136 of the
2,473 complaints filed about the Chevrolet Avalanche
are about the engine —
5% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2002.
Traveling hiway on cruise. My 5.3l down shifted to accelerate to go up an incline. Shortly after that there was low to almost no power. Check engine light then came on. I was able to do 30mph on freeway to get it home. Took it to a local garage since gray Daniels chevy wouldn’t service it since I recently transitioned to MS. The problem was the #4 lifter had collapsed. It costed me just shy of $4k out of pocket. I’ve read that this was a recall item for my vehicle, I was never notified. I would like to be compensated if this was indeed a recall item
NHTSA complaint #11732748 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Code p2128 Code p2122 Have replaced TPS, THROTTLE BODY, ACCELERATOR PEDAL (×3) AND bypassed connectors WITH DIRECT WIRING from ACCELERATOR PEDAL TO ECM Continue to get codes with CHECK ENGINE LIGHT with DECREASED ENGINE POWER, CHECK STABILITRAK, and STABILITRAK DISABLED. HAVE TO CLEAR CODES WITH BLUEDRIVER MULTIPLE TIMES EVEN WHILE DRIVING SHORT DISTANCES AND SOMETIMES ON START UP.
NHTSA complaint #11598334 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Avalanche. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power and independently turned off. After restarting the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 200,000.
NHTSA complaint #11583489 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I am an owner of a 2013 Chevy Avalanche and must say that i enjoy driving this vehicle. The problem that i have is the vehicle has been going into Engine Power Reduced Mode. This mode makes the vehicle hard to accelerate to highway speeds. The vehicle will have a code of P2128 or P2138 which is an accelator pedel ciruit problem. I changed the acceleator pedal and did not solve the problem. I changed out the Throttle Body Sensor and still the problem remains. On the dashboard it will show Check Engine Light on, Service Stablinktrac light on, and Service Traction Control Light on. I have seen other vehicle owners experience the same problems with their vehicles and told that there was no recall and have to pay for the repairs out of pocket. These are very well made vehicles but when they going into Engine Power Reduced Mode, drive ability is diminished.
NHTSA complaint #11536637 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light was illuminated and a message indicating that the vehicle was in Reduced Power Engine mode was displayed. The contact veered to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. The contact stated that he disconnected and reconnected the battery and was able to continue driving. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring while driving. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle made abnormal clicking sounds. The contact stated that the check engine, traction control, ABS, stabili-trak and other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the transmission was slipping, and the vehicle would jerk while driving. The contact was able to continue driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the spark plugs, brake light switch, and transmission oil filter were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 195,000.
NHTSA complaint #11509573 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche. The contact stated that there was an abnormal odor of antifreeze inside the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed the contact that there was excessive rust to the subframe and one of fuel tank strap. Additionally, the manifold was missing bolts and the heater core was fractured. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an inspection station and the vehicle was taken off the road. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 154,000. The VIN was not available.
NHTSA complaint #11507569 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The vehicle is displaying error messages Reduced Engine Power, Service Stabilitrak, Service Traction Control. It also has the related service indicator lights for the Stabilitrak, the Traction Control, and the Check Engine Light is on. There is a service bulletin for this issue that only addresses the 2008-2011 model years, my vehicle is a 2012 and thus not included in the current bulletin and should be added to the covered vehicle list. #11-06-04-007B : Diagnosis and Repair - Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Illuminated, Reduced Power Message Displayed, DTC P2135 Set - (April 16, 2012)
NHTSA complaint #11483870 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Repeated instances of engine misfire/loss of power due to known issue with 5.3L Engines. Chevy/GM have repeatedly not fixed root cause/issues leading to "Stabilitrac/Traction control" error messages during engine misfire while driving in traffic. On 3 of these occasions loss power in roads/intersections with oncoming traffic. Two of these occasions,almost caused collisions. Currently truck at dealership since 4/11/22, with Warranty company (extended warranty) and Chevy dealership discussing mechanical issues with Rings, Pistons, Lifters versus "Carbon build up". Engine very low mileage per year. Total milage under 72k. Carbon is in all engines, failure root cause according to research and service department not related to carbon. In conversation with Service Manager, in past Chevy service departments followed guidelines of "Stick a plug and wire on it, and send it out". 3/19/16- 4/2/16: Issues started. Reported to Chevy performance issues. Did this on 2-3 occasions, air filter replaced one visit, told "without error messages, can not diagnose problem." 31k mile 6/18/16: "Stabilitrac/Traction control" error messages. Engine misfires start. Diagnosis fouled #7 spark plug. Spark plug replaced. Service department verbal comment, "Don't know cause, platinum plugs good to 100K, never seen this before"34k mile 2/21/18: "Stabilitrac/Traction control" error messages. Engine misfire in traffic. Diagnosis misfires with #7 spark plug. Service replaced valve cover with updated metal flap to stop oil from spraying on plug. Removed intake manifold/clean intake runners of oil deposits 7/31/21: #7 checked.No issues 53K 11/11/21: "Stabilitrac/Traction control" error messages. Engine misfire/ stall badly in traffic. Multiple misfires with #7 cylinder. Diagnosis:No issues found after error message reset.Truck perfect, passed inspection to purchase Extended warranty from dealership 4/11/22: "Stabilitrac/Traction control"error messages. Engine misfire/stall in traffic. Engine failure
NHTSA complaint #11483483 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche. The contact stated while driving 45 mph, the vehicle was making an abnormal tapping sound. 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 the lifter had collapsed since the vehicle was running on 4 cylinders instead of 8 cylinders. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.
NHTSA complaint #11428111 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I DROVE TO WORK & PARKED MY 2007 AVALANCHE IN MY EMPLOYERS TRUCK GARAGE AS I DO EVERY DAY. I WENT INTO THE OFFICE ATTENDED A JOB BRIEFING & WE PUT ON OUR COVERALLS FOR WORK THEN WE GOT READY TO LEAVE TO GO TO THE 1ST JOBSITE BUT AS SOON AS THE 1ST TWO COWORKERS WALKED OUT OF THE SHOP THEY TURNED AROUND YELLING THAT MY TRUCK WAS ON FIRE. I DIDN'T BELIEVE THEM AT 1ST BECAUSE I HAD JUST PARKED LIKE 15 MINUTES PRIOR. PARKED & NOT RUNNING. WELL I LOOKED AND MY WHOLE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WAS FULL OF FLAMES. WE USED 4 FIRE EXTINGUISHERS TO PUT THE FIRE OUT & THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED TO FINISH. MY VEHICLE WAS TOTALLED & I ONLY HAD LIABILITY INSURANCE.
NHTSA complaint #11399190 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
MY CHEVY AVALANCHE HAS A GENERATION FOR VORTEX 5300 ENGINE WE ARE USING AT LEAST A QUARTER VOLT IN BETWEEN OIL CHANGES ALSO THE OIL MONITORING SYSTEM IS ALLOWING ME TO DRIVE AND TO OPERATE THE VEHICLE WITHOUT ADEQUATE OIL BECAUSE THE OIL GAUGE IS NOT READING WHEN THE OIL IS READY TO BE CHANGED. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING SINCE THE DAY WE PURCHASED IT NEW IN 2013 WE WERE TOLD BY THE DEALERSHIP THAT THIS IS TYPICAL OF THIS ENGINE I'M NOW FINDING OUT THAT IT IS NOT AND THAT IT IS INVOLVED IN A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT AND I NEED TO BE DOCUMENTED IN THAT LAWSUIT.
NHTSA complaint #11385622 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I HAVE A 2008 CHEVY AVALANCHE LTZ WITH THE 5.3L V8 ENGINE WITH ADAPTIVE FUEL MANAGMENT. IT WAS PURCHASED USED WITH 120K MILES. IT BECAME APPARENT THAT THE ENGINE WAS CONSUMING OIL, 1-2 QUARTS PER 3000 MILES. RECENTLY THE ENGINE STARTED PRODUCING WHITE/BLUE SMOKE ON START UP AND OIL CONSUMPTION INCREASED TO 2-3 QUARTS IN 1500 MILES. MY VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT A MECHANICS SHOP AND I AM TOLD THAT FOR STARTERS I WILL NEED NEW VALVE COVERS THAT ARE REDESIGNED FROM THE ORIGINAL ONES AND THAT EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION IS COMMON ON THIS ENGINE. I HAVE READ OF OTHER OWNERS THAT HAVE HAD TO HAVE PISTONS/RINGS, VALVE COVERS REPLACED, AND A BAFFLE PLACED INTO THE OIL PAN TO MITIGATE THE OIL CONSUMPTION. THIS SEEMS TO BE A FAIRLY COMMON OCCURRENCE THAT ISN'T A TYPICAL MAINTENANCE ISSUES SINCE THESE PARTS WEREN'T OEM WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS MADE. IT SEEMS UNACCEPTABLE TO HAVE TO HAVE OEM MODIFICATIONS COMPLETED OUT OF MY POCKET FOR SOMETHING THAT SEEMS TO BE IDENTIFIED AS AN ISSUE WITH SPECIFIC PARTS MADE TO MITIGATE THE ISSUE. I AM VERY CONCERNED WHAT THIS ACCEPTABLE OIL CONSUMPTION WILL MEAN FOR THE LONGEVITY OF MY ENGINE.
NHTSA complaint #11383065 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
PURCHASED A USED 2011 CHEVY AVALANCHE WITH 87,000 MILES ONE OWNER FROM A SMALL DEALERSHIP. AFTER HAVING THE VEHICLE FOR ABOUT A WEEK NOTICED IT SHUDDERING WHEN PULLING ANY KIND OF GRADE. THINKING IT WAS SOME KIND OF MISFIRE HAD ALL THE PLUGS CHANGED ONLY TO FIND THAT IT ALSO HAD AN OIL FILE PROBLEM WITH 1 OF THE CYLINDERS. WHEN THE VEHICLE WOULD SHUDDER IT WAS AROUND 1500-2000 RPMS. IF I WOULD GIVE IT MORE GAS IT MADE IT PAST THE 2,000 RPMS AND WOULD SHIFT WITH NO PROBLEMS. NEEDLESS TO SAY THE TRANSMISSION IS NOW TOAST AS IT GAVE OUT COMPLETELY AND NEEDS REPLACED. NO WARNING LIGHTS OF ANY KIND MADE ME AWARE OF A POTENTIALLY SERIOUS PROBLEM. AFTER READING MORE I AM SEEING THAT THE TRANSMISSION IS SOMETHING THAT GM HAS NOT FULLY TAKEN CARE OF AS STATED WITH OLDER MODELS. THE TRANSMISSION FAILED WHILE DRIVING ON A MAJOR INTERSTATE ROADWAY WHILE NEARING THE TOP OF A HILL. IT JUST WENT COMPLETELY INTO NEUTRAL AND WOULD JUST REV THE ENGINE. THE TRUCK WAS CARRYING 3 ADULTS AND 2 CHILDREN IN CAR SEATS WHEN THIS OCCURRED. THANKFULLY WE WERE ABLE TO GET TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD SAFELY. CURRENTLY THE TRUCK HAS 89,995 MILES ON IT. I ONLY PUT APPROXIMATELY 2000 MILES ON IT SINCE PURCHASE.
NHTSA complaint #11363964 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VEHICLE HAS 120,000 MILES ON IT AND HAS A RANDOM MISFIRE, WITH TRACTION CONTROL AND STABILTRACK WARNINGS AND A FLASHING CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. ENGINE HAS EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION AND RUNS ROUGH. INSTALLED NEW PLUGS AND WIRES, NO CHANGE. AFTER READING UP ON THESE ENGINES I FOUND OUT THAT THE AFM / DOD FEATURE IS A COMMON FAILURE FOR THESE ENGINES. GM SHOULD STEP UP AND HELP OWNERS WITH SOME OF THE REPAIR COSTS. THIS IS GOING TO BE EXPENSIVE.
NHTSA complaint #11328992 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
MY 2012 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE 5.3L ENGINE HAS STARTED A OIL CONSUMPTION LOSS. THERE WAS A SERVICE BULLETIN ISSUED OCT. 30TH 2013 TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM. IT DOES NOT FIX THE PROBLEM! WHAT I'VE READ IS THAT WHERE THE CYLINDERS DEACTIVATE TO HELP FUEL ECONOMY AFTER TIME THOSE PISTONS GET DAMAGED FROM NOT HAVING FUEL OR FIRE ON THEM AND ITDAMAGES PISTONS AND CAUSES OIL CONSUMPTION. IN THE PAST FEW DAYS I HAVE FOUND OUT THAT THERE ARE 5 PEOPLE I KNOW WITH THE SAME ISSUE. LOOKING ON LINE THERE APPEARS TO BE CLASS ACTION LAW SUITS ALL ACROSS THE COUNTRY ON THIS ISSUE. GM/CHEVROLET KNOW THEY HAVE A PROBLEM BUT REFUSE TO TAKE CARE OF THIS PROBLEM. THERE IS NO RECALL ON THIS AND I'M SURE NEVER WILL BE BECAUSE IT HAPPENS WHEN THE ENGINES REACH HIGHER MILEAGE. I HAVE ALL MY MAINTENANCE RECORDS ON MY TRUCK AND HAD NO INTENTION OF TRADING IT, BUT NOW THE MOTOR WILL HAVE TO BE REBUILT OR REPLACE.
NHTSA complaint #11316234 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
MY WIFE DROVE THE TRUCK TO WALMART TO GET A COUPLE OF ITEMS WITH HER WERE MY SON IN LAW AND DAUGHTER. ONCE ARRIVING THERE(APPROX. 3 MI) THEY NOTICED SOME SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. MY SON IN LAW OPENED THE HOOD TO DISCOVER A FIRE, HE THEN RAN INTO WALMART WHERE AN EMPLOYEE GRABBED A FIRE EXTINGUISHER AND PUT OUT THE FIRE. AFTER THEY GOT HOME I CHECKED IT OUT AND THE WIRING HARNESS THAT GOES TO THE MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR WAS COMPLETELY MELTED. IT WAS STILL IN ALL TH HE FACTORY TIE DOWNS AND WASN'T TOUCHING ANYTHING THAT COULD HAVE CHAFED IT OR PINCHED THE WIRES. THE TRUCK WAS ON CITY STREET THEN IN PARKING LOT
NHTSA complaint #11309598 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STABILTY LIGHT CAME ON, LOSS OF POWER, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, ROUGH SHIFTING INTO 2 GEAR. IT HAS BEEN DOWN FOR 2 YEARS. AND NOT FIXED YET, CHEVY DEALERSHIP DOES NOT KNOW WHAT TPO DO. THERE NEEDS TOBE A RECALL ON THE FLEX FUEL. WE WERE GOING DOWN I-20 WHEN ALL THIS HAPPENED. THERE WAS NEARLY AN ACCIDENT
NHTSA complaint #11297438 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH WITH THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS ACTIVATED, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED. THE VEHICLE REGAINED POWER WITHIN LESS THAN A MINUTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED AN ADDITIONAL TWO TIMES; HOWEVER, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WERE NOT ACTIVATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 83,000.
NHTSA complaint #11279769 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE, WHILE PARKED IN APARTMENT PARKING LOT, ENGINE NOT RUNNING. VEHICLE WAS PARKED FOR AT LEAST 30 MINUTES, BEFORE BEING NOTIFIED THAT IT WAS ON FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #11255693 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.