2002 Chevrolet Avalanche

444 federal complaints (562 component records) · 2 recall campaigns on file · 7 federal investigations · 252 service bulletins · 3 Canadian recalls
See all 14 model years of the Chevrolet Avalanche →
Engine
5.3L 8-cyl
Fuel
Regular
Drive
RWD
EPA economy
13 city / 17 hwy
Federal complaints
444
Recall campaigns
2
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.

Fault profile

Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.

Brakes
187
Body & structure
67
Engine & cooling
40
Parking brake
37
Tires
35
Power train
33
Air bags
24
Glass & wipers
22
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.

When it fails

The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.

Vehicle age when the failure occurred

0 years old: 64 complaints01 years old: 71 complaints2 years old: 89 complaints3 years old: 66 complaints4 years old: 24 complaints5 years old: 12 complaints56 years old: 3 complaints7 years old: 6 complaints8 years old: 11 complaints9 years old: 12 complaints10 years old: 19 complaints1011 years old: 31 complaints12 years old: 13 complaints13 years old: 4 complaints14 years old: 0 complaints15 years old: 0 complaints1516 years old: 0 complaints17 years old: 0 complaints18 years old: 1 complaints19 years old: 0 complaints20+ years old: 1 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 427 of 444 complaints with a usable failure date.

Odometer when the failure occurred

0,000 - 20,000 miles: 46 complaints020,000 - 40,000 miles: 65 complaints40,000 - 60,000 miles: 56 complaints40k60,000 - 80,000 miles: 45 complaints80,000 - 100,000 miles: 35 complaints80k100,000 - 120,000 miles: 21 complaints120,000 - 140,000 miles: 11 complaints120k140,000 - 160,000 miles: 12 complaints160,000 - 180,000 miles: 3 complaints160k180,000 - 200,000 miles: 4 complaints200,000+ miles: 6 complaints200k+
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 304 of 444 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).

Known issues

The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.

Brakes

187 complaint records18 crash reports
"STEEL BRAKE LINE FAILURE DUE TO CORROSION (RUST). UPON INSPECTION, ALL STEEL BRAKE LINES SEVERELY CORRODED (RUSTED). *TR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse brakes parts in the directory →

Body & structure

67 complaint records1 crash report
"THE TAILGATE CABLES ON MY 2002 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE BROKE WHILE I WAS UNLOADING A FREEZER FROM THE BACK OF THE TRUCK. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse body & structure parts in the directory →

Engine & cooling

40 complaint records
"CONSUMER STATES ENGINE BLEW UP, AND MANUFACTURER IS NOT WILLING TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY AND WILL NOT PROVIDE A REASON.*JB..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →

Federal defect investigations

Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.

InvestigationStatusComponentSubject
PE10010
opened Mar 2010
closed Jan 2011Service Brakes, HydraulicBrake line corrosion failure
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received Defect Petition DP10-003 on March 2, 2010, requesting the investigation of model year (MY) 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD 4WD pickup trucks for corrosion failures of the vehicle brake lines.DP10-003 was...
PE06016
opened May 2006
closed Sep 2006Engine And Engine CoolingCRANK POSITION SENSOR FAILURE - STALL
THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION (PE06-016) ON MAY 4, 2006 BASED ON ELEVEN VEHICLE OWNER QUESTIONNAIRES (VOQS) AND EARLY WARNING (EWR) DATA ALLEGING SUDDEN ENGINE SHUTDOWN WHILE DRIVING AS A RESULT OF CRANK POSITION...
DP05009
opened Dec 2005
closed May 2006Parking BrakePARKING BRAKE FAILURE
ODI'S REVIEW OF COMPLAINT DATA RECEIVED SINCE THE CLOSE OF EA04-011 REVEALED NO INDICATION THAT THE INVESTIGATION SHOULD BE RE-OPENED.MORE DETAILS CAN BE FOUND IN THE FEDERAL REGISTER NOTICE ENCLOSED IN THE DP05-009 PUBLIC FILE.ODI RESERVES THE RIGHT TO...
PE05020
opened Apr 2005
closed Sep 2005Service Brakes, HydraulicUNWANTED LOW-SPEED ABS ACTIVATION - led to recall 05V379000
IN A LETTER DATED AUGUST 29, 2005, GM NOTIFIED ODI THAT IT WAS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1999 THROUGH 2002 C/K PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES TO CORRECT A PROBLEM WITH ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) WHEEL SPEED SENSOR CORROSION THAT MAY RESULT IN...
EA04012
opened Apr 2004
closed Feb 2005SteeringHYDRAULIC PUMP FAILRES - led to recall 05V005000
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...
Show 2 more closed investigations
InvestigationStatusComponentSubject
EA04005
opened Feb 2004
closed Sep 2004StructureTAILGATE CABLE BREAKAGE - led to recall 04V129000
GENERAL MOTORS FILED A DEFECT NOTICE 04V-129 ON MARCH 17, 2004, WHICH OUTLINES A PROGRAM TO REPLACE THE TAILGATE CABLES INSTALLED IN AFFECTED MODEL YEAR 2000-2004 VEHICLES.REFER TO ODI'S CLOSING REPORT FOR EA04-005 FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.ODI IS AWARE OF...
EA02015
opened Aug 2002
closed Jan 2004Vehicle Speed ControlTHROTTLE STICKING CLOSED
THIS INVESTIGATION INVOLVES THE GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATION (GM)THROTTLE BODY (TB) UTILIZED IN MODEL YEAR (MY) 1999-2002 SILVERADO, SIERRA, TAHOE, SUBURBAN, AVALANCHE AND YUKON (SUBJECT VEHICLE(S)) WITH 4.8L, 5.3L, AND 6.0L ENGINES.

Recall campaigns

Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.

CampaignComponentSummaryRemedy
05V379000Service Brakes, HydraulicCERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE UNWANTED ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) ACTIVATION. THIS CONDITION IS MORE LIKELY TO OCCUR IN ENVIRONMENTALLY CORROSIVE AREAS.Normally free
04V129000StructureON 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.Normally free

Transport Canada recalls

Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.

RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2004395
2004-11-05
Brakes158,474Certain vehicles located in Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland & Labrador may experience unwanted Antilock Brake System (ABS) activation and increased stopping distances during low-speed...
2004102
2004-03-18
Other301,974On certain vehicles, the galvanized-braided-steel tailgate support cables used to support the tailgate in the full open (horizontal) position can corrode over time and fracture when loads are applied to them.
2002068
2002-04-11
Seats And Restraints63,049Certain vehicles fail to conform to CMVSS 209, seat belt assemblies. These vehicles have a condition where one or two sensors in the driver's and front seat passengers seat belt retractors may be inoperative.

Service bulletins and warranty extensions

Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
PIC5953A
Feb 2016
EquipmentThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have an issue when using Bluetooth voice recognition with an iPhone.
PIP5226A
Feb 2016
EquipmentTHIS PRELIMINARY INFORMATION COMMUNICATION PROVIDES INFORMATION TO THE TECHNICIAN ABOUT FINDING NEEDLE BEARINGS DURING AN OIL CHANGE. TECHNICIAN WILL GAIN ACCESS TO THE ROLLER ROCKERS TO INSPECT THEM. ONLY REPLACE THE ROLLER ROCKER THAT IS MISSING NEEDLE BEARINGS.
03-08-46-004R
Jan 2016
EquipmentThis informational bulletin provides information on Part Restriction and Ordering Process Information for OnStar Vehicle Communication Interface Modules (VCIM) (GMNA Only)
PIP5232B
Nov 2015
Engine And Engine CoolingThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about gasoline powered cars, mid-size trucks, light duty trucks, and heavy duty trucks with premature catalytic converter failures.
09-09-40-001C
Aug 2015
Seat BeltsThis informational bulletin provides information to advise dealers about seat belt buckles not operating and/or seat belt warning light illumination, as well as difficulty latching and unlatching the buckle or the buckle release button sticking.
Show 55 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
05-06-04-035E
May 2015
Fuel SystemThis informational bulletin provides dealership personnel with information on flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs) and the usage of E85 fuel in GM vehicles.
15-08-44-001B
May 2015
EquipmentThis informational bulletin provides information on a GM of Canada OnStar® cellular communication upgrade.
15-08-44-001A
May 2015
EquipmentThis informational bulletin provides information on a GM of Canada OnStar® cellular communication upgrade.
PIT5399
Apr 2015
EquipmentThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about connectivity concerns when connecting an Apple device via USB cord. Technician should insure the customer is using an original equipment manufacturer Apple USB cable.
PIC4310L
Apr 2015
Electrical SystemThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicle that may have an OnStar system that has progression tones when pressing the blue or red button.
15-08-44-001
Mar 2015
EquipmentThis informational bulletin provides information on a GM of Canada OnStar® cellular communication upgrade.
15-08-73-001
Mar 2015
EquipmentThis informational bulletin provides information on communication with OnStar® module after Canadian cellular upgrade.
PIT5264C
Feb 2015
EquipmentThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that are travelling from Canada to the United States. While in the United States they are unable to receive Turn-by-Turn directions.
PIC4310K
Jan 2015
EquipmentThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicle that may have an OnStar system that has progression tones when pressing the blue or red button.
PIC3278F
Jan 2015
EquipmentThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician the steps needed to diagnose and repair the vehicles that may have unwanted or phantom phone calls. Technician will need to determine what type of call the customer is having that is unwanted.
SB-13-05-22-001
Sep 2014
Service BrakesCHEVROLET/GMC/CADILLAC: ANYTIME HYDRAULIC BRAKE PIPES ASSEMBLY NEED REPLACING, PRE-FORMED AND PRE-FLARED BRAKE PIPES ARE AVAILABLE, EXCEPT REAR AXLE CROSSOVER PIPE. MODEL 1999-2007 SILVERADO, SIERRA, 2000-2006 ESCALADE MODELS, AVALANCHE, SUBURBAN, TAHOE, YUKON MODELS.
PIP5163A
Jul 2014
Engine And Engine CoolingThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about engine block of possible cylinder bore damage, scoring or out of round as the possible cause of engine oil consumption, misfire, cylinder leakage or blow by.
PIT3227J
Jan 2014
StructureThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have slack in one of the tailgate cables. Technician should not replace any parts for this concern.
PIC5953
Jan 2014
EquipmentThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have an issue when using Bluetooth voice recognition with an iPhone.
PIT3237G
Oct 2013
VisibilityThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the percentage of UV protection or tint offered by the windshield or side glass. Technician should be advised Windshield reduces UV rays down to 4% or less.
PIT-4954-C
Jun 2013
SuspensionGM: IF THE SERVICE SUSPENSION SYSTEM IS DISPLAYED ON THE DIC, THE TRIM HEIGHT MAY BE INCORRECT, LOOSE COMPRESSOR INLET HOSE, OR THE COMPRESSOR SELF TEST MAY BE INOPERATIVE. ALSO INCLUDED SUBURBAN LD MY 2001-2013, YUKON DENALI XL MY 2013, YUKON XL LD 2001-2013 *JS
PI-0011A
Jun 2013
Latches/Locks/LinkagesGM: THE FRONT OR REAR DOOR MAY NOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE HANDLE, THE DOOR WILL NOT UNLOCK WITH ANY METHOD. THE PROBABLY CAUSE AN INCORRECT INSTALLATION OF A HANDLE COMPONENT. *RM UPDATED ON 7/26/2013. ALL 2014 AND PRIOR GM PASSENGER CARS AND TRUCKS. *KB
PIP4138L
Dec 2012
Power TrainThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a Service Engine Soon Malfunction Indicator Lamp on, engine misfire, and/or engine noise. Technician may find Diagnostic Trouble Codes P0300-P0308.
PIP3259J
Dec 2012
Power TrainThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have a planetary gear whine noise in first and second gear. Technician should compare the noise to a like vehicle.
11-00-89-005C
Dec 2012
Equipment Adaptive/MobilityThis warranty administration bulletin provides information on the Clarification of Use for Dealer Empowerment Labor Operations and Customer Enthusiasm
PIT3271F
Dec 2012
TiresThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles.
PIP3720D
Nov 2012
Power TrainThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician with the axel setup information from American Axle Manufacturing.
PIT3665C
Nov 2012
Service BrakesThis Preliminary Information communication advises the technician that the Hydro-Boost is not serviceable and will need to be replaced if the brake pedal moves or applies on its own at a full turn.
PIP5072
Oct 2012
Electrical SystemThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have slip in forward ranges immediately after replacing the input housing.
09-09-40-001A
Jan 2012
Seat BeltsGM: THERE ARE SEAT BELT PROBLEMS: DIFFICULTY LATCHING AND UNLATCHING BUCKLE. BUCKLE RELEASE BUTTON IS STICKING. SEAT BELT WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. LIKELY CAUSED BY STICKY BEVERAGES THAT ARE SPILLED INTO THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY. *RM UPDATED 4/3/12. *PE
SB-10-08-50-003B
Nov 2011
SeatsGENERAL MOTORS: INFORMATION PROVIDED BY BULLETIN FOR ALL 2012 AND PRIOR GENERAL MOTOR TRUCKS AND PASSENGER VEHICLES REGARDING THE ADJUSTABLE COMFORT AND CUSTOM UPHOLSTERY OF THE DRIVER AND THE PASSENGER HEAD RESTRAINT. *PE
10-00-89-017C
Feb 2011
Unknown Or OtherGM: INFORMATION ON FIXING MULTIPLE SITUATIONS RIGHT THE FIRST TIME. *RM
PIP-4138K
Jan 2011
Engine And Engine CoolingGM: THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT IS ON, THERE IS ALSO A MISFIRE OR ENGINE NOISE. THERE ARE MULTIPLE POSSIBLE CAUSES. *RM
SB-10-02-33-001
Oct 2010
SteeringBUICK/CADILLAC/CHEVROLET/GMC/OLDSMOBILE AND HUMMER: INFORMATION ON PITMAN ARM SHAFT SEAL SERVICE KIT. DO NOT REPLACE ENTIRE STEERING GEAR FOR PITMAN SEAL LEAK. TECHNICIANS HAVE BEEN REPLACING ENTIRE STEERING GEARS DUE TO NOT BEING ABLE TO SERVICE JUST LEAKING PITMAN SHAFT SEAL.
030525007
May 2009
Service BrakesANTILOCK BRAKE (ABS) ACTIVATION AT LOW SPEEDS (CLEAN WHEEL SPEED SENSOR MOUNTING SURFACE). *TT UPDATED 10/23/09. *PE
08089-B
Nov 2008
EquipmentGENERAL MOTORS CORP: SPECIAL COVERAGE ADJUSTMENT; ANALOG ONSTAR DEACTIVATION. *PE UPDATED 2/17/09. *PE
PIT-4722
Oct 2008
Power TrainGMC: FLUID LEAK FROM TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER LINES DUE TO CORROSION. ALL 2000-2006 LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH THE LIGHT DUTY AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. *PE
08-089B
Sep 2008
EquipmentBUICK CHEVROLET GMC SERVICE CAMPAIGN: SEE DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON FOR OWNER LETTER. SPECIAL COVERAGE ADJUSTMENT-ANALOG ONSTAR DEACTIVATION. CSC LETTER WAS RECEIVED. *PE
PIT-3046E
Aug 2008
Fuel SystemGMC: FUEL GAUGE FLUCTUATION IN PARK OR NEUTRAL, CAUSING THE LOW FUEL LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE. *PE
08-089
Jun 2008
EquipmentBUICK CADILLAC CHEVROLET GMC HUMMER OLDSMOBILE PONTIAC SAAB SATURN SERVICE CAMPAIGN: SEE DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON FOR OWNER LETTER. SPECIAL COVERAGE ADJUSTMENT-ANALOG ONSTAR DEACTIVATION.
PIP3343
Feb 2008
Engine And Engine CoolingPOSSIBLE ENGINE OIL LEAK DUE TO PCV FREEZE-UP, EQUIPPED WITH THE 4.8, 5.3, 6.0, AND 6.2 V-8 ENGINES. *NJ
PIP4054A
Feb 2008
SuspensionEATON LOCKING DIFFERENTIAL CHATTER SHUDDER NOISE ON TURNS, EQUIPPED WITH A LOCKING REAR DIFFERENTIAL RPO G80. *NJ UPDATED 7/17/2008. *PE
030309002
Jul 2007
SuspensionREAR LEAF SPRING SLAP OR CLUNK NOISE (REPLACE SPRING INSERTS) *TT UPDATED 10/18/07. *NJ
040525002
Jun 2007
Service BrakesABS LIGHT ON, DTC'S C0265, C0201, U1041 SET AND/OR LOSS OF COMMUNICATION WITH BRAKE MODULE. (REGROUND EBCM GROUND). *KB
030604030
Mar 2007
Engine And Engine CoolingMULTIPLE DRIVEABILITY SYMPTOMS OF LONG OR HARD STARTS, CHUGGLE, ROUGH IDLE AND LIGHT OR INTERMITTENT MISFIRE DUE TO CLOGGED FUEL INJECTORS. *TT
000235003
Feb 2007
SteeringCLUNKING NOISE UNDER HOOD AND CAN BE FELT IN STEERING WHEEL. *EH UPDATED *EH UPDATED. *KB
3227
Oct 2006
StructureTAILGATE CABLE SLACK. THIS INCLUDES 1998-2006 CHEVROLET AND GMC FULL AND MID SIZE TRUCKS. *EH UPDATED. *KB
3340
Sep 2006
SuspensionLEFT FRONT AXLE SHAFT DIFFICULT TO REMOVE. AXLE DIFFERENTIAL LEAK SEAL SHAFT. *KB
030308002
Dec 2005
SuspensionRATTLE/SQUEAK FROM FRONT OF VEHICLE. *TT *AR
030605008B
Nov 2005
Engine And Engine CoolingADVANCE SERVICE INFORMATION - EXHAUST SYSTEM POPPING/SNAPPING NOISE WHEN VEHICLE IS HOT, AT IDLE OR IMMEDIATELY AFTER VEHICLE IS SHUT OFF. *TT BULLETIN 03-06-05-008, DATED 11/01/2003 REPLACED. *TT
040525002B
Nov 2005
Service BrakesANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) LIGHT ON, DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS) C0265, C0201, U1041 SET AND/OR LOSS OF COMMUNICATION WITH BRAKE MODULE. *TT UPDATE. *TT
040310007D
Nov 2005
Suspension20 INCH WHEELS AND TIRES AVAILABLE THROUGH GMSPO. *TT UPDATED. *NM
030417001C
Oct 2005
Power TrainWHINE NOISE FROM REAR AXLE. *TT UPDATE. *TT
050850012
Oct 2005
SeatsUNWANTED/LOOSE SEAT MOVEMENT. *TT
05068
Sep 2005
Service BrakesPRODUCT SAFETY RECALL REGARDING FRONT WHEEL SPEED SENSOR CORROSION. *TT
020730024A
Aug 2005
Power TrainDIAGNOSIS OF CRACKED OR BROKEN TRANSMISSION CASE. *TT 2006 AND PRIOR CARS AND LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS. *TT
030857001A
Aug 2005
StructureREAR FLOOR CARPET WET WITH DIRTY WATER. *TT
020867009
May 2005
VisibilitySUNROOF JAMS WHEN CLOSING. *TT
050310005
Apr 2005
WheelsHANDLING CHARACTERISTICS OF VEHICLES WITH 20 INCH WHEEL/TIRE ASSEMBLIES INSTALLED. *TT
020307002
Mar 2005
SuspensionREVISED FRONT CASTER AND CAMBER ADJUSTMENT PROCEDURE. ORIGINAL NOT YET RECEIVED. *TT

Showing 60 of 252 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.

Before you buy this vehicle

A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.

  1. Brake hard once from speed on an empty road.A pull to one side, a pulsing pedal, a pedal that sinks at a stop, or an ABS light that stays lit are the brake complaints on this vehicle presenting themselves.
  2. Walk the body slowly in daylight.Panel gaps, rust at the rockers and wheel arches, and cracked trim are this vehicle's structure complaints. Open and close the liftgate or trunk and look at the latch area.
  3. Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 2 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
  5. Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.

Parts search directory

The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.

Open the parts directory for this Chevrolet Avalanche →