2003 Chevrolet Avalanche Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 4%of 204 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 22,304miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the steering of the 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche, 4% of the 204 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 22,304 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.
“The other day I started noticing that when I turn right (or left in reverse) at a low rate of speed the vehicle makes a clunking noise and my steering is affected. I started looking online for a remedy to this problem and found that several people had the same problem and did not know where to report it. I don't feel it is fair that as the consumer that I am responsible for a design flaw by GM. I also don't feel its fair to have to spend up $400 when its all said and done each time that it will have to be repaired.”
NHTSA complaint #10725848, filed 2015-06, 181,062 miles“The steering gear box appears to be loose, vehicles under warranty are getting repaired but those out of warranty are not. When I had the tailgate hinges replaced, the dealer explained what was wrong with my truck but could not repair it. It's a nerve racking vibration which should be taken care of and feels like the left front wheel assemblt is about to fall off.”
NHTSA complaint #10100181, filed 2004-11, 44,000 miles“I have a 2003 Avalanche with approx.113000 miles. Recently while driving in a mini shopping center I went to turn into a parking spot and my steering wheel locked on me. I could not move my steering wheel at all. I then put my truck in park and turned the ignition off and cranked it back up and my steering wheel immediately unlocked. On that friday while driving on interstate 264e coming of exit my steering locked again. Fortunately there was no vehicle behind me, and I was able to shut the vehicle off and turn it back on to unlock the steering wheel. …”
NHTSA complaint #10368825, filed 2010-11, 113,000 miles“Since we bought this truck in 2004 it sounds as if the steering wheel is loose. It makes a noise like its loose. The steering wheel feels sturdy it's just under the steering wheel it sounds loose.”
NHTSA complaint #10629236, filed 2014-08, 6,000 miles“1. Loose steering: inetmediate steering shaft, 2. It has not failed. According to the dealer it was twisted. 3. Part was straightened out, and a new replacement part was ordered. As of this writing this is the 2nd time this has happened with the same part. It has be over 30 days.”
NHTSA complaint #10100118, filed 2004-11, 22,304 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10044941Jul 1, 2014General motors: diagnosing power steering concerns. In rare cases, customers may comment on a lack of steering assist when stopped or during parking lot type of maneuvers. *js…
- 10022671Apr 1, 2011Gear box power steering pump, p/s performance concerns. *nj updated on 6/30/2011.
- 10036545Oct 1, 2010Buick/cadillac/chevrolet/gmc/oldsmobile and hummer: information on pitman arm shaft seal service kit. Do not replace entire steering gear for pitman seal leak. Technicians have…
- 10012089Feb 1, 2007Clunking noise under hood and can be felt in steering wheel. *eh updated *eh updated.
- 10014899May 11, 2005Steering idler arm inspection procedure.
- 10013533Apr 21, 2005Lack of steering assist or shudder during parking lot type maneuvers.
- 10011223Aug 1, 2004Clunking noise under hood and can be felt in steering wheel. This bulletin replaces previous bulletin 00-02-35-003e.
- 10012577Aug 1, 2003Revised steering wheel position sensor or steering shaft lower bearing replacement procedure and steering wheel position sensor centering procedure.
Steering: other model years
Other parts of the 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche
81 complaintsElectrical system
42 complaintsAir bags
14 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
14 complaintsVehicle speed control
11 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
10 complaintsBody and structure
9 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 29, 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