2003 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 7%of 182 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 78,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the air bags of the 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500, 7% of the 182 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 78,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11160865, filed 2018-12, 180,000 miles“On occasion the airbag warning light would come on, usually while driving. On subsequent starts, no light was displayed. Eventually the light would stay on for several days. I assumed this was a manufacturer initiated alert to have the airbags checked after 100,000 miles. When I next brought my vehicle in for an oil change service, I asked the adviser to have the airbags checked because of the warning light. He told me that when the light was on the airbags were inoperative! I told him to get it corrected. …”
NHTSA complaint #10475513, filed 2012-09, 107,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10575443, filed 2014-03, 78,000 miles“Service airbag system display on vehicle information readout first appeared around ten years ago. Brought to dealer multiple times for diagnostics and repair (code b0026) but have not been able to correct this safety system defect. Vehicle is way out of warranty and attempting to repair items that have not been able to be fixed under warranty does not seem financially sound. Airbag warning light and service airbag system display have been constantly on since 2008.”
NHTSA complaint #10610117, filed 2014-07, 18,000 miles“Air bag light is on. While airbag light is on, airbags do not function. This is a known issue by Chevrolet. Hundreds of people experience the same problem. Needs a recall. This is a safety issue and should not cost the consumer to repair.”
NHTSA complaint #10485413, filed 2012-11, 11,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10115913Oct 10, 2016All applicable vehicle applications are without Electronic Accessory Control System option. This communication is to return unsold inventory because some product sold in 2016 may…
Air bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 6 | 21% |
| 2012 | 3 | 19% |
| 2011 | 11 | 39% |
| 2010 | 4 | 67% |
| 2009 | 9 | 45% |
| 2008 | 16 | 43% |
| 2007 | 49 | 43% |
| 2006 | 7 | 18% |
| 2005 | 10 | 8% |
| 2004 | 12 | 8% |
| 2003 | 12 | 7% |
| 2002 | 8 | 5% |
Other parts of the 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500
84 complaintsBrakes
53 complaintsVehicle speed control
11 complaintsSteering
9 complaintsBody and structure
8 complaintsOther or unknown
7 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
5 complaintsFuel system
4 complaintsSuspension
4 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
4 complaintsEngine
3 complaintsTires
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology