2003 Chevrolet Avalanche Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 4%of 204 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 8,389miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the body and structure of the 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche, 4% of the 204 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 8,389 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
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 purchased a Chevrolet Avalanche 2003 model in june of 2003. Since my ownership of the vehicle I have had cracking noises come from the car. I have taken it into the dealership on at least 6 different occasions, and they said the problem was with the crossmember. They needed to redrill and tighten the crossmember again. I searched the internet today (2-16-05) and seen at least 20 similar complaints from chevy Avalanche owners. Models ranging from 2002 up to 2005. Obviously general motors has made no effort to correct the problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #10110655, filed 2005-02, 100 miles“Dt: the rear window was reflective as if it was a mirror. When headlights were on the back window, it reflected forward into the consumer's view. This happened not only when backing out but also when driving. The window surface was very reflective. This was evident in day or night. Had not contacted dealer/ manufacturer.”
NHTSA complaint #10132123, filed 2005-09, 50 miles“When it rains the mid gate area becomes full of water. The water then enters the rear of the vehicle on the driver's side. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who retro-fitted the mid gate area. After the dealer serviced it the water came into both sides of the vehicle. Manufacturer offered no solution to this problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10111627, filed 2005-02, 22,000 miles“Failure of front cross member beam, excessive noise(popping and grinding)and premature wear. Failure occured at 25000 miles.per Chevrolet, the perscribed fix is to install hardened washers and grind and polish friction points. This has been done, yet problem continues. Dealer has told me this is common to the vehicle in question but they can do no more as Chevrolet does not have a solution to the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10128814, filed 2005-07, 25,000 miles“Dt: the contact stated the tailgate when lowered has a two edged hook projection on each side that is sharp. On 7-15-05 his granddaughter jumped off the tailgate and scratched her leg along her thigh; a 8-10 long scratch.”
NHTSA complaint #10133893, filed 2005-10, 8,389 milesRelated recalls
- 04V129000Mar 17, 2004On certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles, the galvanized steel tailgate support cables that retain the tailgate in the full open (horizontal)…Covers: Chevrolet Avalanche 2002–2004, GMC Sierra 2000–2004, Chevrolet Silverado 2000–2004 +3 more
Related service bulletins
- 10112034Jan 28, 2014This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have slack in one of the tailgate cables. Technician should not replace…
- 10037570Apr 1, 2012Gm: on some truck models there is some frame corrosion. *rm updated on 5/2/2012.
- 10011755Oct 4, 2006Tailgate cable slack. This includes 1998-2006 chevrolet and gmc full and mid size trucks. *eh updated.
- 10011756Jan 31, 2005Pop cluck click noise on right or left turns.
- 10011236Aug 1, 2004Running board cover is loose.
- 10012096Jul 1, 2004Stowage box lid strap breaking.
- 10011145Jul 1, 2004Cargo covers and/or body cladding discolored (chalky). *tt this bulletin replaced previous bulletin 04-08-111-001, dated 01/01/2004.
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 19 | 23% |
| 2012 | 2 | 6% |
| 2011 | 23 | 18% |
| 2010 | 16 | 14% |
| 2009 | 8 | 11% |
| 2008 | 44 | 17% |
| 2007 | 75 | 20% |
| 2006 | 1 | 9% |
| 2005 | 3 | 4% |
| 2004 | 7 | 4% |
| 2003 | 9 | 4% |
| 2002 | 67 | 15% |
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 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 27, 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