Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 29 | typical | 1 | Body | Average |
| 2012 | 16 | −42% | — | Airbag | Good |
| 2011 | 28 | typical | 2 | Airbag | Average |
| 2010 | 6 | −74% | — | Airbag | Good |
| 2009 | 20 | −32% | — | Airbag | Average |
| 2008 | 37 | −32% | — | Airbag | Average |
| 2007 | 113 | 2.0× | 1 | Airbag | Avoid |
| 2006 | 39 | −32% | 1 | Transmission | Average |
| 2005 | 129 | 3.5× | 1 | Electrical | Avoid |
| 2004 | 144 | 3.2× | — | Electrical | Avoid |
| 2003 | 182 | 4.0× | — | Electrical | Avoid |
| 2002 | 154 | 2.6× | — | Brake | Avoid |
* Complaints compared with the median Avalanche 1500 year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 problems
Latest Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 recalls
Power train › Automatic transmission
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, and Escalade EXT; Chevrolet Avalanche, Express, Silverado HD, Silverado LD, Suburban, and Tahoe; and GMC Savana, Sierra HD, Sierra LD, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles, manufactured between November 7, 2012, through December 18, 2012, for…
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the affected vehicles and replace the steering column as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on January 21, 2013. Chevrolet owners may call 1-800-630-2438.
Suspension › Rear › Axle › Spindle
General motors is recalling certain model year 2011 Cadillac escalade, escalade esv, escalade ext; Chevrolet avalanche, colorado, express, silverado, suburban, tahoe; and GMC canyon, sierra, savana, yukon and yukon xl vehicles.
Remedy: Dealers will install a new rear axle cross pin free of charge. The safety recall began on January 11, 2011. Owners May contact Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339, Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, GMC at 1-866-996-9463 and at the…
Suspension › Rear › Axle › Spindle
General motors is recalling certain model year 2011 Cadillac escalade ext, Chevrolet avalanche, silverado ld and GMC sierra ld vehicles. The rear axle cross pins were not properly heat treated and could fracture and become displaced within the rear axle.
Remedy: Dealers will install a new rear axle cross pin free of charge. The safety recall began on January 11, 2011. Owners May contact Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339, Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, GMC at 1-866-996-9463 and at the…
Wheels › Rim
Certain sport utility vehicles and trucks fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 110, "tire selection and rims." these vehicles have an incomplete tire rim designation on the certification/tire label located on the driver's door edge.
Remedy: A label that will correct the label originally installed will be mailed to consumers along with installation instructions. The customer will have the option for dealers to install the label.
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.
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.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 should you avoid?
2003, 2005, 2004, 2002 and 2007 — these years have the most complaints relative to other Avalanche 1500 years at the same age, led by electrical system problems in the 2003.
What is the best year for the Chevrolet Avalanche 1500?
2010 has the fewest complaints compared with other Avalanche 1500 years at the same age, followed by 2012 and 2006. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the electrical system (226), brakes (215) and air bags (147). Electrical complaints peak in the 2003 model year.
How many recalls has the Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 had?
5 recalls across 2002–2013. The model year with the most is 2011. See all Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 recalls by year.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.