Print this page

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
65,733 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2003 Chevrolet Avalanche steering problems

steering problem

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

2003 Chevrolet Avalanche Owner Comments

problem #11

Jan 052021

Avalanche

  • 0 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I bought this vehicle and the cluster is out I do not know what model this is other than a Z66 so I cannot see on how to program my phone at to the onstar or any of that I don't know if I have satellite radio there is no auxiliary plug in heated seats it's only the back of the seat that works I'm not sure if that's all that is heated and it says that it's supposed to be come with a key fob I did not receive my car completely dies I have to turn it completely off turn the key around and started again the whole steering column looks like it has been replaced I did not receive the key fob I cannot lock the doors because the keys don't work in the door but they do an ignition sometimes I have to turn the key around sometimes even when I'm in the middle of driving I have to cut it completely off because it will stall out turn key around and it start it again. I have no idea what the real milage is. Jelp im a single and only in come parent to 3 bous and this momma needs help please

- Wichita Falls, TX, USA

problem #10

Mar 082019

Avalanche

  • 121,000 miles
I can hear a clunking or rattling noise in my steering wheel. I can also feel it in the steering wheel while driving.

- Gonzales, LA, USA

problem #9

Jun 132015

Avalanche

  • 181,062 miles
The other day I started noticing that when I turn right (or left in reverse) at a low rate of speed the vehicle makes a clunking noise and my steering is affected. I started looking online for a remedy to this problem and found that several people had the same problem and did not know where to report it. I don't feel it is fair that as the consumer that I am responsible for a design flaw by GM. I also don't feel its fair to have to spend up $400 when its all said and done each time that it will have to be repaired.

- Oklahoma City, OK, USA

problem #8

Jan 052015

Avalanche 4WD 8-cyl

  • 172,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I was driving West on peters rd in middlefield when I hit a patch of black ice putting the truck into a skid which put me in the ditch I hit a mailbox and a culvert (drain pipe) head on tearing up the whole front end of the Avalanche it hit right on the sensors but the air bags never deployed.

- Warren, OH, USA

problem #7

Aug 282013

Avalanche 4WD 8-cyl

  • 6,000 miles
Since we bought this truck in 2004 it sounds as if the steering wheel is loose. It makes a noise like its loose. The steering wheel feels sturdy it's just under the steering wheel it sounds loose.

- Pennington Gap, VA, USA

problem #6

Oct 132011

Avalanche 8-cyl

  • 50,000 miles
The contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500. The contact stated that when driving various speeds, a knocking noise was heard from under the hood. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection where they advised the contact that the steering shaft needed to be replaced.the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified and stated that she needed to take the vehicle to a dealer for further assistance. The failure mileage was 50,000....updated 11/09/12 updated 11/14/12

- Brandon, MS, USA

problem #5

Dec 272010

Avalanche 4WD 8-cyl

  • 70,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Turning at low speeds power steering pump stops working at low sped. No apparent problems w/ the pump no loose belt. Need to rev to 1500 RPM to get the power steering to work. Seams to work ok when it is cold problem starts when veh.. is warmed up. Repair has not been made yet.

- Hawthorne, NJ, USA

problem #4

Nov 152010

Avalanche

  • 113,000 miles
I have a 2003 Avalanche with approx.113000 miles. Recently while driving in a MINIshopping center I went to turn into a parking spot and my steering wheel locked on me. I could not move my steering wheel at all. I then put my truck in park and turned the ignition off and cranked it back up and my steering wheel immediately unlocked. On that Friday while driving on interstate 264E coming of exit my steering locked again. Fortunately there was no vehicle behind me, and I was able to shut the vehicle off and turn it back on to unlock the steering wheel. On both occasions I was driving at two different speeds. My vehicle is currently in the shop. Is there a recall in the works? this is so dangerous.

- Virginia Beach, VA, USA

problem #3

Aug 012003

Avalanche 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 10,000 miles
2003 Avalanche with Z71 suspension option. After less than one year old vehicle started making severe clunking noise from driver's side front wheel when making a turn. Taken to dealer under warranty. Dealer replaced a part and stated that some clunking was "normal". noise ceased after repair. Clunking returned in about another year and is once again severe. Sounds like the front wheel is going to fall off. Concerned about the safety of vehicle.

- Chula Vist, CA, USA

problem #2

Jul 102006

Avalanche 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
I have a 2003 Chevy Avalanche it has a clunking noise in the front. The dealer has replaced the intermediate steering shaft at approx. 25000 miles. Now at 56000 miles it is clunking again. The dealer says that Chevy doesn't sell the part any more and that they only can get it under certain conditions and just making noise isn't one of them they also claim there is no danger but I can't believe if there is something loose in the steering that it won't be dangerous. When you can't even get it repaired. I've work as a mechanic for several years and did N.Y.state inspections and had to fail cars with bad steering parts but maybe the safety of the public isn't important anymore just the profit of the companies. Thank you for your time.

- Horseheads, NY, USA

problem #1

May 012006

Avalanche

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Purchased a used 2003 Chevy Avalanche at a dealership in Feb 2006 upon servicing the vehicle two months later was told that the car had extensive under carriage rust. This car originated in Michigan but I am wondering if it was a katrina vehicle during auction? recently had problems with U-joints which had to be replaced. GM mechanic says the rust is extensive and caused this problem it will need a lube kit to re-lube all the mechanics under the truck. None of this under carriage body rust was disclosed to us upon purchasing the vehicle in fact the dealer told us he only gets the best used vehicles. There is also a problem with the steering column which makes a clunking noise when turning the wheel - the mechanic at the GM dealership says this is a know problem.

- Santa Barbara, CA, USA

Not what you are looking for?