VehicleVerdict

2005 Western Avalanche problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 2005 Western Avalanche — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 3 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

1

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2005 compare to other Avalanche years?

Avalanche NHTSA complaints by model year, 2005 highlighted1 complaint2004: 0 complaints2005: 1 complaints2006: 0 complaints
Avalanche NHTSA complaints by model year, 2005 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Avalanche years to avoid →

What are the most common 2005 Western Avalanche problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Tires & Wheels1100%

Does the 2005 Western Avalanche have recalls?

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

05V250000Electrical SystemJune 2, 2005 · 89 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN RECREATIONAL VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH VANSCO VMM 2820 MODULES, THE MODULE MAY EXPERIENCE A FAILURE OF ALL OPERATIONAL FUNCTION.

Consequence

A FAILURE OF THE MODULE WILL RESULT IN THE LOSS OF ENGINE OPERATION. SHOULD THIS OCCUR WHILE THE COACH IS BEING DRIVEN, THE COACH WOULD HAVE TO BE COASTED TO A STOP WITHOUT POWER ASSIST FOR THE STEERING. THE SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER ASSIST COULD RESULT IN THE LOSS OF CONTROL WHICH COULD CAUSE A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THESE MODULES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 28, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT WESTERN RECREATIONAL VEHICLE AT 1-509-853-2940.

05V230000OtherMay 20, 2005 · 111 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN CLASS A MOTOR HOMES EQUIPPED WITH VEHICLE SYSTEMS' AQUA-HOT AND HYDRO-HOT WATER HEATERS, WHICH USE WEBASTO BURNER TUBES, THE BURNER TUBES DO NOT MEET SPECIFICATIONS AND COULD FAIL PREMATURELY.

Consequence

THE SURFACE TEMPERATURE OF THE EXHAUST TUBE EXITING FROM THE HEATER CAN INCREASE AND COULD POTENTIALLY IGNITE COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS IN OR AROUND THE VEHICLE.

Remedy

VEHICLE SYSTEMS IS CONDUCTING THE OWNER NOTIFICATION AND REMEDY FOR THIS CAMPAIGN. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VEHICLE SYSTEMS AT 1-800-685-4298 OR WESTERN RECREATIONAL VEHICLES AT 1-800-685-4298.

04V372000Electrical SystemJuly 27, 2004 · 78 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN RECREATIONAL VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH VANSCO VMM 2820 MODULES, THE MODULE COULD EXPERIENCE AN INCORRECT FAULT INDICATION ON ITS BI-DIRECTIONAL OUPUTS (19 AND 20).

Consequence

DURING THIS FAULT CONDITION, THERE MAY BE A LOSS OF OPERATION OF THE ANTILOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS) LIGHT, THE CRUISE CONTROL MAY NOT ENGAGE, OR THE ALTERNATOR MAY NOT CHARGE THE HOUSE BATTERIES.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THESE MODULES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 15, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT WESTERN RV AT 1-866-567-4133.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“I HAVE 4 GOODYEAR MARATHON RADIAL TIRES (ST235/80R16) ON MY 2005 ALPINELITE 32 FOOT 5TH WHEEL. WHILE TRAVELING ON I-10 IN VAN HORN TX, I STOPPED FOR FUEL. I NOTICED A 8" DIA BY 4" BUBBLE ON EXTERIOR SIDE WALL. I FOUND A KOA IN TOWN, AND AFTER I GOT IN PLACE I CALLED TRIPPLE A FOR A TIRE CHANGE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · December 2, 2005

2005 Western Avalanche — common questions

Is the 2005 Western Avalanche reliable?

The record is thin — 1 NHTSA complaint — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2005 Western Avalanche have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2005 Western Avalanche. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.