Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2008 Chevrolet Avalanche owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Avalanche. The contact stated upon purchasing the vehicle at the used car dealer, he noticed that the dashboard of the vehicle was cracked and the crack was extending towards the front passenger's side air bag location. There was no warning light illuminated. The used dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that it was a known failure; however the vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure had become significantly worse. The contact contacted an unknown Chevrolet dealer to inquire the cost of a dashboard. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
Car was sitting in parking lot all day while I was at work. It was approximately 92 degrees out that day, and the vehicle was parked in an area that had shade for a good portion of the day as I try not to leave it out in the direct sun for too long due to the exterior plastic fading problem that occurs with these vehicles, mine included. When I returned to my car from work, there was a large (approx. 2-3 inch) crack in my dashboard. The crack is by the steering wheel area. It runs from the front of the section piece, toward the steering wheel and ends roughly where the dashboard raises up for the steering wheel area. I have now seen many complaints about this concern online and am hopeful that the manufacturer will do something about this problem as the integrity of the dashboard is now compromised and could present a safety hazard in the event of an accident. …
I own a 2008 Chevy Avalanche that has the dashboard cracking by the airbag and above the dashboard cluster which is going to resul in someone getting seriously injured or even lost of a life (deaf). While driving on a rough road a section of the dash broke from being cracked striking me in my face next to my left eye. If not have reacted in urgent moment the dashboard piece that broke from the dash would have struck me in the eye and could have caused me to loose my eye. I contacted GM coporate office about the problem and was told not there problem. U guys really need to recall this defect urgent as possible because the next owner with a cracked dashboard might not be as lucky as I where May loose there eye or even there life. …
Tl* Takata recall. The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Avalanche. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16V383000 (air bags). The part for the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the dashboard fractured near the passenger air bag compartment and near the instrument panel, closer to the windshield. The contact had not notified the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the fractures on the dashboard as well as the recall repair not being performed. The manufacturer offered to have the dealer repair the dashboard; however, they were unable to provide a remedy for the recall. The manufacturer was also not able to provide an estimated time frame for the remedy. The dashboard was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000. …
I recently noticed a crack in my dash close to the airbag in my 2008 Chevrolet Avalanche, it's approx. 3-4 inches in length from the upper left corner of the airbag compartment to the top of the dash. This occurred while my Avalanche was parked at the airport while traveling, when I returned the crack was there, presumably from temperature changes. The vehicle is out of warranty with over 100K miles but I feel this is a safety concern being so close to the airbag. If the airbag deploys I expect plastic shards will be thrown around the interior cabin and possibly causing harm to passengers, possibly children. I have taken my vehicle to my local dealer and they say it's cosmetic and I would have to pay. I'm willing to pay however some people May not since the cost is so high. I feel that this is a safety concern and the NHTSA should open an investigation, thank you.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Avalanche. The contact stated that the dashboard cracked in a couple of areas over a period of time. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked in a garage the majority of the time. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the failure was an unknown issue and referred the contact to the dealer. The failure was not repaired. Additionally, the contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16V381000 (air bags). The failure mileage was approximately 69,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Back in April 7 2011 found a crack on the dashboard passenger side next to the passenger airbag. Dashboard was replaced do to still under manufacturer warranty at the dealer where truck was bought . Truck at that time had 19606 miles. On April 1 2015 found a huge crack on the driver side of the dashboard. Truck only has 49577 miles. Manufacturers needs to replace this part properly.
The dash board is cracking from the corners of the passenger airbag and above the instrument cluster. Hard plastic pieces are falling onto the floor from behind the dash. This is the second dash installed as the first cracked into several parts while it was under warranty. GM no longer offers replacement parts. If the airbags deploy sharp hard plastic will be sprayed upon the occupants.
Dash pad has severe cracking and 1.5 in hole...concerned about hole around passenger air bag !! Dash pad has cracked and opened up over instrument panel!! This all affects the deployment of the faulty taukarty air bag in a crash! This has been an ongoing issue since ownership of vehicle and has just worsened with time.. To do something about it or turn it into a lemon!!
After a couple of years my vehicle developed several cracks in the dash, especially around the airbag. Yesterday I had the airbag recall performed. As a result of the repair, the cracks are now broken pieces. I now fear that in the event of an airbag deployment, shards of sharp plastic will be thrown into the air and could potentially result in severe injury.
Body complaints in other Avalanche years
Frequently asked questions
How common are body problems on the 2008 Chevrolet Avalanche?
NHTSA has 44 complaints about the body & structure of the 2008 Chevrolet Avalanche, 17% of the model year's 258 complaints. The component named most often is body (31 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2008 Chevrolet Avalanche body problems?
No. NHTSA lists no body & structure recall for the 2008 Chevrolet Avalanche, though it has 4 recalls 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 2008 Chevrolet Avalanche body problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 65,000 miles, and 6% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 0 fires and 4 injuries to body & structure 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.