Engine
5.3L 8-cyl
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.
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
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 165 of 165 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 137 of 165 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.
Electrical system
61 complaint records1 fire report1 crash report
"2004 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE SPEEDOMETER STOPS WORKING. ALSO NEVER RECEIVED ANY RECALLS FOR CHEVROLET ON THIS 2004 AVALANCHE. *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 electrical system parts in the directory →
Brakes
44 complaint records2 crash reports
"ANTI LOCK BRAKES INTERMITTENTLY BUT SUDDENLY ENGAGING AT LOW SPEED STOPS, ON DRY PAVEMENT, SUCH AS WHEN SLOWING DOWN FOR A STOP LIGHT. *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 →
Power train
14 complaint records1 crash report
"DROVE OFF A PARKING LOT AT ABOUT 20MPH AND THE TRANSMISSION QUIT. REVERSE WORKS AND ALL THE LOW GEARS WORK OUT NOT ON AUTOMATIC MODE. *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 power train 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.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| EA04012 opened Apr 2004 | closed Feb 2005 | Steering | HYDRAULIC 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... |
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.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 06V289000 | Engine And Engine Cooling | 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. | Normally free |
| 05V163000 | Seat Belts | 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,... | Normally free |
| 05V043000 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 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... | Normally free |
| 04V129000 | Structure | 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. | Normally free |
| 04V045000 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 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.? | 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.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011074 2011-02-21 | Heater And Defroster | 190,310 | On certain vehicles, the interface between the electrical terminals of the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) blower relay resistor module and the wiring connector (which powers the module) may be incapable of conducting... |
| 2006195 2006-08-04 | Fuel System | 1,485 | On certain vehicles, the engine fuel rail pulse damper retainer clip may fracture, resulting in inadequate retention of the damper. If the damper comes loose, a fuel leak may result. |
| 2005119 2005-04-25 | Seats And Restraints | 73,473 | On certain vehicles, the 2nd row centre occupant seat belt routing may make it difficult to position the lap portion of the safety belt low around the hips of occupants. |
| 2005033 2005-02-15 | Brakes | 5,014 | On certain vehicles, the hydraulic brake booster's pressure accumulator may crack and/or separate from the Hydro-Boost assembly during normal vehicle operating conditions. |
| 2004102 2004-03-18 | Other | 301,974 | On 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. |
Show 1 more Canadian recalls
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004037 2004-01-29 | Brakes | 4,075 | On certain vehicles, the relief valve o-ring seal within the brake hydro-boost module could fail. If this happens during braking applications, the driver may be able to hear an engine compartment noise similar to the sound that occurs when... |
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.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| PIT5484A Mar 2016 | Equipment | This Preliminary Information communication advises the technician that if OnStar is unable to configure the vehicle after the OnStar 15-08-44-001 upgrade and Onstar receives a 118 error code when attempting to configure the vehicle. | |
| PIC5953A Feb 2016 | Equipment | This 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 | Equipment | THIS 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 | Equipment | This informational bulletin provides information on Part Restriction and Ordering Process Information for OnStar Vehicle Communication Interface Modules (VCIM) (GMNA Only) | |
| 06-06-01-010C Jan 2016 | Engine | This informational bulletin provides information on close coupled converters and there affect on newly installed engines or engines during there break in period. |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| PIP5232B Nov 2015 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This 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 Belts | This 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. | |
| 02-07-30-052J May 2015 | Power Train | This informational bulletin provides technicians with information regarding automatic transmission oil cooler flow test essential tool J-45096 TransFlow®. | |
| 05-06-04-035E May 2015 | Fuel System | This 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 | Equipment | This informational bulletin provides information on a GM of Canada OnStar® cellular communication upgrade. | |
| 15-08-44-001A May 2015 | Equipment | This informational bulletin provides information on a GM of Canada OnStar® cellular communication upgrade. | |
| PIT5399 Apr 2015 | Equipment | This 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 | Equipment | This 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 | Equipment | This informational bulletin provides information on a GM of Canada OnStar® cellular communication upgrade. | |
| 15-08-73-001 Mar 2015 | Equipment | This informational bulletin provides information on communication with OnStar® module after Canadian cellular upgrade. | |
| PIT5264C Feb 2015 | Equipment | This 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. | |
| 05-00-89-055E Feb 2015 | Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | This warranty administration bulletin provides information to clarify proper transaction administration of GM Dealer Empowerment Program and Goodwill Cases. | |
| PIT3271G Jan 2015 | Tires | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. | |
| PIC4310K Jan 2015 | Equipment | This 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 | Equipment | This 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. | |
| 07-08-49-020I Oct 2014 | Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | This informational bulletin provides a quick guide to updating which model vehicle after replacing the IPC. | |
| SB-13-05-22-001 Sep 2014 | Service Brakes | CHEVROLET/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 Cooling | This 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. | |
| 05-02-32-008D Jul 2014 | Steering | GENERAL MOTORS: DIAGNOSING POWER STEERING CONCERNS. IN RARE CASES, CUSTOMERS MAY COMMENT ON A LACK OF STEERING ASSIST WHEN STOPPED OR DURING PARKING LOT TYPE OF MANEUVERS. *JS UPDATED 09/02/14*LJ | |
| PIP3119M May 2014 | Engine | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on the steps to diagnose and repair vehicles that may have a Service Engine Soon Malfunction Indicator Lamp on at low mileage. | |
| PIT3227J Jan 2014 | Structure | This 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 | Equipment | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have an issue when using Bluetooth voice recognition with an iPhone. | |
| PIT5195A Jan 2014 | Electrical System | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the speedometer needle appears to be inaccurate. | |
| PIT3237G Oct 2013 | Visibility | This 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. | |
| 06-06-01-010B Aug 2013 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This informational bulletin provides information on close-coupled converter and engine replacement. | |
| 00-03-10-003R Aug 2013 | Tires | This warranty administration bulletin provide policy information new tire warranty program and global warranty management submission information. | |
| PIP3119L Jun 2013 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on the steps to diagnose and repair vehicles that may have a Service Engine Soon Malfunction Indicator Lamp on at low mileage. | |
| PIT-4954-C Jun 2013 | Suspension | GM: 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/Linkages | GM: 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 | |
| PIT5195 Jan 2013 | Electrical System | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the speedometer needle appears to be inaccurate. | |
| PIP4138L Dec 2012 | Power Train | This 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 Train | This 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/Mobility | This warranty administration bulletin provides information on the Clarification of Use for Dealer Empowerment Labor Operations and Customer Enthusiasm | |
| PIT3271F Dec 2012 | Tires | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. | |
| 10-00-89-017X Dec 2012 | Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | This informational bulletin provides a list off all the issues revolving around new vehicles for a one stop place to find growing concerns around them. | |
| PIT3330F Nov 2012 | Equipment | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about customers may inquire about the availability of the passenger compartment air filter. | |
| PIP3720D Nov 2012 | Power Train | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician with the axel setup information from American Axle Manufacturing. | |
| PIT3665C Nov 2012 | Service Brakes | This 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 | Power Train | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have slip in forward ranges immediately after replacing the input housing. | |
| PIT3078F Oct 2012 | Wheels | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have grease leaking from front hub bearings. Technician should not replace the bearing for grease purge. | |
| PIT-3749D Apr 2012 | Structure | GM: ON SOME TRUCK MODELS THERE IS SOME FRAME CORROSION. *RM UPDATED ON 5/2/2012. *KB | |
| PIT-5141 Apr 2012 | Equipment | BUICK/CADILLAC/CHEVROLET/GMC/OLDSMOBILE: IF BLOWER MOTOR IS SET TO ANY SPEED POSITION AND WHEN KEY IS OFF, IT BECOMES INOPERATIVE AND MAY STILL BE INOPERATIVE AFTER KEY IS TURNED ON. *PE UPDATED ON 5/1/12. *JS | |
| 09-09-40-001A Jan 2012 | Seat Belts | GM: 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-10240 Jan 2012 | Equipment | GENERAL MOTORS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: SEE DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON FOR OWNER LETTER. THE HVAC BLOWER MAY NOT WORK AT CERTAIN FUNCTIONS OR MAY BECOME INOPERABLE. THERE COULD BE A BURNING SMELL OR SMOKE. *RM UPDATED 4/6/12. *PE | |
| PIP-3366-B Nov 2011 | Power Train | CADILLAC/CHEVROLET/GMC/HUMMER: SOME SUVS AND TRUCKS ARE EXHIBITING A CONDITION WHERE BY GRINDING/RATCHETING TYPE NOISE COMING FROM AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WHEN SHIFTING INTO PARK WHILE IN 4WD LOW (4LO) RANGE. *PE | |
| PIP-4492P May 2011 | Engine And Engine Cooling | BUICK/CADILLAC/CHEVROLET/GMC/HUMMER/PONTIAC/SAAB: OIL CONSUMPTION AND/OR EXHAUST SMOKE-POSSIBLE PCV BAFFLE OR LIFTER CONCERN. UPON INSPECTION, OBVIOUS OIL WILL BE FOUND IN THE INTAKE MANIFOLD AND/OR PCV VACUUM TUBE. *PE UPDATED 3/21/11. *PE UPDATED 5/9/11. *PE UPDATED 5/25/11. | |
| 050232008 Apr 2011 | Steering | GEAR BOX POWER STEERING PUMP, P/S PERFORMANCE CONCERNS. *NJ UPDATED ON 6/30/2011. *KB | |
| 10-00-89-017C Feb 2011 | Unknown Or Other | GM: INFORMATION ON FIXING MULTIPLE SITUATIONS RIGHT THE FIRST TIME. *RM | |
| PIP-4138K Jan 2011 | Engine And Engine Cooling | GM: 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 | Steering | BUICK/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. | |
| 3637A Sep 2009 | Service Brakes | BRAKE PEDAL ASSEMBLY REPLACEMENT BRACKET SERVICE KIT. *TT UPDATED 3/26/10. *PE | |
| 030525007 May 2009 | Service Brakes | ANTILOCK BRAKE (ABS) ACTIVATION AT LOW SPEEDS (CLEAN WHEEL SPEED SENSOR MOUNTING SURFACE). *TT UPDATED 10/23/09. *PE | |
| 08089-B Nov 2008 | Electrical System | GENERAL MOTORS CORP: SPECIAL COVERAGE ADJUSTMENT; ANALOG ONSTAR DEACTIVATION. *PE UPDATED 2/17/09. *PE | |
| PIT-4722 Oct 2008 | Power Train | GMC: FLUID LEAK FROM TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER LINES DUE TO CORROSION. ALL 2000-2006 LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH THE LIGHT DUTY AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. *PE | |
| PIT3504D Sep 2008 | Equipment | SOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMMENT ON VARIOUS HVAC CONCERNS INCLUDING TEMPERATURE DOORS DEFAULTING TO FULL HOT POSITION OR UNABLE TO OBTAIN DEFROST POSITION. *PE |
Showing 60 of 329 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.
- Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
- 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.
- Drive it from a dead stop, twice, on a hill if you can.Shudder, hesitation, or a lurch under light throttle is how this vehicle's largest complaint cluster shows itself. Then ask for the transmission service history in writing; repeat repairs are a pattern, not a fluke.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 5 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.
- 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 →