2004 Chevrolet Avalanche

Routine

Owners filed 165 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the electrical system › instrument cluster/panel. It has been recalled 6 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
56,300 milesMedian miles at failure

140 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 40,00050,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel29
000
Service Brakes25
200
Electrical System24
112
Service Brakes, Hydraulic8
000
Air Bags6
204
Steering5
000
Power Train › Automatic Transmission5
000
Power Train5
000
Vehicle Speed Control4
000
Suspension3
000

6 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Engine and Engine Cooling06V289000
Filed Aug 3, 200638,439 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH AN 8.1L V8 (RPO L8-VIN G) ENGINE HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH THE ENGINE FUEL RAIL PULSE DAMPER RETAINER CLIP MAY FRACTURE RESULTING IN INADEQUATE RETENTION OF THE DAMPER.

Risk. IF THE DAMPER COMES LOOSE, A FUEL LEAK MAY RESULT. FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ENGINE FUEL RAIL PULSE DAMPER RETAINER CLIP FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 31, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 AND GMC TRUCKS AT 1-866-996-9463.

Fuel System, Gasoline06E043000
Filed May 19, 200688,303 vehiclesHoneywell International, Inc.

Defect. CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.

Risk. THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.

Remedy. HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).

Seat Belts › Rear/Other05V163000
Filed Apr 22, 20051,359,824 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic05V043000
Filed Feb 8, 200577,411 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. CERTAIN TRUCKS, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND VANS EQUIPPED WITH BOSCH HYDRO-BOOST BRAKE ASSEMBLIES, THE HYDRAULIC BRAKE BOOSTER PRESSURE ACCUMULATOR MAY CRACK AND SEPARATE FROM THE HYDRO-BOOST ASSEMBLY DURING NORMAL OPERATING CONDITIONS.

Risk. IF A SEPARATION OCCURRED AND THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE WERE OPEN, FRAGMENTS FROM THE ACCUMULATOR COULD CAUSE INJURY TO PEOPLE IN THE IMMEDIATE AREA. THE PRESENCE OF THIS CRACK OR FRACTURED SURFACE COULD ALLOW THE HYDRAULIC FLUID TO LEAK FROM THE ACCUMULATOR CIRCUIT OF THE BOOSTER ASSEMBLY. THE LOSS OF FLUID WOULD CAUSE INCREASED STEERING AND BRAKING EFFORT AND A CRASH MAY OCCUR WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL TEST THE HYDRO-BOOST ASSEMBLY FOR FUNCTIONAL OPERATION OF THE TWO-FUNCTION VALVE. IF THE HYDRO-BOOST ASSEMBLY FAILS THE TEST, DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 23, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC TRUCKS AT 1-866-996-9463 AND HUMMER AT 1-800-732-5493.

Structure › Body › Tailgate › Hinge and Attachments04V129000
Filed Mar 17, 20043,662,211 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic04V045000
Filed Feb 4, 200468,875 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Nov 23, 2021178,000 milesCO

The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the brake warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the rear brakes needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired however, the failure reoccurred while driving. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic who replaced the parking brakes and the brake fluid; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that the brake pedal would hesitate to respond when depressed, causing a 100-feet in stopping distance delay. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 04V045000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) since the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 178,000.

Steering
Filed Apr 9, 201692,207 milesLA

4"TAKATA RECALL" THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVY AVALANCHE WITH A SET OF CAPITOL PRECISION TRAC LL TIRES ON IT. WHILE PULLING OFF IN THE VEHICLE AND DRIVING AROUND 35 MPH YOU COULD FEEL THE BACK END SHAKING AND WOBBLING LIKE THE LUG NUTS WERE LOOSE. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OFF THE ROAD TO INVESTIGATE THE SHAKING ISSUE WHERE WAS FOUND THAT THE TIRES TREAD WAS SEPARATING MAKING HUMPS AND WAVES IN THE TREAD. THIS HAPPENED ON THE HIGHWAY AT 92,207 MILES ON VEHICLE AND 7, 319 MILES ON 265/70R17 CAPITOL PRECISION TRAC LL TIRES. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED FOR A FEW DAYS UNTIL GETTING TIRES TO REPLACE THE CAPITOL TIRES BUT ONCE THE VEHICLE STARTED MOVING TO TAKE IT TO THE SHOP TO REPLACE THE TIRES THE FRONT HAD STARTED TO SHAKE JUST LIKE THE BACK AT 92,221 MILES ON THE VEHICLE BUT NOT AS MUCH. WALMART CHANGED THE TIRES AND THE TECHNICIAN REPORTED THE TIRES WERE REALLY BAD WITH TREAD SEPARATING FROM THE TIRE AND ALSO THAT THIS BRAND TIRE WERE RECALLED. I HAVE TAKEN THESE TIRES BACK TO TIRE PROS WHERE IT WAS PURCHASED AND NOW IS AWAITING THEM TO SEND THESE TIRES BACK TO THE TIRE COMPANY FOR AN INVESTIGATION OF THE TIRE. THE RECALL # IS 14T013-8570 IF I'M NOT MISTAKEN.

Unknown or Other
Filed Feb 29, 2016130,000 milesCA

MY VEHICLE HAS A KELSEY HAYES ABS MODULE THAT HAS ALREADY FAILED TWICE. FIRST AT ABOUT 75.000 MILES AND NOW AT 130.000 MILES, ALWAYS WHILE DRIVING. THE MODULE WAS RECALLED IN 2002 AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS GIVEN A CHANCE TO REDESIGN IT, BUT IT IS STILL A BAD PART. THE BLOGS ARE FULL OF OWNERS CONSTANTLY COMPLAINING ABOUT THIS. I HAD TO TAKE GM TO THE MAT TO REPLACE THE FIRST ONE SINCE THE TRUCK WAS MANUFACTURED AFTER THE FIRST RECALL. THIS TIME AROUND I DIDN'T HAVE THE TIME OR PATIENCE TO DO SO AN WENT AHEAD AN REPLACED IT OUT OF MY OWN POCKET. IA M ALSO STUCK WITH THIS PART AS IT IS NOT REPLACEABLE WITH ANY OTHER BRAND. THIS IS A DANGEROUS GLITCH THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BEFORE SOMEONE GETS BADLY HURT. IN ADDITION TO THIS PROBLEM, THE LOCATION OF THE UNIT (OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE AND EXPOSED TO ALL SORT OF INCLEMENT ENVIRONMENTS) IS RIDICULOUS! NO CLEVER DESIGNER WOULD HAVE CHOSEN THIS PLACEMENT.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Dec 8, 2015145,000 milesIA

MODULE KIT,F/TNK F/PMP,LVL S/FUEL PUMP MODULE ASSEMBLY IS LEAKING FUEL, BECASE OF POOR GRADE PLASTIC AND METAL CONSTRUCTION, THIS ALSO HAPPENED ON MY 2002 TRAILBLAZER BUT WAS COVERED BY A RECALL,NO SUCH RECALL COVERS MY 2004 AVALACHE EVEN THOUGH IT IS THE SAME PROBLEM, COST TO FIX 870.89 ESTIMATE, TO REMOVE GAS TANK AND REPLACE FUEL PUMP MODULE ASSEMBLY, CANT SEND PICS HAVE DROP GAS TANK AND THAT COST IS 250.00, VEHILE STARS SLOWLY THEN WHEN PARKED EMPTIES FUEL LINES ON TOP OF TANK THEN ON TO GROUND VERY DANGEROUS, SERVICE MANAGER BIG JIM 319 261 0999 , SAYS THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM, HE KNEW WHAT IT WAS BEFORE INSPECTING ON HOUSTE, IF 2002 IS COVERED WHY IS 2004 NOT COVERED? WANT MY 1000.00 BACK FROM GM

Service Brakes
Filed Nov 9, 201567,869 milesMD

MY SON HAD BORROWED THE TRUCK AND WAS RETURNING IT WITH HIS 4 AND 5 YEAR OLD SONS IN THE VEHICLE. HE WAS IN A TRAFFIC CIRCLE AND HAD TO BRAKE TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT. IMMEDIATELY AFTERWARDS THE BRAKE FAILURE WARNING CAME ON AND THE TRUCK HAD NO BRAKES. FORTUNATELY HE WAS ONLY GOING ABOUT 25 MPH AND WAS ABLE TO PARK IT ON THE SHOULDER AND NO ONE WAS INJURED. I WAS ABLE TO GET IT TO A LOCAL DEALER FOR REPAIR TO THE TUNE OF $1,952. THEY DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS A RUSTED BRAKE LINE THAT RUPTURED AND DAMAGED THE LEFT CALIPER. WE GOT NO PRIOR WARNING OF THE BRAKE FAILURE. IN 2012 I ALSO HAD A SUDDEN BRAKE FAILURE WHILE LEAVING A PARKING GARAGE. THERE WAS NO PRIOR WARNING OR INDICATION THAT THE BRAKES WERE NOT FUNCTIONING. AGAIN I TOOK IT TO A LOCAL DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS A LEAK IN THE MASTER CYLINDER AND I HAD TO HAVE THAT REPLACED. NO ONE MENTIONED ANYTHING AT THAT TIME ABOUT RUSTING BRAKE LINES. ALTHOUGH THE TRUCK IS 11 YEARS OLD IT ONLY HAS 67,871 MILES.

Service Brakes
Filed Sep 18, 2015125,000 milesMI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 7 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD. THE ABS WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS ENGAGED AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE LINES WERE RUSTED AND THE VEHICLE HAD MULTIPLE BRAKE LEAKS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000.

Service Brakes
Filed Sep 3, 2015136,000 milesTN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE SYSTEM FAILED WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE BRAKE SYSTEM FAILED TO ENGAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER BOOSTER AND THE ABS SYSTEM WERE SEVERELY CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 136,000.

Service Brakes
Filed Aug 21, 201539,000 milesPA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE. WHILE REVERSING AT A LOW SPEED, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT IT TOOK A LONGER DISTANCE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND SERVICE BRAKE SYSTEM WAS DISPLAYED ACROSS THE MESSAGE BOARD. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT ONE OF THE BRAKE LINES HAD FRACTURED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 39,000.

Service Brakes
Filed Jul 2, 2015189,000 milesOH

THE BRAKE LINE BURST AS I WAS SHIFTING INTO DRIVE COULD NOT STOP VEHICLE, SHIFTED IT INTO PARK AND WAS ABLE TO STOP BEFORE HITTING SOMEONE. WHY ARE THESE LINES NOT MADE OF STAINLESS STEEL? BETTER YET WHY IS THIS AGENCY NOT DOING ANYTHING ABOUT THIS? THEY JUMP ALL OVER A KEY SWITCH THAT MAY CAUSE A PROBLEM BUT DO NOTHING FOR SOMETHING AS IMPORTANT AS BE ABLE TO SAFELY STOP OUR VEHICLES.

Air Bags
Filed Jun 4, 2015167,000 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR FLASHED AND REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG MODULE NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 167,000.

Service Brakes
Filed Jun 1, 2015163,000 milesOH

WHEN BRAKING THE PEDAL WAS SINKING ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. I PUMPED BRAKES AND WAS ABLE TO STOP. HAD A LEAK OF BRAKE FLUID SO FILLED BRAKE FLUID AND ATTEMPTED TO DRIVE HOME/CLOSER TO MY MECHANIC. I WAS AT A COMPLETE STOP AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT WHEN MY BRAKE PEDAL SUNK TO THE FLOOR AND MY VEHICLE STARTED TO ROLL FORWARD TOWARDS CROSS TRAFFIC. I PUMPED BRAKE PEDAL BUT NO EFFECT. I SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL AND WAS ABLE TO STOP LONG ENOUGH TO PUT VEHICLE IN PARK. CALLED A TOW TO MECHANIC. WAS TOLD MY BRAKE LINE HAD RUSTED OUT. HE FIXED 2 LINES. WITH IN A WEEK (5/8/15) I HAD ANOTHER LEAK OF BRAKE FLUID. ANOTHER TOW TO MECHANIC. HE FIXED ANOTHER BRAKE LINE. ON 5/24/15 ANOTHER BRAKE LINE BROKE. ANOTHER TOW. MECHANIC IS REPLACING THE REMAINING 5 LINES. ALL IN ALL COST IS OVER $1000 TO FIX.

Service Brakes
Filed May 16, 2015149,904 milesVA

CATASTROPHIC BRAKE FAILURE WHEN ATTEMPTING TO STOP VEHICLE AT 45 MILES PER HOUR. BRAKE PEDDLE WENT TO FLOOR ALMOST CAUSING A MAJOR CRASH. GMC DEALER STATED BRAKE LINES TOTALLY RUSTED OUT AND RUPTURED CAUSING TOTAL BRAKE FAILURE. DEALER STATED BRAKE LINES DISINTEGRATED IN THE TECHNICIANS HANDS WHEN THE TECH WAS REMOVING OLD LINES. I HAVE READ SIMILAR EXPERIENCES FROM OTHER GM OWNERS ON THE INTERNET. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE WHICH IF IT HAS NOT THUS FAR WILL RESULT IN INJURY AND OR DEATH. I AM ONE OF THE LUCKY ONES WHO WAS ABLE TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT. I AM SURE THIS WONT BE THE SAME OUTCOME FOR OTHERS. DEALER INFO: ULTIMATE BUICK GMC 5150 JEFFERSON DAVIS HIGHWAY FREDERICKSBURG VA 22408 TEL # 540-898-6200 SERVICE ADVISOR IAN DOUGHTY RO339073 THANKS FOR ANY ASSISTANCE IN ADDRESSING THIS SAFETY ISSUE.

Service BrakesCrash
Filed May 14, 201591,000 milesIL

MY HUSBAND, 3 YEAR OLD, ANY MYSELF WERE DRIVING BACK FROM A DOCTOR APPOINTMENT WHEN WE HAD TO MAKE A SUDDEN STOP BECAUSE OF A DRIVER 2 CARS AHEAD OF US THAT QUICKLY APPLIED BRAKES TO MAKE A QUICK RIGHT HAND TURN. THE DRIVER IN FRONT OF US IN TURN HAD TO APPLY HIS BREAKS ON AND WHEN MY HUSBAND APPLIED THE BRAKES ON OUR 2004 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE THERE WERE NO BRAKES!! OUR 3 YEAR OLD WAS ASLEEP IN THE BACKSEAT!! WE HIT HIM OF COURSE BECAUSE WE COULD NOT STOP (GOING DOWNHILL ON A BUSY HIGHWAY) WE ENDED UP HAVING TO COAST UP THE HILL IN THE MIDDLE OF THE LANE BECAUSE THERE WAS NOWHERE SAFE FOR US TO PULL OFF . THERE WERE ALMOST SEVERAL OTHER ACCIDENTS DUE TO IT BEING A BLIND SPOT FOR DRIVERS COMING OVER THE HILL BOTH WAYS AND WE WERE STUCK THERE BECAUSE WE HAD NO WAY TO STOP OURSELVES AGAIN. SO AFTER ALL THAT WE ENDED UP NEEDING OUR TRUCK TOWED AND THE BRAKE LINES ARE CORRODED AND HAD BUSTED!! SO NOT ONLY DO WE HAVE A TOW BILL NOW WE ARE RESPONSBILE FOR REPLACING THEM! THE ESTIMATE IS $800!!! THANKS GM! WE WILL BE SELLING THIS ONE SOON! GM WON'T DO A RECALL ON THESE AFTER ALL THE COMPLAINTS AND ACCIDENTS ABOUT THE BRAKE LINES ON HERE? SERIOUSLY? WE HAD NO CLUE ABOUT ANY OF THIS UNTIL TODAY! THE MECHANIC THAT IS FIXING OURS TODAY TOLD US HE HAS 2 MORE THAT HAVE THE EXACT SAME ISSUE AND HAVE TO BE REPLACED ON THEIRS TOO! I GUESS IT TAKES PEOPLE DYING OR GETTING SERIOUSLY INJURED BEFORE THE CAR MANUFACTURES HAVE TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY. AND WHAT MAKES IT EVEN WORSE IS THAT THE WHOLE BR

Electrical System
Filed May 13, 201573,245 milesMI

WHILE DRIVING OR IN PARK THE TACHOMETER STICKS AS DOES THE SPEEDOMETER. THIS HAS LASTED FROM MINUTES TO DAYS. THE VEHICLE APPEARS TO RUN PROPERLY, HOWEVER, I AM VERY LEERY OF MY SAFETY AND THE SAFETY OF MY CHILDREN WHEN THEY ARE IN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.

Electrical System
Filed Mar 26, 201567,000 milesPA

WHILE DRIVING ALL MY CLUSTER GAUGES FROZE...I WAS PARKED AND IT STILL SAID I WAS GOING 40MPH...HOW IS THIS NOT A RECALL? NO CLUE HOW FAST I WAS GOING,NOR HOW MUCH FUEL I HAD...WE SHOULD BE REIMBURSED SOMETHING. *TR

Power Train
Filed Dec 20, 201488,000 milesTN

4X4 TRANSMISSION BEGAN LOCKING AND SLIPPING. DEVELOPED A DISTINCTIVE "CLUNKING" SOUND WHEN SHIFTING BETWEEN GEARS. NOW MOST NOTICEABLE BETWEEN SECOND AND THIRD. ADDITIONAL GRINDING SOUND OCCURS WHEN DRIVING. NOTICEABLE AT ALL SPEEDS. *DT

Service Brakes
Filed Nov 20, 201465,000 milesPA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH ATTEMPTING TO ENGAGE THE BRAKES, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP AND THE PEDAL PRESSED TO THE FLOOR. THE CONTACT HAD TO ENGAGE THE EMERGENCY BRAKES IN ORDER FOR THE VEHICLE TO STOP. THE FAILURE RECURRED TWICE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE LINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000. THE VIN NUMBER WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Air BagsCrash2 injured
Filed Nov 13, 2014CA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, AN ELK JUMPED IN FRONT OF THE VEHICLE AND THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO AVOID A CRASH. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A DIRT MOUNTAIN. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT AND THE FRONT PASSENGER SUSTAINED HEAD TRAUMA AND UPPER BODY INJURIES. THE CONTACT AND THE FRONT PASSENGER REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

Engine
Filed Oct 12, 2014136,000 milesWI

VEHICLE STARTED EXPERIENCING A GRADUAL COOLANT LOSS, FOUND OUT VEHICLE HAS A MANUFACTURED FAULTY CYLINDER HEAD(S) FROM CASTECH. WILL COST $$$$ TO REPAIR. GM WILL NOT ADDRESS THE PROBLEM EXCEPT WITH GM #06-06-01-019B INFORMATION ON GRADUAL COOLANT LOSS OVER TIME WITH NO EVIDENCE OF LEAK FOUND, (JUNE 12, 2007). *TR

Service Brakes
Filed Oct 2, 201492,134 milesNC

I WAS TRAVELING WEST ON WENDOVER AVENUE IN GREENSBORO, NORTH CAROLINA APPROXIMATELY 8:20 AM ON THURSDAY OCTOBER 2, 2014. WHILE TRAVELING A TRAFFIC SIGNAL WAS TURNING RED AND I BEGAN SLOWING. AS I WAS ATTEMPTING TO SLOW DOWN THE BRAKE PEDAL CONTINUED TO TRAVEL TO THE FLOOR AND THE BRAKE LIGHT WARNING AND SERVICE BRAKE SYSTEM LIGHT CAME ON. I WAS QUICKLY CLOSING IN ON THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME AND REDUCED MY SPEED BY STANDING ON THE BRAKED AND USING ENGINE SPEED SHIFTING FROM DRIVE TO 3RD TO 2ND AND THEN TO FIRST GEAR. I WAS ABLE TO STOP WITHIN A FOOT OF THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. AFTER THIS I PULLED OVER TO INSPECT MY VEHICLE. I LOCATED A BLOWN BRAKE LINE THAT WAS SEVERELY CORRODED ON THE DRIVERS SIDE ALONG THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE. BRAKE FLUID WAS LEAKING OUT. IN ADDITION, THE OTHER BRAKE LINES APPEAR TO BE EXTREMELY CORRODED AS WELL. THIS IS A MAJOR CONCERN CONSIDERING BRAKES ARE SUCH A CRITICAL COMPONENT TO SAFE DRIVING. IT APPEARS THE BRAKE LINES ARE NOT MADE FOR A SUITABLE QUALITY FOR SUCH A CRITICAL SYSTEM. THE EXHAUST PIPE, WHICH IS UNDER THE VEHICLE AS WELL, IS NOT CORRODED AND IS MADE OUT OF SUITABLE QUALITY MATERIAL. IF THERE ARE OTHER VEHICLES OUT THERE ON THE ROAD WITH SIMILAR MATERIALS THE RESULTS MAY BE INJURIOUS OR DEADLY. PLEASE HELP TO ADDRESS AND RECTIFY THIS SITUATION WITH CHEVROLET. *TR

20 of 165 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2002
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
201382200Routine
201236300Routine
2011127300Routine
2010111400Routine
200976510Routine
2008258430Above average
2007377470Above average
200611100Routine
200571300Routine
2004 — this page165610Routine
2003204620Above average
2002444403Fatalities reported
20012000Routine
20002000Routine

Compare every Avalanche year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Aug 3, 2006. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.