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2004 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 144 complaints with NHTSA about the 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500, most often about the electrical (37% of complaints, typically around 72,000 miles). It is the 3rd most complained-about Avalanche 1500 model year since 2000.
Complaints144
Recalls0
Crashes reported7
Fires reported0
Injuries reported9
Most common 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 problems
Electrical
53 complaints · 37%Half of these problems showed up before 72,000 miles. Parts named most often: instrument cluster/panel.
The cluster isn't working system states charging at 30 volts, tested with meter 14 volts, also speedometer states that I am doing 65mph while at a dead stop.
Rpm gauge, speedometer, and tilting sideview mirrors (while in reverse) doesn't work all the time. The speedometer doesn't read accurately and sometimes the needle doesn't even register a speed. One evening the speedometer was registering 35 MPH and I was doing at least 55 MPH. That same evening I came to a four-way…
Brakes
39 complaints · 27%Half of these problems showed up before 92,000 miles. Parts named most often: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip.
The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500. While driving approximately 30 MPH, the brakes failed and the contact rear ended the preceding vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. There were no warning indicators illuminated. A police report was not filed and there were no injuries. The dealer was later contacted…
I was approaching an intersection where the light was changing and when I applied the brakes, the pedal went to the floor and I couldn't slow down. I ended up going through the red light with my son in the car; luckily we didn't get struck. I had to utilize the emergency brake to stop on the shoulder of the road. I…
Air bags
12 complaints · 8%Half of these problems showed up before 96,000 miles. Parts named most often: frontal.
Air bag warning light remain on at all times now. Has been an habitual problem with this model year vehicle, yet multiple dealers are unwilling to help with this obvious safety issue.
2004 avalanche service air bag light stays on. Read numerous forums and this should be fixed at no charge due to a safety issue. A lot of chevy owners are experiencing the same problem.
Steering
10 complaints · 7%Half of these problems showed up before 80,000 miles. Parts named most often: rack and pinion, gear box, column.
I am unable to drive my 2004 chevy avalanche due to the hydraulic brake system going out which makes the power steering go out as well. Prior to the system going completely out it occasionally it would be hard to turn the steeri ng wheel upon starting up the vehicle I contacted the recall department in referenced to…
Tl contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500. The contact stated that the tailgate straps were rusty and beginning to fail. In addition, the ABS speed sensor was slow at stopping the vehicle. The ABS would pulse and the vehicle would take longer to stop. The steering wheel was loose and vibrated when driving over a…
Wheels and tires
7 complaints · 5%Parts named most often: sidewall, temporary/emergency spare tire, tread/belt.
: the contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH, there was a loud vibration coming from the left front tire. Upon immediate inspection, nothing was observed. The vehicle was then taken to a service dealer, where it was determined that the tread on the tire had separated. The tread was wearing unevenly and the…
Sudden tire blow-out on highway. Pressures ok, tires maintained. Approx 75% service life of tire left. Tire was general grabber aw p265/70r16. Merchants tire did not honor any warranty. Curious if other tires may blow or is this an isolated incident. Tires were purchased at 52k miles, currently 74k miles on vehicle.
Speed control
7 complaints · 5%Half of these problems showed up before 56,000 miles.
I was driving on the interstate when I noticed that my speed would not go over 35mph. I did not notice this beforehand because the speed limit was 35mph up until I needed to accelerate to highway speeds. I noticed that no matter what I did, or how fast I was going, the speedometer would not read above 35mph. Needless…
The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500. The contact stated that the speedometer failed without warning and would not read any speeds over 20 MPH. The failure was intermittent. The vehicle was taken to a repair shop where it was diagnosed that the speedometer motor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was to be…
Body and structure
7 complaints · 5%Half of these problems showed up before 66,000 miles. Parts named most often: body.
Retaining hook attached to underside of hood is rusting apart from the hood panel. Chunks of rusted metal are falling off of the area around the hood retaining hook. Vehicle is still under rust warranty but general motors will not honor rust through warranty. Severe rust began when vehicle was approx 2 years old.…
Tl contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500. The contact stated that the tailgate straps were rusty and beginning to fail. In addition, the ABS speed sensor was slow at stopping the vehicle. The ABS would pulse and the vehicle would take longer to stop. The steering wheel was loose and vibrated when driving over a…
Engine
6 complaints · 4%Half of these problems showed up before 113,000 miles. Parts named most often: engine, cooling system.
The exhaust manifolds fastners are snapping off which is causing carbon monoxide to fill the cabin area of the vehicle. This hazard jepordizes the health of every person driving or riding as a passenger in the v8 powered vehicles. This is happening to newer models as well. Gm is wanting to charge the consumer…
The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500. While driving approximately 50 MPH, the check engine warning indicator illuminated and the reduce engine speed message appeared on the instrument panel. The vehicle lost speed and the contact coasted the vehicle to the shoulder. The engine was idle and would not…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2004 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 recalls
NHTSA lists no recalls for this model year.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
Questions about the 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500
- What are the most common problems with the 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: electrical (53 complaints, typically around 72,000 miles); brakes (39 complaints, typically around 92,000 miles); air bags (12 complaints, typically around 96,000 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 have?
- NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls in case one is issued later.
- Is the 2004 a bad year for the Chevrolet Avalanche 1500?
- It is the 3rd most complained-about Avalanche 1500 model year since 2000, with 144 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.