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2003 Chevrolet Avalanche

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Avalanche years

Owner complaints for the 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche are substantially higher than the model-year median of 82.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

161 reports with mileage · 43 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Service Brakes. Review the 51 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 42 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 27 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

10 crash reports2 fire reports5 injury reports

What owners actually said

204 reports
137,000 miles · Oct 3, 2014
Service Brakes

WHILE LEAVING A FUNERAL IN NEAR SWEETWATER TN, I APPLIED THE BRAKES AND FELT PRESSURE AND THEN THE PEDAL DROPPED TO THE FLOOR. MY WIFE AND TWO SMALL CHILDREN WERE RIDING WITH ME. AFTER PUSHING THE BRAKE PEDAL TO THE FLOOR, I NOTICED I DID HAVE BRAKES BUT NOT POWER BRAKES. I PULLED OVER AND EXAMINED THE PROBLEM AND FOUND LEAKIN…

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WHILE LEAVING A FUNERAL IN NEAR SWEETWATER TN, I APPLIED THE BRAKES AND FELT PRESSURE AND THEN THE PEDAL DROPPED TO THE FLOOR. MY WIFE AND TWO SMALL CHILDREN WERE RIDING WITH ME. AFTER PUSHING THE BRAKE PEDAL TO THE FLOOR, I NOTICED I DID HAVE BRAKES BUT NOT POWER BRAKES. I PULLED OVER AND EXAMINED THE PROBLEM AND FOUND LEAKING BRAKE FLUID COMING FROM AROUND THE GAS TANK. WITH NO CHOICE, I HAD TO DRIVE THE TRUCK BACK TO KENTUCKY. APPR. 175 MILES IF NOT MORE IN HEAVY TRAFFIC ON I-75. I KNOW TRUCKS HAVE PROBLEMS AND I KNOW THERE IS ROUTINE MAINTENANCE BUT I HAVE NEVER SEEN THE AMOUNT OF COMPLAINTS THAT THE BRAKE LINES HAVE HAD ON THESE TRUCKS. I HAVE OWNED CHEVY TRUCKS MY WHOLE LIFE AND HAVE NEVER HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKE LINES. DUE TO THE SERIOUSNESS OF THE ISSUE AND NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS, HOW IS CHEVROLET ISSUING A RECALL. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10641142

Mileage unknown · Sep 30, 2014
Service Brakes

MY BRAKE LINE SPLIT OPEN WHILE I WAS TRYING TO STOP AT A LIGHT. THEY ARE VERY RUSTED AND HAVE TO BE REPLACED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10640307

125,900 miles · Sep 21, 2014
Service Brakes

WHILE PULLING MY BOAT ON A LONG DECLINE AT 55 MPH, A CAR IN FRONT OF ME SIGNALED TO TURN LEFT. I PUT ON MY BRAKES AND THE PEDAL EASED TO THE FLOOR BOARD. I TOLD MY WIFE THAT THE BRAKES ARE FAILING. THE CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM ALARM DID SOUND, BUT THAT DOES NOT COMFORT YOU WHEN YOU REALIZE THAT YOU ARE NOT GOING TO STOP BEFORE PLOWING…

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WHILE PULLING MY BOAT ON A LONG DECLINE AT 55 MPH, A CAR IN FRONT OF ME SIGNALED TO TURN LEFT. I PUT ON MY BRAKES AND THE PEDAL EASED TO THE FLOOR BOARD. I TOLD MY WIFE THAT THE BRAKES ARE FAILING. THE CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM ALARM DID SOUND, BUT THAT DOES NOT COMFORT YOU WHEN YOU REALIZE THAT YOU ARE NOT GOING TO STOP BEFORE PLOWING A CAR IN FRONT OF YOU. I WAS ABLE TO SWERVE TO THE RIGHT TO AVOID THE COLLISION, ONLY DUE TO LIGHT TRAFFIC AND THE FACT THAT I WAS A GOOD DISTANCE BEHIND THE TURNING VEHICLE WHEN THE BRAKES FAILED. I DIDN'T MEASURE MY STOPPING DISTANCE, BUT IT WAS WELL OVER 100 YARDS. I GOT OUT OF MY AVALANCHE AND SAW THE FLUID TRAIL. THERE IS A CLUSTER OF 5 BRAKE LINES RUNNING TOGETHER BY THE FRAME, RIGHT AT THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR AND ONE OF THOSE LINES BROKE. THEY WERE ALL SEVERELY CORRODED. I HAD THE TRUCK AND BOAT TOWED TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP AND THEY WERE NOT SURPRISED. THE MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT HE HAD REPAIRED 5 CHEVY TRUCKS WITH THE SAME ISSUE IN THE PAST WEEK. WE WERE VERY FORTUNATE TO AVOID A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10637806

34,511 miles · Sep 6, 2014
Service Brakes

ON NOVEMBER 11, 2013 I WAS BACKING MY 2003 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY IN MARYLAND WHEN THE BRAKES FAILED. AS I WAS STOPPING, THE BRAKE PEDAL SUDDENLY LOST ALL RESISTANCE. I TRIED PUMPING THE BRAKES BUT COULD NOT PRODUCE ANY BRAKING ACTION. I SHIFTED TO NEUTRAL AND USED THE PARKING BRAKE TO STOP. I TOWED THE VEHICLE T…

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ON NOVEMBER 11, 2013 I WAS BACKING MY 2003 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY IN MARYLAND WHEN THE BRAKES FAILED. AS I WAS STOPPING, THE BRAKE PEDAL SUDDENLY LOST ALL RESISTANCE. I TRIED PUMPING THE BRAKES BUT COULD NOT PRODUCE ANY BRAKING ACTION. I SHIFTED TO NEUTRAL AND USED THE PARKING BRAKE TO STOP. I TOWED THE VEHICLE TO A GM DEALER, WHO SAID THE METAL BRAKE LINES HAD CORRODED AND RUPTURED. I WAS CHARGED $1150 TO REPAIR THE BRAKES. TEN MONTHS (SEPT 5, 2014) AND LESS THAN 500 MILES LATER I AGAIN LOST ALL BRAKING POWER, THIS TIME WHILE TRAVELING AT 5 MPH LEAVING A PARKING LOT NEAR A CARWASH. I RETURNED TO THE SAME DEALER WHO SAID THE STEEL BRAKE LINES HAVE CORRODED. HIS ESTIMATE IS $2200 FOR REPAIRS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10631227

110,000 miles · Aug 28, 2014
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Service Brakes

ONE DAY WHILE DRIVING AT 55MPH THE TRUCK JUST SHUT DOWN. EVERYTHING ELECTRICAL COMPLETELY SHUT OFF. LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO CONTROL IT. I TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF AND RESTARTED IT. IT WAS FINE BUT DID IT AGAIN WHEN I STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN. IT CONTINUED TO DO IT BUT THEN JUST STOPPED. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT GOES OFF AND ON ALL THE TIME …

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ONE DAY WHILE DRIVING AT 55MPH THE TRUCK JUST SHUT DOWN. EVERYTHING ELECTRICAL COMPLETELY SHUT OFF. LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO CONTROL IT. I TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF AND RESTARTED IT. IT WAS FINE BUT DID IT AGAIN WHEN I STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN. IT CONTINUED TO DO IT BUT THEN JUST STOPPED. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT GOES OFF AND ON ALL THE TIME WHEN I ACCELERATE UP A HILL. THE LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD ARE DIM. EVERYTHING ON THE MIRROR COMES AND GOES. IT WILL GO MONTHS WITHOUT WORKING AND THEN COMES BACK ON. THE SUSPENSION IS TERRIBLE. FEELS LIKE IT'S GOING TO SHAKE THE WHEELS COMPLETELY OFF THE TRUCK WHEN I HIT EVEN A SMALL BUMP IN THE ROAD. I'VE ALMOST LOST CONTROL SEVERAL TIMES DUE TO IT SHAKING SO HARD. LATCH ON THE TAILGATE BROKE OFF AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. ROTOR ON BACK COMPLETELY BROKE AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10629240

6,000 miles · Aug 28, 2014
Steering

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. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10629236

188,000 miles · Aug 18, 2014
Service Brakes

I WAS DRIVING MY 03 AVALANCHE LIKE ANY OTHER DAY AND AS I WAS PULLING INTO THE GAS STATION TO FILL UP, THE BRAKES WENT TO THE FLOOR. INSTINCTIVELY I PUT IT INTO 1ST GEAR AND ENGAGED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. COME TO FIND OUT, THE BRAKE LINES WERE RUSTED OUT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT. I EXAMINED ALL LINES AND THEY SEEM TO ALL BE RUS…

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I WAS DRIVING MY 03 AVALANCHE LIKE ANY OTHER DAY AND AS I WAS PULLING INTO THE GAS STATION TO FILL UP, THE BRAKES WENT TO THE FLOOR. INSTINCTIVELY I PUT IT INTO 1ST GEAR AND ENGAGED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. COME TO FIND OUT, THE BRAKE LINES WERE RUSTED OUT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT. I EXAMINED ALL LINES AND THEY SEEM TO ALL BE RUSTY. ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE THEY BREAK TOO. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10626029

Mileage unknown · Jul 23, 2014
SeatsInjury

I'M BEEN HAVING MAJOR BACK PROBLEMS CAUSED BY A DEFECT IN HOW THE DRIVER'S SEAT WERE MANUFACTURED IN MY 2003 CHEVY AVALANCHE. I'M NOT ALONE; A QUICK SEARCH REVEALS THAT MANY OTHERS ARE AS WELL AND GM WILL DO LITTLE TO NOTHING TO HELP RESOLVE THESE ISSUES. HTTP://WWW.CHEVYAVALANCHEFANCLUB.COM/CAFCNA/INDEX.PHP?TOPIC=4047.15;WAP2…

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I'M BEEN HAVING MAJOR BACK PROBLEMS CAUSED BY A DEFECT IN HOW THE DRIVER'S SEAT WERE MANUFACTURED IN MY 2003 CHEVY AVALANCHE. I'M NOT ALONE; A QUICK SEARCH REVEALS THAT MANY OTHERS ARE AS WELL AND GM WILL DO LITTLE TO NOTHING TO HELP RESOLVE THESE ISSUES. HTTP://WWW.CHEVYAVALANCHEFANCLUB.COM/CAFCNA/INDEX.PHP?TOPIC=4047.15;WAP2 THE ISSUE IS THE HEAVY PIECE OF METAL THAT'S EXPOSED AS YOU ADJUST THE DRIVER'S SEAT. IT PRESSES AGAINST YOUR LEFT GLUT CAUSING GRADUAL BUT PROLONGED INJURY TO YOUR BACK, HIP, AND GLUT. RESEARCHING THIS ISSUE I'VE SEEN OTHERS ATTEMPT TO RECUSHION THEIR SEATS, WITHOUT SUCCESS. SOME THOUGHT TO SWAP THE SEAT OUT RIGHT, BUT THERE AREN'T ANY OTHER GM SEATS AVAILABLE WITH A SIMILAR WIRING HARNESS THAT WILL WORK. ADJUSTMENTS TO THE DRIVER'S SEAT IS NOT THE ISSUE I'VE TRIED SEVERAL ITERATIONS WITHOUT ANY SUCCESS. IT'S THAT HUGE CHUNK OF METAL THAT I'M FORCED TO SIT ON THAT'S CAUSING THE PROBLEM. IT WAS A POORLY CONCEIVED DESIGN AND GM SHOULD BE FORCED TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT. I'M MARRIED TO THIS VEHICLE FOR THE NEXT 11 YEARS WHETHER I LIKE IT OR NOT. WITH YOUNG ONES, I CAN'T AFFORD TO JUST BUY A NEW ONE. GM APPARENTLY SWAPS SEAT MANUFACTURES OFTEN AND PAID NO ATTENTION TO THIS ISSUE IN THE DESIGN OF THE AVALANCHE. I FEEL IT MUST BE THEIR RESPONSIBILITY TO PROPERLY SATISFY THE DAMAGE AND PAIN THEY'VE INFLICTED ON MYSELF AND OTHERS WITH SUCH A POOR DECISION. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10615537

82,851 miles · Jul 20, 2014
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

I WAS LEAVING THE FISH AND GAME CLUB IN LONDONDERRY NH WHEN I WENT TO STOP THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR I PUSHED HARDER IT FINALLY STOPPED. I PUMPED THE PEDAL A FEW TIMES SOME PRESSURE BUILT UP I CONTINUED TO THE CORNER WHERE A STOP SIGN WAS HIT THE BRAKE AGAIN AND THIS TIME THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR AGAIN BUT WOULD NOT STOP …

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I WAS LEAVING THE FISH AND GAME CLUB IN LONDONDERRY NH WHEN I WENT TO STOP THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR I PUSHED HARDER IT FINALLY STOPPED. I PUMPED THE PEDAL A FEW TIMES SOME PRESSURE BUILT UP I CONTINUED TO THE CORNER WHERE A STOP SIGN WAS HIT THE BRAKE AGAIN AND THIS TIME THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR AGAIN BUT WOULD NOT STOP I PUT ON THE EMERGENCY BRAKE THE TRUCK STARTED TO SLOW BUT I WAS ON A HILL AS I APROACED THE NEXT STOP SIGN GOING ABOUT 15 MPH WITH THE EMERGENCY BRAKE ON I HAD TO PUT THE TRUCK IN REVERSE TO STOP FROM TRAVELING IN TO THROUGH TRAFFIC. I TOWED THE VEHICLE AND FOUND 3 BRAKE LINES HAD BURST ONE IN THE FRONT AND TWO IN THE REAR. I HAVE TAKEN GOOD CARE OF THIS TRUCK AND HAS NO RUST EXCEPT FOR THE BRAKE LINES. I FEEL THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE AND SHOULD BE LOOKED IN TO. I HOPE THIS WILL BE SENT TO WARN OTHER OWNERS OF THIS ISSUE. I HAVE OVER 2 MILLION MILES DRIVING AND HAVE LOST BRAKES BEFORE BUT NEVER THIS BAD. I FEEL THAT GM SHOULD AT LEAST WARN OWNER OF THIS POTENTIAL PROBLEM. I JUST HAD MY TRUCK INSPECTED IN MAY AND THIS WAS NOT WARNED TO ME. I LOOKED IN TO THIS ISSUE ONLINE AND FOUND MANY COMPLAINTS GM SHOULD ACKNOWLEDGE THIS PROBLEM AND WARN CUSTOMERS AND COMPENSATE THEM AS WELL. I UNDERSTAND THE TRUCK IS 11 YEARS OLD BUT I HAD A 1987 SABB UNTIL 2006 AND NEVER HAD THIS ISSUE. MY FRIENDS FORD FROM 2000 WE TAKE TO NORTHERN MAINE AND HAS 160000 MILES DOES NOT HAVE RUSTED LINES. I THINK GM USED INFERIOR MATERIAL. THANKS ERIC VAUGHAN

NHTSA ODI #10615470

157,400 miles · Jul 15, 2014
Service Brakes

AT A STOP LIGHT, WITH THE BRAKES APPLIED, A LOSS OF PRESSURE WAS FELT. LETTING OFF AND REAPPLYING THE BRAKES LEAD TO THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELING TO THE FLOOR / FRONT OF DRIVER CAB. AT THE POINT THERE WAS NO BRAKING PRESSURE FELT AND THE TRUCK BEGAN TO TRAVEL AT IDLE SPEED INTO THE INTERSECTION. TWO FAILED ATTEMPTS AT APPLYING THE …

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AT A STOP LIGHT, WITH THE BRAKES APPLIED, A LOSS OF PRESSURE WAS FELT. LETTING OFF AND REAPPLYING THE BRAKES LEAD TO THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELING TO THE FLOOR / FRONT OF DRIVER CAB. AT THE POINT THERE WAS NO BRAKING PRESSURE FELT AND THE TRUCK BEGAN TO TRAVEL AT IDLE SPEED INTO THE INTERSECTION. TWO FAILED ATTEMPTS AT APPLYING THE BRAKES LEAD TO THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT GOING OFF, AFTER THE INITIAL FAILURE. APPLYING THE PARKING BRAKE YIELD SIMILAR / FAILED RESULTS. THE TRUCK WAS SAFELY STEERED INTO A PARKING LOT AND PUT IN PARK TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO A REST. THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF AND LET REST A PERIOD OF 5 MINUTES AND THEN TURNED ON AND BRAKES TESTED WHILE IN PARK. NO BREAK PRESSURE WAS FELT AT THE PEDAL. BRAKE FLUID WAS OBSERVED UNDER THE DRIVERS SIDE FRONT PORTION OF THE TRUCK. NO BYSTANDER INJURIES OR PROPERTY DAMAGE OCCURRED. ASIDE FROM THE DRIVER, A FOURTEEN MONTH OLD WAS THE ONLY OTHER OCCUPANT, NEITHER SUSTAINED ANY INJURIES. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10610688

Official recalls

4

05V163000 · Seat Belts:rear/other

Apr 22, 2005

ON CERTAIN CREW CAB PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE 2ND ROW CENTER OCCUPANT SEAT BELT ROUTING MAY MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO POSITION THE LAP PORTION OF THE SAFETY BELT LOW AROUND THE HIPS OF OCCUPANTS, ESPECIALLY SMALLER OCCUPANTS, SEATED IN THIS POSITION. APPROPRIATE USE OF A CHILD SEAT OR BOOSTER SEAT, AS RECOMMENDED FOR SMALL CHILDREN, DOES IMPROVE THE FIT CONDITION FOR THIS USER GROUP. IN ADDITION TO INSTRUCTIONS ON PROPER INFANT AND YOUNG CHILD RESTRAINT (WITH CHILD SEATS OR BOOSTERS), SPECIAL VERBIAGE FOR RESTRAINING OLDER CHILD IS INCLUDED IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL. ALSO, THE SUGGESTED SEAT BELT FIT/ROUTING FOR ADULTS, IRRESPECTIVE OF SEATING POSITION, IS DESCRIBED IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL TEXT.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A LAP PORTION OF THE SEAT BELT ROUTING THAT IS NOT LOW AND SNUG ON THE HIPS CAN ALLOW THE LAP BELT TO RIDE UP ON AN OCCUPANT'S ABDOMEN INSTEAD OF FITTING LOW AROUND THEIR HIPBONES, AND THEREFORE, CAN EXPOSE THEM TO MORE RISK OF ABDOMINAL AND INTERNAL ORGAN INJURY.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL CUT OPEN THE GUIDE LOOP, REMOVE A PORTION OF THE LOOP, AND THEN THE REMAINING TWO SIDES SHOULD BE FOLDED OVER AND SECURED WITH A RETAINER FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 21, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, OR HUMMER AT 1-800-732-5493.

04V129000 · Structure:body:tailgate:hinge And Attachments

Mar 17, 2004

ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE GALVANIZED STEEL TAILGATE SUPPORT CABLES THAT RETAIN THE TAILGATE IN THE FULL OPEN (HORIZONTAL) POSITION MAY CORRODE, WEAKEN, AND EVENTUALLY FRACTURE. IF BOTH CABLES FRACTURED, THE TAILGATE WOULD SUDDENLY DROP AND STRIKE THE TOP SURFACE OF THE REAR BUMPER.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: ANYONE SITTING OR STANDING ON THE HORIZONTAL SURFACE OF THE TAILGATE WHEN BOTH CABLES FRACTURED COULD BE INJURED BY FALLING FROM THE TAILGATE. ON VEHICLES THAT HAVE HAD THE BUMPER REMOVED, THE TAILGATE MAY DROP EVEN LOWER. ADDITIONALLY, IF THERE IS CARGO ON THE TAILGATE THE CARGO MAY FALL OFF IF THE SUPPORT CABLES FRACTURE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CABLES. INTERIM OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON APRIL 7, 20004. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 24, 2004, WHEN REPLACEMENT PARTS WERE AVAILABLE, AND WILL CONTINUE THROUGH OCTOBER 29, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 OR GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, OR VISIT WWW.MYGMLINK.COM, AND ENTER YOUR VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER.

04V045000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Feb 4, 2004

CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, PICKUP TRUCKS, AND PASSENGER VANS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 135, ?PASSENGER CAR BRAKE SYSTEMS.? SOME OF THESE VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH AN OUT-OF-SPECIFICATION BRAKE HYDRO-BOOST HOUSING RELIEF VALVE BORE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: CONSEQUENTLY, THE VALVE O-RING SEAL MAY FRACTURE. STEERING EFFORTS MAY BE SLIGHTLY INCREASED WHILE BRAKING OR PARKING. UNDER CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS, A FRACTURED SEAL MAY REQUIRE A SLIGHT INCREASE IN THE APPLIED BRAKE PEDAL EFFORT TO ACHIEVE THE SAME VEHICLE DECELERATION RATE AS PRIOR TO THE SEAT FRACTURE.

Remedy: DEALERS ARE TO REPLACE THE HYDRO-BOOST RELIEF VALVE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 18, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339; CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438; GMC AT 1-866-996-9463; OR HUMMER AT 1-866-486-6376.

03V019000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly

Jan 27, 2003

ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, VEHICLES, DURING A 30 DEGREE LEFT ANGLE FRONTAL IMPACT OF SUFFICIENT SEVERITY, A TEAR COULD DEVELOP IN THE MID-FRAME CROSS MEMBER AT ITS ATTACHMENT TO THE LEFT FRAME RAIL. IF THE MID-FRAME CROSS MEMBER TEARS DURING FRONTAL IMPACT AND PRODUCES A SHARP EDGE, CONTACT OF THE SHARP EDGE WITH THE FUEL TANK COULD RESULT IN A PUNCTURE OF THE FUEL TANK AND POSSIBLE FUEL LEAKAGE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUEL TANK SHIELD. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 20, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020 OR GMC AT 1-800-462-8782.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

4

PE10010 · Brake Line Corrosion Failure

Opened Mar 30, 2010 · Closed Jan 5, 2011

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:hydraulic:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received Defect Petition DP10-003 on March 2, 2010, requesting the investigation of model year (MY) 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD 4WD pickup trucks for corrosion failures of the vehicle brake lines.DP10-003 was granted and on March 30, 2010, Preliminary Evaluation PE10-010 was opened on more than six million model year 1999 through 2003 light trucks and sport utility vehicles manufactured and sold by General Motors Corporation (GM).On July 2, 2010, ODI received GM's response to an information request, which included GM's assessment of the frequency and safety consequences of the alleged defect. GM stated that:(1) the brake system of the subject vehicles is split front/rear and should a brake pipe suddenly fail for any reason, the affected vehicle would be capable of stopping with the pressure supplied by the remaining circuit; (2) the subject vehicles were designed to meet the hydraulic circuit partial failure requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards 105 and 135, Light Vehicle Brake Systems; and (3) should a brake fluid leak occur for any reason, the brake system malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) would illuminate and warn the driver before the brake fluid level was low enough to cause a loss of line pressure.ODI's and GM's analysis indicates that 85 percent of the complaints occurred on vehicles used primarily in States that use salt on the roads during Winter months (Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia and Wisconsin).Overall the complaint rates per 100,000 vehicles for Salt Belt States is 43.0 and Non-Salt Belt is 3.0.In approximately 25 percent of the complaints the brake pipe failure occurred suddenly, with no warning (i.e., no MIL, Brake Fluid Loss Warning), and resulted in extended stopping distances.In 30 of these the increase in stopping distance that resulted was a factor in the crash and in 10 others the vehicle was intentionally steered off the road or into another lane of travel in order to avoid a crash.This investigation has been upgraded to an Engineering Analysis (EA11-001) for subject vehicles sold or currently registered in Salt Belt States to further assess the scope, frequency and safety risks associated with sudden failures of corroded brake pipes that can result in decreased brake effectiveness. ODI will continue to gather information on subject vehicles outside the Salt Belt as well.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Service Brakes, Hydraulic

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received Defect Petition DP10-003 on March 2, 2010, requesting the investigation of model year (MY) 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD 4WD pickup trucks for corrosion failures of the vehicle brake lines.DP10-003 was granted and on March 30, 2010, Preliminary Evaluation PE10-010 was opened on more than six million model year 1999 through 2003 light trucks and sport utility vehicles manufactured and sold by General Motors Corporation (GM).On July 2, 2010, ODI received GM's response to an information request, which included GM's assessment of the frequency and safety consequences of the alleged defect. GM stated that:(1) the brake system of the subject vehicles is split front/rear and should a brake pipe suddenly fail for any reason, the affected vehicle would be capable of stopping with the pressure supplied by the remaining circuit; (2) the subject vehicles were designed to meet the hydraulic circuit partial failure requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards 105 and 135, Light Vehicle Brake Systems; and (3) should a brake fluid leak occur for any reason, the brake system malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) would illuminate and warn the driver before the brake fluid level was low enough to cause a loss of line pressure.ODI's and GM's analysis indicates that 85 percent of the complaints occurred on vehicles used primarily in States that use salt on the roads during Winter months (Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia and Wisconsin).Overall the complaint rates per 100,000 vehicles for Salt Belt States is 43.0 and Non-Salt Belt is 3.0.In approximately 25 percent of the complaints the brake pipe failure occurred suddenly, with no warning (i.e., no MIL, Brake Fluid Loss Warning), and resulted in extended stopping distances.In 30 of these the increase in stopping distance that resulted was a factor in the crash and in 10 others the vehicle was intentionally steered off the road or into another lane of travel in order to avoid a crash.This investigation has been upgraded to an Engineering Analysis (EA11-001) for subject vehicles sold or currently registered in Salt Belt States to further assess the scope, frequency and safety risks associated with sudden failures of corroded brake pipes that can result in decreased brake effectiveness. ODI will continue to gather information on subject vehicles outside the Salt Belt as well.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:hydraulic:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received Defect Petition DP10-003 on March 2, 2010, requesting the investigation of model year (MY) 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD 4WD pickup trucks for corrosion failures of the vehicle brake lines.DP10-003 was granted and on March 30, 2010, Preliminary Evaluation PE10-010 was opened on more than six million model year 1999 through 2003 light trucks and sport utility vehicles manufactured and sold by General Motors Corporation (GM).On July 2, 2010, ODI received GM's response to an information request, which included GM's assessment of the frequency and safety consequences of the alleged defect. GM stated that:(1) the brake system of the subject vehicles is split front/rear and should a brake pipe suddenly fail for any reason, the affected vehicle would be capable of stopping with the pressure supplied by the remaining circuit; (2) the subject vehicles were designed to meet the hydraulic circuit partial failure requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards 105 and 135, Light Vehicle Brake Systems; and (3) should a brake fluid leak occur for any reason, the brake system malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) would illuminate and warn the driver before the brake fluid level was low enough to cause a loss of line pressure.ODI's and GM's analysis indicates that 85 percent of the complaints occurred on vehicles used primarily in States that use salt on the roads during Winter months (Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia and Wisconsin).Overall the complaint rates per 100,000 vehicles for Salt Belt States is 43.0 and Non-Salt Belt is 3.0.In approximately 25 percent of the complaints the brake pipe failure occurred suddenly, with no warning (i.e., no MIL, Brake Fluid Loss Warning), and resulted in extended stopping distances.In 30 of these the increase in stopping distance that resulted was a factor in the crash and in 10 others the vehicle was intentionally steered off the road or into another lane of travel in order to avoid a crash.This investigation has been upgraded to an Engineering Analysis (EA11-001) for subject vehicles sold or currently registered in Salt Belt States to further assess the scope, frequency and safety risks associated with sudden failures of corroded brake pipes that can result in decreased brake effectiveness. ODI will continue to gather information on subject vehicles outside the Salt Belt as well.

DP05009 · Parking Brake Failure

Opened Dec 20, 2005 · Closed May 31, 2006

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Parking Brake; Parking Brake:conventional; Parking Brake:conventional:mechanical

ODI'S REVIEW OF COMPLAINT DATA RECEIVED SINCE THE CLOSE OF EA04-011 REVEALED NO INDICATION THAT THE INVESTIGATION SHOULD BE RE-OPENED.MORE DETAILS CAN BE FOUND IN THE FEDERAL REGISTER NOTICE ENCLOSED IN THE DP05-009 PUBLIC FILE.ODI RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REOPEN THE INVESTIGATION IN THE FUTURE SHOULD CONDITIONS WARRANT.

Additional source detail variants (3)

Parking Brake:conventional

ODI'S REVIEW OF COMPLAINT DATA RECEIVED SINCE THE CLOSE OF EA04-011 REVEALED NO INDICATION THAT THE INVESTIGATION SHOULD BE RE-OPENED.MORE DETAILS CAN BE FOUND IN THE FEDERAL REGISTER NOTICE ENCLOSED IN THE DP05-009 PUBLIC FILE.ODI RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REOPEN THE INVESTIGATION IN THE FUTURE SHOULD CONDITIONS WARRANT.

Parking Brake:conventional:mechanical

ODI'S REVIEW OF COMPLAINT DATA RECEIVED SINCE THE CLOSE OF EA04-011 REVEALED NO INDICATION THAT THE INVESTIGATION SHOULD BE RE-OPENED.MORE DETAILS CAN BE FOUND IN THE FEDERAL REGISTER NOTICE ENCLOSED IN THE DP05-009 PUBLIC FILE.ODI RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REOPEN THE INVESTIGATION IN THE FUTURE SHOULD CONDITIONS WARRANT.

Parking Brake

ODI'S REVIEW OF COMPLAINT DATA RECEIVED SINCE THE CLOSE OF EA04-011 REVEALED NO INDICATION THAT THE INVESTIGATION SHOULD BE RE-OPENED.MORE DETAILS CAN BE FOUND IN THE FEDERAL REGISTER NOTICE ENCLOSED IN THE DP05-009 PUBLIC FILE.ODI RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REOPEN THE INVESTIGATION IN THE FUTURE SHOULD CONDITIONS WARRANT.

EA04012 · Hydraulic Pump Failres

Opened Apr 30, 2004 · Closed Feb 28, 2005

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist; Steering:hydraulic Power Assist System

GM IS CONDUCTING A RECALL ON ALL SUBJECT VEHICLES BUILD BETWEEN MAY 1999 AND OCTOBER 14, 1999.SIGNIFICANT CHANGES WERE INCORPORATED INTO PRODUCTION IN EARLY OCTOBER 1999, AND VEHICLES BUILT AFTER THAT DATE HAVE LOWER WARRANTY FAILURE RATES.THE COMPLAINT AND WARRANTY DATA APPEAR TO SUPPORT THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THESE CHANGES. GM MADE ADDITIONAL CHANGES IN NOVEMBER 1999, FEBRUARY 2000, MAY 2001, AND FEBRUARY 2004.ODI WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THIS PROBLEM AND WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION, IF WARRANTED, IN THE FUTURE.FOR FURTHER TECHNICAL DETAILS SEE THE ATTACHED ENGINEERING ANALYSIS REPORT.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist

GM IS CONDUCTING A RECALL ON ALL SUBJECT VEHICLES BUILD BETWEEN MAY 1999 AND OCTOBER 14, 1999.SIGNIFICANT CHANGES WERE INCORPORATED INTO PRODUCTION IN EARLY OCTOBER 1999, AND VEHICLES BUILT AFTER THAT DATE HAVE LOWER WARRANTY FAILURE RATES.THE COMPLAINT AND WARRANTY DATA APPEAR TO SUPPORT THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THESE CHANGES. GM MADE ADDITIONAL CHANGES IN NOVEMBER 1999, FEBRUARY 2000, MAY 2001, AND FEBRUARY 2004.ODI WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THIS PROBLEM AND WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION, IF WARRANTED, IN THE FUTURE.FOR FURTHER TECHNICAL DETAILS SEE THE ATTACHED ENGINEERING ANALYSIS REPORT.

Steering:hydraulic Power Assist System

GM IS CONDUCTING A RECALL ON ALL SUBJECT VEHICLES BUILD BETWEEN MAY 1999 AND OCTOBER 14, 1999.SIGNIFICANT CHANGES WERE INCORPORATED INTO PRODUCTION IN EARLY OCTOBER 1999, AND VEHICLES BUILT AFTER THAT DATE HAVE LOWER WARRANTY FAILURE RATES.THE COMPLAINT AND WARRANTY DATA APPEAR TO SUPPORT THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THESE CHANGES. GM MADE ADDITIONAL CHANGES IN NOVEMBER 1999, FEBRUARY 2000, MAY 2001, AND FEBRUARY 2004.ODI WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THIS PROBLEM AND WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION, IF WARRANTED, IN THE FUTURE.FOR FURTHER TECHNICAL DETAILS SEE THE ATTACHED ENGINEERING ANALYSIS REPORT.

EA04005 · Tailgate Cable Breakage

Opened Feb 19, 2004 · Closed Sep 28, 2004

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Latches/locks/linkages:tailgate:latch; Structure:body:tailgate ; Structure:body:tailgate:hinge And Attachments

GENERAL MOTORS FILED A DEFECT NOTICE 04V-129 ON MARCH 17, 2004, WHICH OUTLINES A PROGRAM TO REPLACE THE TAILGATE CABLES INSTALLED IN AFFECTED MODEL YEAR 2000-2004 VEHICLES.REFER TO ODI'S CLOSING REPORT FOR EA04-005 FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.ODI IS AWARE OF REPORTS OF TAILGATE CABLE BREAKAGE OCCURRING IN MODEL YEAR 1999 AND EARLIER VEHICLES.THESE VEHICLES WERE EQUIPPED WITH SIMILAR TAILGATE CABLES AS ADDRESSED BY 04V-129, BUT ARE NOT BEING ADDRESSED BY CAMPAIGN O4V-129.ODI IS INITIATING A SEPARATE INVESTIGATION TO ADDRESS THESE VEHICLES.THE COMPLAINT-INJURY-FATALITY STATISTICS SUMMARIZED ABOVE PERTAIN TO MODEL YEAR 2000-2004 VEHICLES. THE COMPLAINT-INJURY STATISTICS FOR MODEL YEAR 1999 AND EARLIER VEHICLES ARE SUMMARIZED ON THE OPENING RESUME FOR THAT INVESTIGATION.

Additional source detail variants (6)

Latches/locks/linkages:tailgate:latch

GENERAL MOTORS FILED A DEFECT NOTICE 04V-129 ON MARCH 17, 2004, WHICH OUTLINES A PROGRAM TO REPLACE THE TAILGATE CABLES INSTALLED IN AFFECTED MODEL YEAR 2000-2004 VEHICLES.REFER TO ODI'S CLOSING REPORT FOR EA04-005 FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.ODI IS AWARE OF REPORTS OF TAILGATE CABLE BREAKAGE OCCURRING IN MODEL YEAR 1999 AND EARLIER VEHICLES.THESE VEHICLES WERE EQUIPPED WITH SIMILAR TAILGATE CABLES AS ADDRESSED BY 04V-129, BUT ARE NOT BEING ADDRESSED BY CAMPAIGN O4V-129.ODI IS INITIATING A SEPARATE INVESTIGATION TO ADDRESS THESE VEHICLES.THE COMPLAINT-INJURY-FATALITY STATISTICS SUMMARIZED ABOVE PERTAIN TO MODEL YEAR 2000-2004 VEHICLES. THE COMPLAINT-INJURY STATISTICS FOR MODEL YEAR 1999 AND EARLIER VEHICLES ARE SUMMARIZED ON THE OPENING RESUME FOR THAT INVESTIGATION.

Latches/locks/linkages:tailgate:latch

GENERAL MOTORS FILED A DEFECT NOTICE 04V-129 ON MARCH 17, 2004, WHICH OUTLINES A PROGRAM TO REPLACE THE TAILGATE CABLES INSTALLED IN AFFECTED MODEL YEAR 2000-2004 VEHICLES.REFER TO ODI'S CLOSING REPORT FOR EA04-005 FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.ODI IS AWARE OF REPORTS OF TAILGATE CABLE BREAKAGE OCCURRING IN MODEL YEAR 1999 AND EARLIER VEHICLES.THESE VEHICLES WERE EQUIPPED WITH SIMILAR TAILGATE CABLES AS ADDRESSED BY 04V-129, BUT ARE NOT BEING ADDRESSED BY CAMPAIGN O4V-129.ODI IS INITIATING A SEPARATE INVESTIGATION TO ADDRESS THESE VEHICLES.THE COMPLAINT-INJURY-FATALITY STATISTICS SUMMARIZED ABOVE PERTAIN TO MODEL YEAR 2000-2004 VEHICLES. THE COMPLAINT-INJURY STATISTICS FOR MODEL YEAR 1999 AND EARLIER VEHICLES ARE SUMMARIZED ON THE OPENING RESUME FOR THAT INVESTIGATION.

Structure:body:tailgate

GENERAL MOTORS FILED A DEFECT NOTICE 04V-129 ON MARCH 17, 2004, WHICH OUTLINES A PROGRAM TO REPLACE THE TAILGATE CABLES INSTALLED IN AFFECTED MODEL YEAR 2000-2004 VEHICLES.REFER TO ODI'S CLOSING REPORT FOR EA04-005 FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.ODI IS AWARE OF REPORTS OF TAILGATE CABLE BREAKAGE OCCURRING IN MODEL YEAR 1999 AND EARLIER VEHICLES.THESE VEHICLES WERE EQUIPPED WITH SIMILAR TAILGATE CABLES AS ADDRESSED BY 04V-129, BUT ARE NOT BEING ADDRESSED BY CAMPAIGN O4V-129.ODI IS INITIATING A SEPARATE INVESTIGATION TO ADDRESS THESE VEHICLES.THE COMPLAINT-INJURY-FATALITY STATISTICS SUMMARIZED ABOVE PERTAIN TO MODEL YEAR 2000-2004 VEHICLES. THE COMPLAINT-INJURY STATISTICS FOR MODEL YEAR 1999 AND EARLIER VEHICLES ARE SUMMARIZED ON THE OPENING RESUME FOR THAT INVESTIGATION.

Structure:body:tailgate

GENERAL MOTORS FILED A DEFECT NOTICE 04V-129 ON MARCH 17, 2004, WHICH OUTLINES A PROGRAM TO REPLACE THE TAILGATE CABLES INSTALLED IN AFFECTED MODEL YEAR 2000-2004 VEHICLES.REFER TO ODI'S CLOSING REPORT FOR EA04-005 FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.ODI IS AWARE OF REPORTS OF TAILGATE CABLE BREAKAGE OCCURRING IN MODEL YEAR 1999 AND EARLIER VEHICLES.THESE VEHICLES WERE EQUIPPED WITH SIMILAR TAILGATE CABLES AS ADDRESSED BY 04V-129, BUT ARE NOT BEING ADDRESSED BY CAMPAIGN O4V-129.ODI IS INITIATING A SEPARATE INVESTIGATION TO ADDRESS THESE VEHICLES.THE COMPLAINT-INJURY-FATALITY STATISTICS SUMMARIZED ABOVE PERTAIN TO MODEL YEAR 2000-2004 VEHICLES. THE COMPLAINT-INJURY STATISTICS FOR MODEL YEAR 1999 AND EARLIER VEHICLES ARE SUMMARIZED ON THE OPENING RESUME FOR THAT INVESTIGATION.

Structure:body:tailgate:hinge And Attachments

GENERAL MOTORS FILED A DEFECT NOTICE 04V-129 ON MARCH 17, 2004, WHICH OUTLINES A PROGRAM TO REPLACE THE TAILGATE CABLES INSTALLED IN AFFECTED MODEL YEAR 2000-2004 VEHICLES.REFER TO ODI'S CLOSING REPORT FOR EA04-005 FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.ODI IS AWARE OF REPORTS OF TAILGATE CABLE BREAKAGE OCCURRING IN MODEL YEAR 1999 AND EARLIER VEHICLES.THESE VEHICLES WERE EQUIPPED WITH SIMILAR TAILGATE CABLES AS ADDRESSED BY 04V-129, BUT ARE NOT BEING ADDRESSED BY CAMPAIGN O4V-129.ODI IS INITIATING A SEPARATE INVESTIGATION TO ADDRESS THESE VEHICLES.THE COMPLAINT-INJURY-FATALITY STATISTICS SUMMARIZED ABOVE PERTAIN TO MODEL YEAR 2000-2004 VEHICLES. THE COMPLAINT-INJURY STATISTICS FOR MODEL YEAR 1999 AND EARLIER VEHICLES ARE SUMMARIZED ON THE OPENING RESUME FOR THAT INVESTIGATION.

Structure:body:tailgate:hinge And Attachments

GENERAL MOTORS FILED A DEFECT NOTICE 04V-129 ON MARCH 17, 2004, WHICH OUTLINES A PROGRAM TO REPLACE THE TAILGATE CABLES INSTALLED IN AFFECTED MODEL YEAR 2000-2004 VEHICLES.REFER TO ODI'S CLOSING REPORT FOR EA04-005 FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.ODI IS AWARE OF REPORTS OF TAILGATE CABLE BREAKAGE OCCURRING IN MODEL YEAR 1999 AND EARLIER VEHICLES.THESE VEHICLES WERE EQUIPPED WITH SIMILAR TAILGATE CABLES AS ADDRESSED BY 04V-129, BUT ARE NOT BEING ADDRESSED BY CAMPAIGN O4V-129.ODI IS INITIATING A SEPARATE INVESTIGATION TO ADDRESS THESE VEHICLES.THE COMPLAINT-INJURY-FATALITY STATISTICS SUMMARIZED ABOVE PERTAIN TO MODEL YEAR 2000-2004 VEHICLES. THE COMPLAINT-INJURY STATISTICS FOR MODEL YEAR 1999 AND EARLIER VEHICLES ARE SUMMARIZED ON THE OPENING RESUME FOR THAT INVESTIGATION.