Looking at a Specific 2003 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE K1500?
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Safety and Reliability Ratings > 2003 > Chevrolet > AVALANCHE

2003 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE K1500
Crew Pickup
4 wheel drive


CARFAX has collected the industry's leading used car safety and reliability ratings into one, convenient report. With this report, you'll know the safety and reliability of your next used car. All information presented in this report is specific to the 2003 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE K1500. Please view the CARFAX Vehicle History Report for the detailed history of a specific used CHEVROLET.

 

CARFAX Safety Section One  Safety:

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CARFAX Safety Section Two  Reliability:

Use this information to check how reliable a vehicle model is before you buy.


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NHTSA Crash Test Results National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration
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Frontal Crash: Rating:   NHTSA Five Star Legend
Driver Rating 3 of 5  
Passenger Rating 4 of 5  
Side Crash: Rating:  
Front Seat Not Tested  
Rear Seat Not Tested  
Rollover Resistance: Rating:  
Rollover Resistance Rating 2 of 5  

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provides 3 different ratings - full-width frontal crash test , side impact crash test , and rollover resistance . The frontal crash test indicates how well the safety features and restraints will protect an occupant in a head-on collision. The side-impact test conveys the chance of a severe chest injury, while the rollover resistance rating estimates the risk of rolling over in a single vehicle crash. Go to NHTSA to learn more about these results.


IIHS Crash Test Results Highway Loss Data Institute
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IIHS Crash Test Results for the 2003 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE K1500 are not available in CARFAX Safety & Reliability Ratings.




Low-Speed Damage Repair Highway Loss Data Institute
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Front Crash Description: Front Crash Cost:
Front into flat barrier   Not tested by IIHS
Front into angle barrier   Not tested by IIHS
Rear Crash Description: Rear Crash Cost:
Rear into flat barrier   Not tested by IIHS
Rear into pole   Not tested by IIHS
Average Damage Per Test   Not tested by IIHS

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducts four 5 mph crash tests to assess bumper performance. These results convey how well this 2003 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE K1500 bumpers will protect the car body from damage in low-speed collisions. Low-speed damage repair costs are obtained from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Loss Data Institute.


Injury, Collision, & Theft Indicators Highway Loss Data Institute
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Index: Score: Rating:
Injury Index 63 Substantially better than average
Collision Index 94 Average
Theft Index 177 Worse than average


These scores are stated in relative terms, with 100 being the average for all cars in each category. Scores greater than 100 represent higher risk in each category. For example, an injury indicator score of 122 means that a passenger in this model is 22% more likely to be injured in an accident. The injury, collision, and theft indicators for this 2003 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE K1500 are provided by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Loss Data Institute. Learn more about these results.



Safety Recalls
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NHTSA Safety Recalls:
Important: The following recalls were issued for the 2003 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE K1500 by the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA). To find out if a specific 2003 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE K1500 still has open recalls that require repair, CARFAX recommends contacting an authorized dealership for more information.

Recall date: 02-20-2003
Units potentially affected: 5,734
NHTSA campaign number: 03V019000
Defective part or component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
Description: 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. FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE. 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.
Recall date: Not reported
Units potentially affected: 68,875
NHTSA campaign number: 04V045000
Defective part or component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Description: 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. 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. Dealers are to replace the hydro-boost relief valve. Owner notification is expected to begin during the second quarter of 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.
Recall date: 04-07-2004
Units potentially affected: 3,662,211
NHTSA campaign number: 04V129000
Defective part or component: STRUCTURE:BODY:TAILGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
Description: 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. 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. Dealers will replace the cables. Interim owner notification began on April 7, 2004. Additional owner notification is expected to begin during the third quarter of 2004, when replacement parts will be available. 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.
Recall date: Not reported
Units potentially affected: 1,359,824
NHTSA campaign number: 05V163000
Defective part or component: SEAT BELTS:REAR
Description: 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. 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. 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. The recall is expected to begin during July 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.


This 2003 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE K1500 safety recall information was provided by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Data Loss Institute and is derived from the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration list of safety recalls. Please call the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration Auto Safety Hotline at 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236) to report safety defects or to obtain information on cars, trucks, child seats, and highway or traffic safety. CARFAX does not review, validate or edit the information and statements provided by the National Highway Traffic and Saftey Administration, which do not represent the opinion of CARFAX.



Looking at a Specific 2003 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE K1500?
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J.D. Power Ratings
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Ownership: Rating:
Initial Ratings (up to 1 year)  
Overall Quality Rating 3.5 of 5
  Mechanical Quality Rating 2.5 of 5
  Feature and Accessory Quality Rating 4.5 of 5
  Body and Interior Quality Rating 4 of 5
Overall Appeal Rating 3.5 of 5
  Performance Rating 3.5 of 5
  Comfort Rating 4.5 of 5
  Feature and Instrument Panel Rating 3.5 of 5
  Style Rating 4 of 5
Midterm Ratings (1-3 Years)  
  Mechanical Reliability No data from source
  Feature and Accessory Reliability No data from source
  Body and Interior Reliability No data from source
Long Term Ratings (3-5 Years)  
Overall Dependability Rating 2.5 of 5
  Mechanical Dependability Rating 2.5 of 5
  Feature and Accessory Dependability Rating 3 of 5
  Body and Interior Dependability Rating 2.5 of 5

J.D. Power and Associates uses selected highlights from the firm's quality and customer satisfaction syndicated studies to create the Power Ratings at the model-level. These ratings and awards are based on model rankings within each vehicle segment, whereas Power Circle Ratings compare all models across segments.

All information provided by J.D. Power and Associates is proprietary information owned by J.D. Power and Associates and is protected by U.S. and international copyright law and conventions. Reproduction of this information, in whole or in part, by any means is prohibited without the express written consent of J.D. Power and Associates, other than printing copies of the JDPA content by site visitors for their personal use. J.D. Power and Associates® is a registered trademark of J.D. Power and Associates.



Identifix Reliability Ratings
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Category: Comments: Rating:
Engine An occasional problem on this vehicle is failure of the Crankshaft Position Sensor. Failure of the Crankshaft Position Sensor can cause the engine to not start or stall. A periodic problem on this vehicle is failure of the Catalytic Converter(s) (on 4.8L, 5.3L and 6.0L engines only). The cost to replace the Crankshaft Position Sensor is estimated at $87.71 for parts and $58.50 for labor. The cost to replace the Catalytic Converter(s) is $500.00 for parts and $91.00 for labor. All prices are estimates based on $65.00 per flat rate hour and do not include diagnostic time or any applicable taxes. Significant Problems
Transmission & Driveline Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs Minimal Problems
Steering & Suspension Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs Minimal Problems
Brakes An occasional problem on this vehicle is failure of the Front Wheel Speed Sensor. Failure of the Wheel Speed Sensor can cause false cycling of the ABS brakes. The cost to replace the Wheel Speed Sensor is $81.23 for parts and $84.50 for labor per side. All prices are estimates based on $65.00 per flat rate hour and do not include diagnostic time or any applicable sales tax. Moderate Problems
Heating & Air Conditioning Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs Minimal Problems
Starting & Charging Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs Minimal Problems
Accessories Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs Minimal Problems
Identifix Legend


This 2003 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE reliability information was provided by Identifix. Identifix is the nation's largest technical support service for the aftermarket auto repair industry. CARFAX does not review, validate or edit the information and statements provided by Identifix, which do not represent the opinion of CARFAX.



Intellichoice Cost of Ownership & Value Rating Intellichoice
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Cost of Ownership (2003 - 2007):
Category:    Avalanche 1500 4WD 4 Dr Extended Cab:
Depreciation $15,983
Financing $4,297
Insurance $6,380
State Fees $577
Fuel $6,418
Maintenance $2,971
Repairs $839
Total 5-Year Ownership Cost $37,465

Ownership costs are the costs to purchase and operate a vehicle over a period of time. Understanding these costs can save you money and help you make a wiser financial decision when it comes time to select a vehicle. Intellichoice is one of the leading providers of automotive information in the U.S.

Original Manufacturer Warranty
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Coverage: Years/Mileage:
Basic 3 years or 36,000 miles  
Drivetrain 3 years or 36,000 miles  
Emissions 2 years or 24,000 miles  
Corrosion 6 years or 100,000 miles  
Transferable Transferable: no cost, unlimited owners covered.  
Roadside Assistance Roadside assistance is covered for 3 years or 36,000 miles.  
Safety Belt & Inflatable Restraint No data from source  
Specific Components 8 years or 80,000 miles  
Notes: Manufacturer covers emissions components under basic warranty. Emissions coverage may vary by state. Refer to owners manual for specific details. Transferable: no cost, unlimited owners covered. Alignment and wheel balancing are considered maintenance after 7,500 miles. Basic warranty includes corrosion, batteries, adjustments, alternate transportation, roadside assistance, and tires. Roadside assistance is covered for 3 years or 36,000 miles 6.6 Duramax diesel, 6.2L and 6.5L diesel are covered for 5 years or 100,000 miles with a $100 deductible after 3 years or 36,000 miles.  

This 2003 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE K1500 warranty information has been provided by J&L Warranty Pros.


New Car Test Drive Review
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Category: Review:
Summary:

Tahoe roominess with Silverado capability.
By Mitch McCullough, Editor-in-Chief, NewCarTestDrive.com

Chevrolet Avalanche combines clever engineering with advanced materials science to provide a solution for people who need a full-size pickup with an eight-foot bed, but want comfortable five- or six-passenger seating. Its cargo bed is indestructible and can take a load of gravel. The interior is as luxurious as a Suburban's interior.

There's plenty of power from the 1500 model's V8 engine. Ride and handling are excellent. The heavy-duty Avalanche 2500 offers big towing capability. Attention to detail is impressive, both in design and engineering and in customer comfort and convenience. Overall, this is one of the most interesting trucks available today. Only its price gives us pause, but it seems reasonable given the capability and versatility this truck offers and the amount of engineering that went into it.

Overview:

Longer than a Suburban, the Chevy Avalanche combines the comfort of a Tahoe with the load-hauling capability of a long-bed Silverado pickup. That's an impressive combination for someone who wants the utility of a full, eight-foot bed, yet needs seating for four, five or six people.

It may not be cheap, but the Chevrolet Avalanche is one slick, innovative truck. Introduced last year and revised for 2003, this is an impressive concept vehicle that made it all the way to production. The key to its versatility is the Midgate, GM's clever tailgate that separates the cabin from the pickup box. Normally, the Avalanche can carry five adults in comfort and a large amount of cargo in a covered 5-foot 3-inch indestructible bed. But the rear seats fold down like in an SUV, the Midgate folds forward like a tailgate and voila! You have an eight-foot bed capable of hauling 4x8-foot sheets of plywood. Your plywood (or drywall) stays dry inside the covered bed, out of the pouring rain. Or take the cover off the bed, remove the rear window, and you can park an ATV back there. (We've done this.)

For 2003, the Avalanche is available without the plastic body cladding. We think it looks better, cleaner, if a bit plainer this way. But don't worry. Cladding is still available. Made of a practically bullet-proof material that will protect the rocker panels from years of flying gravel, it comes in a darker color for 2003

For 2003, the Avalanche benefits from a long list of improvements to all the full-size pickups and SUVs from GM. The new electrical system architecture ha. New features improve safety, comfort, convenience, and performance. One thing that hasn't changed, however, is the attention to detail seen throughout the Avalanche. The people who designed this thing are into fishing, hunting, and boating, and the execution shows, with flush-mounted cargo lights that illuminate the bed, foldaway tie-down hooks, and footholds and handholds for climbing onto the cargo cover, made of a highly rigid material can easily support your weight.

Read the complete 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche review

© 2002 NewCarTestDrive.com

CARFAX does not review, validate or edit the information and statements provided by NewCarTestDrive.com, which do not represent the opinion of CARFAX.



Awards
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View awardees recognized by Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds.com, Polk Automotive, and J.D. Power and Associates.



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