Owners have filed 238 complaints
about the 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche with NHTSA between 2003 and 2016.
The largest single group is the brakes.
Across this model's run it ranks 4 of 12 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 58
Against the median year of the Chevrolet Avalanche. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 39
7.6% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 46
27% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2003 compares with every other Chevrolet Avalanche
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
42.2%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
189.8%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
158.2%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
3217.4%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
3116.8%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
2614.1%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
4122.3%
150,000+ miles
179.2%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
These stars come from the pre-2011 crash test programme. NHTSA
rebuilt the programme for the 2011 model year and states that
ratings either side of that change are not comparable — so do
not read these against a 2011-or-newer car's stars.
Frontal crash test
Photographs taken by NHTSA during its own New Car Assessment Program crash
tests of this model year. Public domain.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2003 Chevrolet Avalanche 4-DR. w/SAB
—
—
—
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Mar 2003peak 13Apr 2016
NHTSA investigations into the 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
PE10010Opened 30 Mar 2010Closed 5 Jan 2011SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Brake line corrosion failure
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received Defect Petition DP10-003 on March 2, 2010, requesting the investigation of model year (MY) 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD 4WD pickup trucks for corrosion failures of the vehicle brake lines.DP10-003 was granted and on March 30, 2010, Preliminary Evaluation PE10-010 was opened on more than six million model year 1999 through 2003 light trucks and sport utility vehicles manufactured and sold by General Motors Corporation (GM).On July 2, 2010, ODI received GM's response to an information request, which included GM's assessment of the frequency a...
DP05009Opened 20 Dec 2005Closed 31 May 2006PARKING BRAKE:CONVENTIONAL
PARKING BRAKE FAILURE
ODI'S REVIEW OF COMPLAINT DATA RECEIVED SINCE THE CLOSE OF EA04-011 REVEALED NO INDICATION THAT THE INVESTIGATION SHOULD BE RE-OPENED.MORE DETAILS CAN BE FOUND IN THE FEDERAL REGISTER NOTICE ENCLOSED IN THE DP05-009 PUBLIC FILE.ODI RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REOPEN THE INVESTIGATION IN THE FUTURE SHOULD CONDITIONS WARRANT.
EA04012Opened 30 Apr 2004Closed 28 Feb 2005SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST
HYDRAULIC PUMP FAILRES
GM IS CONDUCTING A RECALL ON ALL SUBJECT VEHICLES BUILD BETWEEN MAY 1999 AND OCTOBER 14, 1999.SIGNIFICANT CHANGES WERE INCORPORATED INTO PRODUCTION IN EARLY OCTOBER 1999, AND VEHICLES BUILT AFTER THAT DATE HAVE LOWER WARRANTY FAILURE RATES.THE COMPLAINT AND WARRANTY DATA APPEAR TO SUPPORT THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THESE CHANGES. GM MADE ADDITIONAL CHANGES IN NOVEMBER 1999, FEBRUARY 2000, MAY 2001, AND FEBRUARY 2004.ODI WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THIS PROBLEM AND WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION, IF WARRANTED, IN THE FUTURE.FOR FURTHER TECHNICAL DETAILS SEE THE ATTACHED ENGINEERING ANALYSIS REPORT.
EA04005Opened 19 Feb 2004Closed 28 Sep 2004LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TAILGATE:LATCH
TAILGATE CABLE BREAKAGE
GENERAL MOTORS FILED A DEFECT NOTICE 04V-129 ON MARCH 17, 2004, WHICH OUTLINES A PROGRAM TO REPLACE THE TAILGATE CABLES INSTALLED IN AFFECTED MODEL YEAR 2000-2004 VEHICLES.REFER TO ODI'S CLOSING REPORT FOR EA04-005 FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.ODI IS AWARE OF REPORTS OF TAILGATE CABLE BREAKAGE OCCURRING IN MODEL YEAR 1999 AND EARLIER VEHICLES.THESE VEHICLES WERE EQUIPPED WITH SIMILAR TAILGATE CABLES AS ADDRESSED BY 04V-129, BUT ARE NOT BEING ADDRESSED BY CAMPAIGN O4V-129.ODI IS INITIATING A SEPARATE INVESTIGATION TO ADDRESS THESE VEHICLES.THE COMPLAINT-INJURY-FATALITY STATISTICS SUMMARIZED ABOVE...
Recalls on the 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2011074190,310 units in Canada
Heater And Defroster
On certain vehicles, the interface between the electrical terminals of the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) blower relay resistor module and the wiring connector (which powers the module) may be incapable of conducting higher current levels for sustained periods of operation. In addition, moisture and other contaminants (such as road de-icing materials) may enter the fresh air intake plenum and contact the internal circuit of the module or corrode the terminals. These conditions may cause the relay resistor module or wiring connector to overheat, causing various symptoms such as: the HVAC blower may not function on certain or all blower speed settings; a burning-plastic smell or smoke may be present in the vehicle, or; the HVAC blower may run continually with the ignition in the OFF position. These warning signs could, in certain instances, be leading indicators of an impending vehicle fire, which could result in property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Owners will be provided with additional warranty coverage for the blower motor resistor module/wiring connector overheating condition. Under this "special warranty coverage", should this condition occur within 10 years or 240,000 km from first vehicle registration, dealers will install a replacement blower motor resistor and resistor module connector.
Recall 200511973,473 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
On certain vehicles, the 2nd row centre occupant seat belt routing may make it difficult to position the lap portion of the safety belt low around the hips of occupants. A lap portion of the seat belt routing that is not low and snug on the hips can allow unfavourable occupant kinetics in the event of a crash. Moreover, the higher routing allows 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. Correction: Dealers will modify the guide loop.
Recall 2004102301,974 units in Canada
Other
On certain vehicles, the galvanized-braided-steel tailgate support cables used to support the tailgate in the full open (horizontal) position can corrode over time and fracture when loads are applied to them. Tailgate support cable corrosion may not be visible because of the plastic sheathing covering the cable. If one cable fractured, the remaining cable may retain the tailgate in a horizontal position. If the remaining cable was weakened by corrosion, it could fracture within moments of the first cable fracture. If both cables fractured, the tailgate would suddenly drop approximately 10 degrees and strike the top surface of the rear bumper. If anyone is sitting or standing on the horizontal surface of the tailgate when both cables fracture, they could fall and be injured. On vehicles without a rear bumper, the tailgate may drop to a lower position. Correction: Dealers will replace the existing galvanized support cables with stainless steel support cables.
Recall 20040374,075 units in Canada
Brakes
On certain vehicles, the relief valve o-ring seal within the brake hydro-boost module could fail. If this happens during braking applications, the driver may be able to hear an engine compartment noise similar to the sound that occurs when the steering wheel is turned to a full stop position. The driver could also experience a slight increase in steering efforts while braking and parking. Under certain driving conditions, a slight increase in the applied brake pedal effort may be required to achieve the same vehicle deceleration rate as prior to the seal failure. Correction: Dealers will inspect the hydro-boost module, and replace it, if necessary.
Recall 200306343,000 units in Canada
Label
On certain vehicles, the following statements were omitted from the SIR caution label: "Never put a rear-facing child seat in the front" for the vehicles without an air bag switch or "Never put a rear-facing child seat in the front unless air bag is off" for vehicles with an air bag switch and "Sit far back as possible from the air bag". The statements are printed in the Owner's Manual. Correction: None required as instructions are in the owners manual and this is well known by the public.
Recall 2003019383 units in Canada
Fuel System
On certain 2500 series vehicles, a tear could develop in the mid-frame cross member at its attachment to the left frame rail during a 30 degree left angle frontal impact of sufficient severity. If the mid-frame cross member tears during frontal impact and produces a sharp edge, contact of the sharp edge with the fuel tank may result in a puncture of the fuel tank and possible fuel leakage. If a sufficient amount of fuel were to leak out and if an ignition source were present, a vehicle fire could occur. Correction: Dealer will install a fuel tank shield.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Green BAY, WICrash
SEATS
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.
NHTSA complaint #10678976 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 99,000 milesEast Syracuse, NYCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
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.
NHTSA complaint #10676203 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Columbia, MD1 injured
SEATS
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.
NHTSA complaint #10615537 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,000 milesPensacola, FLCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
DRIVING WENT TO STOP DIDN'T HAVE ANY BRAKES I REPLACE ALL THE BRAKE LINES AND REPLACE BUMPER LIGHTS COST ABOUT 4, 000.00 THE ABS WENT OUT WHICH IS NOT FIX.
NHTSA complaint #10515081 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 117,000 milesPainesville, OHCrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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.
NHTSA complaint #10318177 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 149,000 milesGlen ST. Mary, FLCrash
AIR BAGS
TRAVELING AT 55 MPH AND REAR-ENDED A TOWED VEHICLE WITHOUT LIGHTS. DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY.
NHTSA complaint #10213056 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 170,000 milesWesterville, OH
SERVICE BRAKES
MY 17 YEAR OLD SON WAS ON THE FREEWAY AND THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELLED ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR WHILE ATTEMPTING TO STOP. THE SERVICE BRAKE SYSTEM LIGHT CAME ON AT THE SAME TIME. STOPPING DISTANCE WAS INCREASED DRAMATICALLY, BY AT LEAST DOUBLE. IF THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN A CURVE OR CAR IN FRONT OF HIM THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN AN ACCIDENT. PARKED THE TRUCK UNTIL IT COULD BE INSPECTED AND FOUND A LEAK UNDER DRIVER SIDE FRONT DOOR. ALL OF THE MAIN BRAKE PIPES WERE RUSTED AND FRAGILE. TAKING TRUCK TO DEALERSHIP TO HAVE ALL BRAKE PIPES REPLACED WITH KIT MENTIONED IN (TSB) 13-05-22-001. I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED THAT GM IS FIGHTING A RECALL BY SIGHTING THE FACT THAT THERE ARE TWO DIFFERENT BRAKE SYSTEMS AND IT IS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE. WHAT IF THE RUSTED BRAKE LINES FOR BOTH SYSTEMS FAILED. AT THE VERY LEAST IT SEEMS THAT HAVING YOUR STOPPING DISTANCE INCREASE BY ALMOST DOUBLE WITH OUT WARNING IS A SAFETY ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #10855523 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesBaldwin Park, CA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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.
NHTSA complaint #10837117 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesBaldwin Park, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #10837117 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 179,000 milesCape Carteret, NC
SERVICE BRAKES
BRAKE LINE FAILURE: I HAD A RUPTURED STEEL BREAK LINE FAILURE WHILE APPLYING NORMAL BREAKING PRESSURE ON THE PEDAL. AFTER FURTHER INSPECTION OF BREAK LINES, I FOUND ALL BREAK LINES WERE RUSTED AND IN DANGER OF ALSO RUPTURE.
NHTSA complaint #10747108 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 181,062 milesOklahoma City, OK
STEERING
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.
NHTSA complaint #10725848 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesGreene, NY
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE BRAKE PEDAL EXTENDED TO THE FLOOR WHEN IT WAS DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE BRAKE LINES NEAR THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR WERE RUSTED AND CORRODED, AND BRAKE FLUID HAD LEAKED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE BRAKE LINES HAD BEEN PREVIOUSLY REPLACED ON THE VEHICLE DUE TO RUSTING AND CORROSION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
NHTSA complaint #10723547 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 115,000 milesNorthfield, OH
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES
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.
NHTSA complaint #10701341 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesInman, SC
SERVICE BRAKES
VEHICLE EXPERIENCED COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURE UPON SLOWING FOR A TRAFFIC LIGHT. THIS WAS COMPOUNDED BY THE DOWNHILL ORIENTATION OF THE ROAD SURFACE. LEFT ROADWAY TO AVOID COLLISION WITH TRACTOR-TRAILER. THERE WAS NO WARNING OR INDICATION OF AN IMPENDING BRAKE FAILURE. NO INDICATION THAT ANY PART OF THE BRAKING SYSTEM WAS STILL FUNCTIONING. IT WAS DISCOVERED UPON INSPECTION THAT THE BRAKE LINES WERE EXCESSIVELY CORRODED COMPARED WITH OTHER BODY AND ENGINE COMPONENTS. METAL COMPOSITION OF BRAKE TUBING SEEMS VERY PRONE TO CORROSION. COMPLETE BRAKE LINE REPLACEMENT OF THE ENTIRE SYSTEM IS NOW NECESSARY.
NHTSA complaint #10691263 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 96,522 milesNorth Royalton, OH
SERVICE BRAKES
THE REAR BRAKE LINE BURST CATASTROPHICALLY AND MY BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. I WAS COMING UP TO STOPPED CARS AT AN INTERSECTION AND HAD TO SWERVE INTO THE ONCOMING LANE TO AVOID REAR ENDING ANOTHER TRUCK. LUCKILY THERE WERE NO CARS IN THE LANE AT THE TIME. I THEN HAD TO MAKE A SHARP TURN INTO A SHOPPING CENTER PARKING LOT TO AVOID RUNNING THROUGH THE INTERSECTION (WHICH DID HAVE TRAFFIC). I HAD ZERO BRAKING POWER WHATSOEVER. I TRIED PUSHING DOWN THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AND IT HAD NO EFFECT ( I LATER FOUND THAT THE EMERGENCY BRAKE LINES WERE FROZEN IN A LARGE CHUNK OF ICE NEAR THE DRIVERS SIDE REAR WHEEL AND WOULD NOT MOVE). THE PICKUP BED DRAINS DOWN ONTO THE LOWER FRAME IN THIS AREA AND THAT ACCOUNTED FOR THE ICE BUILDUP. I CONTINUED THROUGH THE SHOPPING CENTER PARKING LOT AND ALL I COULD TO WAS DOWNSHIFT TO SLOW MYSELF DOWN. LUCKY AGAIN...THE PARKING LOT WAS NEARLY EMPTY AND VERY LONG. AFTER ABOUT 4-500 FT I WAS GOING SLOW ENOUGH THAT I WAS ABLE TO JAM THE TRANSMISSION INTO PARK. THERE WAS NO WARNING OF THIS FAILURE. THE LINES WERE NOT LEAKING. I HAVE NOW READ ONLINE THAT GM HAS HAD MANY COMPLAINTS OF RUSTED LINES ON THEIR PICKUPS SUDDENLY FAILING. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A LIFE THREATENING SITUATION. BRAKE LINES SHOULD NOT SUDDENLY FAIL. THEY SHOULD LAST THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE. NON-CORROSIVE NICKLE COPPER BRAKE LINES EXIST THAT DO NOT RUST. THESE SHOULD BE MANDATORY ON ALL VEHICLES.
NHTSA complaint #10690668 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 119,400 milesCape Coral, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #10679203 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 119,400 milesCape Coral, FL
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #10679203 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 119,400 milesCape Coral, FL
SERVICE BRAKES
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.
NHTSA complaint #10679203 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Green BAY, WICrash
SEATS
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.
NHTSA complaint #10678976 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 99,000 milesEast Syracuse, NYCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
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.
NHTSA complaint #10676203 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 99,000 milesHobart, IN
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO STOP THE VEHICLE, THE ABS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE LINES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,000.
NHTSA complaint #10672249 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,000 milesANN Arbor, MI
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #10663469 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesANN Arbor, MI
SERVICE BRAKES
BRAKES WOULD NOT HOLD VEHICLE STATIONARY AT A STOP SIGN/LIGHT (NO LIGHT ON DASH). UPON INVESTIGATION A BRAKE LINE HAS RUSTED THROUGH AND BRAKE FLUID COVERING UNDERSIDE OF VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10663459 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Washington, DC
STRUCTURE:BODY
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
NHTSA complaint #10661665 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Washington, DC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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
NHTSA complaint #10661665 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 159,000 milesFairmount, IN
SUSPENSION
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.
NHTSA complaint #10659652 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 159,000 milesFairmount, IN
SERVICE BRAKES
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.
NHTSA complaint #10659652 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 119,400 milesCape Coral, FL
AIR BAGS
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.
NHTSA complaint #10643870 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 143,053 milesMunfordville, KY
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT THE BRAKES FAILED TO RESPOND. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT BRAKE FLUID WAS LEAKING AND THE BRAKE LINES WERE CORRODED AND FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 143,053.
NHTSA complaint #10643784 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 81,416 milesSleepy Hollow, NY
AIR BAGS
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.
NHTSA complaint #10641488 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,509 milesAkron, OH
SERVICE BRAKES
DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT TO BACK BRAKE LINE CORRODED AND LEAKED ALL BRAKE FLUID CAUSING AN INABILITY TO STOP. THE BRAKE INDICATOR LIGHT DID NOT COME ON UNTIL ALL FLUID WAS GONE AND NORMAL BRAKING ABILITY WAS LOSS. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION ALL BRAKE LINES ARE SEVERELY CORRODED.
NHTSA complaint #10641505 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
