Owners have filed 175 complaints
about the 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 with NHTSA between 2006 and 2026.
The largest single group is the electrical system.
Across this model's run it ranks 3 of 11 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 87
Against the median year of the Chevrolet Avalanche 1500. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 56
10.9% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 11
7% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2004 compares with every other Chevrolet Avalanche 1500
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Instrument Cluster/Panel
3873.1%
Body
47.7%
Temporary/Emergency Spare Tire
23.8%
Sidewall
23.8%
Frontal
23.8%
Automatic Transmission
23.8%
Shaft Sector
11.9%
Transfer Case (4-WHEEL Drive)
11.9%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
10,000 – 24,999 miles
21.3%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
2818.8%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
3926.2%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
3120.8%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
3322.1%
150,000+ miles
1610.7%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jul 2006peak 6May 2026
Recalls on the 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
07E106000
WHEELS:HUB
CERTAIN FEDERAL-MOGUL REPLACEMENT WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLIES WITH THE BRAND NAMES: NATIONAL, CARQUEST P/NOS. 515020, 515021, 515025, 515053, 515054, 515059, AND 515060, SHIPPED BETWEEN JANUARY 23, 2006, AND DECEMBER 20, 2007, SOLD FOR LIGHT DUTY AND MEDIUM DUTY TRUCKS. THE INBOARD RETENTION NUT USED TO MAINTAIN HUB BEARING ASSEMBLY CAN LOOSEN RESULTING IN AN ABS LIGHT INDICATION, NOISE, AND/OR WHEEL SEPARATION.
Risk: WHEEL SEPARATION CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
06E043000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
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.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Milton, FLCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
TAKATA INFLATORS AIRBAGS AND GAGES ON DASH. IN AN ACCIDENT AIRBAGS DIDN'T RELEASED.
NHTSA complaint #11040694 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Milton, FLCrash1 injured
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
TAKATA INFLATORS AIRBAGS AND GAGES ON DASH. IN AN ACCIDENT AIRBAGS DIDN'T RELEASED.
NHTSA complaint #11040694 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesOwego, NYCrash
STRUCTURE:BODY
DRIVER AND PASSENGER EXTERIOR DOOR LATCH DID NOT LATCH WHEN DOOR WAS CLOSED. WHILE THE DRIVER WAS TURNING RIGHT ON A VILLAGE STREET, BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER DOORS OPENED UNEXPECTEDLY. WHILE IN MOTION AROUND THE TURN THE DRIVER ATTEMPTED TO CLOSE THE DOOR TO AVOID ONCOMING TRAFFIC. DURING THE ATTEMPT TO CLOSE THE DOOR, THE CAR HIT A TREE ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE ROAD. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. I SUSPECT THE STUCK LATCH WAS DUE TO WATER AND/OR DIRT GETTING IN THE LATCH HINGE.
NHTSA complaint #11039418 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 92,000 milesPhiladelphia, PACrash
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE 1500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED AND THE CONTACT REAR ENDED THE PRECEDING VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE DEALER WAS LATER CONTACTED (GORDON CHEVROLET IN PHILADELPHIA, PA) AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED AND TOWED TO AN AUTO BODY SHOP. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 92,000.
NHTSA complaint #11013458 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Savannah, GACrash
WHEELS
I WAS DRIVING TO WORK ON HIGHWAY 144 GOING ABOUT 30 MILES ON OCTOBER 5TH AROUND 1130 AM. WHEN MY FRONT PASSENGER TIRE WITH AXLE INSIDE IT STILL CAME OFF AND ROLLED AWAY FROM THE VEHICLE. MY VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY BOTTOMED OUT AFTERWARDS. I WAS INFORMED BY THE PREVIOUS OWNER AFTER THE ACCIDENT THAT IT HAPPENED TO THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE AS WELL. THIS HAS LEFT ME
NHTSA complaint #10925307 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Savannah, GACrash
SUSPENSION
I WAS DRIVING TO WORK ON HIGHWAY 144 GOING ABOUT 30 MILES ON OCTOBER 5TH AROUND 1130 AM. WHEN MY FRONT PASSENGER TIRE WITH AXLE INSIDE IT STILL CAME OFF AND ROLLED AWAY FROM THE VEHICLE. MY VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY BOTTOMED OUT AFTERWARDS. I WAS INFORMED BY THE PREVIOUS OWNER AFTER THE ACCIDENT THAT IT HAPPENED TO THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE AS WELL. THIS HAS LEFT ME
NHTSA complaint #10925307 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Arlington, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
N/a
NHTSA complaint #11740456 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Warsaw, MO
POWER TRAIN
The brake pressure modulator valve leaks the transmission has problems and service airbags is on
NHTSA complaint #11583451 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Warsaw, MO
AIR BAGS
The brake pressure modulator valve leaks the transmission has problems and service airbags is on
NHTSA complaint #11583451 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Warsaw, MO
SERVICE BRAKES
The brake pressure modulator valve leaks the transmission has problems and service airbags is on
NHTSA complaint #11583451 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Batesville, AR
TIRES:SIDEWALL
Tire brand and size is cooper Discoverer stt 33×12.50R20LT. I was coming home on my lunch break and it blew out I didnt hit anything in the road or anything I have another tire the same brand and it started to separate on sidewall also but I felt a vibration so I took the tire off and put my other spare on and the vibration stopped.
NHTSA complaint #11441815 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 161,000 milesWoodhull, NY
POWER TRAIN
VEHICLE LOOSES POWER AND BRAKES GO OUT THEN DIES,DOESN'T MATTER SPEED. IF SLOWING DOWN AND PRESS THE BRAKES, THE LOCKS, LIGHTS, AND SECURITY GOES CRAZY. THIS IS DANGEROUS AS IT IS IN INTERSECTIONS AND CAUTION FOR COLLISION. THE VEHICLE HAS TO BE OFF FOR A TIME FRAME AND RESTARTS FINE AND CAN GO. HAPPENED WHEN COMING FROM RAMP AND IN MIDDLE OF ROAD WITH SEMI TRUCK COMING DOWN BY US.
NHTSA complaint #11407052 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 161,000 milesWoodhull, NY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
VEHICLE LOOSES POWER AND BRAKES GO OUT THEN DIES,DOESN'T MATTER SPEED. IF SLOWING DOWN AND PRESS THE BRAKES, THE LOCKS, LIGHTS, AND SECURITY GOES CRAZY. THIS IS DANGEROUS AS IT IS IN INTERSECTIONS AND CAUTION FOR COLLISION. THE VEHICLE HAS TO BE OFF FOR A TIME FRAME AND RESTARTS FINE AND CAN GO. HAPPENED WHEN COMING FROM RAMP AND IN MIDDLE OF ROAD WITH SEMI TRUCK COMING DOWN BY US.
NHTSA complaint #11407052 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 161,000 milesWoodhull, NY
SERVICE BRAKES
VEHICLE LOOSES POWER AND BRAKES GO OUT THEN DIES,DOESN'T MATTER SPEED. IF SLOWING DOWN AND PRESS THE BRAKES, THE LOCKS, LIGHTS, AND SECURITY GOES CRAZY. THIS IS DANGEROUS AS IT IS IN INTERSECTIONS AND CAUTION FOR COLLISION. THE VEHICLE HAS TO BE OFF FOR A TIME FRAME AND RESTARTS FINE AND CAN GO. HAPPENED WHEN COMING FROM RAMP AND IN MIDDLE OF ROAD WITH SEMI TRUCK COMING DOWN BY US.
NHTSA complaint #11407052 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 170,000 milesCallahan, FL
SERVICE BRAKES
THIRD BRAKE LINE FAILURE DUE TO CORROSION. AREAS OF FAILURE ARE HIDDEN FROM VIEW ABOVE OTHER COMPONENTS. UPON BRAKE LINE FAILURE, BACKUP BRAKING WAS INOPERATIVE IN ALL CASES. VEHICLE WAS ON A CITY STREET IN MOTION ATTEMPTING TO STOP. BRAKES FAILED SUDDENLY IN ALL CASES. BRAKES WERE VERY NOTICIBLY INOPERATIVE BEFORE ANY INDICATION ON DASH BOARD. PUMPING THE PEDAL DID NOTHING- THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. WAS TOLD MANUFACTURER NO LONGER SUPPLIES BRAKE LINES FOR THIS VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #11384482 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
PEA Ridge, AR
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
IT TAKES HALF AN HOUR TO FILL MY TANK IT KEEPS KICKING OFF LIKE IT'S FULL WHEN IT'S NOT
NHTSA complaint #11365467 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 168,500 milesPrairieville, LA
AIR BAGS
I HAD JUMPED MY DEAD BATTERY AND LEFT THE TRUCK RUNNING. ABOUT 10 MINUTES AFTER BEING JUMPED, THE DRIVER'S AIRBAG DEPLOYED. THE VEHICLE NEVER MOVED AND WAS SITTING IDLY IN PARK AND NOTHING TOUCHED THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #11326356 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 74,000 milesRIO Rancho, NM
STRUCTURE:BODY
CLEAR COAT PEELING ON ALL HORIZONTAL SURFACES, UPPER DASH PANEL DEVELOPED MULTIPLE CRACKS CREATING A SAFETY HAZARD IF AIRBAG DEPLOYS.
NHTSA complaint #11152935 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 170,000 milesMadison, WI
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE FAILED TO START AND THE FUEL GAUGE DISPLAYED THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS EMPTY. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED A STRONG FUEL ODOR INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WENT TO THE FUEL STATION AND THE FUEL ODOR BECAME STRONGER WHILE ADDING FUEL TO THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND FOUND THAT FUEL WAS LEAKING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE SUBFRAME UNDER THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE. THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE HOME. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #11151912 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 138,000 milesBethel, OH
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
NEW BATTERY NEW ALTERNATOR HOWEVER THE VEHICLE IS NOT COMMUNICATING CORRECTLY TO HAVE THE ALTERNATOR CHARGE THE BATTERY. RESULT IS "BATTERY NOT CHARGING." THIS DURING ANY OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE. BATTERY WILL DIE.
NHTSA complaint #11075683 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 250,000 milesPlainfield, IL
STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE 1500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH AND MAKING A LEFT TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE HYDRAULIC BRAKE PUMP FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 05V043000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 250,000.
NHTSA complaint #11074968 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 250,000 milesPlainfield, IL
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE 1500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH AND MAKING A LEFT TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE HYDRAULIC BRAKE PUMP FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 05V043000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 250,000.
NHTSA complaint #11074968 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 205,000 milesIndependence, MN
SERVICE BRAKES
THE ABS SYSTEM ENGAGES AT LOW SPEEDS WHEN STOPPING ON DRY PAVEMENT. GENERALLY THE CONDITION IS LIMITED TO SPEEDS UNDER 10 MPH WHEN PARKING OR STOPPING AT STOP SIGNS. THIS CONDITION DISENGAGED THE BREAKS AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO MOVE BEYOND THE TRAFFIC CONTROL SIGNAL AT A FOUR WAY INTERSECTION, NEARLY RESULTING IN A SERIOUS SIDE IMPACT COLLISION.
NHTSA complaint #11065964 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Milton, FLCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
TAKATA INFLATORS AIRBAGS AND GAGES ON DASH. IN AN ACCIDENT AIRBAGS DIDN'T RELEASED.
NHTSA complaint #11040694 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Milton, FLCrash1 injured
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
TAKATA INFLATORS AIRBAGS AND GAGES ON DASH. IN AN ACCIDENT AIRBAGS DIDN'T RELEASED.
NHTSA complaint #11040694 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesOwego, NYCrash
STRUCTURE:BODY
DRIVER AND PASSENGER EXTERIOR DOOR LATCH DID NOT LATCH WHEN DOOR WAS CLOSED. WHILE THE DRIVER WAS TURNING RIGHT ON A VILLAGE STREET, BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER DOORS OPENED UNEXPECTEDLY. WHILE IN MOTION AROUND THE TURN THE DRIVER ATTEMPTED TO CLOSE THE DOOR TO AVOID ONCOMING TRAFFIC. DURING THE ATTEMPT TO CLOSE THE DOOR, THE CAR HIT A TREE ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE ROAD. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. I SUSPECT THE STUCK LATCH WAS DUE TO WATER AND/OR DIRT GETTING IN THE LATCH HINGE.
NHTSA complaint #11039418 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 92,000 milesPhiladelphia, PACrash
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE 1500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED AND THE CONTACT REAR ENDED THE PRECEDING VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE DEALER WAS LATER CONTACTED (GORDON CHEVROLET IN PHILADELPHIA, PA) AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED AND TOWED TO AN AUTO BODY SHOP. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 92,000.
NHTSA complaint #11013458 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sugarland, TX
SERVICE BRAKES
ABS BRAKE WENT OUT ABOUT 8 YEARS AGO BEING TOLD BY SOME MECHANICS NO POINT IN REPAIRING IT SAME THING WILL HAPPEN AGAIN SEEMS THAT IS A PROBLEM WITH THIS VECHILE WHEN IT WENT OUT I HAD 50 000 MILES AND THE 36000 MILE AND 3 YEAR WARRANITY HAS ALREADY PASSED I HEARD A FEW WEEKS AGO THAT YOU ALL HAD A RECALL BUT I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED THE VECHILE HAD BEEN PARKED AT A MALL WHEN I STARTED TO LEAVE THEIR THE LIGHT AND WARNING ALARM CAME ON
NHTSA complaint #11012612 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 132,000 milesLafollette, TN
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
ALL THE FRAME IS RUSTED AND ALL BRAKE LINES AND FUEL LINES, AND FRONT END PARTS RUSTED
NHTSA complaint #10966178 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 132,000 milesLafollette, TN
SERVICE BRAKES
ALL THE FRAME IS RUSTED AND ALL BRAKE LINES AND FUEL LINES, AND FRONT END PARTS RUSTED
NHTSA complaint #10966178 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesCopperopolis, CA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I WAS DRIVING HOME AFTER PICKING MY GRANDAUGHTER UP FROM SCHOOL I WAS DOING APPROXOMITALLY 55 MPH AND MY TRUCK CAME TO ALMOST A COMPLETE STOP MY ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND PANEL STATED THROTTLE REDUCTION OR SOMETHING TO THAT AFFECT I CHECKED FLUIDS AND BELTS AND RESTARTED TRUCK BECAUSE I WAS HALFWAY IN ROAD AT BUSY TIME OF DAY I THEN ATTEMPTED TO DRIVE TO SAFE SPOT AND CALLED FOR HELP THE TRUCK THEN RAN GREAT THAT EVE TRUCK DID SAME THING WENT TO SHOP AND AND HAD CHECKED OUT IT WAS THE FUEL ACTUATER CONTROL MOTOR CIRCUIT AT THIS TIME I HAVE NOT HAD IT REPAIRED THIS IS A DAGEROUS MALFUNCTION IM AM VERY LUCKY THAT I WAS NOT HIT BY OTHER TRAFFIC DUE TO NO WARNING OF ALMOST COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP IN BUSY TRAFFIC I RECEIVED A FEW FINGERS WAVED AT ME AND I DONT THINK IT MEANT WAS NUM 1 LOL
NHTSA complaint #10927749 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.