2005 Chevrolet Avalanche
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Chevrolet › Avalanche › 2005
These records cover every 2005 Chevrolet Avalanche. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
3 recalls name the 2005 Chevrolet Avalanche. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
Owner complaints
71 complaints2 involved a crash4 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Air bags
The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Avalanche. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the passenger’s side air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed that the passenger’s side air bag was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 16,900.
- Electrical system · Engine · Seat belts
Cluster gauge IS not read properly all reading are all over the place.
- Service brakes
Catastrophic brake failure because of four corroded brake lines. All four lines corroded in the bracket holding the lines to the driver side frame rail. I was driving the vehicle and when I attempted to apply the brakes there was initial resistance and then the brake pedal went straight to the floor. I attempted to apply the brakes again but the vehicle would not stop. I had to apply the parking brake to stop.
- Fuel/propulsion system · Unknown or other
The fuel lines rubbing together causing fuel to dump every where right next to the cat on the driver side of the truck n this IS not a recall. Then I say its attepmed murder charge agaisnt chevy....
- Exterior lighting · Unknown or other
The instrument panel cluster does not light up. Cannot tell what gear I am shifting in and out of. The dic buttons on my steering wheel do not light up, cannot tell if I have a malfunction when driving during the dark. I did check for a recall on this and saw that there was an older one issued in…
The instrument panel cluster does not light up. Cannot tell what gear I am shifting in and out of. The dic buttons on my steering wheel do not light up, cannot tell if I have a malfunction when driving during the dark. I did check for a recall on this and saw that there was an older one issued in 2005 and that it closed in 2011. I was not aware of any recalls but none the less I feel that with both components failing and not working properly can cause a potential problem when in operation (driving)
- Engine
Cylinder heads cracked due to poor casting (known issue by gm). This led to coolant in the engine causing damage to lifters. Expected cost to fix IS approximately $1,500 in parts up to $4,000 in labor.
- Air bags
8/15/2014 - service air bag light displayed. dealer diagnosed the issue as crash sensor (10370149). dealership replaced sensor - cost $419. 07/10/2015 - service air bag light displayed. dealer diagnose the issue as another crash sensor (10370149). dealership replaced sensor - cost $473. I…
8/15/2014 - service air bag light displayed. dealer diagnosed the issue as crash sensor (10370149). dealership replaced sensor - cost $419. 07/10/2015 - service air bag light displayed. dealer diagnose the issue as another crash sensor (10370149). dealership replaced sensor - cost $473. I find it concerning that air bag sensors are failing on a vehicle with less than 35,000 miles. I'm not sure if the system IS functional when these sensors fail.
- Air bags
Service airbag message appears in the dic (digital information center). Seems to be a very common issue on the chevrolet avalanche.
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
The speedometer sticks at a speed and will drop to the 6 o'clock position. this IS a know issue among owners but gm nor the dealerships are willing to acknowledge or fix it. This IS the second issue with my vehicle that gm IS not willing to fix or take responsibility. I will never purchase another gm vehicle again. *tr
- Fuel/propulsion system
After driving the smell of fuel comes from the engine by the drivers door. I contacted gm and my vehicle does not show on the list of this known recall. They passed me to a local dealership which stated my vehicle IS not one that falls under the recall and admitted they had fixed others with…
After driving the smell of fuel comes from the engine by the drivers door. I contacted gm and my vehicle does not show on the list of this known recall. They passed me to a local dealership which stated my vehicle IS not one that falls under the recall and admitted they had fixed others with similar issues. This IS appalling that a manufacture can assist some customers but not all. I will never purchase another gm vehicle again. *tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Rotor
TL* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet avalanche. While driving 70 mph, the vehicle began to decelerate and the brakes failed to engage. The contact stated that the brake rotors overheated and produced steam. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000.
- Power train
The transmission began to shift hard. the answer from the dealer was need new transmission for $4500. stated that the fluid sensor housing was cracked and the entire transmission needed replacement. seemed a bit ridiculous for a two year old vehicle that towed nothing. *js
- Engine and engine cooling · Power train
Right after the warranty expired the transmission went and I had to rebuild it. At the shop the techs told me it was due to cooling, and they installed a small cooler because they said the cooling was not sufficient. *tr
- Electrical system
After and during rain the seat warmers continually turn on over and over for several days. Its been happening since about 40,000 miles right after expiration. *tr
- Electrical system · Power train · Unknown or other
At approx 47000 mi traveling at 65mph a heavy thud in the engine compartment that sounded like the whole engine block had dropped out, was able to coast off road to a vacant lot. Transmission toast with damage to ring and pinion gears,never towed anything, city driving to work and home mostly.(47k)…
At approx 47000 mi traveling at 65mph a heavy thud in the engine compartment that sounded like the whole engine block had dropped out, was able to coast off road to a vacant lot. Transmission toast with damage to ring and pinion gears,never towed anything, city driving to work and home mostly.(47k) miles. Really? 3500$ 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
- Air bags · Seat belts
Was driving home on the highway and swerved hitting the divider with the front left corner of vehicle. The seatbelts did not hold me in my seat and my head shattered through the window striking the street light lamp. Airbags also did not deploy meanwhile I was on the highway going about 57mph. The…
Was driving home on the highway and swerved hitting the divider with the front left corner of vehicle. The seatbelts did not hold me in my seat and my head shattered through the window striking the street light lamp. Airbags also did not deploy meanwhile I was on the highway going about 57mph. The injuries were drastic including partial amputation of my ear, I was in a coma for a few week, 3 skull fractures, tbi, brain bleeding and the list of injuries continue to grow! *tr
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
The speedometer does not track with the speed of the vehicle properly. it does not reset to zero when the truck stops, and can have the needle exceed the maximum speed shown. *tr
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
The speedometer stopped working at approximately 85000 miles. This IS a known problem with 2005 avalanches but for some reason this vin was not included in the recall. *tr
- Fuel system, gasoline
Supply and return fuel lines have a flexible, shielded section at the frontmost end ... The hoses cross and therefore rub against one another ... Top hose became worn through, causing copious quantities of fuel to be pumped out onto the cross member and roadway ... Extreme fire hazard. *js
- Air bags
I was on the highway at cruising speed and I happened to look down and my dit says service air bags and shortly after onstar calls me asking if everything was alright. I did some research and got led in many different directions saying there was a recall for air bag sensors and also recall in the t connector in the DS kick panel. *tr
- Electronic stability control (esc)
Truck cut off while driving saying reduced engine speed and service stability and now truck will not crank with key in ignition everything goes backwards on dash and goes blank also when adjusting steering column service stability light comes on and off IS when lost power to truck. *tr
- Fuel/propulsion system
Gas was dripping out of one of lines, after smelling gasoline for a month or so. Today the truck will not start and I'm afraid to jump start it. *tr
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
Speedometer stopped working completely. It had been working fine when I last drove it. But when I started driving within the next 3-4 hours I noticed it was not reading the speed at all. All the other gauges on the cluster were working properly. When talking to the dealership about this problem…
Speedometer stopped working completely. It had been working fine when I last drove it. But when I started driving within the next 3-4 hours I noticed it was not reading the speed at all. All the other gauges on the cluster were working properly. When talking to the dealership about this problem they stated it wasn't a simple fix and could cost me above $500, they couldn't give me an estimate of how much it would cost. .After reviewing the complaints listed on this website, this seems to be a manufacturers defect. Many other owners of this same vehicle have had the same complaint and its rare that it functions properly in any of the vehicles. even though my vehicle IS over the warranty period I believe that the manufacturer should stand behind their work and correct this problem. A recall IS definitely in order. *tr
- Fuel/propulsion system
I noticed a strong smell of gasoline and upon inspection found a significant fuel leak under the driver's door. a closer look reveals that there are 2 rubber fuel lines that touch and have worn through each other, causing them to leak fuel. this IS all within inches of the exhaust system. any…
I noticed a strong smell of gasoline and upon inspection found a significant fuel leak under the driver's door. a closer look reveals that there are 2 rubber fuel lines that touch and have worn through each other, causing them to leak fuel. this IS all within inches of the exhaust system. any reasonable person would assume that this IS a fire hazard! this IS an obvious design flaw that could easily be avoided. *tr
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet avalanche. The contact stated that the speedometer and fuel gauge failed. The rpm gauges became stuck and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer where it was determined that the instrument cluster failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure and current mileages were 68,000.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10115143This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about gasoline powered cars, mid-size trucks, light duty trucks, and heavy duty trucks with premature catalytic converter failures. It is recommended to inspect for a poor crimp on the grounds ring terminal at the engine block for the bank with the concern and repair the wire.
- 10114474This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about connectivity concerns when connecting an Apple device via USB cord. Technician should insure the customer is using an original equipment manufacturer Apple USB cable.
- 10114470This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicle that may have an OnStar system that has progression tones when pressing the blue or red button. Technician will need to call General Motors Technical Assistance Center with the scan tool data from the OnStar system.
- 10114431This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have an issue when using Bluetooth voice recognition with an iPhone. Technician should work with the customer to insure the phone contacts to not have any Emojis loaded to any contact.
- 10114408This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that are travelling from Canada to the United States. While in the United States they are unable to receive Turn-by-Turn directions. Due to the existing cellular provider not having roaming agreements in areas outside of Canada to support transmitting of the packet data required for Turn-By-Turn feature to operate. The customer has 3 options while traveling through the United Sates. First if the vehicle is equipped with a navigation radio they can request a "Destination Download" to the vehicle. Second if the customer uses the OnStar RemoteLink app they can send the directions to the vehicle. The third option would be to have the vehicle loaded with a "500 phone number" The customer will no longer be able to use their Hands Free Calling minutes when the new 500 phone number is loaded. If a customer chooses to restore Hands Free Calling in the future a new phone number will be assigned to the vehicle; previous phone numbers are not available.
- 10114352This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire calibration for tires that have been sized, tested and designed for the vehicle in question and its applications. Technician should not use the information that is provided by the antilock braking system tire size selection.
- 10114343This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician the steps needed to diagnose and repair the vehicles that may have unwanted or phantom phone calls. Technician will need to determine what type of call the customer is having that is unwanted. The vehicle may receive an incoming call just like any other phone. Typically the customer will hear the phone ringing in the vehicle. This scenario also includes incoming Bluetooth calls. One type of unwanted call can be made if the key pad is faulty the OnStar system will try to make a blue button call for shorted voltage in the circuits. The OnStar module could have an internal fault and produce a "Phone Unavailable" audio message also it may have a Diagnostic Trouble Code U1500 or B1000. Refer to diagnostics for the Diagnostic Trouble Code making sure to follow any applicable Bulletins or Preliminary Information sheets. A "Ready" or "OnStar ready" audio message heard while driving. In some cases it has been found that the customer is inadvertently pressing the ?push to talk? button on the steering wheel controls. On rare occasions, other issues in the steering column or Steering Wheel Control system may induce this concern.
- 10114342This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicle that may have an OnStar system that has progression tones when pressing the blue or red button. Technician will need to call General Motors Technical Assistance Center with the scan tool data from the OnStar system.
- 10114309This informational bulletin explains how to care for wiper blades.
- 10114299This informational bulletin provides a quick guide to updating which model vehicle after replacing the IPC.
- 10113892This Preliminary Information communication advises the technician that if OnStar is unable to configure the vehicle after the OnStar 15-08-44-001 upgrade and Onstar receives a 118 error code when attempting to configure the vehicle. Dealers should receive a sheet with the kit that provides steps to assist with handling this error. Dealer will follow one of the listed steps to resolve the issue. If there are still configuration issues, please contact the OnStar Technical Assistance Centre for assistance.
- 10113843This warranty administration bulletin provides information on the Clarification of Use for Dealer Empowerment Labor Operations and Customer Enthusiasm
- 10113837This informational bulletin provides a list off all the issues revolving around new vehicles for a one stop place to find growing concerns around them.
- 10113810This warranty administration bulletin provides dealership personnel with policy and procedure requirements for essential tools that include consumable parts (U.S. Only).
- 10113792This informational bulletin provides information to technicians regarding intake manifold inspection/replacement after severe internal engine damage.
- 10113787This informational bulletin provides information to advise dealers about seat belt buckles not operating and/or seat belt warning light illumination, as well as difficulty latching and unlatching the buckle or the buckle release button sticking.
- 10113770This informational bulletin provides technicians with a brake lathe calibration procedure.
- 10113722This informational bulletin provides information on communication with OnStar module after Canadian cellular upgrade.
- 10113720This informational bulletin provides information on a GM of Canada OnStar cellular communication upgrade.
- 10113703This technical bulletin provides repair information for repairing the IP to body harness connector to correct a customer concern for intermittent Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illuminated with Reduced Engine Power displayed and DTC P2138 set.
- 10113701This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on when and how to submit a Field Product Report (FPR) (U.S. Dealers Only).
- 10113664This informational bulletin provides technicians with information regarding automatic transmission oil cooler flow test essential tool J-45096 TransFlow.
- 10113662This informational bulletin provides dealership personnel with information on flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs) and the usage of E85 fuel in GM vehicles.
- 10113654This informational bulletin provides information on a GM of Canada OnStar cellular communication upgrade.
- 10113652This informational bulletin provides information on a GM of Canada OnStar cellular communication upgrade.
- 10113531This warranty administration bulletin provides information to clarify proper transaction administration of GM Dealer Empowerment Program and Goodwill Cases.
- 10113502This warranty administration bulletin provide policy information on a revised customer concern not duplicated/verified labor operation numbers and how to submit CCND.
- 10113483This warranty administration bulletin provide policy information new tire warranty program and global warranty management submission information.
- 10113059This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on the steps to diagnose and repair vehicles that may have a Service Engine Soon Malfunction Indicator Lamp on at low mileage. Technician may find Diagnostic Trouble Codes P0420 and or P0430 stored. Technician should be advised that the catalytic converter efficiency Diagnostic Trouble Codes P0420 and P0430 are disabled for the first hour of engine run time to allow break-in of the catalytic converter. Technician will need to use a Tech2 to check the verify engine run time on the Engine Hour Meter in the Instrument Panel Cluster Data Display/Data 1 List in the scan tool match. If the engine run time is less than one hour, the battery may have been disconnected, or another vehicle power loss event may have occurred, during vehicle manufacturing. Technician will need to clear the Diagnostic Trouble Codes and perform a drive cycle. If the catalytic converter was replaced and the Diagnostic Trouble Codes set it may be a result of the engine run time restrictions no longer being in place since the vehicle is no longer new. Technician will need to clear the Diagnostic Trouble Codes and perform a drive cycle.
- 10112737This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the speedometer needle appears to be inaccurate. Dealer should advise the customer the specification for speedometer needle accuracy is +/- 2 miles per hour at any given speed when looking straight at the needle.
- 10112697This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a Service Engine Soon Malfunction Indicator Lamp on, engine misfire, and/or engine noise. Technician may find Diagnostic Trouble Codes P0300-P0308. If published Service Information diagnostics does not isolate the cause of this concern technician should check for a worn camshaft lobe and/or lifter roller, a sticking valve, valve leakage, a broken valve spring, and a collapsed active fuel management lifter.
- 10112681This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have a planetary gear whine noise in first and second gear. Technician should compare the noise to a like vehicle. Technician will need to check the build date of the transmission, if it was built after 09/01/2003 and it is determined that a vehicle has an abnormal amount of noise, perform the rear unit end play check. Technician will replace the output planetary gear set if end play is out of specification. The transmission assembly will need to be replaced if the end play is with in specification.
- 10112655This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire calibration for tires that have been sized, tested and designed for the vehicle in question and its applications. Technician should not use the information that is provided by the antilock braking system tire size selection.
- 10112614This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about customers may inquire about the availability of the passenger compartment air filter. Dealer should advise the customer starting in 2003 the passenger compartment air filter is no longer available as a factory option.
- 10112600This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician with the axel setup information from American Axle Manufacturing. Technician should be advised that the maximum pinion shim to be used or stacked behind the pinion is 0.050?, and the minimum pinion shim is 0.020? for an 8.6 axle. The range for available pinion depth shims for the 10.5? axle is 0.006? to 0.024?. When setting the backlash it should be set between 0.003? to 0.005? on a new ring and pinion for any American Axle Manufacturing application. The ring and pinion can be reused or adjusted if the mileage is less than 500 miles, if not used for towing. Technician should be advised that a ?roller coaster? or ?hourglass? pattern on the bearings may be normal up to 10,000 miles and possibly longer. With a mis-machined housing you may get a heel pattern on both sides of the gear teeth at build up can generally be corrected with backlash adjustments. When setting up an 8.6? axle with a 5 cut gear set is to use a 0.035? pinion shim and set backlash to 0.004?. When using the newer 2 cut gear set also use a 0.035? pinion shim and still set backlash to 0.004?. To set the gear pattern use backlash to adjust the pattern heel to toe. Use the pinion shim to adjust the height of the pattern. The proper drive pinion bearing pre-load is from 15 - 30 inch pounds with new bearings. The total torque to turn after the differential case is installed should increase 5 - 10 inch pounds at the pinion. A new pinion nut must be used whenever the old one is removed. The axle shaft end play specification is 0.012? per side and the radial specification is 0.002? - 0.003?. Technician should be advised that synthetic lube can be used in all new American Axle Manufacturing axle assemblies. The new pinion seal for the 8.6? axle assembly is a two piece design.
- 10112523This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have slip in forward ranges immediately after replacing the input housing. Technician will inspect the 3-4 clutches and the forward clutch oil feed passages for leakage between circuits. Technician should apply regulated compressed air to the 3-4 clutch feed hole and the forward clutch feed hole one at a time with the input housing. Technician will need to replace the input housing if there is an air leak 3-4 clutches.
- 10112519This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have grease leaking from front hub bearings. Technician should not replace the bearing for grease purge. Technician should be advised to not clean the purged grease from the area immediately on or adjacent to the seals because this grease provides additional protection. Technician should only replace the bearing if the seals show visible damage, bearing endplay is greater than 0.005" or 0.13mm, bearing exhibits rough rotation, or bearing exhibits abnormal noise.
- 10112428This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about customers that are unable to override the automatic door locking feature. Technician will update the Body Control Module on 2006 to 2007 model years. On 2010 to 2014 model years technician will need to contact Techline Customer Support for calibrations.
- 10112382This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the percentage of UV protection or tint offered by the windshield or side glass. Technician should be advised Windshield reduces UV rays down to 4% or less. Front side door glass reduces UV rays down to 35% or less. Windshields are SOLAR glass with a light transmittance of >/=70%. Front door glass are Solar glass with a light transmission of >/=70%. Rear door glass, quarter windows and back windows can use either Solar glass (>/=70%) or Privacy glass, which has a light transmittance of 20%.
- 10112299This informational bulletin provides information on Part Restriction and Ordering Process Information for OnStar Vehicle Communication Interface Modules (VCIM) (GMNA Only)
Every Chevrolet Avalanche model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.