← New search

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

Service Brakes complaints

51 reports
Clear category filter
134,600 miles · Mar 3, 2014
Service Brakes

RUPTURED REAR BRAKE LINE UNDER DRIVER SIDE DOOR DUE TO EXTREME RUST OF LINES. INSPECTION REVEALS ALL THE BRAKE LINES ARE SHOWING SIGNS OF EXTREME RUST, WHICH SHOULD NOT HAPPEN FOR AN 11 YEAR OLD TRUCK. BY THE GRACE OF GOD, I WAS IN MY DRIVEWAY WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR AND NOT DRIVING ON THE ROADS AT ANY SPEED. …

Read full complaint

RUPTURED REAR BRAKE LINE UNDER DRIVER SIDE DOOR DUE TO EXTREME RUST OF LINES. INSPECTION REVEALS ALL THE BRAKE LINES ARE SHOWING SIGNS OF EXTREME RUST, WHICH SHOULD NOT HAPPEN FOR AN 11 YEAR OLD TRUCK. BY THE GRACE OF GOD, I WAS IN MY DRIVEWAY WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR AND NOT DRIVING ON THE ROADS AT ANY SPEED. WHY THE RISK OF USING SUBSTANDARD MATERIALS FOR BRAKE LINES? WHY NOT USE STAINLESS STEEL BRAKE LINES? *TR

NHTSA ODI #10566758

166,154 miles · Feb 20, 2014
Service Brakes

WHILE DRIVING HOME AT ROUGHLY 35 MPH I ATTEMPTED TO STOP AND WHEN I PRESSED ON THE BRAKE PEDAL THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR AND THE ON BOARD COMPUTER SYSTEM CAME ON AND SET CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM. I WAS ABLE TO PUMP THE BRAKE AND GET SOME PRESSURE BUT I COULD HERE A HISSING SOUND ANYTIME I PRESSED THE PEDAL. I WAS WITHIN TWO MILES OF…

Read full complaint

WHILE DRIVING HOME AT ROUGHLY 35 MPH I ATTEMPTED TO STOP AND WHEN I PRESSED ON THE BRAKE PEDAL THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR AND THE ON BOARD COMPUTER SYSTEM CAME ON AND SET CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM. I WAS ABLE TO PUMP THE BRAKE AND GET SOME PRESSURE BUT I COULD HERE A HISSING SOUND ANYTIME I PRESSED THE PEDAL. I WAS WITHIN TWO MILES OF THE HOUSE AND WAS ABLE TO GET HOME. MY HUSBAND LOOKED AT THE BRAKE SYSTEM AND THERE WAS A HOLE FROM A RUSTY SECTION OF THE BRAKE LINE OVER THE TOP OF THE CHASSIS IN THE DRIVERS SIDE REAR AREA. EVERY TIME YOU STEP ON THE PEDAL IT WOULD SPRAY A STEADY STREAM OF BRAKE FLUID. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10565173

52,000 miles · Jan 6, 2014
Service Brakes

CORRODED STEEL BRAKE LINE DEVELOPED A HOLE AND LEAK OF BRAKE FLUID. THIS LED TO INABILITY TO BRAKE ADEQUATELY TO STOP. ALL 4 BRAKE LINES NEED REPLACED DUE TO SEVERE CORROSION. THERE APPEARS TO BE A LARGE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THESE AND SIMILAR GM VEHICLES EXPERIENCING BRAKE LINE FAILURES. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10558604

59,353 miles · Dec 19, 2013
Service Brakes

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL BECAME STUCK TO THE FLOORBOARD WHILE ATTEMPTING TO REVERSE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL MECHANIC, WHO FOUND THAT THE BRAKE LINES WERE CORRODED AND LEAKING BRAKE FLUID. THE BRAKE LINES WERE REPLACED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE …

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL BECAME STUCK TO THE FLOORBOARD WHILE ATTEMPTING TO REVERSE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL MECHANIC, WHO FOUND THAT THE BRAKE LINES WERE CORRODED AND LEAKING BRAKE FLUID. THE BRAKE LINES WERE REPLACED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 59,353.

NHTSA ODI #10556640

154,798 miles · Dec 16, 2013
Service Brakes

BRAKES FAILED DUE TO A RUSTED BRAKE PIPE WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM WORK. LUCKILY I WAS ON MY STREET AND TRAVELING JUST UNDER 25 MPH. AFTER INSPECTION OF THE UNDER SIDE OF VEHICLE I DISCOVERED NOT ONE BUT, TWO LEAKS. I DO EXPECT SOME ISSUES WITH A VEHICLE MY AGE AND MILEAGE BUT, NOT A TOTAL BRAKE FAILURE. I DID CONTACT THE DEALER F…

Read full complaint

BRAKES FAILED DUE TO A RUSTED BRAKE PIPE WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM WORK. LUCKILY I WAS ON MY STREET AND TRAVELING JUST UNDER 25 MPH. AFTER INSPECTION OF THE UNDER SIDE OF VEHICLE I DISCOVERED NOT ONE BUT, TWO LEAKS. I DO EXPECT SOME ISSUES WITH A VEHICLE MY AGE AND MILEAGE BUT, NOT A TOTAL BRAKE FAILURE. I DID CONTACT THE DEALER FOR REPLACEMENT PARTS JUST TO LEARN THAT THE PARTS HAVE BEEN DISCONTINUE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10556147

112,000 miles · Nov 1, 2013
Service Brakes

APPROACHING STOP LIGHT, HIT BRAKES, AND PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR, THERE WAS NO BRAKE AT ALL. NO ONE WAS IN FRONT OF ME AT LIGHT , SO I TURNED RIGHT AND COASTED INTO PARKING LOT. HAD TRUCK TOWED HOME, FOUND RUSTED AND SPLIT BRAKE LINE UNDER DRIVERS DOOR, THE OTHER 3 LINES IN THE BUNDLE WERE ALMOST GONE TOO, JUST M…

Read full complaint

APPROACHING STOP LIGHT, HIT BRAKES, AND PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR, THERE WAS NO BRAKE AT ALL. NO ONE WAS IN FRONT OF ME AT LIGHT , SO I TURNED RIGHT AND COASTED INTO PARKING LOT. HAD TRUCK TOWED HOME, FOUND RUSTED AND SPLIT BRAKE LINE UNDER DRIVERS DOOR, THE OTHER 3 LINES IN THE BUNDLE WERE ALMOST GONE TOO, JUST MOVING ANOTHER ONE CAUSED IT TO BREAK OPEN, SO .AS OF TODAY , I REPLACED THE FRONT4 LINES.AND PLAN ON DOING THE REAR THIS WEEK... THE ENTIRE UNDER- CARRIAGE IS RUSTY, WAY MORE THAN NORMAL, I RESTORE ARS AND HAVE A 1951 CHEVY, THAT'S ORIGINAL FRAME AND LOOKS NEW.. I COMPARE TRUCKS EVERY TIME I GET A CHANCE,,,AND THIS CHEVY IS BADDD. LOVE THE TRUCK, JUST HATE REPLACING, BRAKES, ROTORS, LINES ALL THE TIME...REAR BACKING PLATES HAVE BEEN. RUSTED AWAY, SINCE 2005. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10550520

43,500 miles · Oct 25, 2013
Service Brakes

EXPERIENCED LOSS OF BRAKING POWER DUE TO A LEAK IN ONE OF THE FRONT METAL BRAKE LINES. TOOK VEHICLE TO A REPAIR SHOP WHO INFORMED ME ALL THE METAL BRAKE LINES WERE HIGHLY CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. I CONTACTED JIM MCKAY DEALERSHIP AND WAS INFORMED THESE BRAKE LINES ARE ON BACK ORDER WITH NO INDICATION OF WHEN PARTS WO…

Read full complaint

EXPERIENCED LOSS OF BRAKING POWER DUE TO A LEAK IN ONE OF THE FRONT METAL BRAKE LINES. TOOK VEHICLE TO A REPAIR SHOP WHO INFORMED ME ALL THE METAL BRAKE LINES WERE HIGHLY CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. I CONTACTED JIM MCKAY DEALERSHIP AND WAS INFORMED THESE BRAKE LINES ARE ON BACK ORDER WITH NO INDICATION OF WHEN PARTS WOULD BE AVAILABLE. REPAIR SHOP HAS TO CUSTOM MAKE ALL BRAKE LINES WITH AN ESTIMATE OF $1,500 - $1,600. BRAKE LINES SHOULD NOT CORRODE, THIS IS DEFECTIVE MATERIAL. LINES SHOULD BE STAINLESS STEEL, IF NOT, COATED AT A MINIMUM. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10549475

103,012 miles · Oct 18, 2013
Service Brakes

VEHICLE WAS MOVING AT APPROXIMATELY 50 MILES PER HOUR AND BRAKES WERE APPLIED TO PREPARE FOR A RIGHT TURN. AT FIRST THE BRAKES WERE BEGINNING TO BE EFFECTIVE, BUT SUDDEN LOSS OF HYDROLOGICAL PRESSURE RESULTED IN BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELING ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR AND LITTLE TO NO BRAKING POWER WAS AVAILABLE. INDICATOR LIGHTS AND BELL…

Read full complaint

VEHICLE WAS MOVING AT APPROXIMATELY 50 MILES PER HOUR AND BRAKES WERE APPLIED TO PREPARE FOR A RIGHT TURN. AT FIRST THE BRAKES WERE BEGINNING TO BE EFFECTIVE, BUT SUDDEN LOSS OF HYDROLOGICAL PRESSURE RESULTED IN BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELING ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR AND LITTLE TO NO BRAKING POWER WAS AVAILABLE. INDICATOR LIGHTS AND BELLS ILLUMINATED INDICATING THAT THE BRAKING SYSTEM NEEDED SERVICED. VEHICLE COASTED TO A STOP AND WAS PLACED INTO PARK. BRAKE FLUID WAS VISIBLE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT WHEEL WELL. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10548348

88,000 miles · Sep 20, 2013
Service Brakes

BRAKES WENT OUT WHILE PULLING A TRAILER. WENT THROUGH AN INTERSECTION. THANK GOD IT WAS EARLY ON A SUNDAY MORNING. BRAKE LINE HAD A COMPLETED RUSTED AND BURST. WHEN LOOKING TO REPAIR, THE ENTIRE BRAKE LINE WAS RUSTED AND BLISTERED. ALL OTHER LINES WERE ABOUT TO BURST. HAD TO REPLACE ALL BRAKE LINES ON THIS VEHICLE. I HAVE…

Read full complaint

BRAKES WENT OUT WHILE PULLING A TRAILER. WENT THROUGH AN INTERSECTION. THANK GOD IT WAS EARLY ON A SUNDAY MORNING. BRAKE LINE HAD A COMPLETED RUSTED AND BURST. WHEN LOOKING TO REPAIR, THE ENTIRE BRAKE LINE WAS RUSTED AND BLISTERED. ALL OTHER LINES WERE ABOUT TO BURST. HAD TO REPLACE ALL BRAKE LINES ON THIS VEHICLE. I HAVE OWNED MANY VEHICLES AND MUCH OLDER AND HIGHER MILEAGE VEHICLES AND NEVER HAD TO REPLACE BRAKE LINES. THIS IS RIDICULOUS HOW BAD THE LINES WERE. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF THIS VEHICLE AND I KNOW IT WAS WELL TAKEN CARE OF. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10544528

76,000 miles · Sep 12, 2013
Service Brakes

TL* THE CONTACT 2003 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE 1500. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE COASTED UNTIL IT EVENTUALLY STOPPED. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO CONFIRMED THAT THE BRAKE LINES WERE COVERED WITH RUST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT 2003 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE 1500. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE COASTED UNTIL IT EVENTUALLY STOPPED. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO CONFIRMED THAT THE BRAKE LINES WERE COVERED WITH RUST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE INCIDENT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 76000.

NHTSA ODI #10543328

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.