. UPON INITIAL INSPECTION, BRAKE FLUID WAS OBSERVED LEAKING FROM SOMEWHERE UNDER THE TRUCK. THE TRUCK WAS TOWED TO A SERVICE GARAGE WHERE THE INITIAL DIAGNOSIS WAS A RUSTED OUT BRAKE LINE.
Jun 09, 2017
+ 76 more complaints for this component
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
45 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE.WHILE AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE CONTACT COULD NOT DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000.
Mar 24, 2015
I WAS LEAVING THE FISH AND GAME CLUB IN LONDONDERRY NH WHEN I WENT TO STOP THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR I PUSHED HARDER IT FINALLY STOPPED. I PUMPED THE PEDAL A FEW TIMES SOME PRESSURE BUILT UP I CONTINUED TO THE CORNER WHERE A STOP SIGN WAS HIT THE BRAKE AGAIN AND THIS TIME THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR AGAIN BUT WOULD NOT STOP I PUT ON THE EMERGENCY BRAKE THE TRUCK STARTED TO SLOW BUT I WAS ON A HILL AS I APROACED THE NEXT STOP SIGN GOING ABOUT 15 MPH WITH THE EMERGENCY BRAKE ON I HAD TO PUT THE TRUCK IN REVERSE TO STOP FROM TRAVELING IN TO THROUGH TRAFFIC. I TOWED THE VEHICLE AND FOUND 3 BRAKE LINES HAD BURST ONE IN THE FRONT AND TWO IN THE REAR. I HAVE TAKEN GOOD CARE OF THIS TRUCK AND HAS NO RUST EXCEPT FOR THE BRAKE LINES. I FEEL THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE AND SHOULD BE LOOKED IN TO. I HOPE THIS WILL BE SENT TO WARN OTHER OWNERS OF THIS ISSUE. I HAVE OVER 2 MILLION MILES DRIVING AND HAVE LOST BRAKES BEFORE BUT NEVER THIS BAD. I FEEL THAT GM SHOULD AT LEAST WARN OWNER OF THIS POTENTIAL PROBLEM. I JUST HAD MY TRUCK INSPECTED IN MAY AND THIS WAS NOT WARNED TO ME. I LOOKED IN TO THIS ISSUE ONLINE AND FOUND MANY COMPLAINTS GM SHOULD ACKNOWLEDGE THIS PROBLEM AND WARN CUSTOMERS AND COMPENSATE THEM AS WELL. I UNDERSTAND THE TRUCK IS 11 YEARS OLD BUT I HAD A 1987 SABB UNTIL 2006 AND NEVER HAD THIS ISSUE. MY FRIENDS FORD FROM 2000 WE TAKE TO NORTHERN MAINE AND HAS 160000 MILES DOES NOT HAVE RUSTED LINES. I THINK GM USED INFERIOR MATERIAL. THANKS ERIC VAUGHAN
Jul 20, 2014
WHILE EXITING HWY 75 THE BREAKS FAILED ON MY 2003 CHEVY AVALANCHE. THE FIRST APPLICATION OF THE BREAKS THE PEDAL WENT 3/4 OF THE WAY TO THE FLOOR, THE SECOND TIME THE PEDAL WENT THE THE FLOOR I PUMPED THE PEDAL SEVERAL TIMES UNTIL THE PRESSURE BUILT UP ENOUGH TO FINALLY GRAB. I WAS HALF WAY THRU THE INTERSECTION WHEN THE TRUCK STOPPED, WITH ONCOMING TRAFFIC APPROACHING I MADE A LEFT TURN TO CONTINUE UNDER THE OVERPASS AND THE STOPLIGHT WAS RED I COULDN'T STOP AND WENT THRU THAT AS WELL. I USED MY EMERGENCY BREAK TO FINALLY STOP THE TRUCK AND WAS ABLE TO PULL INTO A GAS STATION AND PARK THE TRUCK. THIS HAPPENED SO FAST AND WITHOUT ANY WARNING I NEVER HAD ANY INDICATION THAT I WAS HAVING ANY BREAK ISSUES. THIS COULD HAVE GONE SO WRONG. THE TRUCK IS IN THE SHOP AND SO FAR THEY HAVE FOUND ALL FOUR BRAKE LINES SEVERELY CORRODED.
Apr 11, 2014
2003 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE 1500. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURE. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE BRAKE LIGHT FAILURE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. WHEN THE CONSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKE, THERE WAS NO RESPONSE. THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER SAFELY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A CERTIFIED CHEVROLET DEALER, WHERE AN INSPECTION REVEALED, THE BRAKE FAILURE WAS DUE TO A BREAK IN ONE OF THE BRAKE LINES, AND ALL OF THE BRAKE LINES WERE SO DETERIORATED AND RUST ENCRUSTED, THAT ALL OF THE LINES HAD TO BE REPLACED.
Jun 24, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, HE APPLIED THE BRAKES BUT THEY FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT DUE TO CORROSION, THE BRAKE LINES WERE FAULTY AND NEEDED REPLACING. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. IN ADDITION, AS PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZE DEALER WHERE ALL OF THE BRAKE LINES WERE REPLACED, INCLUDING THE ONE THAT WAS RECENTLY REPLACED BY THE INDEPENDENT MACHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 62,392.
Apr 02, 2013
+ 40 more complaints for this component
AIR BAGS
24 complaints
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.
Dec 12, 2018
THE DASHBOARD HAS DEVELOPED A CRACK IN THE PLASTIC ON THE PASSENGER SIDE RIGHT NEAR THE AIRBAG AREA.
Oct 17, 2016
I HAVE COMPLAINED BEFORE, WANT TO KNOW WHY THIS HAS NOT BEEN RECALLED. LIGHT CAME ON FOR NO REASON. WASN'T IN ANY KIND OF AN ACCIDENT. IT IS DEFECTIVE AND NO ONE WILL HELP GET IT FIXED. THERE ALREADY IS TSB FROM 2006. WE MOVED FROM PENNSYLVANIA TO FLORIDA AND AFTER A COUPLE OF MONTHS IT CAME ON AND STAYED ON.
Jun 18, 2015
ALL OF A SUDDEN WHILE DRIVING ONE DAY THE SERVICE AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON. I WAS TOLD THAT THE AIR BAG COULD DEPLOY AT ANY TIME AND NOT WORK IF WE WHERE IN A CRASH. I CALLED GM ABOUT THE ISSUE AFTER LOOKING ON LINE AND REALIZING MY TRUCK WAS NOT THE ONLY ONE EXPERIENCING THIS ISSUE AND WAS TOLD THEY WOULD NOT PAY TO FIX IT AS THERE IS NO RECALL. THE TRUCK WAS NEVER IN AN ACCIDENT AND HAS LOWER MILEAGE THEN ALLOWED. THIS IS DEFINITELY AND ISSUE. IT IS SUPPOSEDLY A MODULE UNDER THE FRONT SEAT OR WHEREVER IT IS LOCATED, AS SOME TRUCKS IT IS DIFFERENT PLACES. THEY SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO PAY FOR THIS ISSUE. *TR
Oct 10, 2014
THE SERVICE AIRBAG LIGHT WOULD COME ON INTERMITTENTLY. THERE WOULD BE A LOW THUMP THUMP SOUND EMANATING FROM THE AUDIO SPEAKERS. THE LOCK DOOR CHIMES STOPPED SOUNDING. *TR
Oct 05, 2014
+ 19 more complaints for this component
STRUCTURE
13 complaints
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.
Aug 26, 2025
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????
Sep 15, 2018
SPEEDOMETERGAUGE STOOP WORKING ALONG WITH THE OIL PRESSURE GAUGE TAILGATE CAUSED A ONE [XXX] TO RUPTURE THE TENDANTS IN HIS LEFT KNEE DUE TO THE MALFUNCTIONING OF THE CABLE STRAPS THAT HOLD THE TAILGATE. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).”
Apr 02, 2010
THE PLASTIC CLADDING ON MY 2003 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE TURNED FROM ITS ORIGINAL BLACK TO A CHALKY COLOR WITH STREAKING. THIS WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY, ACCORDING TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE TRUCK WAS EXPOSED TO NORMAL ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS IN ALABAMA AND TENNESSEE. *TR
Sep 27, 2008
I PURCHASED A 2003 CHEVROLET TAHOE LT AND THE BACK GLASS HINGE HAS CAME UNGLUED FROM THE GLASS AND FALLEN ON ONE SIDE. I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY FOUR GLASS COMPANY'S THAT THEY HAVE HAD TO REPLACE MANY OF 2003 TAHOES AND SURBURBANS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE BACK GLASS AND THAT IT IS A DEFECT. I CALLED THE CHEVROLET COMPANY AND WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO BECAUSE IT WAS OVER 100,000 MILES BUT ITS THERE PROBLEM THEY ARE THE ONES THAT GLUED THE HINGES TO THE GLASS AND WHY SHOULD I HAVE TO PAY 900.00 DOLLARS TO REPLACE THE GLASS ESPECIALLY WHEN I DON'T HAVE IT. PLEASE DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS PROBLEM I KNOW THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THIS PROBLEM. PLEASE MAKE THE CHEVROLET COMPANY FIX THIS PROBLEM. IT HAS CAUSED THE BACK GLASS TO STICK UP OVER THE BACK ABOUT A INCH AND YOU CAN NOT EVEN OPEN IT BECAUSE THE HINGE ON THE GLASS HAS COME COMPLETELY UNGLUED IT FALLS DOWN WHEN YOU OPEN IT AND IS VERY VERY HARD TO CLOSE ONCE YOU OPEN IT. BECAUSE YOU HAVE TO PICK UP ON THE GLASS AND TRY TO CLOSE IT AT THE SAME TIME BELIEVE ME MY FINGERS HAS GOTTEN SMASHED MANY TIMES SO I STOPPED EVEN OPENING IT. BUT BEFORE THIS HAPPENED I REALLY USED IT ALOT TO PUT STUFF IN THE BACK WHEN THE 3RD ROW SEAT WAS BEING USED IF YOU OPENED THE WHOLE DOOR THEN YOUR STUFF FALLS OUT BECAUSE THERE'S NOT MUCH ROOM TO PUT YOUR STUFF BACK THERE. *TR
Dec 27, 2007
+ 8 more complaints for this component
POWER TRAIN
13 complaints
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
Dec 20, 2018
TRANSMISSION BEGAN MAKING A LOW WHIRLING NOISE AND NOW SLIPS AND CHUGS. NO TOWING OR 4-WHEELING BEATINGS. I HAVE TAKEN VERY GOOD CARE OF THIS VEHICLE. I LOVE MY AVALANCHE BUT NOW THE REAR WHEEL BEARING ARE GOING AS WELL!!! *TR
Apr 30, 2013
I NOTICED A SPRAY ON THE BACK OF MY AVALANCHE. I CHECKED NUDER THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED A SMALL PUDDLE OF FLUID WHICH APPEARED TO BE TRANSMISSION FLUID. I CHECKED THE FLUID LEVEL AND IT WAS NEAR EMPTY. I ADDED FLUID AND WHEN I USED THE VEHICLE IT RAN OK, BUT WHEN I STOPPED IT LEFT A LARGER PUDDLE UNDER THE VEHICLE. I DROVE MY VEHICLE FOR A LITTLE WHILE AND WHEN I CHECKED AGAIN IT WAS LEAKING STILL. I CRAWLED UNDER THE VEHICLE AND SAW THAT IT WAS LEAKING FROM WHERE IT CONNECTS TO THE ENGINE OR AXLE. (NOT SURE WHAT ITS CALLED). I HAVE READ SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ABOUT AVALANCHES HAVING BAD TRANSMISSIONS. MOST WERE AROUND THE SAME MILEAGE. I CANNOT AFFORD TO FIX MY VEHICLE, AND SINCE I NOTICED IT NOW IT MAY JUST NEED A NEW SEAL, BUT WHERE THE TRANSMISSION IS LEAKING FROM IT IS EXPENSIVE.WHAT HELP CAN I GET, THIS IS MY ONLY VEHICLE MY FAMILY AND I OWN. ALSO WHEN I START MY AVALANCHE, SOMETIMES THE STARTER WILL STAY ON AND I HAVE TO TURN THE KEY OFF AND RESTART IT. IT APPEARS THE IGNITION OR STARTER IS DEFECTIVE. ANY HELP WOULD BE APPRECIATED..THANK YOU!! *TR
Apr 18, 2013
AT A REGULAR SERVICE INTERVAL, THE CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP INFORMED ME THE FRONT DIFFERENTIAL HAS A BAD SEAL AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THIS SEEMS PREMATURE SINCE THE VEHICLE ONLY HAS 34,000 MILES ON IT. THE DEALER STATED IT WAS NOT A WARRANTY REPAIR DUE TO TIME ELAPSED SINCE PURCHASED WAS OVER 36 MONTHS. *TR
Nov 06, 2007
2003 CHEVORLET AVALANCHE 1500 - DRIVE SHAFT UNIVERSALS FAILED (FRONT GONE, REAR GOING. I HAD DEALER REPLACE BOTH) - I NOTICED THE NOISE AND IMMEDIATELY TOOK VEHICLE IN. HAD I NOT NOTICED OR COULD NOT PINPOINT THE CAUSE I MAY HAVE CONTINUED DRIVING AND IT COULD HAVE FAILED AND FAILING WHILE DRIVING ON THE THRUWAY WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN A GOOD THING AS THE FRONT END OF THE DRIVESHAFT IMPACTS THE ROAD. MY CONCERN IS THAT WHEN TALKING WITH GM CUSTOMER SERVICE ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION THE FOLKS WITH WHOM I TALKED COULD NOT SAY WHETHER GM HAD A DATA BASE ON THE AVERAGE/MEAN FAILURE TIME ON THE UNIVERSALS. I WANTED TO DETERMINE SHOULD I START CONCERNING MYSELF AS I GET TO 100,000 MILES, BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO ASSIST ME. SO I AM WRITING YOU IF YOU HAVE HAD OTHER UNIVERSAL FAILURES AROUND 50,000 MILES. *JB
Mar 21, 2006
+ 8 more complaints for this component
STEERING
12 complaints
I CAN HEAR A CLUNKING OR RATTLING NOISE IN MY STEERING WHEEL. I CAN ALSO FEEL IT IN THE STEERING WHEEL WHILE DRIVING.
Mar 27, 2019
THE OTHER DAY I STARTED NOTICING THAT WHEN I TURN RIGHT (OR LEFT IN REVERSE) AT A LOW RATE OF SPEED THE VEHICLE MAKES A CLUNKING NOISE AND MY STEERING IS AFFECTED. I STARTED LOOKING ONLINE FOR A REMEDY TO THIS PROBLEM AND FOUND THAT SEVERAL PEOPLE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AND DID NOT KNOW WHERE TO REPORT IT. I DON'T FEEL IT IS FAIR THAT AS THE CONSUMER THAT I AM RESPONSIBLE FOR A DESIGN FLAW BY GM. I ALSO DON'T FEEL ITS FAIR TO HAVE TO SPEND UP $400 WHEN ITS ALL SAID AND DONE EACH TIME THAT IT WILL HAVE TO BE REPAIRED.
Jun 17, 2015
SINCE WE BOUGHT THIS TRUCK IN 2004 IT SOUNDS AS IF THE STEERING WHEEL IS LOOSE. IT MAKES A NOISE LIKE ITS LOOSE. THE STEERING WHEEL FEELS STURDY IT'S JUST UNDER THE STEERING WHEEL IT SOUNDS LOOSE. *TR
Aug 28, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, A KNOCKING NOISE WAS HEARD FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE STEERING SHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT SHE NEEDED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER FOR FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.. ..UPDATED 11/09/12 *BF UPDATED 11/14/12
Oct 09, 2012
TURNING AT LOW SPEEDS POWER STEERING PUMP STOPS WORKING AT LOW SPED. NO APPARENT PROBLEMS W/ THE PUMP NO LOOSE BELT. NEED TO REV TO 1500 RPM TO GET THE POWER STEERING TO WORK. SEAMS TO WORK OK WHEN IT IS COLD PROBLEM STARTS WHEN VEH.. IS WARMED UP. REPAIR HAS NOT BEEN MADE YET. *TR
Jan 09, 2011
+ 7 more complaints for this component
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
12 complaints
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 25 MILES PER HOUR WHEN A CRASH OCCURRED. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE WHEN IT ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO A TELEPHONE POLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP WHO ADVISED HIM THEY WOULD NOT TOUCH THE VEHICLE UNTIL GENERAL MOTORS ADVISED THEM TO DO SO. THE INSURANCE COMPANY STATED THAT THERE WAS A MANUFACTURERS DEFECT; HOWEVER, THEY DIDN'T PROVIDE WHAT PART OF THE VEHICLE WAS DEFECTIVE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILES WERE 117,000.
Mar 09, 2010
LAST YEAR IN MY 2003 AVALANCHE I WAS CRUISING ON AN INTERSTATE HIGHWAY AND I NOTICED MY SPEEDOMETER START TO MOVE BACKWARDS UNTIL IT READ ABOUT 25 MPH, HOWEVER, I WASN'T SLOWING DOWN. IT WAS VERY CONCERNING TO ME, SO I FIRST PULLED OVER TO LOOK UNDER THE HOOD, BUT I FOUND NOTHING. CURRENTLY THE SPEEDO DOES NOT OPERATE AT ALL, BUT I WENT THROUGH A FEW MONTHS WHERE IT WOULD START TO WORK PARTIALLY AFTER ABOUT AN HOUR OF DRIVING. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE THAT SO MANY PEOPLE ARE EXPERIENCING THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. OBVIOUSLY THIS PART WAS SUPPLIED BY GM IN LARGE NUMBERS OF FAULTY PARTS, AND REGARDLESS OF MILEAGE I BELIEVE I SHOULD BE COMPENSATED TO FIX THE SPEEDO. I HAD NO MAINTENANCE CONTROL OVER THE LIFE OF THE ELECTRONICS, AND IT'S NOT LIKE IF I HAD CHANGED THE OIL MORE REGULARLY I WOULDN'T HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM. CHEVY'S ARE TOO GOOD OF TRUCKS TO HAVE THIS KIND OF PROBLEM ON SO MANY OF THEIR TRUCKS. I'M SERIOUSLY CONSIDERING MOVING BACK TO A FORD TRUCK BECAUSE I OWNED A '95 BRONCO THAT HAD 248K MILES AND NEVER HAD AN ELECTRONIC PROBLEM. *TR
Nov 13, 2008
SPEEDOMETER MALFUNCTION. THE PROBLEM AFFECTS THE SPEEDOMETER GIVING ERRATIC READINGS. REGARDLESS OF THE SPEED, THE SPEEDOMETER READS 80 -120 MPH. OR DOESN'T REGISTER AT ALL. WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN PARK OR COMPLETELY STOPPED THE SPEEDOMETER READS 60 MPH. I HAVE TO TURN THE TRUCK ON AND OFF SEVERAL TIMES UNTIL IT GOES DOWN TO 0. *TR
Dec 20, 2007
I HAVE A 2003 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE THAT WAS PURCHASED NEW IN JANUARY 2003. IT CURRENTLY HAS 110,000 MILES ON IT, BUT SINCE ABOUT 40,000 MILES THE SPEEDOMETER HAS BEEN ACTING UP. IT IS REAL JERKY WHEN MOVING AND STICKS ON SPEEDS. CURRENTLY, IT IS PARKED AND ON 100. YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN IT WILL WORK CORRECTLY - SOMETIMES IT DOES. *AK
May 11, 2007
TL* - THE CONTACT CALLED REGARDING THE 2003 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SPEEDOMETER WAS FAULTY. HE WAS TRAVELING AT 70 MPH AND WITHOUT ACCELERATING THE VEHICLE THE SPEEDOMETER WENT TO 120 MPH. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN HE TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF THE SPEEDOMETER REMAINED AT 40 MPH. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A CHEVROLET DEALER , AND THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED AS NEEDING A NEW SPEEDOMETER CLUSTER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 45000.*AK
Mar 09, 2007
+ 7 more complaints for this component
TIRES
9 complaints
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
Oct 02, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE WAS UNABLE TO RETRIEVE THE SPARE TIRE. HE STATED THAT IN ORDER TO REMOVE THE TIRE, HE HAD TO USE A BLOW TORCH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HOIST WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE 100, 000. UPDATED 06/06/11 *BF UPDATED 12/19/11
May 11, 2011
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
Oct 06, 2008
MY WIFE WAS DRIVING ALONG INTERSTATE 40 AND ONE OF THE TIRES BLEW OUT. SHE WASN'T INJURED, NOR WAS THERE ANY DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. WE TOOK THE VEHICLE INTO A LOCAL TIRE SHOP AND THEY STATED THAT THE TIRE WASN'T PUNCTURED, THAT THE TREAD WALL COLLAPSED AND THEY RECOMMENED NEW TIRES. THE ORIGINAL TIRES WERE FIRESTONE WILDERNESS WITH 44,000 MILES ON A 2003 CHEVY TAHOE. THE VEHICLE AND TIRES WERE LESS THAN 3 YEARS OLD.
Jul 21, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR TIRE HAD TREAD SEPARATION WITHOUT WARNING CAUSING A CRASH. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED AND WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT REMAINS. THE INSURANCE AGENCY WAS ALERTED AND DETERMINED THE TIRE DELAMINATED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE TIRE IS A GOODYEAR WRANGLER HP P26570R17. *AK
May 11, 2006
+ 4 more complaints for this component
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
7 complaints
STRAP ON GAS TANK BROKE (RUSTED THROUGH) WHILE DRIVING ON BUMPY ROAD. TANK FELL AND HIT DRIVESHAFT. I WAS SURPRISED IT DIDN'T RUPTURE THE TANK. *TR
Dec 10, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AN ABNORMAL GASOLINE ODOR WOULD ENTER THE VEHICLE WHENEVER THE CONTACT WOULD DRIVE OVER A ROAD BUMP. THE CONTACT LATER NOTICED GASOLINE LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY A DEALER NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 105,000.
Mar 26, 2012
DRIVING DOWN A CITY ROAD THE LOW TRAC LIGHT CAME ON WHEN STOPPED AT A LIGHT THE CAR DIES PUSHED IT TO A PARKING LOT TRIED TO START WOULD NOT. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND FOUND THAT IT WAS A BAD FUEL PUMP. THIS COULD OF BEEN SCARY IF IT WOULD OF DIED ON THE HIGHWAY VEHICLE HAS 84,000 MILES ON IT. *TR
Oct 26, 2009
IN THE MORNINGS I TURN ON THE TRUCK AND IT STALLS,AND THE IDLE BOUNCES UP AND DOWN LIKE IT IS GOING TO TURN OFF. *TR
Dec 16, 2008
MY COMPLAINT IS ABOUT CHEVROLET, CAVALIER 2003. THE CAR JUST QUIT WHILE DRIVING, THANK GOD I WAS ONLY ONE ON ROAD. THE CAR ONLY HAD 57,000 MILES ON IT, AND I HAVE BEEN KEEPING UP WITH MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE; SUCH AS OIL CHANGES, TRANSMISSION FLUIDS, FILTERS, ETC. AFTER BEING TOWED TO THE CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP AND WAITING TO SEE WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS IT WAS DETERMINED TO BE A BAD FUEL PUMP. THIS COASTED ME $721.29, WHICH WAS VERY UNEXPECTED. WHAT AMAZED ME EVEN MORE WAS MANY MORE HAD SAME PROBLEM ONCE I SEARCHED IT ONLINE. TAKE A LOOK AT THIS WEBSITE. TP://WWW.TOPIX.NET/FORUM/AUTOS/CHEVROLET-CAVALIER/TVINIC5TFU5SFSI5H I FOLLOWED ANOTHER FORUM POSTERS RESPONSE AND CAME HERE TO LET MY EXPERIENCE BE HEARD. *AK
Jun 18, 2007
+ 2 more complaints for this component
VISIBILITY
7 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE Z21. THE CONTACT STATED THE BLOWER MOTOR FOR THE HEATER COULD NOT BE TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST AND STATED THE BLOWER MOTOR AND RESISTOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AT THE OWNERS EXPENSE FOR $200. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
Nov 30, 2011
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
May 01, 2009
HEATER BLOWER NOT WORKING ON FIRST 3 SETTINGS ONLY WORKS ON HIGH. *TR
Mar 23, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE. THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW LOCKED IN THE UP POSITION A YEAR AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED. THE FAILURE WAS REPAIRED. ON APRIL 19, 2006, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE WINDOW LOCKED IN THE DOWN POSITION. THE CONTACT WAS GIVEN A CASE NUMBER FROM CHEVROLET, HOWEVER THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. THE WINDOWWAS RARELY ROLLED DOWN ,AND CHEVROLET STATED THAT THE LESS THE MOTOR WAS USED THE FASTER IT CAN BECOME WORN. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THAT EXPLANATIONWAS JUST AN EXCUSE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 68,000. *AK
Apr 20, 2007
WINDSHIELD WIPERS WILL NOT TURN OFF. I HAVE HAD TO REMOVE THE FUSE TO GET THEM TO STOP. I AM TAKING IT TO THE DEALERSHIP THIS COMING WEEK. THIS HAS BEEN AN ON-GOING CONDITION. IT WORKS AND THEN IT DOESN'T. THIS LAST TIME WAS DIFFERENT SINCE IT WOULD NOT SHUT OFF AT ALL. *JB
Jun 03, 2006
+ 2 more complaints for this component
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
7 complaints
DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF 60 THE TRUCK WILL JUST SHUT DOWN. THE TRUCK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND IT READS REDUCE ENGINE POWER. I HAVE NO GAS, NO BRAKE, VERY LITTLE STEERING. CHEVY DEALER SAYS IT'S THE TRUCK GOING INTO LIMP MODE. IS LIMP MODE A REAL THING? I GOOGLED IT..BUT COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING ON IT. I TRIED TO LOOK UP RECALLS ON 2003 CHEVY AVALANCHES BUT COULDN'T FIND ANY OF THOSE EITHER. THERE HAVE GOT TO BE MORE PEOPLE OUT THERE EXPERIENCING THIS PROBLEM. HELP!!!! I HAVE 2 SMALL CHILDREN AND DON'T WANT THEM HURT IN THE VEHICLE. *TR
Oct 20, 2011
FIRST OF ALL MY VEHICLE IS A 2003 CHEVY. AVALANCHE, WELL MAINTAINED AND ONLY HAS 62,000 MILES. TO GET STARTED, I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE STREET WHEN I HEARD THIS BANGING NOISE, SO I PULLED INTO THE NEAREST GMC DEALERSHIP. THEY CHECKED THE ENGINE OUT AND FOUND OUT THERE WAS ABSOLUTELY NO FLUID GOING INTO THE ENGINE. WE WERE TOLD WE NEEDED A NEW ENGINE SO I AUTHORIZED THEM TO PUT A NEW ONE IN. THE SERVICE MANAGER AND A COUPLE OF TECH'S LOOKED AT THE ENGINE AND AGREED IT WAS A DEFECT. I CONTACTED GMC IMMEDIATELY BECAUSE THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THEY HAVE A GOODWILL POLICY AND THEY FELT THEY SHOULD PAY SOMETHING TOWARDS THE ENGINE. CUSTOMER SERVICE INSISTED THAT I PUT THE ENGINE PUT BACK IN AND HAVE IT OWED TO A CHEVY DEALER. I ASKED THEM WHAT THE DIFFERENCE WAS BETWEEN GMC AND A CHEVY DEALER AND THEY COULD NOT RESPOND TO ME. I DID NOT HAVE THE VEHICLE REMOVED BECAUSE OF THE COST ALL I WAS ASKING WAS FOR THEM TO HAVE A REP. GO TO THE DEALERSHIP AND LOOK AT THE ENGINE BUT THEY SAID NO. BY THIS TIME I WAS VERY FRUSTRATED AND ANGRY. I CALLED GMC EXECUTIVE OFFICE AND SPOKE TO ANOTHER GIRL AND SHE ASSURED ME SHE WOULD HELP ME. WELL LOW AND BEHOLD SHE SAID "I DIDN'T BRING MY VEHICLE TO A CHEVY DEALER THEREFORE THEY WILL NOT HELP ME OUT FINANCIALLY. . ALL I WANT IS SOME FINANCIAL HELP FROM GMC AS $6,000.00 IS ALOT OF MONEY AND I AM ON A FIXED INCOME, SS ONLY. I HAD TO PAY THE BILL OF $6,000 PLUS $125.00 FOR A RENTAL ON VARIOUS CHARGES BECAUSE I DIDN'T HAVE THE CASH. IT WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED IF YOU COULD ADVISE ME ON HOW TO PROCEED. I SENT A CERTIFIED LETTER TO THE PRESIDENT OF GMC AND HE WON'T EVEN PICK UP THE LETTER FROM THE POST OFFICE. I WROTE A LETTER TO THE DETROIT PRESS AND HAVE HEARD NOTHING ALSO. THE DEALERSHIP THAT REPAIRED MY TRUCK ALSO COVERS THE WARRANTIES AND REPAIRS CHEVORLET VEHICLE. SO WHY SHOULD I HAVE TO TOW MY VEHICLE OUT OF THERE? *TR
Nov 26, 2007
MY FIANCE AND I BOUGHT A 2003 CHEVY IMPALA IN NOV OF 2006 WITH ONLY 40,000 MILES. IN JULY OF 2007, THE CAR WAS STARTED AND SHUT OFF BY ITSELF A FEW MINUTES LATER. IT WOULD THEN NOT START. WE FIRST HAD IT TOWED TO A LOCAL SHOP THAT INFORMED US THAT THE UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD HAD CRACKED. IT LEAKED ANTIFREEZE INTO THE CYLINDERS, THE SPARK PLUGS AND OTHER PARTS OF THE ENGINE AND THE COST FOR REPAIR WOULD BE 1400.00. WE HAD THE CAR TOWED TO A 2ND SHOP FOR A 2ND OPINION. THEY TOLD US THAT THE ANTIFREEZE THAT LEAKED HAD TOTALLY LOCKED UP THE ENGINE AND WE NEEDED A WHOLE NEW ONE. THAT WAS GOING TO COST US AT LEAST 2,000 FOR A USED ONE. WE THAN DECIDED THAT A 4 YEAR OLD CAR WITH 60K MILES ON IT SHOULD NOT BE IN NEED OF A NEW ENGINE SO WE AGAIN HAD IT TOWED TO A CHEVROLET DEALER REPAIR SHOP. THEY TOLD US THE SAME THING. THE CAR WAS OFFICIALLY IN NEED OF A WHOLE NEW ENGINE. WE CONTACTED CHEVROLET'S CUSTOMER CARE DEPT AND THEY ARE SO FAR UNWILLING TO HELP. WE'VE ONLY HAD THE CAR 8-9 MONTHS AND ARE CONTINUING TO MAKE PAYMENTS ON THE LOAN. PER THE DEALER, THE USED ENGINE WILL COST US 3000.00 AND A NEW ONE WILL COST IS 5050.00. *JB
Jul 31, 2007
I HAVE A 2003 CHEVY AVALANCHE Z71 WITH 59000 MILES. I NOTICED MY VEHICLE BEING VERY SLUGGISH THE DAY BEFORE. WHEN I LEFT FOR WORK, I COULD BARELY GET UP TO 50 MPH, IN ORDER FOR ME TO STAY AT 50 MPH I WOULD HAVE TO REACH 3000 RPM. AFTER I TURNED DOWN A SIDE ROAD, I COULD ONLY GET UP TO 20 MPH AT 3000 RPM. I PULLED OVER AND CALLED FOR HELP. I TOOK IT TO A CHEVY DEALERSHIP. THEY FOUND THE INTAKE GASKET WAS BAD WHICH CAUSED THE CONVERTERS TO FAIL AND CLOG UP THE Y PIPE. IT'S HARD TO BELIEVE THIS HAPPENED WITH ONLY 59000 MILES. I TAKE GREAT CARE OF MY AVALANCHE. I'VE READ ON FORUMS WHERE THERE IS A LOT OF PEOPLE THAT IS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE SAME TYPE OF TRUCK AND YEAR. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE GASKET, BOTH CONVERTERS, Y-PIPE AND THE O2 SENSORS. *JB
Jan 17, 2007
ENGINE USES 1 QT PER 2K MILES OF ENGINE OIL, ACCORDING TO DEALER THIS IS ACCEPTABLE, BUT IF NOT NOTICED OR CHECKED IT COULD LEAD TO ENGINE FAILURE. I WOULD HAVE NOT BOUGHT THE TRUCK IF IT SAID "ENGINE BURNS OIL". *NM
Jan 19, 2005
+ 2 more complaints for this component
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
6 complaints
HAZARD FLASHER RELAY/SWITCH "SOUNDS OFF" AFTER THE TURN SIGNAL SWITCH IS RETURNED TO THE REST POSITION AFTER SIGNALING A RIGHT OR LEFT HAND TURN, THIS CLICKING SOUND ALSO HAPPENS WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL IS ADJUSTED AND WHILE I AM DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD ALL BY IT'S SELF. THE HAZARD AND TURN SIGNALS DO NOT LIGHT, ONLY THE AGGRAVATING CLICKING SOUND CAN BE HEARD. I CAN ALSO MAKE THE HAZARD/SIGNAL RELAY/SWITCH CLICK BY WIGGLING THE TURN SIGNAL INDICATOR SWITCH. I HAD THE HAZARD SWITCH REPLACED AT THE DEALER BUT THE PROBLEM PERSISTS. I HAVE THE HAZARD/FLASHER RELAY/SWITCH AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION. *TR
Oct 31, 2007
THE RIGHT TURN SIGNAL ASSEMBLE FELL OFF MY VEHICLE AND HAD TO BE REPLACED- THE HOUSING BOLTS HAD BROKEN OFF - I WAS INFORMED THIS WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. 1 YEAR AND 3 MONTHS LATER I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM AGAIN AND WAS TOLD THAT EVEN THOUGH IT HAD BEEN REPLACED ALREADY AT MY EXPENSE SINCE IT WAS OVER A YEAR I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR IT AGAIN. HOW CAN THE SAME THING HAPPEN? THIS IS DANGEROUS AS THE LAMP AND HOUSING FELL OUT AND WERE DANGLING ON MY VEHICLE WITH A SMALL WIRE AS I DROVE, UNAWARE OF THE PROBLEM UNTIL I HAD STOPPED. *JB
Mar 08, 2007
I'M HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM WITH MY TURN SIGNALS AS HAS BEEN LISTED IN THE RECALL OF 305,729 SUV LISTING THE 2003-2004 GMC ENVOY, OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA & ISUZU ASCENDER. BUT MINE IS NOT LISTED. I HAVE A 2003 AVALANCHE. I FEEL SOMEONE MIGHT WANT TO CHECK THE FULL SIZE SUV'S AND TRUCKS.
May 13, 2005
"ELECTRICAL POWER SURGE" IS WHAT THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT CALLED IT. BLOWS HEAD AND FOG LIGHTS ON A REGULAR BASIC. I HAVE REPLACED THEM 6 TIMES IN 2 YEARS. *NM
Jan 19, 2005
WITH THE INCREASED BRIGHTNESS OF HEADLIGHTS IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO SPOT FRONT TURN SIGNALS AT NIGHT WHEN THEY ARE PLACED ADJACENT TO THE LOW BEAM LAMP. PLEASE CONSIDER MANDATING THAT SIGNAL LAMPS MUST BE AT LEAST THREE INCHES FROM THE EDGE OF THE LOW BEAM'S REFLECTOR. *LA
Oct 10, 2003
+ 1 more complaint for this component
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
5 complaints
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HILL ON MY WAY HOME WITH MY THREE LILLTE KIDS IN THE TRUCK WHEN IT JUST SHUT OFF N WAS HARD TO STEER THE ABS LIGHT COME ON N THEN A LIGHT WITH A LOCK WITH A KEY THE TRUCK ACTED LIKE IT WANTED TO TURN OVER BUT DID N STILL TO THIS DAY IT WILL NO TURN OVER N START UP N STILL SHOWING THE LIL LOCK WITH A KEY.
Dec 17, 2016
WHEN YOU HIT A BUMP THE DOOR LOCKS UNLOCK AND LOCK ABS LIGHTS COME ON SAYS REDUCED POWER YOU MAYBE GOING 55 MPH THEN WHEN YOU HIT THE BUMP YOU LOOSE POWER MAYBE BE LUCKY TO GO 5 MPH VERY VERY DANGEROUS HAVE SPENT A LOT OF MONEY TRYING TO FIGURE OUT THE PROBLEM SHOULD BE A RECALL WITH ALL THE COMPLAINTS I HAVE SEEN ONLINE ABOUT THIS PROBLEM I CAN'T DRIVE MY TRUCK AFRAID I WILL GET KILLED
Jul 04, 2016
DASHBOARD ABOVE RADIO CRACKED REGARDLESS IF EXCELLENT CARE IF CAR AND SUN PROTECTION. UNDER MIRROR BACK TO AIR VENTS AND SPREADING ACROSS OTHER MID SECTION. OUT OF WARRANTY. OUT OF LUCK! NOT GOOD SINCE HAVE HAD MANY OTHER VEHICLES THAT DIDN'T CRACK UNDER SAME CONDITIONS.
Jun 30, 2016
THE REAR WINDOW IN MY AVALANCHE) I WAS WASHING MY TRUCK AND TOOK OUT THE REAR WINDOW TO CLEAN IT AND I NOTICE THAT THE RUBBER THAT IS AROUND IT, IS TOTALLY CRACKED ON THE DRIVER SIDE AND IN THE OTHERSIDE ITS STARING TO CRACK MY QUESTION IS DO I HAVE TO CHECK WITH OTHER AVALANCHE OWNERS TO SEE IF THATS ONLY ON MINE OR DEPENDS ON HOW MANY LETTERS ABOUT THIS YOU RECIVE.
Jun 06, 2005
I WAS REMOVING THE RUBBER MAT IN THE BED OF THE 2003 AVALANCHE TRUCK TO CLEAN IT. TO REMOVE THE MAT YOU MUST FIRST REMOVE THE PLASTIC TRANSITION PLATE AT THE FRONT, JUST BEHIND THE REAR SEAT. TO REMOVE THIS PLATE YOU MUST SLIDE YOUR FINGER UNDER IT TO POP IT UP. AS YOU SLIDE YOUR FINGER UNDER IT YOU WILL SLICE YOUR FINGERS ON THE RAZOR SHARP PLASTIC. I SLICED MY FINGERS TO THE BONE, THE CUTS SHOULD HAVE HAD STITCHES BUT I BUTTERFLY BANDAGED THEM. I HAVE NOT CORRECTED THE PROBLEM AS OF YET, BUT I THINK FILING DOWN THE SHARP EDGE WOULD PREVENT THIS FROM HAPPENING AGAIN. *JB
Sep 23, 2004
SUSPENSION
5 complaints
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE OUTER HUB BEARING BECAME DEFECTIVE CAUSING THE INNER HUB BEARING TO BECOME DEFECTIVE. WHILE DRIVING, THE ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATED. SHORTLY AFTER THAT SOMETHING FLEW OFF THE VEHICLE, AND THE TIRE AND RIM CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE DEALER DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE WAS A DEFECTIVE HUB BEARING.*AK
Jul 25, 2006
I AM HEARING A ROARING NOISE COMING FROM MY REAR WHEEL, I TOOK MY Z66 INTO THE SHOP AND HE SAID THE WHEEL BEARINGS NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE TRUCK ONLY HAS 50000 MILES ON IT. THE BEARINGS SHOULD NOT NEED TO BE REPLACED THAT SOON. *JB
Dec 11, 2004
VERY LOUD POPPING, CLANKING, SNAPPING SOUND COMING FROM FRONT END WHILE TURNING AT LOW SPEEDS. HAVE TAKEN TO DEALER WITH NO RESOLUTION.*AK
Oct 13, 2004
WHEN DRIVING AT HIGH SPEEDS VEHICLE VIBRATED SO HARD THAT THE DASHBOARD RATTLED. *AK
Mar 22, 2004
SERVICE ISSUE, NON-REMOVAL OF SHOCK SNUBBERS ON MAGNETIC SELECTIVE RIDE SHOCKS. *AK
Nov 08, 2003
PARKING BRAKE
4 complaints
PARKING BRAKE CABLE CORRODED AND FAILED. WENT TO APPLY PARKING BRAKE WHILE PARKED ON A HILL AND THE CABLE BROKE AT THE LEFT REAR WHEEL. THE END OF THE CABLE FELL TO THE GROUND AND CORROSION WAS VERY EVIDENT. *TR
Dec 23, 2009
(2003 CHEVY AVALANCHE 1500 ~ 67,000 MILES) 1. THIS WAS A SPONTANEOUS FAILURE - THAT IS TO SAY, THERE WAS NO EVENT LEADING UP TO IT. 2. THERE IS A SPRING-CLIP THAT RETAINS THE EMERGENCY BRAKE SHOE. THIS SPRING-CLIP (ON THE DRIVER-SIDE, REAR WHEEL) CAME APART, ALLOWING THE E-BRAKE SHOE TO COME LOOSE. THIS HAD 2 RESULTS: 1) THE E-BRAKE SHOE FELL OUT OF POSITION, WEDGED ITSELF SOMEWHERE INSIDE OF THE DRUM, AND THEN THE BRAKE-SHOE & DRUM GROUND AGAINST EACH OTHER UNTIL THEY WERE BOTH EXTENSIVELY DAMAGED AND/OR DESTROYED, 2) THE ENTIRE EMERGENCY-BRAKE SYSTEM WAS RENDERED COMPLETELY USELESS. 3. THE DAMAGE FROM THE FAILURE CAN BE REPAIRED BY REPLACING THE EMERGENCY BRAKE SHOE, BRAKE ROTOR AND SPRING-CLIP. (I WILL PRO-ACTIVELY REPLACE THE SPRING-CLIP ON THE PASSENGER SIDE WHICH HAS NOT YET FAILED). THE OLD PARTS ARE STILL AVAILABLE. I DO NOT KNOW IF THIS SPRING-CLIP HAS BEEN REDESIGNED OR NOT. *TR
Mar 28, 2009
PREMATURE EMERGENCY (PARKING BRAKE) FAILURE. *JB
Sep 05, 2005
THE POSITION AND DESIGN OF THE PARKING BRAKES COULD CAUSE SERIOUS INJURIES TO THE DRIVERS LOWER LEFT LEG IF THE VEHICLE WAS IN AN FRONTAL COLLISION. *NLM *CB *JB
Jun 26, 2003
SEATS
3 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE 1500. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE DRIVERS SEAT RECLINED INDEPENDENTLY, WHICH CAUSED THE CONTACT TO CRASH WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Jan 26, 2015
I'M BEEN HAVING MAJOR BACK PROBLEMS CAUSED BY A DEFECT IN HOW THE DRIVER'S SEAT WERE MANUFACTURED IN MY 2003 CHEVY AVALANCHE. I'M NOT ALONE; A QUICK SEARCH REVEALS THAT MANY OTHERS ARE AS WELL AND GM WILL DO LITTLE TO NOTHING TO HELP RESOLVE THESE ISSUES. HTTP://WWW.CHEVYAVALANCHEFANCLUB.COM/CAFCNA/INDEX.PHP?TOPIC=4047.15;WAP2 THE ISSUE IS THE HEAVY PIECE OF METAL THAT'S EXPOSED AS YOU ADJUST THE DRIVER'S SEAT. IT PRESSES AGAINST YOUR LEFT GLUT CAUSING GRADUAL BUT PROLONGED INJURY TO YOUR BACK, HIP, AND GLUT. RESEARCHING THIS ISSUE I'VE SEEN OTHERS ATTEMPT TO RECUSHION THEIR SEATS, WITHOUT SUCCESS. SOME THOUGHT TO SWAP THE SEAT OUT RIGHT, BUT THERE AREN'T ANY OTHER GM SEATS AVAILABLE WITH A SIMILAR WIRING HARNESS THAT WILL WORK. ADJUSTMENTS TO THE DRIVER'S SEAT IS NOT THE ISSUE I'VE TRIED SEVERAL ITERATIONS WITHOUT ANY SUCCESS. IT'S THAT HUGE CHUNK OF METAL THAT I'M FORCED TO SIT ON THAT'S CAUSING THE PROBLEM. IT WAS A POORLY CONCEIVED DESIGN AND GM SHOULD BE FORCED TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT. I'M MARRIED TO THIS VEHICLE FOR THE NEXT 11 YEARS WHETHER I LIKE IT OR NOT. WITH YOUNG ONES, I CAN'T AFFORD TO JUST BUY A NEW ONE. GM APPARENTLY SWAPS SEAT MANUFACTURES OFTEN AND PAID NO ATTENTION TO THIS ISSUE IN THE DESIGN OF THE AVALANCHE. I FEEL IT MUST BE THEIR RESPONSIBILITY TO PROPERLY SATISFY THE DAMAGE AND PAIN THEY'VE INFLICTED ON MYSELF AND OTHERS WITH SUCH A POOR DECISION. *TR
Jul 23, 2014
DRIVER'S SEAT MEMORY DOES NOT WORK. WHEN YOU GET IN AND PUT YOUR KEY IN OR PRESS THE BUTTON IT MOVES THE SEAT TO EXTREME POSITIONS. WE HAVE TAKEN IT TO DEALER AT LEAST 5 TIMES, AND THEY FINALLY TOLD US THAT WE NEED TO JUST TURN THAT (PAID FOR) OPTION OFF THERE IS NO FIX FOR IT.*AK
Apr 28, 2005
SUSPENSION,TIRES
3 complaints
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
Sep 17, 2008
THE VEHICLE WAS VERY UNSTABLE DURING CROSSWINDS WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SWAY LEFT OR RIGHT UNEXPECTEDLY. *NLM THE TIRE AIR PRESSURE WAS FOUND TO BE 4-5 P/SI LOWER THAN THE DESIGN VALVE. THE PRESSURE WAS INCREASED TO THE PROPER VALVE BROUGHT THE VEHICLE HANDLING AND THE STEERING RESPONSE BACK TO A STABLE CONDITION. *SC
Nov 25, 2003
THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE WAS MISALIGNED.*AK PH *JB
Jul 11, 2003
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
2 complaints
INSTRUMENT PANEL HAS STOPPED WORKING. NONE OF THE GAUGES WORK. START VEHICLE NO GAUGES MOVE. DRIVE AND NO GAUGES MOVE, INCLUDING SPEEDOMETER
Aug 17, 2017
I BELIEVE THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE GM KEY/IGNITION SWITCH IS MORE COMMON THEN WHAT IS BEING REPORTED. THE AVALANCHE 2003 HAS HAD THE SAME LOOSE IGNITION SWITCH FOR YEARS. OUR KEY SYSTEM HAS TO BE JIGGLED AND FORCED TO THE START POSITION 80 PERCENT OF THE TIME. THE IGNITION SWITCH WILL ALSO MOVE THE OFF POSITION WHILE THE VEHICLE IS MOVING AND THE KEY WILL FALL OUT.
Mar 12, 2014
STEERING,SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
2 complaints
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
Mar 11, 2015
PURCHASED A USED 2003 CHEVY AVALANCHE AT A DEALERSHIP IN FEB 2006 UPON SERVICING THE VEHICLE TWO MONTHS LATER WAS TOLD THAT THE CAR HAD EXTENSIVE UNDER CARRIAGE RUST. THIS CAR ORIGINATED IN MICHIGAN BUT I AM WONDERING IF IT WAS A KATRINA VEHICLE DURING AUCTION? RECENTLY HAD PROBLEMS WITH U-JOINTS WHICH HAD TO BE REPLACED. GM MECHANIC SAYS THE RUST IS EXTENSIVE AND CAUSED THIS PROBLEM IT WILL NEED A LUBE KIT TO RE-LUBE ALL THE MECHANICS UNDER THE TRUCK. NONE OF THIS UNDER CARRIAGE BODY RUST WAS DISCLOSED TO US UPON PURCHASING THE VEHICLE IN FACT THE DEALER TOLD US HE ONLY GETS THE BEST USED VEHICLES. THERE IS ALSO A PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING COLUMN WHICH MAKES A CLUNKING NOISE WHEN TURNING THE WHEEL - THE MECHANIC AT THE GM DEALERSHIP SAYS THIS IS A KNOW PROBLEM. *NM
Jun 01, 2006
ENGINE
2 complaints
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
Mar 27, 2014
FOR THE LAST YEAR OR SO MY 2003 CHEVY AVALANCHE HAS HAD AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM OF THROTTLING DOWN WHEN I HIT ABOUT 60 MPH. THE ERROR WORDS POP UP OF "REDUCED ENGINE POWER" AND I HAVE TO PULL OVER (AFTER NEGOTIATING HIGHWAY TRAFFIC TO GET TO SHOULDER WITH NO POWER) AND TURN ENGINE OFF AND LET IT SIT FOR A FEW MINUTES BEFORE STARTING IT. SOMETIMES IT DOES IT MULTIPLE TIMES IN THE FIRST HOUR OF DRIVING. SEEMS TO DO IT MORE WHEN THE WEATHER IS COLDER THAN WHEN HOT. *TR
Feb 26, 2014
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2 complaints
I RECEIVED A LETTER FROM CHEVROLET STATING "THIS LETTER IS INTENDED TO MAKE YOU AWARE THAT YOUR VEHICLE COULD DEVELOP A CONDITION WHERE ONE OR MORE OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL GAUGE NEEDLES MAY STICK, FLUTTER, OR BECOME INOPERATIVE. THIS MAY CAUSE INACCURATE READINGS, INCLUDING THE SPEEDOMETER AND THE FUEL GAUGE" THE LETTER CONTINUES TO STATE THAT "GENERAL MOTORS IS PROVIDING SPECIAL COVERAGE THAT EXTENDS THE WARRANTY" IF "YOUR 2003 CHEVROLET MODEL YEAR CHEVROLET TAHOE WITHIN 7 YEARS OF THE DATE" OR "70,000 MILES". MY CHEVROLET TAHOE HAS BOTH THESE ISSUES. THEY STARTED ABOUT TWO WEEKS BEFORE I RECEIVED THE LETTER. WHAT I DON'T UNDERSTAND AND WOULD LIKE A RESPONSE FROM GENERAL MOTORS IS WHY MY SAFETY IS NOT AN CONCERN TO THEM BECAUSE I HAVE DRIVEN MORE THAN 70,000 MILES IN MY TAHOE? I TRAVEL THROUGH A LOT OF RURAL AREAS TO WORK AND I FEEL IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO NOT RUN OUT OF GAS. I FEEL IT EQUALLY IMPORTANT TO KNOW HOW FAST I AM GOING. THE SPEEDOMETER REGISTERS THAT I AM GOING 60 OR 70 MILES PER HOUR WHEN I AM SITTING AT A RED LIGHT. WHEN I AM GOING DOWN THE ROAD IT REGISTERS THAT I AM GOING OVER 120 MILES PER HOUR. THIS IS ANOTHER SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE I DON'T KNOW HOW FAST I AM GOING. NOT TO MENTION THE POTENTIAL FOR SPEEDING TICKETS. I WOULD LIKE TO THINK THAT GENERAL MOTORS CARES ABOUT THEIR CUSTOMERS SAFETY REGARDLESS OF HOW MANY MILES THEY HAVE DRIVEN. THESE GAUGES ARE VERY EXPENSIVE TO HAVE REPLACED AND THEY ARE A SAFETY HAZARD. NOT BEING ABLE TO MONITOR YOUR RATE OF SPEED OR BE AWARE IF YOU HAVE ENOUGH GAS TO GET HOME ARE SAFETY ISSUES TO ME FOR MY HEALTH AS WELL AS MY PEACE OF MIND AND I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHY GENERAL MOTORS DOESN'T FEEL RESPONSIBLE FOR CORRECTING THIS DEFAULT THEY ARE AWARE FOR ALL THEIR TAHOE OWNERS. I HAVE A COMPLAINT WITH THE GENERAL MOTORS ANSWER CALL CENTER BUT HAVE NOT RECEIVED A RESPONSE. *TR
Dec 06, 2007
2003 CHEVY AVALANCHE SPEEDOMETER FAILS. FUEL GAUGE FAILS. NO WAY TO KNOW HOW FAST YOU ARE GOING. DON'T KNOW HOW MUCH FUEL IS IN VEHICLE. HAVE TO RESET SYSTEM NUMEROUS TIMES THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. DEALER QUOTED $700.00 PLUS TO FIX. PROBLEM STARTED SOON AFTER WARRANTY EXPIRED. TOO MANY FAILURE INSTANCES TO RECALL ACCURATELY. *TR
Jun 03, 2007
STEERING,EQUIPMENT
2 complaints
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.
Nov 03, 2006
THE STEERING GEAR BOX APPEARS TO BE LOOSE, VEHICLES UNDER WARRANTY ARE GETTING REPAIRED BUT THOSE OUT OF WARRANTY ARE NOT. WHEN I HAD THE TAILGATE HINGES REPLACED, THE DEALER EXPLAINED WHAT WAS WRONG WITH MY TRUCK BUT COULD NOT REPAIR IT. IT'S A NERVE RACKING VIBRATION WHICH SHOULD BE TAKEN CARE OF AND FEELS LIKE THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL ASSEMBLT IS ABOUT TO FALL OFF.*AK
Nov 19, 2004
VISIBILITY,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
2 complaints
DT: THE CONTACT HAD TWO PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE. THE FIRST ONE AFFECTED THE SPEEDOMETER GIVING FALSE READINGS. REGARDLESS OF THE SPEED, THE SPEEDOMETER READS 120 MPH. WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN PARK, OR COMPLETELY STOPPED,THE SPEEDOMETER READS 90 MPH. THE SECOND PROBLEM DEALS THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS NOT TURNING OFF INTERMITTENTLY. WHEN THIS HAPPENS SHE PULLS THE FUSE TO GET THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS TO TURN OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, BUT REPAIRS HAVE NOT BEEN MADE. *AK
Jan 03, 2006
DT: THE CONTACT HAD TWO PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE. THE FIRST PROBLEM AFFECTED THE SPEEDOMETER GIVING FALSE READINGS. REGARDLESS OF THE SPEED, THE SPEEDOMETER READS 120 MPH. WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN PARK OR COMPLETELY STOPPED THE SPEEDOMETER READS 60 MPH. THE SECOND PROBLEM INVOLVED THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS. THEY WIPE IN DIFFERENT DIRECTIONS. ONE WIPER GOES LEFT AND THE OTHER GOES RIGHT. WHEN THIS HAPPENS THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS HIT EACH OTHER IN THE MIDDLE OF THE WINDSHIELD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, BUT REPAIRS HAVE NOT BEEN MADE. *AK
Jan 03, 2006
SEAT BELTS
2 complaints
I PURCHASED A PRE-OWNED 2003 CAVALIER LS EARLIER THIS YEAR. ON A REGULAR BASIS, THE DRIVERS SEAT BELT SLIPS OUT OF THE LOOP ON THE TOP OF THE SEAT THAT IS SUPPOSED TO HOLD IT, WHILE I AM BUCKLING UP, AND SMACKS ME IN THE NECK. SOMETIMES I DRIVE WITH IT THIS WAY, BUT WAS SINCE TOLD BY MY MECHANIC THAT I SHOULDN'T BECAUSE THE SEAT BELT IS NOT DOING ITS JOB EFFECTIVELY THAT WAY. THE LATEST TIME BEING TODAY, BUT THIS HAS HAPPENED EVER SINCE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. THE NUMBER OF FAILURES I HAVE BELOW IS 15, BUT THIS IS JUST AN ESTIMATE. *JB
Dec 13, 2005
DT: CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER ON 7-25-05 CONCERNING SEAT BELTS. NO RECALL NUMBER WAS AVAILABLE. SHE CALLED THE DEALER TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT, AND COULD NOT REACH ANYONE BY TELEPHONE. SHE WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP, AND THEY TOLD HER SHE COULD BRING CAR IN THE NEXT MORNING AND PICK IT UP BY LUNCH TIME. SHE DID NOT THINK THIS WAS ACCEPTABLE BECAUSE THE RECALL LETTER SAID IT SHOULD ONLY TAKE 15 MINUTES TO DO THE REPAIR WORK. SHE FELT SHE WAS DISCRIMINATED AGAINST. CONTACT TOOK THE CAR TO ANOTHER DEALER, AND HE MADE AN APPOINTMENT TO BRING THE CAR IN ON 7-27-05 AT 10:00 AM. *AK
Jul 26, 2005
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
SERVICE LIGHT DOSE NOT COME ON WHEN MY TRUCK WON'T NOT STARTED UP UNTIL I GOT IT TOWED
May 03, 2021
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
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
Jan 07, 2021
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 complaint
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.
Dec 23, 2020
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
THE ENGINE LIGHT HAS COME ON FOR THE SECOND TIME SAYING THAT IS A VACUUM LEAK IN THE FUEL CAP I REPLACE THE CAP
Sep 18, 2018
STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
DASHBOARD IS CRACKED ABOVE THE SPEEDOMETER. I HAVE 56000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. I OWNED A 2008 MODEL AND HAD SAME ISSUE. I THOUGHT THIS WAS ADDRESSED AND FIXED ON NEWER MODELS. I'M TOLD IT'LL COST ME $1500 TO FIX. IF THEY AREN'T GOING TO MAKE THIS GOOD I'M SWITCHING OVER TO TOYOTAS. THIS VEHICLE WAS PARKED FOR DAYS WHEN I WENT TO USE IT NOTICED THE CRACK. VERY DISSAPPOINTED!
Nov 16, 2016
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FAILED. IN ADDITION, THE DRIVER SIDE HEADLIGHT FAILED. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
Feb 19, 2016
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
1 complaint
IT STARTED WITH THE AIRBAG LIGHT, BUT NOBODY WILL OWN UP TO FIXING IT, AS WE MOVED FROM PA TO FL. THEN THE BRAKE LINES WENT, ALL OF THEM, NOW WITH THE AIRBAG ISSUE THE PCM IS SENDING ALL KINDS OF STUPID CODES LIKE THE AIRBAG ISSUE IS AFFECTING THE WHOLE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM IN THE TRUCK. *TR
Jan 27, 2015
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
I HAVE A 2003 AVALANCHE AND I'VE NOTICE THAT OTHER CHEVY AVALANCHE HAS THE SAME RUST ON THE SAME PLACE IT SEEM THAT THE BACK QUARTER PANEL IS DEFECTIVE AND THE SPEEDOMETER TOO
Dec 02, 2014
SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
THERE IS A GM RECALL #05068C- PRODUCT SAFETY- FRONT WHEEL SPEED SENSOR CORROSION. THE 2002 AVALANCHE IS LISTED, BUT MY 2003 IS NOT. I LIVE IN INDIANA, ONE OF THE STATES LISTED IN THE RECALL. MY 2003 AVALANCHE HAS THIS FAILURE AND SHOULD BE COVERED BY THE RECALL. *TR
Nov 20, 2014
SUSPENSION,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
ONE DAY WHILE DRIVING AT 55MPH THE TRUCK JUST SHUT DOWN. EVERYTHING ELECTRICAL COMPLETELY SHUT OFF. LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO CONTROL IT. I TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF AND RESTARTED IT. IT WAS FINE BUT DID IT AGAIN WHEN I STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN. IT CONTINUED TO DO IT BUT THEN JUST STOPPED. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT GOES OFF AND ON ALL THE TIME WHEN I ACCELERATE UP A HILL. THE LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD ARE DIM. EVERYTHING ON THE MIRROR COMES AND GOES. IT WILL GO MONTHS WITHOUT WORKING AND THEN COMES BACK ON. THE SUSPENSION IS TERRIBLE. FEELS LIKE IT'S GOING TO SHAKE THE WHEELS COMPLETELY OFF THE TRUCK WHEN I HIT EVEN A SMALL BUMP IN THE ROAD. I'VE ALMOST LOST CONTROL SEVERAL TIMES DUE TO IT SHAKING SO HARD. LATCH ON THE TAILGATE BROKE OFF AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. ROTOR ON BACK COMPLETELY BROKE AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. *TR
Aug 28, 2014
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
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
Aug 26, 2014
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
1 complaint
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
Jul 30, 2014
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
KEY IGNITION SWITCH IS LOOSE AND CAR WILL SHUT OFF WHILE OPERATING, KEY CAN BE PULLED OUT OF IGNITION WHILE RUNNING. IF VEHICLE SHUTS OFF WHILE OPERATING THEN YOU LOOSE CONTROL OF BRAKES, STEERING, AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS. GM IS DENYING THERE IS A PROBLEM. MY VEHICLE IS PROOF THAT THE PROBLEM EXISTS AND THE CHEVY AVALANCHE 2003 HAS A PROBLEM. *TR
Mar 28, 2014
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
1 complaint
RATTLE FORM THE A/C BELT TENSION-ER WHEN ACCELERATING. HAVE CHANGED MULTIPLE NEW TENSION-ERS AND THERE IS STILL THE RATTLE FROM THE BELT TENSIONER. I HAVE FOUND A TSB ON THE A/C COMPRESSOR THAT LEADS TO THE ISSUE. *TR
Jul 25, 2013
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,STRUCTURE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
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. THIS CAUSED MY FOOT TO BE TRAPPED BELOW THE BRAKE PEDAL BUT ATTACHED TO THE GAS PEDAL. THE VEHICLE SPUN BACK AND FORTH WHILE TRYING TO GET MY FOOT OFF THE ACCELERATOR. I HIT A TRUCK COMING FROM THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION FROM WHICH I WAS TURNING PINNING IT TO THE GUARD RAIL. ALTHOUGH BOTH TRUCKS HAD STOPPED, THE TIRES ON MY TRUCK WERE STILL SPINNING BECAUSE MY FOOT WAS STILL HOOKED ON THE ACCELERATOR AND WEDGE BELOW THE BRAKE PEDAL. ONLY AFTER I TURNED THE KEY OFF COULD I PUT THE TRUCK IN PARK. IN ORDER TO GET OUT OF MY TRUCK I HAD TO UNLACE MY SHOE AND PULL MY FOOT OUT, THEN PRY IT OFF THE SIDE OF THE ACCELERATOR, LEAVING A HOLE IN THE SIDE OF MY SHOE. *TR
Mar 20, 2013
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
MY SPEEDO AND FUEL GAUGE EITHER DO NOT WORK OR PEG OUT IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. I NEVER RECEIVED THE RECALL NOTICE FOR MY Z71 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE AND CHEVROLET IS SAYING THAT THEY PUT A LIMIT ON THE YEAR AND MILEAGE. IF I WOULD HAVE KNOWN IT WAS A RECALL I WOULD HAVE TAKEN IN MY VEHICLE TO HAVE IT FIXED FOR FREE. CHEVROLET IS SAYING I HAVE TO PAY FOR THIS.... THIS IS NOT RIGHT. *TR
Jan 15, 2013
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
1 complaint
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
Jan 30, 2012
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
I HAVE HAD SEVERAL ISSUES WITH MY 2003 CHEVORLET AVALANCHE Z71 ONLY 62,000 MILES. MY PROBLEMS STARTED AROUND 8,000 MILES WITH THE REAR BRAKES GOING BAD. I HAVE REPLACED THE FRONT AND REAR BRAKES FOUR (4) TIMES SINCE I HAVE OWNED IT. THE ABS SPEED SENSORS HAVE BEEN REPLACED ONCE AND NEED REPLACED AGAIN. THE SPEEDOMETER IS STUCK AT 120 MPH, THE U JOINTS HAVE BEEN REPLACED AND NOW THE TRANSMISSION HAS GONE OUT. I FEEL THAT CHEVORLET SHOULD FIX THESE PROBLEMS UNDER A WARRANTY/RECALL. *TR
Jan 23, 2012
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
"SERVICE ABS LIGHT COMES ON INTERMITTENTLY...DISABLING AIR BAGS! *TR
Jun 01, 2011
STEERING,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
I HAVE A 2003 AVALANCHE WITH APPROX.113000 MILES. RECENTLY WHILE DRIVING IN A MINI SHOPPING CENTER I WENT TO TURN INTO A PARKING SPOT AND MY STEERING WHEEL LOCKED ON ME. I COULD NOT MOVE MY STEERING WHEEL AT ALL. I THEN PUT MY TRUCK IN PARK AND TURNED THE IGNITION OFF AND CRANKED IT BACK UP AND MY STEERING WHEEL IMMEDIATELY UNLOCKED. ON THAT FRIDAY WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE 264E COMING OF EXIT MY STEERING LOCKED AGAIN. FORTUNATELY THERE WAS NO VEHICLE BEHIND ME, AND I WAS ABLE TO SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF AND TURN IT BACK ON TO UNLOCK THE STEERING WHEEL. ON BOTH OCCASIONS I WAS DRIVING AT TWO DIFFERENT SPEEDS. MY VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY IN THE SHOP. IS THERE A RECALL IN THE WORKS? THIS IS SO DANGEROUS.
Nov 29, 2010
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
I OWN A 2003 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE, MY SPEEDOMETER IS STUCK AT 50 MPH, I CANNOT ACCURATELY GAUGE MY SPEED, I ALSO HAVE A SERVICE AIR BAG LIGHT THAT WILL NOT GO OFF. THESE ARE SOME SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUES AND A RECALL SHOULD BE ISSUED. *TR
Aug 12, 2010
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE SPEEDOMETER SEEMED TO BE DEFECTIVE. THE SPEEDOMETER FAILED PERIODICALLY WHICH CAUSED THE CRUISE CONTROL TO FAIL. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED BUT THE DEALER, WHEN CALLED, STATED THAT THE CONTACT WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY REPAIR EXPENSES. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 130,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 155,000.
Apr 26, 2010
VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
2002-2009 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE REAR REMOVABLE WINDOW (FRAME). LOWER L/H SIDE (PASSENGER SIDE).PLASTIC FRAME SUBJECT TO SPLITTING IN TIME WITH HEAT AND SEPARATES AND PULLS AWAY EXPOSING TEMPERED GLASS.TEMPERED GLASS IS NOW IN CONTACT WITH SUPPORTING FRAME AND VULNERABLE TO SHATTERING FROM ROAD VIBRATION OR WORSE, COLLISION,THUS INJURING PASSENGER(S) INCLUDING INFANTS IN REAR SEAT .MY 2003 AVALANCHE FRAME BEGAN CRACKING EARLY 2007 AND IS NOW HAS A 1 1/2 INCH GAP.I ALONG WITH SEVERAL THOUSAND OWNERS (RESEARCH ON INTERNET), HAVE BROUGHT THIS MATTER OF DEFECTIVE MATERIALS TO GM AND CHEVROLETS ATTENTION ONLY TO BE TOLD "SORRY IT'S NOT COVERED".I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED AND RATHER ANGRY THAT GM WOULD NOT OFFER TO REPAIR OR EVEN REPLACE THESE OBVIOUSLY DEFECTIVE WINDOW FRAME ASSEMBLYS.ACCORDING TO MY RESEARCH WITH OTHER OWNERS UP TO 2009 MODEL YEAR, THIS DEFECT STILL EXISTS AND OWNERS THAT WERE FORTUNATE TO HAVE THEIRS REPLACED IF STILL UNDER WARRANTY HAVE REPORTED THAT THE REPLACEMENT HAS STARTED CRACKING JUST THE SAME! THIS IS PROOF THAT GM HAS DONE ABSOLUTELY NOTHING TO IMPROVE/REPLACE INFERIOR MATERIALS THAT MADE THIS FRAME. *TR
Feb 02, 2010
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET VENTURE. CONDENSATION ACCUMULATES INSIDE OF THE HEADLIGHTS. AFTER FUELING THE VEHICLE, SHE SMELLED A STRONG ODOR OF GASOLINE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS INTERMITTENTLY FAIL . SHE SPECULATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAS AN ELECTRICAL DEFECT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT SHE WAS NOT PROVIDED WITH ANY ASSISTANCE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 109,200 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 92,000.
Nov 06, 2009
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
1 complaint
THE ABS BRAKES SENSORS ON MY 2003 CHEVY AVALANCHE ENGAGE EVERYTIME AT THE END OF THE STOP. RECENTLY THE ABS INDICATOR LIGHT ILLUMINATES CONSTANTLY AND NOW IT VIBRATES AND CAUSES VEHICLE TO SKID. *TR
Aug 24, 2009
VISIBILITY,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
I HAVE A 2003 AVALANCHE, I ONLY HAVE HAD THE TRUCK ABOUT A YEAR. I TRUCK HAVE A SHORTAGE IN THE WINDOWS I HAVE PAID TO HAVE THE WINDOWS FIX, AFTER THEY WHERE FIX ABOUT TWO DAYS LATER THEY TELLS ME I HAVE A SHORTAGE IN SOMETHING THAT'S CAUSING MY PASSAGE WINDOWS AND SEATS TO STOP WORKING. MY WINDOWS STOP WORKING ABOUT 3 MONTHS AFTER I GOT THE TRUCK, THEY TOLD ME THAT THE WINDOWS WERE NOT UNDER WARRANTY. I NEED TO KNOW WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT THIS I HAVE TALKED TO A LOT OF PEOPLE WHO ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS. I AM SCARED THAT ITS GOING TO START A FIRE, IT KEEP SHORTEN OUT MY FUELS IN MY FUEL BOX UNDER THE HOOD. *TR
Mar 15, 2009
EQUIPMENT,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
I HAVE REPLACED THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER 4 TIMES. 2 TIMES IN 2006 AND 2 TIMES IN 2008, BECAUSE THE NEW ONES PUT IN WERE DEFECTIVE. THE CUSTOMER SHOULD IN NO WAY HAVE TO PAY FOR THIS MANUFACTURING DEFECT. THIS WAS ON A 2003 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE. *TR
Dec 14, 2008
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
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
Nov 02, 2007
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VISIBILITY
1 complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVY AVALANCHE. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH OR GREATER HE WOULD HAVE TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL TO THE FLOORBOARD TO STOP, WHICH INCREASED THE VEHICLE STOPPING DISTANCE. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THERE WAS A FLAPPING NOISE COMING FROM THE WINDSHIELD WIPER. THE DEALER TOOK THE WINDSHIELD WIPER APART AND GLUED AROUND THE SIDES, HOWEVER THE PROBLEM CONTINUED TO OCCUR. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 29,500 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,000.
Aug 10, 2007
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
1 complaint
2003 CHEVROLET CAVALIER LS SPORT BROKE DOWN ON THE HIGHWAY NEEDING A FUEL PUMP AT 67000 MILES. A VERY EXPENSIVE JOB TO BE DONE SO EARLY IN THE CAR'S LIFE. *AK
May 23, 2007
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
I HAVE A 2003 AVALANCHE AND OUT OF THE BLUE ONE DAY THE TACHOMETER STARTED SHOOTING UP TO 6000 RPMS, AND THEN THE SPEEDOMETER STARTED TICKING INSTEAD OF MOVING SMOOTHLY, AND NOW IT STAYS AT 0 ONCE I AM DRIVING FOR 5 - 10 MINUTES.*AK (1) NOT SURE WHAT LEAD TO IT.. IT JUST STARTED HAPPENING OUT OF THE BLUE (2) I CAN NOT TELL HOW FAST I AM GOING (3) NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE I HAVE SPOKEN WITH 3 PEOPLE IN MY OFFICE AND LOOKED AT FORUMS AND MANY PEOPLE ARE HAVING THIS ISSUE AND NOTHING IS BEING DONE BY GM I WILL NEVER PURCHASE ANOTHER CHEVY IF THIS ISNT RESOLVED AND I AM ONLY 25.
May 07, 2007
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,INTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
PICK A PROBLEM. PIN FROM TRANSMISSION GEARS WERE TOO SHORT FROM THE MANUFACTURER, CAUSING THE TRANSMISSION TO NOT SHIFT PROPERLY. THIS REPAIR WAS DONE AT 8000 MILES. 4 QUARTS. LOW ON OIL WITHIN MONTH OF CHANGING. NO LEAKS AND NO EXPLANATION FROM THE DEALER AS TO WHERE THE OIL WENT. A/C FUNCTIONED IMPROPERLY AFTER TRUCK SURGED AT TRAFFIC LIGHT. STILL NO EXPLANATION. REMOTE ENTRY WORKS WHEN IT WANTS TO. INTERIOR LIGHTS PULSE WHEN TRUCK IDILING. HEATER MOTOR FUNCTIONS ACCORDING TO SPEED OF VEHICLE, SLOW WHEN BRAKING AND SPEEDS UP WHEN ACCELERATING. DRIVERS POWER WINDOW STOPPED FUNCTIONING AND STARTED WORKING THE EVENING BEFORE TAKING IT TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR. POPPING NOISE FROM EXHAUST JUST AFTER STARTING AND SHUTTING OFF. FROM INSIDE THE VEHICLE WHILE RUNNING I CONTINUOUSLY HEAR COOLING FLUIDS FLOWING. SOMETIMES THE HORN DOES NOT FUNCTION WHILE THE VEHICLE IS TURNED OFF. BRAKING HAS ALWAYS BEEN A PROBLEM FROM DAY ONE. ALWAYS FEELS AS THERE ISN'T ENOUGH BRAKE PRESSURE TO STOP IN A NORMAL DISTANCE. ALONG WITH THE REMOTE ENTRY NOT WORKING THE PERSONAL PRESETS FOR DRIVER 1 MOST OF THE TIME DO NOT OPERATE WITH THE REMOTE ENTRY. I HAVE TO SELECT DRIVER 1 FROM THE INTERIOR TO ENGAGE SETTINGS. BED PLASTICS ARE FADING. BUTTONS FOR RADIO ON THE STEERING WHEEL AND RADIO ARE FLAKING. *AK
Jan 26, 2006
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY
1 complaint
WINDSHELD WIPERS WILL NOT RESPOND TO SWITCH. I'VE BEEN TOLD BY GM SERVICE MANAGERS THAT GM GOT A BATCH OF BAD MOTORS. I'VE TRIED THE 800-222-1020 NUMBER AND WAS TOLD TOUGH OUT OF WARRENTY. MY STEERING COLUMN HAS A CLICKING VIBREATING NOISE AND FEEL WHEN TURNING. I'M TOLD AGAIN BY THE SERVICE MGRS. THAT A NUMBER OF GM PRODUCTS HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM BUT IT IS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE."IT'S A LUBERCATION PROBLUM CAUSING THE NOISE AND AGAIN TOUGH. THE WIPER MOTOR COSTS $325.00 AND THE STEERING COLUMN ANOTHER $300.00. MY CAR IS 2 YEARS OLD WITH 93000 MI. THE SPARK PLUGS ARE SUPPOST TO LAST 100,000. WHY IS EVERY THING ELSE FALLING APART? I WAS TOLD THEY WOULD SEND ME A LOYAL CUSTOMER DISCOUNT FOR A NEW GM NO WAY. I'LL BUY A TOYOTA TUNDRA NEXT TIME IF I CAN'T GET SOME RESTITUTION FROM GM. *AK
Feb 18, 2005
EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
PURCHASED VEHICLE WITH ONSTAR SYSTEM. PAID OVER 800 DOLLARS FOR A SYSTEM THAT DOES NOT WORK IN ALASKA ACCORDING TO THE DEALER I JUST HAVE TO LIVE WITH IT. I CAN'T USE THE SYSTEM IN AN EMERGENCY SITUATION " WHICH HAS HAPPENED" I HAD TO FLAG SOMEONE DONE WITH A CELL PHONE AT 40 BELOW ZERO WEATHER. *NM
Jan 19, 2005
STEERING,AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
AIR BAGS DO NOT WORK. AIR BAG LIGHT COMES ON. VEHICLE IS BEING TAKEN TO THE MANUFACTURER FOR INVESTIGATION AND REPAIR.*AK THE VEHICLE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE AIR CONDITIONING AND THE POWER STEERING MADE A SQUEALING NOISE. THE RUNNING BOARDS FELL OFF OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER HEARD A CLUNK IN THE TRANSMISSION. THE 4X4 LIGHT COMES ON INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THERE WAS A FLUID LEAK IN THE ENGINE. THE AIR BAG LIGHT COMES ON INTERMITTENTLY. AFTER 7.5 MONTHS OF HAVING REPAIRS DONE ON HIS VEHICLE THE CONSUMER WOULD LIKE TO CLASSIFY IT UNDER THE LEMON LAW. *TC
Dec 07, 2004
POWER TRAIN,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
THE TRUCK CONTINUED TO SHAKE WHEN DEPRESSING THE GAS PEDAL. TURNS OUT THE TRANSMISSION WAS MESSED UP. THE DEALER FOUND LOTS OF METAL IN THE PAN. REBUIT THE BROKEN PARTS @ 15,000 MILES NOT A NEW ONE JUST REBUILT. *AK
Jun 09, 2004
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING MY 2003 CHEV AVALANCHE DOWN A HILL I REALIZED THAT WHEN I STEPPED ON MY BRAKES, THEY WENT TO THE FLOOR, THE VEHICLE SLOWED DOWN, BUT VERY SLOWLY. I HAVE TOWED MY BOAT WITH THIS VEHICLE IN THE PAST AND I THOUGHT THAT IT WAS HAVING A HARD TIME SLOWING DOWN. I'M AFFRAID THAT IF I HAVE TO STOP QUICKLY THE BRAKES WILL NOT STOP THE VEHICLE IN TIME. I AM A STATE TROOPER AND I AM VERY FAMILLIAR WITH THE BRAKING SYSTEMS TO INCLUDE ABS. I ONLY HAVE 9000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE AND THIS SHOULDN'T BE HAPPENING. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL GM DEALERSHIP FOR SEVERAL REPAIRS, I REQUESTED THEM TO CHECK THE BRAKES. I WAS ADVISED BY THE SERVICE MGR THAT THE BRAKES WERE WITHIN GM SPECS. I ASKED HIM WHAT THAT MEANT? HE SAID THAT HE HAD HAD A LADY COME IN SEVERAL WEEKS AGO COMPLAINING OF THE SAME THING AND BECAUSE SHE WOULDN'T GO AWAY HE CONTACTED THE GM ENGINEERS, THEY CAME OUT AND INSPECTED HER BRAKES, THEY TOLD HIM THAT HER BRAKES WERE WITHIN SPECS AND THEY WOULDN'T DO ANYTHING. HE THEN TOLD ME THAT MY BRAKES WERE BETTER THAN HER'S. I ASKED HIM WHAT HE MEANT BY THAT, HE SAID THAT IF HER BRAKES WERE OK THEN MY BRAKES WOULD BE WITHIN SPECS. I TOLD HIM THAT I WASN'T SATISFIED WITH THE WAY THE BRAKES WORKED AND THAT I WANTED HIM TO MAKE A NOTE OF MY DIS-SATISFACTION. HE NEVER WROTE THIS ON MY INVOICE. THE SECOND COMPLAINT IS THAT I HAD ADVISED THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT OF A PROBLEM WITH THE REMOTE CONTROLED OUTSIDE MIRRORS. THEY WERE NOT WORKING THE WAY THEY WERE DESIGNED. I WAS ADVISED THAT IT WAS OPERATOR ERROR. I TOLD THEM THAT I WAS VERY CAPABLE OF READING AND SETTING THE OPERATOR PREFERENCES. I TOLD HIM THAT THIS WAS THE SECOND TIME THAT THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN TO A GM DEALERSHIP FOR THE OUTSIDE MIRRORS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. I HAVE READ ON YOU SERVICE BULLETIN WEB SITE THAT THEIR HAD BEEN ONE ISSUED FOR THIS TYPE OF PROBLEM. I AM ALSO HAVING A PROBLEM WITH THE ALARM SYSTEM, IT DOESN'T SET PROPERLY, THEY AGAIN ADVISED ME THAT IT WAS OPERATOR ERROR. *AK
Apr 19, 2004
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
1 complaint
2003 CHEVROLETR AVALANCHE, TAILGATE OPENS BY ITSELF. THIS HAPPENED REPEATEDLY IN COLDER TEMPERATURES TAILGATE LATCHES HAD TO BE MANUALLY OPENED TO GET TAILGATE TO SHUT AFTER A FEW DAYS TAILGATE WOULD DROP AGAIN. THIS HAPPENED CONTINUALLY DURING WINTER MONTHS.*AK
Mar 29, 2004
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
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. DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE OR CORRECT THE PROBLEM.*AK
Dec 15, 2003
Where to Find VIN for Problems Check
To check for problems and complaints on your 2003 CHEVROLET Avalanche, you'll need the VIN number. Find your VIN in one of these 4 common locations.
Understanding VIN Structure for Problem Reports
Each character in your 2003 CHEVROLET Avalanche 17-digit VIN helps identify specific complaints and problems affecting your vehicle model.
How to Check 2003 CHEVROLET Avalanche Problems in 3 Steps
1
Locate Your VIN
Find the 17-character VIN on your 2003 CHEVROLET Avalanche dashboard (visible through windshield), door jamb, engine bay, or vehicle documents.
2
Review by Component
Browse owner-reported complaints organized by vehicle component (engine, transmission, brakes, electrical) to identify common issues and problem patterns for this model year.
3
Check Safety Issues
Review crash and fire incidents for each component to assess safety concerns. Contact your CHEVROLET dealer or report problems to NHTSA at SaferCar.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many problems does the 2003 CHEVROLET Avalanche have?
The 2003 CHEVROLET Avalanche currently has 422 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.
What are the most common problems with 2003 CHEVROLET Avalanche?
The most common problems reported for the 2003 CHEVROLET Avalanche are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.
Where does this 2003 CHEVROLET Avalanche problem data come from?
All problem and complaint data for the 2003 CHEVROLET Avalanche comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.
How do I report problems with my 2003 CHEVROLET Avalanche?
You can report safety problems with your 2003 CHEVROLET Avalanche directly to NHTSA at SaferCar.gov or call 1-888-327-4236. Your complaint helps identify patterns and may lead to recalls or investigations.
Where can I find my VIN to check problems?
Your 2003 CHEVROLET Avalanche VIN is located in 4 places: (1) Dashboard near windshield on driver's side, (2) Driver's door jamb sticker, (3) Engine bay, (4) Vehicle registration and insurance documents.
Is the 2003 CHEVROLET Avalanche reliable?
Reliability can be assessed by reviewing the number and severity of owner complaints for the 2003 CHEVROLET Avalanche. Check complaints by component, crash reports, and fire incidents above to evaluate potential issues and problem patterns.
Other Years - CHEVROLET Avalanche Problems
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2008
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2006
2005
2004
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