RoadVitals

2004 Chevrolet Avalanche Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
165
Latest Nov 23, 2021
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
17
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
7

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

  • Electrical5930.6%
  • Brakes4221.8%
  • Steering105.2%
  • Airbags94.7%
  • Body & structure73.6%
  • Engine73.6%
  • Transmission73.6%
  • Suspension73.6%
  • Powertrain (other)73.6%
  • Driver assistance63.1%
  • Other / unspecified42.1%
  • Interior & seats31.6%
  • Seat belts21.0%
  • Exterior lighting21.0%
  • Tires & wheels10.5%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

59
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 10716262 · filed May 13, 2015

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

NHTSA ID 10701963 · filed Mar 26, 2015
All 59 reports naming electrical

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

42
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 11441492 · filed Nov 23, 2021

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.

NHTSA ID 10789227 · filed Nov 9, 2015
All 42 reports naming brakes

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

11
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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

NHTSA ID 10809055 · filed Dec 8, 2015

STARTED SMELLING A STRONG ODOR OF GAS AFTER FILLING UP. I CHECKED UNDER THE TRUCK AND SAW GAS THAT SEEM TO BE COMING FROM THE TOP OF THE GAS TANK AND DRIPPING OFF THE BOTTOM OF THE GAS TANK. *TR

NHTSA ID 10607413 · filed Jul 1, 2014
All 11 reports naming fuel system

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

10
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 10854512 · filed Apr 9, 2016

THE FRONT LEFT WHEEL SOUNDS LIKE IT IS BOUNCING, RATTLING AND LOOSE. THIS HAS BEEN DIAGNOSED AS AN INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT NEEDING TO BE REPACKED AND THE STEERING GEAR BOX NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THIS PROBLEM HAS EXISTED SINCE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. IT HAS BEEN REPAIRED TWICE UNDER WARRANTY. NOW THAT THE WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED, GM REFUSES TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS. GM CLAIMS THIS IS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE. HOWEVER, I AM CONCERNED THAT IT WILL BECOME ONE SINCE THIS IS A STEERING PROBLEM. IT IS CLEARLY A DESIGN DEFECT SINCE MANY OTHER AVALANCHE OWNERS HAVE THE SAME ISSUES. *TR

NHTSA ID 10267055 · filed Apr 28, 2009
All 10 reports naming steering

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

9
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 10723497 · filed Jun 4, 2015

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.

NHTSA ID 10654851 · filed Nov 13, 2014
All 9 reports naming airbags

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

9
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I WAS ISSUED A RECALL A FEW YEARS BACK SPECIFIC TO MY VEHICLE ABOUT A BLOWER MOTOR OPERATION MALFUNCTION. IT STATED THAT SETTINGS ON THE BLOWER MOTOR MAY NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY. FOR EXAMPLE, WHEN I TURN ON THE AIR OR HEAT I HAVE SETTINGS FOR 5 BLOWER MOTOR OPTIONS. ALL THE SETTINGS 1-4 WORK JUST FINE, SETTING 5 DOES NOT WORK AT ALL. WHEN I SET HVAC TO SETTING 5 NO AIR BLOWS OUT. I HAVE SINCE THEN MISPLACED THAT RECALL NOTICE. IF YOU HAVE ANY INFORMATION ON THIS RECALL CAN YOU PLEASE GET IN CONTACT WITH ME THANK YOU *TR

NHTSA ID 10629010 · filed Aug 28, 2014

SPEEDOMETER NOT WORKING AT ALL READS OVER 120 MPH EVEN WHEN TURNED OFF. ALL WINDOWS GET STUCK WHEN TRYING TO CLOSE THEM. *TR

NHTSA ID 10430310 · filed Oct 15, 2011
All 9 reports naming visibility

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 BRAKE LINE REPLACEMENT IS AVAILABLE (FOR US TO PURCHASE) AND IT'S ONLY ABOUT $160!! NICE TO KNOW THE SAFETY OF OUR FAMILY, FRIENDS, AND OTHER MOTORISTS AREN'T WORTH IT TO THEM. JUST 2 MILES EARLIER WE DROVE THOUGH A SCHOOL ZONE!!!!! AS THE KIDS WERE LEAVING FOR THE DAY! THANK GOD THEY LASTED THAT 2 EXTRA MILES AND NO ONE WAS SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED.

NHTSA ID 10716593 · filed May 14, 2015

MY 2004 MODEL AT 70 MPH THE FRONT RIGHT WHEEL ACT LIKE A BASKETBALL AFTER HITTING A HOLE, I CROSS THE LANE INTO THE ONCOMING TRAFFIC, OR THE LEFT LANE ON AN INTERSTATE ETC. THERE IS NO CONTROL UNTIL I SLOW DOWN. THE DEALER SHIP HERE SAYS THEY HAVE NEVER HEARD OF IT BEFORE. SO I ASK - WHAT DID THEY DO TO MY 2000 MODEL WHEN IT DID THE SAME THING 4 YEARS AGO ? *TR

NHTSA ID 10402351 · filed May 22, 2011

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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

NHTSA ID 10644138 · filed Oct 12, 2014

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS 2004 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 55 MPH WHEN THE RPMS INCREASED. THE CONTACT HAD DIFFICULTY SWITCHING GEARS AND THE VEHICLE LOST POWER. THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WOULD NOT SHUT OFF UNLESS THE CONTACT RESTARTED THE VEHICLE. THE TRANSMISSION AND THE WATER PUMP FAILED COMPLETELY. THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR HANDLE BROKE AND THE CONTACT CANNOT GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE UNLESS SHE CLIMBS OVER THE PASSENGER SEAT. THE SPEEDOMETER ONLY DISPLAYED 10 AND 20 MPH WHENEVER IT WAS COLD OUTSIDE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 23,965 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 97,323.

NHTSA ID 10315737 · filed Mar 2, 2010

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Transmission

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS 2004 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 55 MPH WHEN THE RPMS INCREASED. THE CONTACT HAD DIFFICULTY SWITCHING GEARS AND THE VEHICLE LOST POWER. THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WOULD NOT SHUT OFF UNLESS THE CONTACT RESTARTED THE VEHICLE. THE TRANSMISSION AND THE WATER PUMP FAILED COMPLETELY. THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR HANDLE BROKE AND THE CONTACT CANNOT GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE UNLESS SHE CLIMBS OVER THE PASSENGER SEAT. THE SPEEDOMETER ONLY DISPLAYED 10 AND 20 MPH WHENEVER IT WAS COLD OUTSIDE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 23,965 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 97,323.

NHTSA ID 10315737 · filed Mar 2, 2010

WHILE DRIVING ON FREEWAY VEHICLE WAS REVVING UP, IMMEDIATELY EXITED FREEWAY AND FOUND TRANSMISSION WAS GONE, VEHICLE WOULD NOT GO IN REVERSE, DID DRIVE IN NEUTRAL. VEHICLE HAS ONLY 30K MILES. TOOK VEHICLE TO TRANSMISSION MECHANIC STATED THE CHEVY AVALANCHE AND DENALI ARE KNOWN FOR THIS, AND FEELS THIS IS A FACTORY DEFECT. HIS VEHICLE TOO WENT OUT AT 20K MILES. MY COUSIN TRANSMISSION TOO WENT OUT AT 50K MILES, WOULD LIKE TO HAVE DEALER REPAIR MY VEHICLE. HOW MANY MORE VEHICLES DOES THE NHTSA NEED TO COMPLAIN ABOUT SO THE MATTER CAN BE CORRECTED BY THE DEALER(S) OR MANUFACTURE. *TR

NHTSA ID 10269969 · filed May 26, 2009

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

MY 2004 MODEL AT 70 MPH THE FRONT RIGHT WHEEL ACT LIKE A BASKETBALL AFTER HITTING A HOLE, I CROSS THE LANE INTO THE ONCOMING TRAFFIC, OR THE LEFT LANE ON AN INTERSTATE ETC. THERE IS NO CONTROL UNTIL I SLOW DOWN. THE DEALER SHIP HERE SAYS THEY HAVE NEVER HEARD OF IT BEFORE. SO I ASK - WHAT DID THEY DO TO MY 2000 MODEL WHEN IT DID THE SAME THING 4 YEARS AGO ? *TR

NHTSA ID 10402351 · filed May 22, 2011

I HAVE PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKE SYSTEM, AND THE TRANSMISSION FLUID CAME OUT FROM THE FROM FRONT PASSENGER SIDE. I TOOK IT TO THE CHEVY DEALER, BUT I WAS TOLD THAT THE TRANSMISSION CLUTCH WAS BURNED OUT, MAYBE IT AN DEFECTED TRANSMISSION OR RECALL, IM NOT SURE, BUT I DO KNOW THAT THE TRANSMISSION AND THE BRAKE SYSTEM ARE NOT IN SAFE CONDITIONS, NOR WORKABLE. NOT TO MENTION THE CRACKING NOISE IN THE FRONT OF THE SUSPENSION, WHILE TURNING. *TR

NHTSA ID 10241413 · filed Sep 9, 2008

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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

NHTSA ID 10667464 · filed Dec 20, 2014

DROVE OFF A PARKING LOT AT ABOUT 20MPH AND THE TRANSMISSION QUIT. REVERSE WORKS AND ALL THE LOW GEARS WORK OUT NOT ON AUTOMATIC MODE. *TR

NHTSA ID 10490612 · filed Dec 31, 2012

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

WAS DRIVING AT A RATE I THOUGHT WAS AROUND 65-70 MPH BUT GOT PULLED OVER FOR GOING 84 MPH. I EXPLAINED TO THE OFFICER I WAS ONLY GOING ABOUT 68 MPH. HE THEN SHOWED ME THE RADAR GUN AND IT SAID 84MPH. WHEN I WENT BACK TO MY TRUCK I NOTICED MY GAUGE WAS STUCK ON 18MPH I SHOWED THE OFFICER AND LUCKILY HE TOLD ME HA HAD THE SAME PROBLEM WITH HIS CHEVY TRUCK AND LET ME OFF WITH JUST A WARNING. TO MAKE THINGS WORSE ALL GAUGES DON'T WORK NOW. I'VE READ SOME MESSAGES ONLINE AND SOME PEOPLE SAID THEY GOT LETTERS TO REPAIR THIS PROBLEM. I'VE BEEN THE ONLY OWNER OF THIS TRUCK SINCE MAY 2004 AND NEVER RECEIVED ANYTHING ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. I BELIEVE GM SHOULD REPAIR THE PROBLEM BECAUSE IT'S A BIG SAFETY ISSUE. PLEASE HELP. THANK YOU *TR

NHTSA ID 10575542 · filed Mar 29, 2014

MY 2004 AVALANCHE SPEEDOMETER AND TACHOMETER READ COMPLETELY INACCURATE. EXAMPLE=SHOWS ME GOING 120MPH AND 3000M RPM WITH MOTOR OFF. I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE USED FROM A CHEVY DEALER AND WAS TOLD IT HAD WARRANTY REMAINING. WHEN THE PROBLEM BEGAN LAST YEAR I WAS TOLD IT WAS NOT WARRANTED. I LACKED THE MONEY FOR THE REPLACEMENT AND HAVE BEEN DRIVING IT BROKEN. NOW I AM FINDING OUT THROUGH OTHER AVALANCHE OWNERS THAT IT HAS BEEN BEING FIXED BY DEALERS AT NO CHARGE AS THERE HAVE BEEN SO MANY PROBLEMS. I FEEL THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL. I KNOW MY VEHICLE NOW HAS 110,000 MILES, BUT I CAN DOCUMENT BY LAW ENFORCEMENT NOTES ON A TICKET I RECEIVED LAST YEAR THAT I HAD THE PROBLEM ABOUT 30,000 MILES AGO. I FEEL THIS SHOULD BE REPAIRED AT NO EXPENSE TO ME. THEY TOLD ME WHEN I CALLED THAT THEIR PARTS DEPT HAD A LONG WAITING LIST FOR THE REPLACEMENT PANEL SO YOU KNOW ?CHEVROLET KNEW THEY HAD A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM. THANK YOU. I HOPE TO HEAR BACK FROM YOU. ALSO AT ABOUT THE SAME TIME MY ABS/BRAKE LIGHT STARTED COMING ON AFTER I DRIVE A FEW MILES. I DON'T KNOW IF IT IS AS COMMON OF A PROBLEM OR RELATED TO THE INSTRUMENT PANEL PROBLEM OR NOT. *TR

NHTSA ID 10263788 · filed Mar 31, 2009

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 10854512 · filed Apr 9, 2016

FAILURE HAS OCCURRED TWICE ON MY 2004 AVALANCHE SURROUNDING THE INEFFICIENCIES WITHIN MY DASH BOARD. THE SPEEDOMETER WAS READING INCORRECTLY. IT WAS VERY DANGEROUS AS THE ACCURATE SPEED WAS NOT REPORTING. I WAS ABLE TO GET THIS REPLACED AT ABOUT 40,000 MILES. RECENTLY, THE GAS GAUGE IS NOT WORKING CORRECTLY. AFTER FILLING UP THE TANK AND TAKING A ROAD TRIP THE GAS GAUGE IMMEDIATELY REPORTED AN EMPTY GAS READING. THE GAS GAUGE CONTINUES TO READ INCORRECTLY AND FLUCTUATES. I HAVE CONTACTED THE COMPANY TO FIND OUT THAT THERE IS A SERVICE WARRANTY ON THE VEHICLE UP TO ABOUT 70,000 MILES. CURRENTLY MY TRUCK IS AT 86000 MILES ALL DUE TO HIGHWAY TRAFFIC TO WORK (30 MILES EACH WAY). I DO NOT FEEL THAT I SHOULD EXPENSE THIS COST SINCE THIS IS CLEARLY A FACTORY ISSUE. REGARDLESS OF THE NUMBER OF MILES ON THE VEHICLE IF IT IS A KNOWN DEFECT IT SHOULD BE COVERED. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AS I COULD RUN OUT OF GAS ON THE ROAD. THIS IS ALSO VERY DISAPPOINTING AS THIS DEPICTS THE QUALITY OF THE VEHICLE. MY FATHER HAS BOUGHT NOTHING BUT CHEVROLET'S OVER THE YEARS AND STATES HOW EFFICIENT THE VEHICLES ARE. IN ADDITION I HAVE ALREADY REPLACED THE ENTIRE DASH BOARD ONCE FROM THE FIRST INCIDENT SURROUNDING THE SPEEDOMETER TO HAVE RECEIVED ANOTHER DEFECTIVE DASH BOARD SURROUNDING THE GAS GAUGE. *TR

NHTSA ID 10255066 · filed Jan 14, 2009

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS 2004 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 55 MPH WHEN THE RPMS INCREASED. THE CONTACT HAD DIFFICULTY SWITCHING GEARS AND THE VEHICLE LOST POWER. THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WOULD NOT SHUT OFF UNLESS THE CONTACT RESTARTED THE VEHICLE. THE TRANSMISSION AND THE WATER PUMP FAILED COMPLETELY. THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR HANDLE BROKE AND THE CONTACT CANNOT GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE UNLESS SHE CLIMBS OVER THE PASSENGER SEAT. THE SPEEDOMETER ONLY DISPLAYED 10 AND 20 MPH WHENEVER IT WAS COLD OUTSIDE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 23,965 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 97,323.

NHTSA ID 10315737 · filed Mar 2, 2010

THE SPEEDOMETER IN MY 2004 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE QUIT WORKING. PREVIOUSLY, IT HAD TEMPORARILY STUCK OR HESITATED OCCASIONALLY BUT THEN WAS OKAY. NOW IT DOESN'T WORK AT ALL. THE ODOMETER AND ALL THE OTHER GAUGES/INSTRUMENT CLUSTER INDICATORS ARE STILL WORKING. OBVIOUSLY, NOT KNOWING ONES' SPEED CREATES A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY HAZARD. IN ORDER TO CORRECT THIS FAILURE THE DEALER STATED THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER GAUGES WOULD HAVE TO BE REMOVED AND SENT TO THE GM REPAIR/REPLACE FACILITY IN TEXAS. COST; APPROXIMATELY $400.00 DOLLARS AND TAKE 7-10 DAYS. SINCE MY AVALANCHE HAS 42,000 MILES THIS IS NOT COVERED BY THE WARRANTY, AND IS TO COSTLY FOR ME TO REPAIR AT THIS TIME. *NM

NHTSA ID 10152276 · filed Mar 9, 2006

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

NO INJURIES, THE PASSENGER SHOULDER SEAT BELT OF THE 2004 AVALANCHE CATCHES AND STAYS TIGHT UNTIL YOU COMPLETELY RELEASE THE SEAT BELT. HAS HAPPENED MANY TIMES AND CONTINUES TO DO SO. WANT TO KNOW IF THERE IS A RECALL. *NM

NHTSA ID 10152065 · filed Mar 7, 2006

REAR SEAT (MIDDLE SEAT) BELT RESTRAINT- FAILED TO RETRACT. DEALER REPLACE RESTRAINT. *JB

NHTSA ID 10056266 · filed Feb 1, 2004

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE TAIL LIGHT FAILED. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE BULB AND FUSES BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THIS DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 245,783.

NHTSA ID 10588037 · filed May 13, 2014

THE HEADLAMPS, PARKING LAMPS, FOG LAMPS, AND DAYTIME RUNNING LAMPS HAVE CONDENSATION FORM ON THE INSIDE OF THE LENSES DURING COLD WEATHER AFTER THE LIGHTS HAVE BEEN TURNED ON. THIS REDUCES THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE LIGHTS AND CAN LEAD TO UNSAFE DRIVING CONDITIONS. THE DEALER REFUSES TO REPLACE THE LAMPS UNDER WARRANTY EVEN THOUGH NJ DIVISION OF MOTOR VEHICLES SAYS THEY WILL FAIL THE VEHICLE WHEN I TAKE IT FOR THE STATE MOTOR VEHICLE INSPECTION. *LA

NHTSA ID 10052921 · filed Jan 12, 2004

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

2004 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE TREAD SEPARATED FROM TIRE. *KB *JB

NHTSA ID 10168007 · filed Sep 6, 2006

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .