2003 Chevrolet Avalanche problems
Owners have filed 238 complaints about the 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche with NHTSA. Service brakes account for 21.4% of them — narrowly the most common, ahead of electrical system at 18.1%.
Complaints238
Crashes11
Fires2
Injuries7
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Service brakes 21.4% · 51
Electrical system 18.1% · 43
Service brakes, hydraulic 11.3% · 27
Power train 5.9% · 14
Air bags 5.9% · 14
Vehicle speed control 4.6% · 11
Visibility 4.6% · 11
Structure 3.8% · 9
Severity
Of those complaints, 11 describe a crash, 2 describe a fire and 7 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 8 model years of the Chevrolet Avalanche in this data, 2003 sits 4th by complaint volume. 2002 draws the most.
Filing volume has held steady, 45 in the last three years against 46 in the three before.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 65,101 miles.
In owners' own words
My son was driving home from ice fishing , on a hilly and curvy road when the brakes failed. He had no brakes at all , he avoid a few tree before smashing into a smaller tree just missing were his friend was seated.The truck has been very well taken care of and was in great condition. I had the truck towed to a chevy dealer were it has about $5000 dollars in damage. I just glad my son and his didn't get hurt. Service brakes · reported at 99,000 miles
Brakes failed due to a rusted brake pipe while driving home from work. Luckily I was on my street and traveling just under 25 mph. After inspection of the under side of vehicle I discovered not one but, two leaks. I do expect some issues with a vehicle my age and mileage but, not a total brake failure. I did contact the dealer for replacement parts just to learn that the parts have been discontinue. Service brakes · reported at 154,798 miles
The contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche. The contact stated that while driving 5 mph, the brake warning light illuminated. The contact applied the brakes, but the pedal depressed to the floor. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer and they stated that all the brake lines were rusted and fractured. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 130,000. Service brakes · reported at 130,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…