VehicleVerdict

2004 Chevrolet Avalanche problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 202 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.9 times the median Avalanche year — the 2004 model ranks #5 of 15 Avalanche years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Electrical System leads the complaint categories with 62 reports (31% of the total).

202

NHTSA complaints

6

Recalls

1

Investigations

9

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

8

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2004 compare to other Avalanche years?

Avalanche NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 highlighted562 complaints1999: 0 complaints2000: 2 complaints2001: 2 complaints2002: 562 complaints2003: 238 complaints2004: 202 complaints2005: 85 complaints2006: 14 complaints2007: 493 complaints2008: 323 complaints2009: 96 complaints2010: 147 complaints2011: 161 complaints2012: 43 complaints2013: 105 complaints
Avalanche NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Avalanche years to avoid →

What are the most common 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System6231%
Brakes4422%
Transmission147%
Fuel System136%
Steering105%
Airbags94%
Visibility & Wipers94%
Body & Structure73%
Engine73%
Suspension73%
Speed Control52%
Lighting42%
Tires & Wheels42%
Other31%
Seat Belts21%
Latches & Locks21%

Does the 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche have recalls?

6 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

06V289000EngineAugust 3, 2006 · 38,439 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

IF THE DAMPER COMES LOOSE, A FUEL LEAK MAY RESULT. FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

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.

06E043000Fuel SystemMay 19, 2006 · 88,303 units

Defect

CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.

Remedy

HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).

05V163000Seat BeltsApril 22, 2005 · 1,359,824 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

05V043000BrakesFebruary 8, 2005 · 77,411 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

04V129000Body & StructureMarch 17, 2004 · 3,662,211 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

04V045000BrakesFebruary 4, 2004 · 68,875 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

WHEN THE CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE FROM A STOP, THE VEHICLE HESITATED INTERMITTENTLY. *AK THE VEHICLE NEEDED A NEW ALTERNATOR, RADIO SYSTEM (CD WOULD OVER HEAT). *SC *JB

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · March 16, 2004 · crash

DRIVING IN HEAVY TRAFFIC ON I 95 SOUTH ON THE WAY TO VACATION, BRAKES FAILED WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO SLOW DOWN. I REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. HAD TRUCK IN SHOP FOR WEEK AND FOUND SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH LINES AND 2 LEAKS. I HEARD THAT THERE IS A KNOWN METAL DEFECT WITH 2001-2004 BRAKE LINES. I CAN'T FIND…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · August 16, 2014 · crash

WHEN THE CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE FROM A STOP, THE VEHICLE HESITATED INTERMITTENTLY. *AK THE VEHICLE NEEDED A NEW ALTERNATOR, RADIO SYSTEM (CD WOULD OVER HEAT). *SC *JB

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · March 16, 2004 · crash

DT: VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED 1 YEAR AGO AND CONTINUES TO STALL. IT STALLS AT HIGH SPEEDS. HAS TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER, HE SAYS IT IS A FUEL PUMP ISSUE, THEY HAVE REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP, AND THE PROBLEM IS STILL THERE. CHEVROLET SAYS THIS EFFECTS VEHICLES ABOVE 5000 FEET. AND ON HOT DAYS. CONSUMER LIVES…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · June 1, 2004

DT*: 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…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · July 9, 2006 · crash

2004 Chevrolet Avalanche — common questions

Is the 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 202 complaints put the 2004 model at #5 of 15 Avalanche years. It is one of the Avalanche years to avoid.

What are the most common 2004 Avalanche problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (62 complaints), brakes (44 complaints), transmission (14 complaints).

Does the 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns affecting the 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Chevrolet Avalanche years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Avalanche years to avoid are 2002, 2007, 2008, 2003, 2004, 2011, 2010, 2013, 2009, 2012. The cleanest record among Avalanche years belongs to 1999.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.