Recalls
4campaigns
1 seat belt · 1 structure · 1 brake
Source: NHTSA
Complaints
395filed
Owner reports, 2000–2009 shown
Source: NHTSA ODI
Fuel economy
14mpg combined
$4,665/yr at this week's prices
Source: EPA · EIA
Specs
5.3 L 8-cyl· 4-speed automatic
6 engine and transmission configurations
Source: NHTSA vPIC
Recalls (4)
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche. Check whether yours was repaired with NHTSA's free VIN lookup ↗
Only NHTSA and your automaker know whether your specific car was repaired. PlainVIN shows every recall campaign listed for a model year, with the official text and how many cars have been fixed so far.
Check on NHTSA ↗Listed for 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche. Not checked against your VIN.
SEAT BELT ROUTING
Seat belts · rear/other
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- ON CERTAIN CREW CAB PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE 2ND ROW CENTER OCCUPANT SEAT BELT ROUTING MAY MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO POSITION THE LAP PORTION OF THE SAFETY BELT LOW AROUND THE HIPS OF OCCUPANTS, ESPECIALLY SMALLER OCCUPANTS, SEATED IN THIS POSITION. APPROPRIATE USE OF A CHILD SEAT OR BOOSTER SEAT, AS RECOMMENDED FOR SMALL CHILDREN, DOES IMPROVE THE FIT CONDITION FOR THIS USER GROUP. IN ADDITION TO INSTRUCTIONS ON PROPER INFANT AND YOUNG CHILD RESTRAINT (WITH CHILD SEATS OR BOOSTERS), SPECIAL VERBIAGE FOR RESTRAINING OLDER CHILD IS INCLUDED IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL. ALSO, THE SUGGESTED SEAT BELT FIT/ROUTING FOR ADULTS, IRRESPECTIVE OF SEATING POSITION, IS DESCRIBED IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL TEXT.
- Consequence
- A LAP PORTION OF THE SEAT BELT ROUTING THAT IS NOT LOW AND SNUG ON THE HIPS CAN ALLOW THE LAP BELT TO RIDE UP ON AN OCCUPANT'S ABDOMEN INSTEAD OF FITTING LOW AROUND THEIR HIPBONES, AND THEREFORE, CAN EXPOSE THEM TO MORE RISK OF ABDOMINAL AND INTERNAL ORGAN INJURY.
- Remedy
- DEALERS WILL CUT OPEN THE GUIDE LOOP, REMOVE A PORTION OF THE LOOP, AND THEN THE REMAINING TWO SIDES SHOULD BE FOLDED OVER AND SECURED WITH A RETAINER FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 21, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, OR HUMMER AT 1-800-732-5493.
Repair progress not yet reported1,359,824 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 05V163000
Listed for 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche. Not checked against your VIN.
GM/TAILGATE SUPPORT CABLE
Structure · body · tailgate · hinge and attachments
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE GALVANIZED STEEL TAILGATE SUPPORT CABLES THAT RETAIN THE TAILGATE IN THE FULL OPEN (HORIZONTAL) POSITION MAY CORRODE, WEAKEN, AND EVENTUALLY FRACTURE. IF BOTH CABLES FRACTURED, THE TAILGATE WOULD SUDDENLY DROP AND STRIKE THE TOP SURFACE OF THE REAR BUMPER.
- Consequence
- ANYONE SITTING OR STANDING ON THE HORIZONTAL SURFACE OF THE TAILGATE WHEN BOTH CABLES FRACTURED COULD BE INJURED BY FALLING FROM THE TAILGATE. ON VEHICLES THAT HAVE HAD THE BUMPER REMOVED, THE TAILGATE MAY DROP EVEN LOWER. ADDITIONALLY, IF THERE IS CARGO ON THE TAILGATE THE CARGO MAY FALL OFF IF THE SUPPORT CABLES FRACTURE.
- Remedy
- DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CABLES. INTERIM OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON APRIL 7, 20004. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 24, 2004, WHEN REPLACEMENT PARTS WERE AVAILABLE, AND WILL CONTINUE THROUGH OCTOBER 29, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 OR GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, OR VISIT WWW.MYGMLINK.COM, AND ENTER YOUR VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER.
Repair progress not yet reported3,662,211 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 04V129000
Listed for 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche. Not checked against your VIN.
GM/FMVSS 135/BRAKE VALVE
Service brakes, hydraulic
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, PICKUP TRUCKS, AND PASSENGER VANS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 135, ?PASSENGER CAR BRAKE SYSTEMS.? SOME OF THESE VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH AN OUT-OF-SPECIFICATION BRAKE HYDRO-BOOST HOUSING RELIEF VALVE BORE.
- Consequence
- CONSEQUENTLY, THE VALVE O-RING SEAL MAY FRACTURE. STEERING EFFORTS MAY BE SLIGHTLY INCREASED WHILE BRAKING OR PARKING. UNDER CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS, A FRACTURED SEAL MAY REQUIRE A SLIGHT INCREASE IN THE APPLIED BRAKE PEDAL EFFORT TO ACHIEVE THE SAME VEHICLE DECELERATION RATE AS PRIOR TO THE SEAT FRACTURE.
- Remedy
- DEALERS ARE TO REPLACE THE HYDRO-BOOST RELIEF VALVE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 18, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339; CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438; GMC AT 1-866-996-9463; OR HUMMER AT 1-866-486-6376.
Repair progress not yet reported68,875 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 04V045000
Listed for 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche. Not checked against your VIN.
GM/CROSS MEMBER FRACTURE/FUEL TANK PUNCTURE
Fuel system, gasoline · storage · tank assembly
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, VEHICLES, DURING A 30 DEGREE LEFT ANGLE FRONTAL IMPACT OF SUFFICIENT SEVERITY, A TEAR COULD DEVELOP IN THE MID-FRAME CROSS MEMBER AT ITS ATTACHMENT TO THE LEFT FRAME RAIL. IF THE MID-FRAME CROSS MEMBER TEARS DURING FRONTAL IMPACT AND PRODUCES A SHARP EDGE, CONTACT OF THE SHARP EDGE WITH THE FUEL TANK COULD RESULT IN A PUNCTURE OF THE FUEL TANK AND POSSIBLE FUEL LEAKAGE.
- Consequence
- FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
- Remedy
- DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUEL TANK SHIELD. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 20, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020 OR GMC AT 1-800-462-8782.
Repair progress not yet reported5,734 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 03V019000
PlainVIN shows public government records for education. It isn't a vehicle inspection or legal advice. Check your own VIN with NHTSA or your dealer.
Owner complaints (395)
395 complaints filed with NHTSA (owner reports, not verified findings). The service brakes is mentioned most often.
15involved a crash
5involved a fire
9injuries reported
0deaths reported
As reported by owners in their complaints. These are reports, not NHTSA findings.
Most-reported components
| Component | Complaints | % of 395 |
|---|---|---|
| Service brakes | 136 | 34.4% |
| Electrical system | 127 | 32.2% |
| Air bags | 26 | 6.6% |
| Vehicle speed control | 22 | 5.6% |
| Structure | 19 | 4.8% |
| Power train | 18 | 4.6% |
| Steering | 17 | 4.3% |
| Visibility | 15 | 3.8% |
| Suspension | 11 | 2.8% |
| Tires | 10 | 2.5% |
How 2003 compares with other Avalanche years
Best and worst Avalanche years →20002
20012
2002658
2003395
2004319
2005206
200653
2007493
2008295
200996
| Model year | Complaints | Recall campaigns |
|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 2 | 0 |
| 2001 | 2 | 0 |
| 2002 | 658 | 2 |
| 2003 | 395 | 4 |
| 2004 | 319 | 5 |
| 2005 | 206 | 4 |
| 2006 | 53 | 2 |
| 2007 | 493 | 5 |
| 2008 | 295 | 4 |
| 2009 | 96 | 5 |
This year (2003)Other yearsStill collecting reports
Counts are owner reports, not failure rates. Higher sales years tend to draw more reports. Owners are still filing reports for recent model years, so these counts will grow. Source: NHTSA ODI, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.
Fuel economy: up to 14 mpg combined
14
mpg combined
12
city
17
highway
- EPA annual fuel cost
- $4,800
- CO₂ tailpipe
- 635 g/mi
- EPA class
- Sport Utility Vehicle -
What it costs you to run
$4,665per year
$389per month
1,071gallons a year
Miles ÷ 14 mpg × $4.354 (EIA US average regular, week of Oct 5, 2026, all taxes included). Source: EPA · EIA.
EPA label estimates from lab tests; your mileage will vary.
Specs by configuration
| Engine · transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | EPA $/yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.3 L 8-cyl · 4-speed automatic | Rear-Wheel Drive | 12 / 17 / 14 | $4,800 | 635 |
| 5.3 L 8-cyl · 4-speed automatic | Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 / 17 / 14 | $4,800 | 635 |
| 5.3 L 8-cyl · 4-speed automatic | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 / 17 / 14 | $4,800 | 635 |
| 5.3 L 8-cyl · 4-speed automatic | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 / 17 / 14 | $4,800 | 635 |
| 5.3 L 8-cyl · 4-speed automatic | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 12 / 16 / 13 | $5,150 | 684 |
| 5.3 L 8-cyl · 4-speed automatic | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 12 / 16 / 13 | $5,150 | 684 |
Source: EPA fuel economy data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026. Configurations are listed when EPA and NHTSA records match.
Looking at a 2003 Avalanche for sale?
Print a one-page buyer's checklist: each recall campaign with a box to tick when the seller shows proof of repair, the top complaint areas to inspect, crash stars, MPG, and a link back to this page.
Where to next
2003 Chevrolet Avalanche FAQ
How many recalls does the 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche have?
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns: 05V163000 (seat belt), 04V129000 (structure), 04V045000 (brake), 03V019000 (fuel system). Use NHTSA's VIN lookup to see whether a specific car was repaired.
What are the most common 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche problems?
Owners filed 395 complaints with NHTSA. Service brakes (136), Electrical system (127), Air bags (26) are mentioned most. These are owner reports, not verified findings.
What mpg does the 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche get?
EPA rates the 5.3 L 8-cyl · 4-speed automatic version at 12 city, 17 highway and 14 combined mpg. Other configurations are listed in the fuel economy section.
How does the 2003 Avalanche compare with other years?
Among the 2000–2009 Chevrolet Avalanche model years at least five years old, the 2000 drew the fewest complaints (2) and the 2002 the most (658). The 2003 drew 395. Counts are owner reports, not failure rates.
How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes
Data sources
- NHTSA recalls by vehicle
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - US DOT recall completion rates (data.transportation.gov)
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - NHTSA ODI owner complaints
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - NHTSA NCAP 5-Star Safety Ratings
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - EPA fuel economy data (licence confirmation pending)
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - EIA weekly retail gasoline prices
Weekly, all taxes included
Processing
- Complaints are counted per component. One complaint can list several, so component totals add up to more than the total.
- Fuel cost = miles per year ÷ EPA combined mpg × EIA weekly price for your region.
Limitations
- Complaint counts are owner reports, not verified findings or failure rates. There is no sales denominator.
- Recall campaigns are listed for the model year. Only NHTSA and the automaker know whether a specific car was repaired.
- Recent model years are still collecting reports.
Review
Data compiled automatically from the official files listed here.
Changelog
- 2026-10-06 Data refreshed from the official files.
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