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BrakesPart report

2003 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 Brakes Problems

Complaints
53about this part
Share
29%of 182 total for the year
Median mileage
105,000miles
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 53 complaints about the brakes of the 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500, 29% of the 182 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 105,000 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“Lost total braking at red light at busy intersection,45 MPH with the grace of god avoided a broadside hit, just missed a child on a bike, this was caused by a rusted brake line. What happen to the safety back-up in this design ? This is wrong. In so many ways. In the USA we need to hold our safety to its highest. How many will die before this problem is resolved .”

NHTSA complaint #10896640, filed 2016-08, 125,623 miles

“I was driving down the road with my wife and granddaughter when all the brakes ,I mean all the brakes went, and a service brake lights came on at the same time.I managed to drift to a stop, otherwise we would have hurt someone or been killed. No warning. I had to pay 1900 for the repair which we cannot afford since I am on disability. It still scares us.”

NHTSA complaint #10556405, filed 2013-12, 94,000 miles

“Brake lines are leaking so I took truck to the dealer and they advised me the lines were corroded and it would cost me $1200. To $1500. To fix and it was not safe to drive. Lucky I noticed the leaking before my brakes failed me. I don't know why this was not recalled and fixed at no cost by GM dealer. Please let me know GM's responsibility here.”

NHTSA complaint #10489028, filed 2012-12, 67,000 miles

“I was applying brakes and a front brake line blew out. The truck had a tough time stopping almost hitting another vehicle, I had it towed to a repair facility and they replaced the line $300. The repair facility stated to me that it was very common for chevy vehicle to have bad brake lines. To replace the rest of the lines it would cost me $ 900 to $1200. Chevy should of recalled these vehicles for bad brake lines.”

NHTSA complaint #10494841, filed 2013-01, 138,000 miles

“Pulling out of parking lot and when merging into traffic I pressed on the brake pedal and it went completely to the floor without any braking action. The pedal came back up to normal position and I pressed it again harder the second time while simultaneously shifting into first gear. The pedal went to the floor again but locked up the wheels and the vehicle gradually came to a stop.”

NHTSA complaint #10439649, filed 2011-12, 90,887 miles

Related service bulletins

Brakes: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
201313%
201114%
200825%
200711%
20061026%
2005129%
20043927%
20035329%
20029662%

Other parts of the 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500

Electrical system
84 complaintsAir bags
12 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