Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2005 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2005 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale from a towing company. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 163,428, and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 167,126. The contact stated that the Carfax Report indicated that the mileage was 141,207, and that the odometer had been rolled back.
The fan motor control relay and connector short circuited and burned up. The location of this relay is behind and slightly below the glove box. General motors issued a service bulletin special coverage adjustment bulletin no 11046 for this problem, however it was only valid in Canada, not the united states.
The shift lever position indicator located in the instrument panel cluster does not illuminate therefore, I don't know what gear the vehicle is in. It seems like a safety issue to me. It occurs when I start the vehicle, am moving and when the headlights are on.
2005 Chevy Avalanche 1500 z66 (5.3l flex fuel). Sudden warning from info center on dash that stabilitrak had been disabled. Traction control off and theft deterrent warning lights came on and stayed on until vehicle was stopped at a red light. Truck was turned off and restarted after approx. 1 minute. All systems normal when restarted. Problem was intermittent and when it returned later that same night, innova code reader was at the ready. P1626 code suggested loss of communication with modules among other issues. Problem very similar to another complaint [10631837] in a 4-wheel drive Avalanche--my truck has 2-wheel drive. …
My 2005 Chevy Avalanche has short in the speedometer, rear right tail lights not working,speedometer not working, check engine light-tire pressure light, the transmission shifting light not working properly it jumps reverse when I shift into drive and instead I go forward I am going backward and now my transmission is broken. It only shift to 3rd gear and I don't have the money to repair it. I call Chevrolet to repair these defective parts and equipments but they don't want to repair it. They said there is no recalls for my vehicle. And I almost hit somebody during stopping at the intersection. Because my car suddenly pulls on reverse. Can I ask the NHTSA please help me by demanding Chevrolet to repair my vehicle please! I would very much appreciated, [redacted] or let me know what I should please?
I own a 2005 Chevy Avalanche. At about 125K miles on the odometer I noticed that my speedometer would start to gradually lose track of the speed after driving for approximately 40 - 60 miles. So, when traveling at a consistent rate of speed of, say, 60 MPH the speedometer would slow down gradually to zero over the course of 5 - 10 miles. When the vehicle was turned off for a period of time the speedometer would reset itself. Once reset it May start having the same problem immediately or it might be another week or two before this problem presented itself again. I took the vehicle and was told that the "cluster" would need to be replaced for approx. $600. Judging from the other complaints registered here, I believe this should be fixed by the manufacturer at no charge to the owner regardless of the mileage.
I am posting this to help others and get this information on the internet. I own a 2005 Avalanche 1500 2/wd with 22000 miles. At about 19000 miles, while driving at night I heard a click the lights in the instrument panel went out. Dealer replaced the instrument panel, with in 3 days another click and the lights went out. Dealer replaced instrument panel and the next time I drive at night "click" and the lights went out. Now my dealer has had my truck in his shop for 7 days and I don't know when I will get it back. For a vehicle to blow 4 instrument panels, which cost $600.00 a piece plus installation, makes me wonder if this might be a common problem and a recall should made so GM would be responsible for repairs. I will also send this to the nhsta.
Speedometer has gone "wild". For example at 35 MPH it will read anywhere from 60 to 140 MPH and when engine is turned off May only drop to 30 MPH. Happening as a daily event for the past week on my 2005 Avalanche which has 47000 miles on odometer. Checking with dealer service manager tomorrow but understand from many other owners that GM coverage for this problem only covers the 2002 to 2004 model years even though my Avalanche has the same cluster and step motor that controls the speedometer which I am finding is being reported by owners in large numbers as defective. GM needs to address this issue with their loyal Chevrolet owners if they wish to maintain their return business.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500. The contact stated that the speedometer would intermittently become stuck on one speed and would also display the inaccurate speed traveled. The speedometer would indicate that the contact was driving 30 MPH, become stuck and would then immediately increase to 60 MPH regardless of the actual speed driven. The contact would have to shut off the engine and restart it in order for the speedometer to reset itself. The dealer stated that the instrument panel cluster gauge was failing and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 51,000 and the current mileage was 53,000.
At about 65K miles, speedometer stopped registering accurately. Now about 75K on the vehicle if odometer accurate. When stopped speedometer reads anywhere from 60 to 100mph and when driving reads anywhere from 90 to off the scale (6 o'clock position on the speedometer where no speed is listed). In short, wildly inaccurate. Researched the problem and it appears Chevy is replacing the instrument cluster for this problem on up to 2004 vehicles but not 2005 although it appears the problem is rampant among Avalanche owners. Request NHTSA implement a recall on this widespread problem.
Electrical complaints in other Avalanche 1500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2005 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500?
NHTSA has 47 complaints about the electrical system of the 2005 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500, 36% of the model year's 129 complaints. The component named most often is instrument cluster/panel (24 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2005 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2005 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500, though it has 1 recall for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2005 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 60,000 miles, and 3% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 3 fires and 0 injuries to electrical system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.