108 of the
2,473 complaints filed about the Chevrolet Avalanche
are about the transmission —
4% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2002.
108
Complaints
4%
Share of all complaints
7
Crashes
0
Fires
Transmission & Drivetrain complaints by model year
In October of 2020, my avalanche only would start in winter after disconnecting and reconnecting the battery. It was also on numerous occasions go into limp mode while driving at normal city speeds meaning it wouldn’t go above 25 miles an hour. The entire dash would light up. It threw numerous codes. Had to be towed to get it looked at but then would mysteriously start without issue. I took it to young Buick gmc in Layton Utah with no resolution. Finally in December 2020 it was determined by now Heritage Chevrolet in Evanston Wyoming to be the Onstar module. This part was no longer available and couldn’t be replaced. The dealership’s solution was to wire around the faulty part which has allowed the truck to start and no longer go into limp mode from 70mph on highway to 20mph without notice. I immediately got a hold of Chevrolet to get a satisfactory answer about why I couldn’t get the part that was making the vehicle unsafe to drive. They said the part was no longer being manufactured and it wasn’t their problem sorry about the inconvenience Case number [XXX]. I did have the dealership wire around it so I have the truck working, but Chevrolet did not care about the truck going into limp mode suddenly on the highway and it could have caused an accident. They not not offer any compensation for the part not being manufactured and according to to your website if a part is causing a safety issue they are they are required to have that part fixed. I am still upset about their lack of support and service and want Chevrolet held accountable. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11623041 — 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.
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 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS and oil warning lights illuminated. Additionally, the speedometer, the 4-wheel drive function, parking brake, and headlights failed to operate as needed. The instrument panel light failed to illuminate, the gear shifter did not display the selected gear, the sub-frame was corroded, and the wheel hub bearing assembly was fractured. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 142,000.
NHTSA complaint #11451861 — 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.
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.
WE WERE DRIVING DOWN I20 WHEN WE WERE COMING OFF THE OFF RAMP AND THE STABILIZATION LIGHT CAME ON AND WE GOT TO THE STOP SIGN TO TURN RIGHT AND AS WERE TAKE OFF IT SHIFTED REALLY BAD OUT INTO 2ND IT JERKED REALLY BAD AND WE HAD NO POWER WE MADE IT HOME AND NOW IT TURNS OVER BUT WILL NOT START. 2007 AVALANCE IT HAS 50,000 MILES. I HAVE BEEN TALKING TO OTHER PEOPLE ON CAR GURUS AND THERE ARE THOUSAND ON THAT SIGHT HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM WERE HAVING. AND THE SAD THING IS WE DONT HAVE THE MONEY TO HAVE OUR TRUCK TOWED INTO TOWN AND GET IT FIXED. BECASUE THEY TELLS US THAT THEY HAVE SO MANY PEOPLE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. I FEEL LIKE GM SHOULD DO A RECALL OR PEOPLE SHOULD BE ABLE TO DO A GROUP LAWSUIT TOWARD GM FOR SUCH A BIG DEAL LIKE THIS IS. AND ALSO OUR DASHES ARE ALL CRACKED DOWN THE MIDDLE. WHICH ON THAT SIGHT THERE ARE ALOT HAVING SAME ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #11162784 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
WHILE DRIVING THE TRUCK,AND STOPPING AT A LIGHT OR STOP SIGN THE TRUCK SLIPS OUT OF GEAR AND YOU HAVE TO PUT IN PARK AND THEN PUT IT BACK IN DRIVE BEFORE IT WILL MOVE. IT IS SCARY WHEN THIS HAPPENS BECAUSE YOU ARE SCARED SOMEONE BEHIND YOU WON'T BE PAYING ATTENTION AND REAR END US
NHTSA complaint #11129609 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
MY TRANSMISSION WHEN TAKING OFF FAST SOUND LIKE IT'S IN NEUTRAL AND THEN WHEN I LET OFF THE FAST IT GOES IN GEAR. ALSO MY DASH BOARD IS CRACKING AND FOUND BE A SERIOUS AIRBAG ISSUE. I'VE SEEN HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS AND A RECALL HASN'T BEEN ISSUED. THE RECALL NEEDS TO BE ISSUED SO I COULD BE FIXED ASAP. THIS IS A SERIOUS HAZARD.!!!
NHTSA complaint #11120938 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TAKATA INFLATORS:MY AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON, IT WAS RESET AND CAME BACK ON A SHORT TIME AFTER. I HAVE ELECTRICAL ISSUES WITH CRUISE CONTROL, RADIO AND FAN FOR HEAT AND A/C.ONCE IN S WHILE I GET A SMELL OFBURNING WIRE. MY TRANSMISSION BEGAN BUMPING ON ACCELERATION SEVERAL MONTHS AGO ALSO WHEN CRANKING IT MOVE FORWARD A BIT IN PARK. THE TRANSMISSION BUMP IS WHEN ACCELERATING, THE ELECTRICAL ISSUES ARE RANDOM, THE AIRBAG LIGHT STAYS ON.
NHTSA complaint #11048082 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE RUNS ROUGH AT IDLE WHEN ENGINE LIGHT, SERVICE STABILITRAK LIGHT AND TRACTION CONTROL OFF LIGHTS ALL COME ON. UPON ACCELERATION, ONLY ENGINE LIGHT REMAINS ON. WILL REPEAT AT LOWER IDLE.
NHTSA complaint #10968243 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I'VE HAD MY TRUCK FOR 4 YEARS NOW AND ITS BEEN IN THE SHOP 5 TIMES DUE TO TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. I'VE GOTTEN THE TRANSMISSION REBUILT 5 TIMES AND ITS STILL GIVING ME PROBLEMS. 6/2014- PRESENT DAY.
NHTSA complaint #10955649 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TWO WEEKS AGO DRIVING 60MPH ON HIGHWAY IN SNOW ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATES AND LOSE TOTAL POWER. "REDUCE POWER MODE" ILLUMINATED BUT ENGINE SHUT OFF. WE ALMOST GOT REAR ENDED BY A TRACTOR TRAILER ON [XXX]. ON SIDE OF ROAD FOR 2 HRS IN 20 DEGREE WEATHER WAITING ON AAA (NO SHOULDER ON HWAY) AND MOTOR STARTS. TAKE IT TO GARAGE AND GET THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR (TPS) CODE ANS STABILITRAK/ABS CODE. WE HAD ACCIDENTALLY HIT THE ONSTAR BUTTON A MINUTE BEFORE THIS AND MECHANIC THOUGHT THAT WAS RELATED SO HE CLEARED CODE AND SENT US ON OUR WAY. FOR TWO WEEKS WE WERE GOOD ANDIT HAPPENED AGAIN ON HIGHWAY IN RAIN [XXX] THIS WEEKEND, AGAIN IN MIDDLE OF HIGHWAY. THIS TIME CAR STARTED AFTER FIVE MINUTES. TOOK CAR TO DEALER AND THEY STATE THE TPS NEEDS REPLACING AND FRONT WHEEL SPEED SENSOR BROKEN. THERE IS A GM SERVICE BULLETIN #11273B WHERE GM ACKNOWLEDGES TPS ISSUE AND COVERS REPLACEMENT OF TPS FOR 2008-2011 VEHICLES. ALSO BULLETIN PIP3089B FOR BAD WIRING TO TPS FOR 2003-2006 AVALANCHES. GM DENIED MY SERVICE DESPITE THE FACT THAT A 2007 TPS AND THROTTLE BODY ARE THE SAME EXACT PART NUMBER AS THE DEFECTIVE ONE. THIS IS SUPER DANGEROUS AND EXTREMELY FREQUENT AS THERE ARE 550 POSTS ALONE ON [XXX] AS WELL AS MANY REPORTS TO [XXX] PLEASE ASSIST AS THEY ARE NOT STANDING BEHIND A DEFECTIVE AND DEADLY PRODUCT AS THE COMPUTER CUTS TOTAL POWER RIGHT ON HIGHWAY... PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #10955103 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
PROBLEMS WITH TRAIN MISSION. I'M A 75 YEAR OLD DRIVER. BOUGHT AVALANCHE SLY MODEL. GREAT VEHICLE AND DRIVEN EASY AND IS GARAGE KEPT. HAVE EXTENDED WARRANTY FROM DEALER. TRANSMISSION STARTING TO BUMP AS IF YOU COULD HAVE HIIT A SPEED BUMP COMING OUT OF LOW INTO SECOND. WAS IMMEDIATELY TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP. THEY CHANGED THE WIRING HARNESS ON THE TRANSMISSION. SAID IT SEEMED OK. AS I PICKED UP VEHICLE. THE FIRST TRAFFIC LIGHT CAUGHT AND AS I STARTED UP AT A SLOW TAKE OFF IT WAS DOING THE SAME PROBLEM. WILL RETURN TO DEALERSHIP IN THE MORNING. WIRING HARNESS FLUID AND FILTER CHANGE. TOTAL REPAIR TO DATE $596.00
NHTSA complaint #10889139 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE. WHILE CHANGING GEARS TO THE DRIVE POSITION, THE GEARS LOCKED UP AND FAILED TO MOVE. THE CONTACT STATED THEY EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE LISTED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V007000 (SUSPENSION), BUT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR AXLE CROSS PIN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10853801 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
WHEN TURNING THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL MOMENTARILY LOCKS UP SOUNDING LIKE LITTLE SKIDS. DURING NORMAL SLOW ACCELERATIONS THE ISSUE CAUSES THE TRUCK TO LUNGE OR BUMP FEELING LIKE IT IS COMING FROM THE DIFFERENTIAL. SINCE I FISRT PURCHASED THE THRUCK NEW FROM THE DEALER THERE HAS ALWAYS BEEN AN ISSUE WITH CLUNKING FROM THE DRIVETRAIN. DEAL SAID THEY COULD FIND IDENTIFY ANYTHING.
NHTSA complaint #10817596 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AT TIMES WHEN THE VEHICLE IS SLOWING DOWN/DOWN SHIFTING (MORE COMMON WHEN GOING UP A GRADE) IT WILL SUDDENLY LUNGE FORWARD (BEFORE COMING TO A STOP) EVEN WITH YOUR FOOT ON THE BRAKE. IT SEEMS TO HAPPEN WHEN DOWNSHIFTING FROM 2ND TO 1ST GEAR AND SOMETIMES IT CATCHES ME OFF GUARD. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION ESPECIALLY WHEN SLOWING DOWN NEAR PEOPLE. I AM ALWAYS CONCERNED THAT THE VEHICLE IS GOING TO LUNGE FORWARD AND HIT SOMETHING OR EVEN WORSE SOMEONE. I HOPE NHTSA INVESTIGATES THIS SITUATION AS OTHER PEOPLE HAVE REPORTED THE SAME PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10810873 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.