2003 Chevrolet Avalanche Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 14about this part
- Share
- 7%of 204 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 78,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 14 complaints about the air bags of the 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche, 7% of the 204 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 78,000 miles. 2 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.
“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10643870, filed 2014-10, 119,400 miles“This concerning my 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche with 47,987 miles. The service airbag stays on after ignition about 20% of the time. Additionally on trips of over 15 minutes it will come on during driving. Once the warning light comes on it stays on until the vehicle is turned off. Contacted the Chevrolet assistance center and they explained that I would have to pay for a diagnostic work up before they would consider covering the costs on fixing the problem. They stated they were unaware of the problem, despite the owners of the vehicles being very aware of the problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #10145801, filed 2005-12, 45,500 miles“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, filed 2014-10, 81,416 miles“Dt: the contact stated while traveling at 60 MPH he struck a median head on and the air bags did not deploy. The vehicle was totaled. Three people sustained injuries. A police report was taken. The manufacturer has not been contacted.”
NHTSA complaint #10145733, filed 2005-12, 60,000 miles“The contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche. The contact was driving 30 MPH when the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic and the manufacturer was contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and the current mileages were 107,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10451608, filed 2012-03, 107,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10013456Feb 1, 2006Supplemental inflatable restraint (sir) light on, diagnostic trouble codes (dtc) b0026 and/or b004. To include 2003-2006 chevrolet/gmc full size pickup and utility models.
- 10013523Apr 21, 2005Sir light on steady after bulb test and no diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs).
- 10012542Jun 1, 2004Proper use of labor operation code when diagnosis leads to sir passenger presence system replacement.
Air bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 22 | 27% |
| 2012 | 6 | 17% |
| 2011 | 55 | 43% |
| 2010 | 53 | 48% |
| 2009 | 41 | 54% |
| 2008 | 132 | 51% |
| 2007 | 225 | 60% |
| 2006 | 1 | 9% |
| 2005 | 11 | 15% |
| 2004 | 9 | 5% |
| 2003 | 14 | 7% |
| 2002 | 22 | 5% |
Other parts of the 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche
81 complaintsElectrical system
42 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
14 complaintsVehicle speed control
11 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
10 complaintsBody and structure
9 complaintsSteering
8 complaintsSuspension
7 complaintsTires
7 complaintsEngine cooling
6 complaintsExterior lighting
6 complaintsFuel system
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche
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