2003 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 2%of 182 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 108,282miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500, 2% of the 182 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 108,282 miles.
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.
“I was driving approximately 15 to 20 MPH down a hill that was curvy and all of a sudden my truck completely shuts off as I was driving down the hill and almost went into a ditch because the truck just shut off while in drive and luckily I was quick enough to put it in neutral so I could steer it away from the ditch and I turned the ignition over and luckily it turned on while in neutral otherwise I would of crashed into the ditch. …”
NHTSA complaint #10628481, filed 2014-08, 200,000 miles“Transmission began making a low whirling noise and now slips and chugs. No towing or 4-wheeling beatings. I have taken very good care of this vehicle. I love my avalanche but now the rear wheel bearing are going as well!!!”
NHTSA complaint #10510179, filed 2013-04, 137,000 miles“Since purchasing this truck on 02/01/2007, there have been multiple problems with the transmission, engine, and electrical system that have not gotten resolved, however they do seem to get worse. The worst of these problems has occurred while driving on the northeast extension of the pennsylvania turnpike. While attempting to pass another vehicle in the left lane the engine shut off . I was doing approx. 60-65 MPH when this occurred during the am rush hour. After losing engine power I somehow made it safely to the right hand shoulder and let the truck coast to a stop. …”
NHTSA complaint #10207705, filed 2007-11, 79,565 miles“This is the second transmission, the clip that holds the transmission line to the radiator breaks allowing the line to come off resulting in all transmission fluid being lost and resulting in destroying transmission”
NHTSA complaint #11162859, filed 2018-12, 22,500 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11006421Jul 24, 2024GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or…
- 10249579Jan 12, 2024This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10242843Sep 1, 2023The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the…
- 10222770Sep 16, 2022This service bulletin provides information on OEM and Remanufactured Engine and Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Identification.
- 10224273Sep 1, 2022This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician to not remove the torque converter bolts and start the engine as this may cause damage to the…
- 10220319Sep 1, 2022This diagnostic tip advises the tech not to separate the flexplate from the torque convertor or damage my occur if the engine is started while diagnosing for noise from the…
- 10143757Jul 9, 2018This Preliminary information communicates to the dealer technician thatLight Duty Trucks equipped with automatic transmissions and 4 wheel drive may exhibit a condition of…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 1 | 3% |
| 2011 | 3 | 11% |
| 2009 | 3 | 15% |
| 2008 | 1 | 3% |
| 2007 | 10 | 9% |
| 2006 | 12 | 31% |
| 2005 | 17 | 13% |
| 2004 | 5 | 3% |
| 2003 | 4 | 2% |
| 2002 | 6 | 4% |
Other parts of the 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500
84 complaintsBrakes
53 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 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