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2005 Chevrolet Avalanche

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2005 Chevrolet Avalanche do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 82.

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How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

62 reports with mileage · 9 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Electrical System. Review the 21 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 11 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 9 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

2 crash reports0 fire reports3 injury reports

Power Train complaints

9 reports
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54,000 miles · Dec 31, 2014
Power Train

THE TRANSMISSION BEGAN TO SHIFT HARD. THE ANSWER FROM THE DEALER WAS NEED NEW TRANSMISSION FOR $4500. STATED THAT THE FLUID SENSOR HOUSING WAS CRACKED AND THE ENTIRE TRANSMISSION NEEDED REPLACEMENT. SEEMED A BIT RIDICULOUS FOR A TWO YEAR OLD VEHICLE THAT TOWED NOTHING. *JS

NHTSA ODI #10669395

37,000 miles · Nov 18, 2014
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train

RIGHT AFTER THE WARRANTY EXPIRED THE TRANSMISSION WENT AND I HAD TO REBUILD IT. AT THE SHOP THE TECHS TOLD ME IT WAS DUE TO COOLING, AND THEY INSTALLED A SMALL COOLER BECAUSE THEY SAID THE COOLING WAS NOT SUFFICIENT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10658896

47,000 miles · Oct 18, 2014
Electrical SystemPower TrainUnknown Or Other

AT APPROX 47000 MI TRAVELING AT 65MPH A HEAVY THUD IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT THAT SOUNDED LIKE THE WHOLE ENGINE BLOCK HAD DROPPED OUT, WAS ABLE TO COAST OFF ROAD TO A VACANT LOT. TRANSMISSION TOAST WITH DAMAGE TO RING AND PINION GEARS,NEVER TOWED ANYTHING, CITY DRIVING TO WORK AND HOME MOSTLY.(47K) MILES. REALLY? 3500$ REPAIR. N…

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AT APPROX 47000 MI TRAVELING AT 65MPH A HEAVY THUD IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT THAT SOUNDED LIKE THE WHOLE ENGINE BLOCK HAD DROPPED OUT, WAS ABLE TO COAST OFF ROAD TO A VACANT LOT. TRANSMISSION TOAST WITH DAMAGE TO RING AND PINION GEARS,NEVER TOWED ANYTHING, CITY DRIVING TO WORK AND HOME MOSTLY.(47K) MILES. REALLY? 3500$ REPAIR. NEXT SPEEDOMETER FAILURE AT ABOUT 53K MILES, IM EITHER GOING 0MPH OR 120MPH. ALSO HAVE LOST ALOT OF BACKLIGHTING ON MY DASHBOARD INSTRUMENTATION ALONG WITH CD PLAYER. SEEMS THE CD PLAYER CANNOT EJECT A NON EXISTENT CD, JUST MAKES CLICKING NOISE AND SAYS CHECK DISC. NOW AT 59K MILES IM EXPERIENCING THE POPPING FRONT END SOUND WHEN TURNING SHARPLY IN REVERSE, POSSIBLY SUSPENSION OR A-ARM RELATED HAVE NOT LOOKED INTO YET. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10648533

103,567 miles · Jun 4, 2013
Power Train

VEHICLE TRANSMISSION SLIPPED OUT OF GEAR AND SLAMMED INTO WHAT I ASSUMED PARK IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC IN THE MIDDLE OF RUSH HOUR. THANK GOD NOBODY GOT HURT BECAUSE HAD THERE BEEN A VEHICLE RIDDING CLOSE TO BE THEY WOULD HAVE RAN STRAIGHT INTO ME! THIS IS CLEARLY AN SAFETY ISSUE THAT COULD'VE CAUSE SOMEONES' LIFE HAD I'VE BEEN…

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VEHICLE TRANSMISSION SLIPPED OUT OF GEAR AND SLAMMED INTO WHAT I ASSUMED PARK IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC IN THE MIDDLE OF RUSH HOUR. THANK GOD NOBODY GOT HURT BECAUSE HAD THERE BEEN A VEHICLE RIDDING CLOSE TO BE THEY WOULD HAVE RAN STRAIGHT INTO ME! THIS IS CLEARLY AN SAFETY ISSUE THAT COULD'VE CAUSE SOMEONES' LIFE HAD I'VE BEEN GOOING AT TOP SPEEDS. SOMEBODY NEEDS TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10515120

96,316 miles · Jan 7, 2013
EnginePower Train

ON 12/22/12 @ 5PM- SHORTLY AFTER ENTERING ONTO THE FREEWAY, I STARTED LOSING POWER. I DIDN'T GET HIGHER THAN 50 MPH BEFORE THE RPM STARTED INCREASING & MY SPEED STARTED DECREASING. I GOT OFF THE FREEWAY, AT THE FIRST EXIT, APPROXIMATELY 2MINS AFTER THE BEGINNING OF THE LOSS OF POWER. FOUND A MECHANIC THAT WAS JUST CLOSING HIS SH…

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ON 12/22/12 @ 5PM- SHORTLY AFTER ENTERING ONTO THE FREEWAY, I STARTED LOSING POWER. I DIDN'T GET HIGHER THAN 50 MPH BEFORE THE RPM STARTED INCREASING & MY SPEED STARTED DECREASING. I GOT OFF THE FREEWAY, AT THE FIRST EXIT, APPROXIMATELY 2MINS AFTER THE BEGINNING OF THE LOSS OF POWER. FOUND A MECHANIC THAT WAS JUST CLOSING HIS SHOP & ASKED HIM TO GIVE A QUICK CHECK TOO SEE IF I COULD CONTINUE MY DRIVE HOME, 32MINS AWAY. THE MECHANIC CHECKED UNDER THE HOOD & UNDER THE BOTTOM & GUESSTIMATED THE PROBLEM TO BE THE FLYWHEEL. THE MECHANIC ALSO RECOMMENDED NO DRIVING TIL REPAIRED. I GOT MY AVALANCHE TOWED HOME THAT FIRST NIGHT. I TOWED IT TO MY LOCAL AUTO REPAIR SHOP ON 12/24/12, TO GET A FULL DIAGNOSTIC. I WAS ADVISED BY MY LOCAL MECHANIC THAT MY 2005 AVALANCHE W/ 96319 MIS, NEEDS A NEW TRANSMISSION. MY LOCAL MECHANIC ADVISED IT MAY STILL BE UNDER WARRANTY DUE TO MILEAGE, BUT I HAVE SINCE FOUND OUT THE WARRANTY IS 5YR/100000MI. GM IS AWARE OF PREMATURE TRANSMISSION FAILURE ON THE AVALANCHE, BUT IS NOT FIXING IT FOR THE CONSUMER. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE TO PROTECT THE CONSUMER! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10491661

10,698 miles · Dec 24, 2012
Power Train

PURCHASED MAY 31, 2005. 39 MILEAGE. $43,000.00. 8 MONTHS LATER THE TRANSMISSION STARTED JERKING. WE TOOK IT TO THE DEALER 6+ TIMES AND THEY SAID THEY COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING. NOW AT 75,000 MILES IT WON'T DRIVE IN D IT HAS TO BE IN 3, 2, 1 TO DRIVE. I HAVE READ 100'S OF COMPLAINT ABOUT TRANSMISSIONS IN 2000-2010 MODELS. GM NEEDS T…

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PURCHASED MAY 31, 2005. 39 MILEAGE. $43,000.00. 8 MONTHS LATER THE TRANSMISSION STARTED JERKING. WE TOOK IT TO THE DEALER 6+ TIMES AND THEY SAID THEY COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING. NOW AT 75,000 MILES IT WON'T DRIVE IN D IT HAS TO BE IN 3, 2, 1 TO DRIVE. I HAVE READ 100'S OF COMPLAINT ABOUT TRANSMISSIONS IN 2000-2010 MODELS. GM NEEDS TO TAKE CARE OF THEIR CUSTOMER TRANSMISSION PROBLEM OR DESIGN A BETTER TRANSMISSION. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10489594

88,000 miles · Jan 12, 2012
Power Train

ON JANUARY 8TH 2012, WHILE PULLING OUT OF THE CHURCH LOT WE HEARD A CLUNK NOISE. THE "TRANSMISSION HOT" DISPLAY CAME ON. WE MADE IT HOME AT A SLOWER RATE OF SPEED AND EVENTUALLY THE LIGHT WENT OUT. I CALLED GM CUSTOMER SERVICE WHEN I GOT HOME. THEY DIDN'T HAVE ANY SUGGESTIONS, BUT JUST ASKED IF I WAS TOWING SOMETHING AT THE TIME…

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ON JANUARY 8TH 2012, WHILE PULLING OUT OF THE CHURCH LOT WE HEARD A CLUNK NOISE. THE "TRANSMISSION HOT" DISPLAY CAME ON. WE MADE IT HOME AT A SLOWER RATE OF SPEED AND EVENTUALLY THE LIGHT WENT OUT. I CALLED GM CUSTOMER SERVICE WHEN I GOT HOME. THEY DIDN'T HAVE ANY SUGGESTIONS, BUT JUST ASKED IF I WAS TOWING SOMETHING AT THE TIME AND OTHER QUESTIONS TO WHICH THE ANSWER WAS NO. I TOOK MY AVALANCHE TO THE DEALER THE NEXT DAY TO GET IT CHECKED. ON THE 9TH, THE SERVICE MANAGER TOLD ME THAT 2ND AND 4TH GEARS WERE OUT. HE SAID THEY WOULD HAVE TO TEAR INTO IT TO FIND OUT IF IT COULD BE REPAIRED. I ASKED HOW MUCH THAT WAS GOING TO BE AND HE SAID AROUND $580.00. I LET THEM TEAR INTO IT STARTING ON THE 10TH. DIDN'T HEAR ANYTHING ON THE 10TH OR 11TH BUT ON THE 12TH, THE SERVICE MANAGER SAID THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS "PRETTY WELL COOKED" AND IT WOULD NEED REPLACED WITH A REMANUFACTURED TRANSMISSION FOR $3200.00. HE SAID THE REMANUFACTURED ONE WOULD COME WITH A 3YR/100,000 MILE WARRANTY. I CALLED BACK GM CUSTOMER SERVICE BACK AND LEFT A MESSAGE FOR THEM TO CALL ME. BASED ON EVERYTHING I'VE READ ON THE INTERNET, IT APPEARS THAT THIS TRANSMISSION IS WELL KNOWN FOR FAILING AND I DON'T BELIEVE A 2005 AVALANCHE WITH ONLY 88,000 MILES ON SHOULD HAVE FAILED. I'VE USE MY VEHICLE FOR MOSTLY GOING TO AND FROM WORK AND ON LONG TRIPS. HOPEFULLY, GM WILL ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR FAILED DEFECTIVE EQUIPMENT AND PROVIDE ME WITH A REMANUFACTURED TRANSMISSION. I UNDERSTAND THAT THIS TRANSMISSION IS REALLY NOT A "TRUCK" TRANSMISSION BUT IS ALSO USED IN SOME OF GM'S OTHER SEDANS WHICH WEIGH TWICE AS LESS AND ARE NOT USED FOR THE SAME TYPES OF THINGS A TRUCK IS MEANT FOR. IT'S NO WONDER IT FAILED. FOR OTHER POSTS ABOUT AVALANCHE TRANSMISSION FAILURES, GO HERE ==> HTTP://TOWNHALL-TALK.EDMUNDS.COM/DIRECT/VIEW/.F0F8066/0. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10443635

Mileage unknown · Oct 27, 2005
Power TrainStructure

2005 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE HEADLIGHT WAS LOOSE AND FELL OUT WHILE WASHING THE VEHICLE. WHEN DRIVING THE DRIVE TRAIN MAKES A CLANKING NOISE. ***NO ANSWER REQUIRED*** *TS AFTER A THUNDERSTORM, THE NEXT MORNING, THE CONSUMER FOUND THAT WATER HAD SATURATED IN THE TAILGATE AREA. *SC

NHTSA ODI #10142113

45,874 miles · May 5, 2005
Power Train

7/13/03 - PURCHASED NEW 2003 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE VEHICLE FROM PIERRE CHEVROLET IN LAKE CITY, WASHINGTON 7/28/03 - REPORTED SPORADIC LOUD CLUNK NOISES COMING FROM TRANSMISSION TO SERVICE CENTER OF SAME DEALER. SERVICE CENTER COULD NOT FIND PROBLEM AND STATED CLUNK NOISES WERE NORMAL IN THIS TYPE VEHICLE. NOISE PROBLEM CONTINUE…

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7/13/03 - PURCHASED NEW 2003 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE VEHICLE FROM PIERRE CHEVROLET IN LAKE CITY, WASHINGTON 7/28/03 - REPORTED SPORADIC LOUD CLUNK NOISES COMING FROM TRANSMISSION TO SERVICE CENTER OF SAME DEALER. SERVICE CENTER COULD NOT FIND PROBLEM AND STATED CLUNK NOISES WERE NORMAL IN THIS TYPE VEHICLE. NOISE PROBLEM CONTINUED AND WAS REPORTED BUT NOTHING WAS DONE AND SAME SERVICE CENTER NORMAL CLUNK NOISE EXPLANATION WAS PROVIDED. 1/12/04 - TOOK VEHICLE TO TODAYSCHEVROLET SERVICE CENTER IN BREMERTON, WASHINGTON AND INSISTED THAT CLUNK NOISE BE THOROUGHLY CHECKED OUT. RECEIVED SAME "NORMAL CLUNK NOISE EXPLANATION" AND A MANUFACTURER'S BULLETIN NUMBERED 01-07-30-42A STATING THE SAME. COULD NOT COMPLAIN NO MORE. 4/12/05 - 21 MONTHS AFTER THE PURCHASED OF THIS NEW VEHICLE IT HAD A TOTAL TRANSMISSION BREAKDOWN IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION ON A RURAL ROAD. ALL GEARS EXCEPT LOW GEAR WENT KAPUT. BECAUSE THE BREAKDOWN OCCURRED ON A RURAL ROAD WHERE TRAFFIC IS LIGHT, THE BREAKDOWN DID NOT CAUSED A FIRE, PROPERTY DAMAGE, DEATHS ETC., BUT IT HAD PLACED US IN CONTINUAL JEOPARDY. ALTHOUGH THE TRANSMISSION WAS TOTALLY REBUILD, SPORADIC CLUNK NOISES DO CONTINUE.

NHTSA ODI #10119934

Official recalls

3

05V163000 · Seat Belts:rear/other

Apr 22, 2005

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 & remedy

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.

05V055000 · Power Train:manual Transmission:shift Pattern Indicator

Feb 14, 2005

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 LOCATED IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER MAY NOT ILLUMINATE. IF THE SHIFT LEVER POSITION INDICATOR DOES NOT ILLUMINATE, THE DRIVER MAY NOT KNOW WHICH GEAR THE VEHICLE IS IN.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THE VEHICLE MAY MOVE IN AN UNINTENDED DIRECTION RESULTING IN POSSIBLE INJURY TO OTHERS OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE.

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.

05V043000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Feb 8, 2005

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 & remedy

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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.