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2004 Chevrolet Avalanche Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 165 complaints with NHTSA about the 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche, most often about the electrical (36% of complaints, typically around 51,000 miles). It is 5th of 14 Avalanche model years by number of complaints and has 5 recalls.
Most common 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche problems
Electrical
60 complaints · 36%Half of these problems showed up before 51,000 miles. Parts named most often: instrument cluster/panel, wiring.
Tl contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche. The contact stated that the speedometer failed to work at all speeds. The failure has occurred a couple of times. He felt that it was a safety issue that could lead to traffic tickets and a crash. The current and failure mileages were 50,800.
Tl contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche. The contact stated that the speedometer failed to work at all speeds. The failure has occurred a couple of times. He felt that it was a safety issue that could lead to traffic tickets and a crash. The current and failure mileages were 50,800.
Brakes
42 complaints · 26%Half of these problems showed up before 75,000 miles. Parts named most often: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, foundation components, antilock, fluid.
A few weeks ago the ABS and brake service light came on while driving at low speeds. It stayed on for one day and then it happened again a week later. It has gradually happened more frequently and more randomly as well. The shop has not found any structural problems and suggested that the ABS module be changed. The…
Put on brakes to avoid car slowing in front of me. Brake pedal went to the floor and had almost no brakes. Had to swerve drastically to avoid hitting the other car. Mechanic checked the truck the next day and found corroded brake lines had failed.
Transmission
14 complaints · 9%Half of these problems showed up before 52,000 miles. Parts named most often: automatic transmission, driveline, axle assembly.
May 2006 electronic switch replaced because 4 wheel drive was engaging without being activated. Had been to dealership several times with problem and finally had them admit there was a problem. Feb 2008 front wheel drive had to be replaced as it was a possibility that it could lock up while driving. Out of warranty so…
I have problem with the brake system, and the transmission fluid came out from the from front passenger side. I took it to the chevy dealer, but I was told that the transmission clutch was burned out, maybe it an defected transmission or recall, im not sure, but I do know that the transmission and the brake system are…
Fuel system
11 complaints · 7%Half of these problems showed up before 52,500 miles. Parts named most often: delivery, storage.
Rear hydraulic brake lines rotted and leaked fluid causing loss of braking. Last year I had to have the rear brake calipers replaced due to excessive rust and rot. The mechanic performing current repairs stats that the front hydraulic lines are rusting and will have to be replaced soon. The front calipers have rotted…
I started to notice a strong gas smell whenever I fully filled the gas tank. The odor would disappear after the needle moved off the full mark. Later investigation showed gas droplets coming down from the top of the fuel tank when it was full or near full. Subsequent examination by gm dealership revealed rusted out…
Steering
10 complaints · 6%Half of these problems showed up before 44,000 miles. Parts named most often: column, rack and pinion, linkages.
: the contact stated while driving 20-35 MPH, the vehicle violently vibrated. Total control was lost of the vehicle causing the vehicle to veer into the other lane resulting in the vehicle hitting the side of a mountain. The air bags did not deploy. Prior to this incident, popping noises were heard while turning the…
My 2004 Avalanche started making knocking sounds when turning corners - took it to the dealer and $700 later and a new steering yoke the knock was squelched (not gone) and the speedometer coincidentally started moving like a second-hand on a watch (jerky) - took it to the dealer and they want $525 for a new cluster…
Visibility and wipers
9 complaints · 6%Half of these problems showed up before 50,000 miles. Parts named most often: windshield wiper/washer, power window devices and controls, defroster/defogger/hvac system.
1) I haven't replaced anything, or done anything that would cause this to happen. 2) a-problem that im experiencing is that when my Avalanche is sitting still in the driveway the speedometer shows that I am doing 30 to 40 miles per hour. When I drive on the freeway it completely stops working and goes to over 120 MPH.…
1)windshield wipers will not turn off, and only work on 2 speeds. No variable. 2) I am unable to use wipers. From reading I need to take out fuse, and 3) have the circuit board replaced. Seems to occur frequently enough to be posted on several forums.
Air bags
9 complaints · 6%Half of these problems showed up before 39,500 miles. Parts named most often: frontal.
: the contact stated while driving 20-35 MPH, the vehicle violently vibrated. Total control was lost of the vehicle causing the vehicle to veer into the other lane resulting in the vehicle hitting the side of a mountain. The air bags did not deploy. Prior to this incident, popping noises were heard while turning the…
No injuries. Airbag system flashing on and off on dashboard display intermittently. No particular pattern in driving conditions. Took to dealer and paid to have it fixed however after about 5 months it started again. Brought it in a second time and again after about 5 months started again. Dealer claimed it was bad…
Suspension
7 complaints · 4%Parts named most often: front, rear.
While turning the steering wheel a clicking sound was heard. Vehicle was taken to the dealer seven times, and dealer was unable to fix the problem. 8nm
I have problem with the brake system, and the transmission fluid came out from the from front passenger side. I took it to the chevy dealer, but I was told that the transmission clutch was burned out, maybe it an defected transmission or recall, im not sure, but I do know that the transmission and the brake system are…
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 recalls
Engine: engine and engine cooling
Risk: If the damper comes loose, a fuel leak may result. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Seat belts: rear/other
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Brakes: service brakes, hydraulic
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Body and structure: hinge and attachments
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Brakes: service brakes, hydraulic
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
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.
NHTSA defect investigations
Hydraulic pump failres
Summary
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.
Questions about the 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche
- What are the most common problems with the 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: electrical (60 complaints, typically around 51,000 miles); brakes (42 complaints, typically around 75,000 miles); transmission (14 complaints, typically around 52,000 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche have?
- 5 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from August 3, 2006 (engine). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2004 a bad year for the Chevrolet Avalanche?
- It is 5th of 14 Avalanche model years by number of complaints, with 165 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.