IllustrationTL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE.WHILE AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE CONTACT COULD NOT DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000.
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 →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Avalanche years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
280–25K
3025–50K
2850–75K
2375–100K
35100–150K
17150K+
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
Service Brakes, Hydraulic complaints
27 reportsI 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 …
Read full complaint
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
WHILE EXITING HWY 75 THE BREAKS FAILED ON MY 2003 CHEVY AVALANCHE. THE FIRST APPLICATION OF THE BREAKS THE PEDAL WENT 3/4 OF THE WAY TO THE FLOOR, THE SECOND TIME THE PEDAL WENT THE THE FLOOR I PUMPED THE PEDAL SEVERAL TIMES UNTIL THE PRESSURE BUILT UP ENOUGH TO FINALLY GRAB. I WAS HALF WAY THRU THE INTERSECTION WHEN THE TRUCK S…
Read full complaint
WHILE EXITING HWY 75 THE BREAKS FAILED ON MY 2003 CHEVY AVALANCHE. THE FIRST APPLICATION OF THE BREAKS THE PEDAL WENT 3/4 OF THE WAY TO THE FLOOR, THE SECOND TIME THE PEDAL WENT THE THE FLOOR I PUMPED THE PEDAL SEVERAL TIMES UNTIL THE PRESSURE BUILT UP ENOUGH TO FINALLY GRAB. I WAS HALF WAY THRU THE INTERSECTION WHEN THE TRUCK STOPPED, WITH ONCOMING TRAFFIC APPROACHING I MADE A LEFT TURN TO CONTINUE UNDER THE OVERPASS AND THE STOPLIGHT WAS RED I COULDN'T STOP AND WENT THRU THAT AS WELL. I USED MY EMERGENCY BREAK TO FINALLY STOP THE TRUCK AND WAS ABLE TO PULL INTO A GAS STATION AND PARK THE TRUCK. THIS HAPPENED SO FAST AND WITHOUT ANY WARNING I NEVER HAD ANY INDICATION THAT I WAS HAVING ANY BREAK ISSUES. THIS COULD HAVE GONE SO WRONG. THE TRUCK IS IN THE SHOP AND SO FAR THEY HAVE FOUND ALL FOUR BRAKE LINES SEVERELY CORRODED.
I HAVE HAD SEVERAL ISSUES WITH MY 2003 CHEVORLET AVALANCHE Z71 ONLY 62,000 MILES. MY PROBLEMS STARTED AROUND 8,000 MILES WITH THE REAR BRAKES GOING BAD. I HAVE REPLACED THE FRONT AND REAR BRAKES FOUR (4) TIMES SINCE I HAVE OWNED IT. THE ABS SPEED SENSORS HAVE BEEN REPLACED ONCE AND NEED REPLACED AGAIN. THE SPEEDOMETER IS STUC…
Read full complaint
I HAVE HAD SEVERAL ISSUES WITH MY 2003 CHEVORLET AVALANCHE Z71 ONLY 62,000 MILES. MY PROBLEMS STARTED AROUND 8,000 MILES WITH THE REAR BRAKES GOING BAD. I HAVE REPLACED THE FRONT AND REAR BRAKES FOUR (4) TIMES SINCE I HAVE OWNED IT. THE ABS SPEED SENSORS HAVE BEEN REPLACED ONCE AND NEED REPLACED AGAIN. THE SPEEDOMETER IS STUCK AT 120 MPH, THE U JOINTS HAVE BEEN REPLACED AND NOW THE TRANSMISSION HAS GONE OUT. I FEEL THAT CHEVORLET SHOULD FIX THESE PROBLEMS UNDER A WARRANTY/RECALL. *TR
THE BRAKE LINES ON MY 2003 CHEVY AVALANCHE HAVE COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT LEADING TO A COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURE INCIDENT WHILE ON THE ROAD. ALTHOUGH IT'S A 2003 YEAR MODEL, I HAVE LESS THAN 20,000 YES, LESS THAN 20,000 TOTAL MILES ON THE VEHICLE. I WILL NEVER EVER BY A CHEVY AGAIN. I ALSO HAVE A 1998 ACURA WHICH I HAVE DRIVEN FOR T…
Read full complaint
THE BRAKE LINES ON MY 2003 CHEVY AVALANCHE HAVE COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT LEADING TO A COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURE INCIDENT WHILE ON THE ROAD. ALTHOUGH IT'S A 2003 YEAR MODEL, I HAVE LESS THAN 20,000 YES, LESS THAN 20,000 TOTAL MILES ON THE VEHICLE. I WILL NEVER EVER BY A CHEVY AGAIN. I ALSO HAVE A 1998 ACURA WHICH I HAVE DRIVEN FOR THE PAST 11 YEARS AND IT HAS NO SUCH PROBLEMS. NOPE. I WILL NEVER EVER BY A CHEVY AGAIN. *TR
SEVERE BRAKE LINE RUST THAT STARTED WHEN VEHICLE WAS LESS THAN 3 YEARS OLD. 2 SEPARATE DEALERS SAW THE RUST BUT SAID THEY COULD NOT ACT ON THE PROBLEM UNLESS THERE WAS A FAILURE OR THEY WERE LEAKING. I BROUGHT THIS TO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENTS ATTENTION WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS UNDER WARRANTY.( ORIGINAL & OEM EXTENDED). *TR
I WAS DRIVING DOWN HWY 316 AND BEGAN APPROACHING A RED LIGHT. WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO BEGIN STOPPING FOR THE RED LIGHT, MY BRAKE PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR AND THE BRAKES DIDN'T SEEM TO BE WORKING. LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO SAFELY PULL OFF THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE ROAD AND WAS ABLE TO AVOID HITTING ANY OTHER VEHICLES OR OBJECTS. I…
Read full complaint
I WAS DRIVING DOWN HWY 316 AND BEGAN APPROACHING A RED LIGHT. WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO BEGIN STOPPING FOR THE RED LIGHT, MY BRAKE PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR AND THE BRAKES DIDN'T SEEM TO BE WORKING. LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO SAFELY PULL OFF THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE ROAD AND WAS ABLE TO AVOID HITTING ANY OTHER VEHICLES OR OBJECTS. I THEN PULLED INTO AN EMPTY PARKING LOT ABOUT 50 FEET AWAY. WHEN I GOT OUT OF MY VEHICLE AND STARTING LOOKING AROUND I COULD SEE FLUID DRIPPING ON THE GROUND NEXT TO THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT WHEEL. I THEN WAS ABLE TO FIND THAT THE FLUID WAS BRAKE FLUID AND IT WAS COMING FROM A PINHOLE SIZED LEAK IN THE STAINLESS STEEL BRAKE LINE COMING FROM THE MASTER CYLINDER AND GOING TO THE ABS SYSTEM. AFTER CLOSER INSPECTION I HAVE DISCOVERED THAT ALL MY STEEL BRAKE LINES ARE SEVERELY RUSTED. THERE WERE NO WARNING SIGNS, LIGHTS, BONGS, OR BEEPS UNTIL AFTER MY BRAKES FAILED.MY BRAKES WOULD BARELY WORK,THE PEDAL WOULD GO TO THE FLOOR AND I WOULD ONLY BE ABLE TO SLOW MY VEHICLE DOWN ENOUGH TO SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL AND THEN SHIFT INTO PARK TO COMPLETELY STOP. I CONSIDER MYSELF AND MY FAMILY EXTREMELY FORTUNATE THAT WE WERE ABLE TO AVOID A CRASH AND WERE NOT HARMED OR DIDN'T HARM ANYONE ELSE. AFTER THIS OCCURRED I STARTING DOING RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET AND DISCOVERED THAT THIS HAS BECOME A MAJOR ISSUE WITH CHEVROLET VEHICLES IN THE SALT BED STATES. I LIVE IN GEORGIA, BUT MY CHEVY AVALANCHE IS FROM A SALT BED STATE AND WAS ONLY RECENTLY BROUGHT TO GA. *TR
THIS IS THE SECOND COMPLAINT THAT I WILL BE GIVING IN REGARDS TO THE BRAKE LINE ON MY CHEVY AVALANCHE AS PER COMPLAINT NUMBER: 10430307. I TOOK MY TRUCK TO A GMC/CHEVY DEALERSHIP TO HAVE THE BRAKE LINE REPLACE WHICH COST 600.00. NOT EVEN A WEEK AFTER BRINGING THE TRUCK HOME, I START UP THE TRUCK, PUT IT INTO REVERSE AND AS I STA…
Read full complaint
THIS IS THE SECOND COMPLAINT THAT I WILL BE GIVING IN REGARDS TO THE BRAKE LINE ON MY CHEVY AVALANCHE AS PER COMPLAINT NUMBER: 10430307. I TOOK MY TRUCK TO A GMC/CHEVY DEALERSHIP TO HAVE THE BRAKE LINE REPLACE WHICH COST 600.00. NOT EVEN A WEEK AFTER BRINGING THE TRUCK HOME, I START UP THE TRUCK, PUT IT INTO REVERSE AND AS I START MOVING BACKWARDS AND APPLY THE BRAKES, THE BRAKE PEDAL GOES TO THE FLOOR AND A LOUD POP IS HEARD. UPON INSPECTION, BRAKE FLUID WAS POURING OUT FROM UNDER THE DRIVER SIDE AGAIN AND NOW I WILL HAVE TO RETURN IN THE TRUCK TO THE DEALERSHIP. GMC DID NOT OFFER ANY HELP TO REPAIR/REPLACE THE BRAKE LINES THE LAST TIME AND IT IS UNKNOWN AS OF NOW IF THEY WILL THIS TIME. IT WAS NOT EVEN ONE WEEK AND THE BRAKE LINES GAVE OUT YET AGAIN EVEN AFTER JUST BEING FIXED. SOMEONE MUST HOLD GM ACCOUNTABLE FOR THIS BEFORE MORE PEOPLE GET HURT OR WORSE DUE TO FAULTY MATERIALS USED ON THESE VEHICLES. *TR
OCTOBER 14, 2011: MY FAMILY AND I WERE BACKING OUT FROM OUR HOME WHEN WE LOST PRESSURE IN THE BRAKE PEDAL. UPON VISUAL INSPECTION UNDER THE DRIVERSIDE DOOR, BRAKE FLUID WAS FLOWING FREELY ONTO THE ROAD. A CLOSER LOOK REVEALED THAT THE BRAKE LINES WERE SEVERELY CORRODED AND THAT THEY HAD RUPTURED WHEN PRESSURE WAS APPLIED TO THE …
Read full complaint
OCTOBER 14, 2011: MY FAMILY AND I WERE BACKING OUT FROM OUR HOME WHEN WE LOST PRESSURE IN THE BRAKE PEDAL. UPON VISUAL INSPECTION UNDER THE DRIVERSIDE DOOR, BRAKE FLUID WAS FLOWING FREELY ONTO THE ROAD. A CLOSER LOOK REVEALED THAT THE BRAKE LINES WERE SEVERELY CORRODED AND THAT THEY HAD RUPTURED WHEN PRESSURE WAS APPLIED TO THE BRAKES. AS I PULLED MY TRUCK BACK INTO THE DRIVEWAY, IT TOOK 10-15 FT JUST TO BRING THE TRUCK TO A COMPLETE STOP USING THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AND I DID NOT EVEN GET UP TO 3 MPH. I AM VERY CONCERNED AS TO WHAT COULD OF HAPPENED TO MY FAMILY AND I WERE TRAVELING DOWN THE ROAD AT 45 MPH OR FASTER AND WENT TO BRAKE AND THE LINE RUPTURED NOT TO MENTION ANYONE ELSE I WOULD OF CRASHED INTO. I DID SOME RESEARCH ONLINE AND HAVE DISCOVERED THAT THERE IS A CURRENT INVESTIGATION (NHTSA ACTION NUMBER :EA11001) THAT IS PENDING FINAL RESULTS. PLEASE ADD MY OWN EXPERIENCE TO YOUR GROWING LIST OF ISSUES WITH GM'S MANUFACTURING/INSTALLATION OF BRAKE LINE. IT IS APPARENT THAT THIS ISSUE IS NOT ONE THAT HAS AFFECTED A SMALL PERCENTAGE OF BUYERS. I STRONGLY ASK THAT SOMEONE PLEASE FIGURE OUT THE CORRECTIVE ACTION FOR GM TO TAKE THAT DOES NOT NEGATIVELY AFFECT THE CUSTOMERS BOTH ETHICALLY AND FINANCIALLY. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PERFORMING ROUTINE MAINTENANCE ON THE BRAKES, HE NOTICED THAT THE BRAKE LINES WERE RUSTED AND CORRODED. AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ADDRESSING THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED.…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PERFORMING ROUTINE MAINTENANCE ON THE BRAKES, HE NOTICED THAT THE BRAKE LINES WERE RUSTED AND CORRODED. AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ADDRESSING THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 61,000.
Official recalls
405V163000 · 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
4PE10010 · 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.