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2004 Chevrolet Avalanche

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Avalanche years

Owner complaints for the 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche are substantially higher than the model-year median of 82.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

140 reports with mileage · 25 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Electrical System. Review the 60 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Service Brakes. Review the 25 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 15 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

6 crash reports1 fire reports3 injury reports

Power Train complaints

14 reports
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39,000 miles · Apr 1, 2006
Power Train

MY HUSBAND, MY TWO CHILDREN AND I WERE ALL IN OUR 2004 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE K1500, HEADED TO CHURCH ON SUNDAY MORNING, GOING DOWN THE STREET WE LIVE ON. MY HUSBAND, WHO WAS DRIVING, TURNED ON THE CROSS STREET. ALL OF A SUDDEN, EVERY ONE HEARD A BIG CLUNK, LIKE SOME THING HAD DROPPED. THE CAR WOULD NOT MOVE FORWARD. MY HUSBAND…

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MY HUSBAND, MY TWO CHILDREN AND I WERE ALL IN OUR 2004 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE K1500, HEADED TO CHURCH ON SUNDAY MORNING, GOING DOWN THE STREET WE LIVE ON. MY HUSBAND, WHO WAS DRIVING, TURNED ON THE CROSS STREET. ALL OF A SUDDEN, EVERY ONE HEARD A BIG CLUNK, LIKE SOME THING HAD DROPPED. THE CAR WOULD NOT MOVE FORWARD. MY HUSBAND DROVE OUR VEHICLE BACKWARDS ALL THE WAY HOME. IT WAS PARKED FOR A FEW WEEKS, WHILE WE CONTACTED AAA, THE MANUFACTURER, AND LOCAL CHEVY DEALERSHIPS TO FIND OUT ABOUT REPAIR AND WARRANTIES. WE BELIEVE THIS IS A FAILURE OF THE TRANSMISSION. THIS VEHICLE HAS ABOUT 39000 MILES, JUST OVER THE WRITTEN WARRANTY, WHICH IS 36000. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT YET OFFERED TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS BUT ADVISED US TO TAKE IT IN TO THE CHEVY DEALERSHIP TO CONFIRM THE DIAGNOSTICS. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY BE TESTED BY A CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP IN REDDING, CA. THE DEALERSHIP HAS CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER TO FIND OUT WHAT THEY WILL DO TO REPAIR THE CONFIRMED "TRANSMISSION" PROBLEM. THIS IS AN EXPENSIVE REPAIR THAT HAS RESULTED IN OUR LOSS OF USE OF A VEHICLE THAT WAS WITHIN ITS NORMAL EXPECTED USE AND REPRESENTS A SUBSTANTIAL FINANCIAL BURDEN. I HAVE ALSO CONTACT THE FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION. I WAS PLEASE TO KNOW THAT THE VEHICLE MAY STILL BE WITHIN ITS IMPLIED WARRANTY (FIRST FOUR YEARS) AND THE RIGHT TO REVOKE PURCHASE MAY BE AN OPTION IF THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALERSHIP REFUSE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM AT NO COST TO US. I AM CONCERNED THAT THE PROBLEM, HOWEVER, MAY BE MORE WIDESPREAD, AND FELT I SHOULD REPORT THIS DEFECT OF THE CHEVROLET AVALANCHE 2004 K1500, FOR FURTHER INVESTIGATION IN CASE OTHER OWNERS HAVE THE SAME ISSUE. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10154353

3,500 miles · Oct 26, 2005
Power TrainSteering

DT: THE CONTACT COMPLAINED ABOUT RACK AND PINION STEERING PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE CLANGED WHILE CHANGING GEARS. WHEN PUTTING PRESSURE ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND DRIVING BETWEEN 60 - 70 MPH HE COULD HEAR A WHINING SOUND. WHEN HE RELEASED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL THE NOISE STOPPED. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE DRIVESHAFT BUT, TH…

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DT: THE CONTACT COMPLAINED ABOUT RACK AND PINION STEERING PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE CLANGED WHILE CHANGING GEARS. WHEN PUTTING PRESSURE ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND DRIVING BETWEEN 60 - 70 MPH HE COULD HEAR A WHINING SOUND. WHEN HE RELEASED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL THE NOISE STOPPED. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE DRIVESHAFT BUT, THIS DID NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10140841

6,000 miles · May 20, 2004
Electrical SystemPower TrainCrashInjury

WHEN THE CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE FROM A STOP, THE VEHICLE HESITATED INTERMITTENTLY. *AK THE VEHICLE NEEDED A NEW ALTERNATOR, RADIO SYSTEM (CD WOULD OVER HEAT). *SC *JB

NHTSA ODI #10067070

900 miles · Feb 19, 2004
Power Train

DURING ACCELERATION (TAKING FOOT OFF ACCLERATOR STOPS NOISE) A GRINDING NOISE APPEARS TO BE COMING FROM REAR AXLE OR TRANSMISSION. NOISE IS INTERMITTENT, OCCURS APPROXIMATELY 4-5 TIMES PER WEEK. HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO IDENTIFY UNIQUE CONDITIONS THAT CAUSE OCCURRENCE. NOISE WILL GENERALLY ONLY OCCUR FOR A SINGLE ACCELERATION AN…

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DURING ACCELERATION (TAKING FOOT OFF ACCLERATOR STOPS NOISE) A GRINDING NOISE APPEARS TO BE COMING FROM REAR AXLE OR TRANSMISSION. NOISE IS INTERMITTENT, OCCURS APPROXIMATELY 4-5 TIMES PER WEEK. HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO IDENTIFY UNIQUE CONDITIONS THAT CAUSE OCCURRENCE. NOISE WILL GENERALLY ONLY OCCUR FOR A SINGLE ACCELERATION AND AFTER IT GOES AWAY, IT IS UNKNOWN WHEN IT WILL RETURN.

NHTSA ODI #10058453

Official recalls

5

06V289000 · Engine And Engine Cooling

Aug 3, 2006

ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH AN 8.1L V8 (RPO L8-VIN G) ENGINE HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH THE ENGINE FUEL RAIL PULSE DAMPER RETAINER CLIP MAY FRACTURE RESULTING IN INADEQUATE RETENTION OF THE DAMPER.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF THE DAMPER COMES LOOSE, A FUEL LEAK MAY RESULT. FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ENGINE FUEL RAIL PULSE DAMPER RETAINER CLIP FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 31, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 AND GMC TRUCKS AT 1-866-996-9463.

05V163000 · Seat Belts:rear/other

Apr 22, 2005

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

05V043000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Feb 8, 2005

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

04V129000 · Structure:body:tailgate:hinge And Attachments

Mar 17, 2004

ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE GALVANIZED STEEL TAILGATE SUPPORT CABLES THAT RETAIN THE TAILGATE IN THE FULL OPEN (HORIZONTAL) POSITION MAY CORRODE, WEAKEN, AND EVENTUALLY FRACTURE. IF BOTH CABLES FRACTURED, THE TAILGATE WOULD SUDDENLY DROP AND STRIKE THE TOP SURFACE OF THE REAR BUMPER.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: ANYONE SITTING OR STANDING ON THE HORIZONTAL SURFACE OF THE TAILGATE WHEN BOTH CABLES FRACTURED COULD BE INJURED BY FALLING FROM THE TAILGATE. ON VEHICLES THAT HAVE HAD THE BUMPER REMOVED, THE TAILGATE MAY DROP EVEN LOWER. ADDITIONALLY, IF THERE IS CARGO ON THE TAILGATE THE CARGO MAY FALL OFF IF THE SUPPORT CABLES FRACTURE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CABLES. INTERIM OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON APRIL 7, 20004. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 24, 2004, WHEN REPLACEMENT PARTS WERE AVAILABLE, AND WILL CONTINUE THROUGH OCTOBER 29, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 OR GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, OR VISIT WWW.MYGMLINK.COM, AND ENTER YOUR VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER.

04V045000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Feb 4, 2004

CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, PICKUP TRUCKS, AND PASSENGER VANS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 135, ?PASSENGER CAR BRAKE SYSTEMS.? SOME OF THESE VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH AN OUT-OF-SPECIFICATION BRAKE HYDRO-BOOST HOUSING RELIEF VALVE BORE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: CONSEQUENTLY, THE VALVE O-RING SEAL MAY FRACTURE. STEERING EFFORTS MAY BE SLIGHTLY INCREASED WHILE BRAKING OR PARKING. UNDER CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS, A FRACTURED SEAL MAY REQUIRE A SLIGHT INCREASE IN THE APPLIED BRAKE PEDAL EFFORT TO ACHIEVE THE SAME VEHICLE DECELERATION RATE AS PRIOR TO THE SEAT FRACTURE.

Remedy: DEALERS ARE TO REPLACE THE HYDRO-BOOST RELIEF VALVE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 18, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339; CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438; GMC AT 1-866-996-9463; OR HUMMER AT 1-866-486-6376.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

EA04012 · Hydraulic Pump Failres

Opened Apr 30, 2004 · Closed Feb 28, 2005

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist; Steering:hydraulic Power Assist System

GM IS CONDUCTING A RECALL ON ALL SUBJECT VEHICLES BUILD BETWEEN MAY 1999 AND OCTOBER 14, 1999.SIGNIFICANT CHANGES WERE INCORPORATED INTO PRODUCTION IN EARLY OCTOBER 1999, AND VEHICLES BUILT AFTER THAT DATE HAVE LOWER WARRANTY FAILURE RATES.THE COMPLAINT AND WARRANTY DATA APPEAR TO SUPPORT THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THESE CHANGES. GM MADE ADDITIONAL CHANGES IN NOVEMBER 1999, FEBRUARY 2000, MAY 2001, AND FEBRUARY 2004.ODI WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THIS PROBLEM AND WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION, IF WARRANTED, IN THE FUTURE.FOR FURTHER TECHNICAL DETAILS SEE THE ATTACHED ENGINEERING ANALYSIS REPORT.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist

GM IS CONDUCTING A RECALL ON ALL SUBJECT VEHICLES BUILD BETWEEN MAY 1999 AND OCTOBER 14, 1999.SIGNIFICANT CHANGES WERE INCORPORATED INTO PRODUCTION IN EARLY OCTOBER 1999, AND VEHICLES BUILT AFTER THAT DATE HAVE LOWER WARRANTY FAILURE RATES.THE COMPLAINT AND WARRANTY DATA APPEAR TO SUPPORT THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THESE CHANGES. GM MADE ADDITIONAL CHANGES IN NOVEMBER 1999, FEBRUARY 2000, MAY 2001, AND FEBRUARY 2004.ODI WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THIS PROBLEM AND WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION, IF WARRANTED, IN THE FUTURE.FOR FURTHER TECHNICAL DETAILS SEE THE ATTACHED ENGINEERING ANALYSIS REPORT.

Steering:hydraulic Power Assist System

GM IS CONDUCTING A RECALL ON ALL SUBJECT VEHICLES BUILD BETWEEN MAY 1999 AND OCTOBER 14, 1999.SIGNIFICANT CHANGES WERE INCORPORATED INTO PRODUCTION IN EARLY OCTOBER 1999, AND VEHICLES BUILT AFTER THAT DATE HAVE LOWER WARRANTY FAILURE RATES.THE COMPLAINT AND WARRANTY DATA APPEAR TO SUPPORT THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THESE CHANGES. GM MADE ADDITIONAL CHANGES IN NOVEMBER 1999, FEBRUARY 2000, MAY 2001, AND FEBRUARY 2004.ODI WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THIS PROBLEM AND WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION, IF WARRANTED, IN THE FUTURE.FOR FURTHER TECHNICAL DETAILS SEE THE ATTACHED ENGINEERING ANALYSIS REPORT.