2005 Chevrolet Avalanche

Routine

Owners filed 71 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the electrical system. It has been recalled 3 times.

Not among the Chevrolet Avalanche years to avoid. Which Chevrolet Avalanche years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
75,370 milesMedian miles at failure

62 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 40,000–50,000 miles.

Most common 2005 Chevrolet Avalanche problems

20 of the 71 complaints (28%) are about the electrical system.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel12
000
Air Bags · airbags9
101
Fuel/Propulsion System · fuel and propulsion system8
000
Electrical System8
000
Power Train · transmission6
000
Engine and Engine Cooling · engine4
000
Steering3
000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · brakes2
000
Engine2
000
Visibility › Glass, Side/Rear1
001

3 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
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.

Power Train › Manual Transmission › Shift Pattern Indicator05V055000
Filed Feb 14, 20057,194 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 102, "TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER SEQUENCE, STARTER INTERLOCK AND TRANSMISSION BRAKING EFFECT." UNDER CERTAIN VEHICLE STARTING CONDITIONS, THE SHIFT LEVER POSITION INDICATOR LOCATED IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER MAY NOT ILLUMINATE. IF THE SHIFT LEVER POSITION INDICATOR DOES NOT ILLUMINATE, THE DRIVER MAY NOT KNOW WHICH GEAR THE VEHICLE IS IN.

Risk. THE VEHICLE MAY MOVE IN AN UNINTENDED DIRECTION RESULTING IN POSSIBLE INJURY TO OTHERS OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 14, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, AND GMC AT 1-866-996-9463.

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.

All 3 campaigns on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Air Bags
Filed Aug 6, 202116,900 milesSC

The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Avalanche. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the passenger’s side air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed that the passenger’s side air bag was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 16,900.

Electrical System
Filed Feb 29, 2016CA

CLUSTER GAUGE IS NOT READ PROPERLY ALL READING ARE ALL OVER THE PLACE.

Service Brakes
Filed Dec 14, 2015220,000 milesOH

CATASTROPHIC BRAKE FAILURE BECAUSE OF FOUR CORRODED BRAKE LINES. ALL FOUR LINES CORRODED IN THE BRACKET HOLDING THE LINES TO THE DRIVER SIDE FRAME RAIL. I WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE AND WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO APPLY THE BRAKES THERE WAS INITIAL RESISTANCE AND THEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT STRAIGHT TO THE FLOOR. I ATTEMPTED TO APPLY THE BRAKES AGAIN BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP. I HAD TO APPLY THE PARKING BRAKE TO STOP.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Dec 8, 2015215,000 milesNJ

THE FUEL LINES RUBBING TOGETHER CAUSING FUEL TO DUMP EVERY WHERE RIGHT NEXT TO THE CAT ON THE DRIVER SIDE OF THE TRUCK N THIS IS NOT A RECALL. THEN I SAY ITS ATTEPMED MURDER CHARGE AGAISNT CHEVY....

Unknown or Other
Filed Nov 23, 2015203,000 milesTX

THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER DOES NOT LIGHT UP. CANNOT TELL WHAT GEAR I AM SHIFTING IN AND OUT OF. THE DIC BUTTONS ON MY STEERING WHEEL DO NOT LIGHT UP, CANNOT TELL IF I HAVE A MALFUNCTION WHEN DRIVING DURING THE DARK. I DID CHECK FOR A RECALL ON THIS AND SAW THAT THERE WAS AN OLDER ONE ISSUED IN 2005 AND THAT IT CLOSED IN 2011. I WAS NOT AWARE OF ANY RECALLS BUT NONE THE LESS I FEEL THAT WITH BOTH COMPONENTS FAILING AND NOT WORKING PROPERLY CAN CAUSE A POTENTIAL PROBLEM WHEN IN OPERATION (DRIVING)

Engine
Filed Oct 19, 2015124,000 milesTX

CYLINDER HEADS CRACKED DUE TO POOR CASTING (KNOWN ISSUE BY GM). THIS LED TO COOLANT IN THE ENGINE CAUSING DAMAGE TO LIFTERS. EXPECTED COST TO FIX IS APPROXIMATELY $1,500 IN PARTS UP TO $4,000 IN LABOR.

Air Bags
Filed Jul 21, 201530,268 milesMI

8/15/2014 - SERVICE AIR BAG LIGHT DISPLAYED. DEALER DIAGNOSED THE ISSUE AS CRASH SENSOR (10370149). DEALERSHIP REPLACED SENSOR - COST $419. 07/10/2015 - SERVICE AIR BAG LIGHT DISPLAYED. DEALER DIAGNOSE THE ISSUE AS ANOTHER CRASH SENSOR (10370149). DEALERSHIP REPLACED SENSOR - COST $473. I FIND IT CONCERNING THAT AIR BAG SENSORS ARE FAILING ON A VEHICLE WITH LESS THAN 35,000 MILES. I'M NOT SURE IF THE SYSTEM IS FUNCTIONAL WHEN THESE SENSORS FAIL.

Air Bags
Filed Jun 27, 201541,500 milesNY

SERVICE AIRBAG MESSAGE APPEARS IN THE DIC (DIGITAL INFORMATION CENTER). SEEMS TO BE A VERY COMMON ISSUE ON THE CHEVROLET AVALANCHE.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Mar 13, 2015110,600 milesCO

AFTER DRIVING THE SMELL OF FUEL COMES FROM THE ENGINE BY THE DRIVERS DOOR. I CONTACTED GM AND MY VEHICLE DOES NOT SHOW ON THE LIST OF THIS KNOWN RECALL. THEY PASSED ME TO A LOCAL DEALERSHIP WHICH STATED MY VEHICLE IS NOT ONE THAT FALLS UNDER THE RECALL AND ADMITTED THEY HAD FIXED OTHERS WITH SIMILAR ISSUES. THIS IS APPALLING THAT A MANUFACTURE CAN ASSIST SOME CUSTOMERS BUT NOT ALL. I WILL NEVER PURCHASE ANOTHER GM VEHICLE AGAIN. *TR

Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel
Filed Mar 13, 2015108,784 milesCO

THE SPEEDOMETER STICKS AT A SPEED AND WILL DROP TO THE 6 O'CLOCK POSITION. THIS IS A KNOW ISSUE AMONG OWNERS BUT GM NOR THE DEALERSHIPS ARE WILLING TO ACKNOWLEDGE OR FIX IT. THIS IS THE SECOND ISSUE WITH MY VEHICLE THAT GM IS NOT WILLING TO FIX OR TAKE RESPONSIBILITY. I WILL NEVER PURCHASE ANOTHER GM VEHICLE AGAIN. *TR

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor
Filed Jan 12, 2015120,000 milesMS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO DECELERATE AND THE BRAKES FAILED TO ENGAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE ROTORS OVERHEATED AND PRODUCED STEAM. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

Power Train
Filed Dec 31, 201454,000 milesMD

THE TRANSMISSION BEGAN TO SHIFT HARD. THE ANSWER FROM THE DEALER WAS NEED NEW TRANSMISSION FOR $4500. STATED THAT THE FLUID SENSOR HOUSING WAS CRACKED AND THE ENTIRE TRANSMISSION NEEDED REPLACEMENT. SEEMED A BIT RIDICULOUS FOR A TWO YEAR OLD VEHICLE THAT TOWED NOTHING. *JS

Electrical System
Filed Nov 18, 201440,000 milesFL

AFTER AND DURING RAIN THE SEAT WARMERS CONTINUALLY TURN ON OVER AND OVER FOR SEVERAL DAYS. ITS BEEN HAPPENING SINCE ABOUT 40,000 MILES RIGHT AFTER EXPIRATION. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Nov 18, 201437,000 milesFL

RIGHT AFTER THE WARRANTY EXPIRED THE TRANSMISSION WENT AND I HAD TO REBUILD IT. AT THE SHOP THE TECHS TOLD ME IT WAS DUE TO COOLING, AND THEY INSTALLED A SMALL COOLER BECAUSE THEY SAID THE COOLING WAS NOT SUFFICIENT. *TR

Power Train
Filed Oct 18, 201447,000 milesCA

AT APPROX 47000 MI TRAVELING AT 65MPH A HEAVY THUD IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT THAT SOUNDED LIKE THE WHOLE ENGINE BLOCK HAD DROPPED OUT, WAS ABLE TO COAST OFF ROAD TO A VACANT LOT. TRANSMISSION TOAST WITH DAMAGE TO RING AND PINION GEARS,NEVER TOWED ANYTHING, CITY DRIVING TO WORK AND HOME MOSTLY.(47K) MILES. REALLY? 3500$ REPAIR. NEXT SPEEDOMETER FAILURE AT ABOUT 53K MILES, IM EITHER GOING 0MPH OR 120MPH. ALSO HAVE LOST ALOT OF BACKLIGHTING ON MY DASHBOARD INSTRUMENTATION ALONG WITH CD PLAYER. SEEMS THE CD PLAYER CANNOT EJECT A NON EXISTENT CD, JUST MAKES CLICKING NOISE AND SAYS CHECK DISC. NOW AT 59K MILES IM EXPERIENCING THE POPPING FRONT END SOUND WHEN TURNING SHARPLY IN REVERSE, POSSIBLY SUSPENSION OR A-ARM RELATED HAVE NOT LOOKED INTO YET. *TR

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Oct 17, 2014121,000 milesNY

WAS DRIVING HOME ON THE HIGHWAY AND SWERVED HITTING THE DIVIDER WITH THE FRONT LEFT CORNER OF VEHICLE. THE SEATBELTS DID NOT HOLD ME IN MY SEAT AND MY HEAD SHATTERED THROUGH THE WINDOW STRIKING THE STREET LIGHT LAMP. AIRBAGS ALSO DID NOT DEPLOY MEANWHILE I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY GOING ABOUT 57MPH. THE INJURIES WERE DRASTIC INCLUDING PARTIAL AMPUTATION OF MY EAR, I WAS IN A COMA FOR A FEW WEEK, 3 SKULL FRACTURES, TBI, BRAIN BLEEDING AND THE LIST OF INJURIES CONTINUE TO GROW! *TR

Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel
Filed Sep 15, 201428,476 milesCO

THE SPEEDOMETER DOES NOT TRACK WITH THE SPEED OF THE VEHICLE PROPERLY. IT DOES NOT RESET TO ZERO WHEN THE TRUCK STOPS, AND CAN HAVE THE NEEDLE EXCEED THE MAXIMUM SPEED SHOWN. *TR

Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel
Filed Jun 2, 201485,000 milesTN

THE SPEEDOMETER STOPPED WORKING AT APPROXIMATELY 85000 MILES. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH 2005 AVALANCHES BUT FOR SOME REASON THIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Apr 30, 2014115,000 milesGA

SUPPLY AND RETURN FUEL LINES HAVE A FLEXIBLE, SHIELDED SECTION AT THE FRONTMOST END ... THE HOSES CROSS AND THEREFORE RUB AGAINST ONE ANOTHER ... TOP HOSE BECAME WORN THROUGH, CAUSING COPIOUS QUANTITIES OF FUEL TO BE PUMPED OUT ONTO THE CROSS MEMBER AND ROADWAY ... EXTREME FIRE HAZARD. *JS

Air Bags
Filed Apr 26, 2014127,000 milesPA

I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY AT CRUISING SPEED AND I HAPPENED TO LOOK DOWN AND MY DIT SAYS SERVICE AIR BAGS AND SHORTLY AFTER ONSTAR CALLS ME ASKING IF EVERYTHING WAS ALRIGHT. I DID SOME RESEARCH AND GOT LED IN MANY DIFFERENT DIRECTIONS SAYING THERE WAS A RECALL FOR AIR BAG SENSORS AND ALSO RECALL IN THE T CONNECTOR IN THE DS KICK PANEL. *TR

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Apr 20, 2014109,907 milesGA

TRUCK CUT OFF WHILE DRIVING SAYING REDUCED ENGINE SPEED AND SERVICE STABILITY AND NOW TRUCK WILL NOT CRANK WITH KEY IN IGNITION EVERYTHING GOES BACKWARDS ON DASH AND GOES BLANK ALSO WHEN ADJUSTING STEERING COLUMN SERVICE STABILITY LIGHT COMES ON AND OFF IS WHEN LOST POWER TO TRUCK. *TR

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Mar 12, 2014105,000 milesMA

GAS WAS DRIPPING OUT OF ONE OF LINES, AFTER SMELLING GASOLINE FOR A MONTH OR SO. TODAY THE TRUCK WILL NOT START AND I'M AFRAID TO JUMP START IT. *TR

Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel
Filed Nov 26, 2013124,000 milesAL

SPEEDOMETER STOPPED WORKING COMPLETELY. IT HAD BEEN WORKING FINE WHEN I LAST DROVE IT. BUT WHEN I STARTED DRIVING WITHIN THE NEXT 3-4 HOURS I NOTICED IT WAS NOT READING THE SPEED AT ALL. ALL THE OTHER GAUGES ON THE CLUSTER WERE WORKING PROPERLY. WHEN TALKING TO THE DEALERSHIP ABOUT THIS PROBLEM THEY STATED IT WASN'T A SIMPLE FIX AND COULD COST ME ABOVE $500, THEY COULDN'T GIVE ME AN ESTIMATE OF HOW MUCH IT WOULD COST. .AFTER REVIEWING THE COMPLAINTS LISTED ON THIS WEBSITE, THIS SEEMS TO BE A MANUFACTURERS DEFECT. MANY OTHER OWNERS OF THIS SAME VEHICLE HAVE HAD THE SAME COMPLAINT AND ITS RARE THAT IT FUNCTIONS PROPERLY IN ANY OF THE VEHICLES. EVEN THOUGH MY VEHICLE IS OVER THE WARRANTY PERIOD I BELIEVE THAT THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD STAND BEHIND THEIR WORK AND CORRECT THIS PROBLEM. A RECALL IS DEFINITELY IN ORDER. *TR

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Sep 14, 2013127,000 milesWI

I NOTICED A STRONG SMELL OF GASOLINE AND UPON INSPECTION FOUND A SIGNIFICANT FUEL LEAK UNDER THE DRIVER'S DOOR. A CLOSER LOOK REVEALS THAT THERE ARE 2 RUBBER FUEL LINES THAT TOUCH AND HAVE WORN THROUGH EACH OTHER, CAUSING THEM TO LEAK FUEL. THIS IS ALL WITHIN INCHES OF THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. ANY REASONABLE PERSON WOULD ASSUME THAT THIS IS A FIRE HAZARD! THIS IS AN OBVIOUS DESIGN FLAW THAT COULD EASILY BE AVOIDED. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Jul 30, 201368,000 milesKY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SPEEDOMETER AND FUEL GAUGE FAILED. THE RPM GAUGES BECAME STUCK AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 68,000.

Electrical System
Filed Jun 27, 201360,000 milesGA

SPEEDOMETER WENT OUT. BOUGHT GPS TO KEEP UP WITH SPEED. DEALER WOULD NOT FIX PROBLEM. THEN, OIL PRESSURE, WATER TEMP ALSO STOPPED WORKING. COME TO FIND OUT, GM USED DEFECTIVE STEPPER MOTORS ON INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FROM 02 - 07 I BELIEVE IT WAS, NOT SURE. I HAVE HAD 1 SPEEDING TICKET AND THEY TAGGED ON WRECKLESS DRIVING FOR 20 MPH OVER LIMIT. I HAVE BEEN A DEDICATED GM OWNER MY ENTIRE LIFE. DON'T THINK I WILL BY ONE AGAIN. SEEMS TO ME THEY WOULD WANT TO DO WHAT THEY CAN TO KEEP THERE CUSTOMERS, INSTEAD, THEY ARE RUNNING THEM AWAY. I HAVE KNOW MORE LOYALTY FOR THEM AT THIS POINT. I HAVE A 2005 CHEVY AVALANCHE Z71 ABSOLUTELY LOVE THE TRUCK BUT IT HAS TO GO. HUMMM...TOYOTA MAYBE, DODGE SO MANY CHOICES. BUY AMERICA, SAVE AMERICA....BULL CRAP. I'D BETTER HUSH... *TR

Power Train
Filed Jun 4, 2013103,567 milesVA

VEHICLE TRANSMISSION SLIPPED OUT OF GEAR AND SLAMMED INTO WHAT I ASSUMED PARK IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC IN THE MIDDLE OF RUSH HOUR. THANK GOD NOBODY GOT HURT BECAUSE HAD THERE BEEN A VEHICLE RIDDING CLOSE TO BE THEY WOULD HAVE RAN STRAIGHT INTO ME! THIS IS CLEARLY AN SAFETY ISSUE THAT COULD'VE CAUSE SOMEONES' LIFE HAD I'VE BEEN GOOING AT TOP SPEEDS. SOMEBODY NEEDS TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS! *TR

Visibility › Glass, Side/Rear1 injured
Filed May 24, 201386,524 milesNV

THE REAR WINDOW MOLDING BROKE DUE TO UNKNOWN REASONS LEAVING SHARP JAGGED EDGES THAT MY SON CUT HIS HANDS ON. AFTER READING IN OTHER BLOGS, THIS REAR WINDOW MOLDING SEPARATION PROBLEM IN THE CHEVROLET AVALANCHE IS A COMMON WIDE SPREAD PROBLEM. PEOPLE HAVE HAD WATER LEAK IN TO THEIR VEHICLES CAUSING PREMATURE AND COSTLY RUST, MOLD, AND ROT PROBLEMS. THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW AND SHOULD BE TAKEN CARE OF BY GENERAL MOTORS.. *TR

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Mar 4, 201375,370 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT VEHICLE SMELLED OF FUEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE FUEL PUMP MODULE AND THE FUEL FEED PRESSURE LINE HAD TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE OF RUST. THE TECHNICIAN ALSO STATED THAT THE LINES WERE EXPOSED AND THE ROAD SALT CAUSED THE LINES TO RUST. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 75,370. *TR

Air Bags
Filed Mar 2, 201386,019 milesWI

WENT TO START MY VEHICLE AND IT FLASHED SERVICE AIRBAG. TOOK IT TO THE GM DEALER AND THEY SAY ITS THE LEFT FRONT IMPACT SENSOR. I HAVE HEARD THAT THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE FOR THESE VEHICLES AND THINK THAT THIS BEING A SAFETY ISSUE, SHOULD BE COVERED BY THE MANUFACTURER. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Feb 19, 2013128,000 milesCA

I PULLED OFF ON THE SIDE OF THE FREEWAY TO TAKE A CALL. I STARTED UP MY TRUCK STEPPED ON THE GAS TO GET BACK ON THE FREEWAY AND ALL OF A SUDDEN MY SPEEDOMETER WENT FROM 0 TO THE OTHER END OF THE READING. IT STAYED THERE ALL THE WAY HOME SO I COULD NOT TELL HOW FAST I WAS DRIVING. WHEN I STOPPED, IT STARTED TO GO BACK DOWN BUT AS I WOULD PRESS THE GAS IT WOULD GO ALL THE WAY PAST THE HIGHEST READING. IT SEEMS TO GET STUCK NOW AND THEN. *TR

Engine
Filed Jan 7, 201396,316 milesTX

ON 12/22/12 @ 5PM- SHORTLY AFTER ENTERING ONTO THE FREEWAY, I STARTED LOSING POWER. I DIDN'T GET HIGHER THAN 50 MPH BEFORE THE RPM STARTED INCREASING & MY SPEED STARTED DECREASING. I GOT OFF THE FREEWAY, AT THE FIRST EXIT, APPROXIMATELY 2MINS AFTER THE BEGINNING OF THE LOSS OF POWER. FOUND A MECHANIC THAT WAS JUST CLOSING HIS SHOP & ASKED HIM TO GIVE A QUICK CHECK TOO SEE IF I COULD CONTINUE MY DRIVE HOME, 32MINS AWAY. THE MECHANIC CHECKED UNDER THE HOOD & UNDER THE BOTTOM & GUESSTIMATED THE PROBLEM TO BE THE FLYWHEEL. THE MECHANIC ALSO RECOMMENDED NO DRIVING TIL REPAIRED. I GOT MY AVALANCHE TOWED HOME THAT FIRST NIGHT. I TOWED IT TO MY LOCAL AUTO REPAIR SHOP ON 12/24/12, TO GET A FULL DIAGNOSTIC. I WAS ADVISED BY MY LOCAL MECHANIC THAT MY 2005 AVALANCHE W/ 96319 MIS, NEEDS A NEW TRANSMISSION. MY LOCAL MECHANIC ADVISED IT MAY STILL BE UNDER WARRANTY DUE TO MILEAGE, BUT I HAVE SINCE FOUND OUT THE WARRANTY IS 5YR/100000MI. GM IS AWARE OF PREMATURE TRANSMISSION FAILURE ON THE AVALANCHE, BUT IS NOT FIXING IT FOR THE CONSUMER. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE TO PROTECT THE CONSUMER! *TR

Exterior Lighting
Filed Dec 27, 2012150,000 milesNJ

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HIGH BEAM HEADLIGHTS COULD NOT BE ACTIVATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000. UPDATED 03/15/13*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE EMERGENCY AND HAZARD LIGHTS WERE INOPERATIVE. THE REPAIR SHOP STATED THE MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH CONNECTOR WAS THE PROBLEM. UPDATED 03/20/13

Power Train
Filed Dec 24, 201210,698 milesAL

PURCHASED MAY 31, 2005. 39 MILEAGE. $43,000.00. 8 MONTHS LATER THE TRANSMISSION STARTED JERKING. WE TOOK IT TO THE DEALER 6+ TIMES AND THEY SAID THEY COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING. NOW AT 75,000 MILES IT WON'T DRIVE IN D IT HAS TO BE IN 3, 2, 1 TO DRIVE. I HAVE READ 100'S OF COMPLAINT ABOUT TRANSMISSIONS IN 2000-2010 MODELS. GM NEEDS TO TAKE CARE OF THEIR CUSTOMER TRANSMISSION PROBLEM OR DESIGN A BETTER TRANSMISSION. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Nov 26, 2012120,000 milesTX

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH THE SPEEDOMETER READ THAT THE VEHICLE WAS GOING 5 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Oct 4, 201286,000 milesAZ

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE REFUELING, THE FUEL THAT WAS BEING PUMPED INTO THE VEHICLE BEGAN POURING OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE THE FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO REFUEL THE VEHICLE AND FUEL SPEWED OUT FROM THE FILLER NECK, SATURATING THE CONTACT WITH GASOLINE. THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO THE DEALER WHERE SHE WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED A NEW CANISTER AND SENSOR. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WAS 90,000.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Sep 14, 2012110,000 milesID

NOTICED A STRONG GAS ODOR IN THE GARAGE. I COULDN'T SEE ANY LEAKAGE UNTIL I STARTED (PRESSURIZED THE FUEL LINES). I NOTICED A BRAIDED AREA OF THE FUEL LINES THAT CROSS OVER EACH OTHER, TOUCHING, WHICH CAUSED THEM TO RUB TOGETHER CREATING A PIN HOLE IN EACH LINE. WHEN PRESSURIZED, THEY SHOOT FUEL OUT. LUCKILY, THEY DIDN'T CAUSE A FIRE AS WE HAD JUST FINISHED A 700 MILE TRIP WITH OUR GRAND KIDS. THE SHOP WANTS $805 TO REPLACE THE LINES. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD THAT SHOULD BE RECALLED. VERY DANGEROUS!!! *TR *JS

Structure
Filed Sep 13, 201278,062 milesOK

THE SPARE TIRE RELEASE IS IMPOSSIBLE TO OPERATE UNLESS THERE ARE TWO PEOPLE AROUND. AFTER 7 YEARS OF CORROSION AND RUST THE RELEASE MECHANISM WONT RELEASE THE TIRE. THIS IS HAZARDOUS SHOULD YOU HAVE A FLAT AT 3AM ON THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY. *TR

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jul 13, 2012106,808 milesCO

ARRIVED AT WORK THIS MORNING AND MY 2005 CHEVY AVALANCHE WAS LEAKING FUEL, UPON FURTHER INSPECTION THE FUEL LINES WERE RUBBING TOGETHER AND CAUSED A BREAK IN THE LINE. *TR

Air Bags
Filed Feb 3, 2012VA

THE AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON AND IT COSTS $90 TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. IT'S A PROBLEM THAT KEEPS COMING BACK EVEN AFTER TAKING IT TO THE DEALERSHIP TO GET IT FIXED. THE INSPECTORS WILL FAIL THE AVALANCHE BECAUSE THEY CAN'T INSPECT A CAR WITH A SERVICE AIRBAG LIGHT ON, WHICH IS A PROBLEM. MANY PEOPLE ARE HAVING THIS SAME PROBLEM AND GMC SHOULD FIX IT FOR FREE OR RECALL IT. *KB

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jan 15, 201214,680 milesCA

VIBRATION IN THE ENGINE AT 50-58 MPH, FOUND WATER IN IN TRANSMISSION. REPLACED TORQUE CONVERTER AND RECONDITIONED TRANSMISSION. STILL EXPERIENCING LEAKS AT 57K, FLUID WAS REPLACED AND FLUSHED AND MINOR SLIPPING IN FIRST GEAR.

Power Train
Filed Jan 12, 201288,000 milesOK

ON JANUARY 8TH 2012, WHILE PULLING OUT OF THE CHURCH LOT WE HEARD A CLUNK NOISE. THE "TRANSMISSION HOT" DISPLAY CAME ON. WE MADE IT HOME AT A SLOWER RATE OF SPEED AND EVENTUALLY THE LIGHT WENT OUT. I CALLED GM CUSTOMER SERVICE WHEN I GOT HOME. THEY DIDN'T HAVE ANY SUGGESTIONS, BUT JUST ASKED IF I WAS TOWING SOMETHING AT THE TIME AND OTHER QUESTIONS TO WHICH THE ANSWER WAS NO. I TOOK MY AVALANCHE TO THE DEALER THE NEXT DAY TO GET IT CHECKED. ON THE 9TH, THE SERVICE MANAGER TOLD ME THAT 2ND AND 4TH GEARS WERE OUT. HE SAID THEY WOULD HAVE TO TEAR INTO IT TO FIND OUT IF IT COULD BE REPAIRED. I ASKED HOW MUCH THAT WAS GOING TO BE AND HE SAID AROUND $580.00. I LET THEM TEAR INTO IT STARTING ON THE 10TH. DIDN'T HEAR ANYTHING ON THE 10TH OR 11TH BUT ON THE 12TH, THE SERVICE MANAGER SAID THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS "PRETTY WELL COOKED" AND IT WOULD NEED REPLACED WITH A REMANUFACTURED TRANSMISSION FOR $3200.00. HE SAID THE REMANUFACTURED ONE WOULD COME WITH A 3YR/100,000 MILE WARRANTY. I CALLED BACK GM CUSTOMER SERVICE BACK AND LEFT A MESSAGE FOR THEM TO CALL ME. BASED ON EVERYTHING I'VE READ ON THE INTERNET, IT APPEARS THAT THIS TRANSMISSION IS WELL KNOWN FOR FAILING AND I DON'T BELIEVE A 2005 AVALANCHE WITH ONLY 88,000 MILES ON SHOULD HAVE FAILED. I'VE USE MY VEHICLE FOR MOSTLY GOING TO AND FROM WORK AND ON LONG TRIPS. HOPEFULLY, GM WILL ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR FAILED DEFECTIVE EQUIPMENT AND PROVIDE ME WITH A REMANUFACTURED TRANSMISSION. I UNDERSTAND THAT THIS TRANSMISSION IS R

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Nov 7, 201190,000 milesMI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ABS SYSTEM ACTIVATED WHEN HE ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE FROM A STOP. AS A RESULT, HE WOULD LOSE POWER TO THE WHEELS AND THE WHEELS WOULD NOT MOVE. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED NOR WAS THE VEHICLE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 105,000 AND THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Aug 2, 201130,340 milesFL

SUDDEN BRAKE FAILURE DUE TO OVERWHELMING RUSTED BRAKE LINES ,ROTORS,AND CALIPER BOLTS

Equipment › Appliance › Air Conditioner
Filed Jul 6, 201165,000 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE VENT WOULD BLOW HOT AIR WHEN THE AIR CONDITIONER WAS ACTIVATED. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY THE DEALER AND THEY ADVISED HIM THAT THE DOOR ACTUATOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 65,000.

Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System › Fan/Motor
Filed Jun 22, 201168,000 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE. THE CONTACT STATED THE BLOWER FOR THE CLIMATE CONTROL MALFUNCTIONED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER WHO STATED THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE CONTACT DID NOT HAVE THE BLOWER REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THE AIR CONDITIONER DOES NOT WORK DURING HOT WEATHER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 68,000.

Steering
Filed Mar 8, 201177,000 milesAL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD SUDDENLY LOCK WITHOUT WARNING PREVENTING THE CONTACT FROM MANEUVERING THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER AND THEY ADVISED HIM THAT HE WOULD NEED TO REPLACE THE POWER STEERING PUMP. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 77,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Air Bags
Filed Mar 3, 201193,000 milesNJ

SERVICE AIRBAG CAME ON WENT TO DEALER AND THEY COULD NOT FIND ANY ERROR CODE OR PROBLEM. WANTED TO REPLACE AIRBAG, HARNESS, WIRING HARNESS $2700.00. AFTER SEARCHING INTERNET FOUND OVER 5,000 OTHER GM VEHICLE OWNERS WITH SAME PROBLEM.

Air Bags
Filed Feb 12, 201129,000 milesAR

"SERVICE AIRBAG" LIGHT HAS BEEN ON SINCE 2006, WHICH WAS ABOUT 6 MONTH AFTER I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. I TOOK IT TO THE SHOP THREE TIMES WHILE IT WAS UNDER WARRANTY. EACH TIME THEY FIXED IT TO WHERE THE LIGHT WENT OFF FOR A MONTH OR SO, AND IT SOON CAME BACK ON. THE LIGHT HASN'T BEEN OFF SINCE. AFTER READING ALL OF THE OTHER 2005 CHEVY AVALANCHE ISSUES PEOPLE ARE HAVING, I GUESS I SHOULD COUNT MY BLESSINGS. HOPE I DON'T EVER NEED AN AIRBAG! *TR

Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System
Filed Aug 12, 2010AL

I HAVE A 2005 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE THAT THE DRIVER SIDE BLOWS HOT AND THE PASSENGER BLOWS COLD SPORADICALLY. I HAVE READ THAT MANY PEOPLE HAVE HAD THIS SAME EXACT PROBLEM. I HAVE ONLY OWNED THE VEHICLE A FEW MONTHS AT IT HAS HAPPENED APPROXIMATELY 4 TIMES ALREADY. I WILL HAVE TO REPLACE ONE OF THE ACTUATORS TO REPAIR. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL AS IT IS A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM. *TR

Complaints 1-50 of 71, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2002
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
201382200Routine
201236300Routine
2011127300Routine
2010111400Routine
200976510Routine
2008258430Above average
2007377470Above average
200611100Routine
2005 — this page71300Routine
2004165610Routine
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: Apr 22, 2005. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.