Transmission complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche. The contact stated that while standing at the rear driver's side door with the vehicle parked and the engine running, the vehicle rolled away at approximately 20 MPH. The contact was knocked over and sustained several injuries including a concussion and soft tissue injuries. The vehicle halted to a stop after crashing against a tree. A police report was not filed of the incident. The vehicle was inspected by a dealer, who stated that the frame was damaged however, the cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure and current mileage was 34,000.
The steering wheel is difficult to turn or control, went to dealership to fix the problem. After the dealership allegedly fix the problem, we had continued problems with the steering (controlling the steering wheel) and then the transmission caused the vehicle to jump or skip gears, causing the vehicle to be difficult to control. Took it back to the dealership and they were to busy to help us. All of the aforementioned defects caused my husband to lose control of the truck and ultimately flew off the road and vehicle flipped over (roll over).
Purchased a used 2011 Chevy Avalanche with 87,000 miles one owner from a small dealership. After having the vehicle for about a week noticed it shuddering when pulling any kind of grade. Thinking it was some kind of misfire had all the plugs changed only to find that it also had an oil file problem with 1 of the cylinders. When the vehicle would shudder it was around 1500-2000 rpms. If I would give it more gas it made it past the 2,000 rpms and would shift with no problems. Needless to say the transmission is now toast as it gave out completely and needs replaced. No warning lights of any kind made me aware of a potentially serious problem. After reading more I am seeing that the transmission is something that GM has not fully taken care of as stated with older models. The transmission failed while driving on a major interstate roadway while nearing the top of a hill. …
When I am slowing down to a stop the transmission will suddenly make the vehicle surge forward quickly. If I not just as quick to apply a firm brake I risk hitting the car or pedestrians near me which has happen on several occasion. On one occasion, as I was turning into a parking space the vehicle suddenly surged forward so forcefully that it cause the front left bumble to travel outside the planned path and hit a brick column. This problem only occurs in situations when I am slowing down, I.e. Making turns, traffic lights, parking, etc. It can be frightening when it occurs unexpectedly. Recently took into local Chevrolet dealer. They acknowledged the problem and said Chevrolet engineers are working on a fix where the transmission's computer is altered. But they didn't seem confident in the outcome.
In October of 2020, my avalanche only would start in winter after disconnecting and reconnecting the battery. It was also on numerous occasions go into limp mode while driving at normal city speeds meaning it wouldn't go above 25 miles an hour. The entire dash would light up. It threw numerous codes. Had to be towed to get it looked at but then would mysteriously start without issue. I took it to young Buick gmc in Layton Utah with no resolution. Finally in December 2020 it was determined by now Heritage Chevrolet in Evanston Wyoming to be the Onstar module. This part was no longer available and couldn't be replaced. The dealership's solution was to wire around the faulty part which has allowed the truck to start and no longer go into limp mode from 70mph on highway to 20mph without notice. …
When turning the rear differential momentarily locks up sounding like little skids. During normal slow accelerations the issue causes the truck to lunge or bump feeling like it is coming from the differential. Since I fisrt purchased the thruck new from the dealer there has always been an issue with clunking from the drivetrain. Deal said they could find identify anything.
Problems with train mission. I'm a 75 year old driver. Bought Avalanche sly model. Great vehicle and driven easy and is garage kept. Have extended warranty from dealer. Transmission starting to bump as if you could have hiit a speed bump coming out of low into second. Was immediately taken to the dealership. They changed the wiring harness on the transmission. Said it seemed OK. As I picked up vehicle. The first traffic light caught and as I started up at a slow take off it was doing the same problem. Will return to dealership in the morning. Wiring harness fluid and filter change. Total repair to date $596.00
While driving the truck,and stopping at a light or stop sign the truck slips out of gear and you have to put in park and then put it back in drive before it will move. It is scary when this happens because you are scared someone behind you won't be paying attention and rear end us
Related recalls (1)
Power train › Manual transmission › Shift pattern indicator
Certain sport utility vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 102, "transmission shift lever sequence, starter interlock and transmission braking effect." under certain vehicle starting conditions, the shift lever position indicator…
Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the instrument panel cluster free of charge. The recall began on February 14, 2005. Owners May contact Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339, Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, and GMC at 1-866-996-9463.
Frequently asked questions
Which Chevrolet Avalanche years have transmission problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2002 (25), 2003 (14), 2004 (14), 2007 (13) and 2005 (9) model years. Transmission complaints make up 6% of all complaints for the 2002.
Is there a recall for Chevrolet Avalanche transmission problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 05V-055 (shift pattern indicator, Feb 14, 2005). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Chevrolet Avalanche transmission problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 60,000 miles; 37% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the automatic transmission (20 mentions), followed by the driveline › differential unit (8).
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.