2008 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Chevrolet › Avalanche 1500 › 2008
These records cover every 2008 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
37 complaints1 involved a crash3 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Air bags
Airbag recall that has not been replaced
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting · Service brakes
Driving 60mph and lost all lights power motor everything the vehicle came back on and repeated this over and over till it was parked gm's said my truck wasn't covered so I asked for the recalled part number and was rushed off the phone
- Air bags · Unknown or other
The dash IS cracked in three spots, over the instrument panel, vent area and at the corner of the air bag.
- Air bags
Takata recall it has been more than 2 yrs since I was notified of the airbag recall. my avalanche sensors are stating the airbag system has failed. I have been to the internet web sites and the dealership dozens of times only to get the same feedback...no solution has been determined, nothing…
Takata recall it has been more than 2 yrs since I was notified of the airbag recall. my avalanche sensors are stating the airbag system has failed. I have been to the internet web sites and the dealership dozens of times only to get the same feedback...no solution has been determined, nothing they can do. it IS pretty clear to me that they know how to fix the issue, but they are using stall tactics to avoid incuring the cost they are legally bound to spend. my particular make/model/year was supposed to prioritized and completed by march 2018. since it IS clear to me the stall tactics have been working with no accountability, I thought maybe I would trade the car in for a safer one without air bag problems....no dealer will take the car in on trade because of the air bag problem. so I am stuck driving an known-unsafe-vehicle and putting my family at risk the airbag system won't arm, it's a known recall issue, and I cannot get it fixed makes no sense and IS completely unacceptable
- Air bags
Takara recall. On 7/11/18 I was in a head on car accident and front air bags s did not deploy, truck was driving 35mph when another truck pulled out into my lane and I hit him very hard , police noticed and asked several times if airs bags deployed and they did not
- Air bags · Power train
1-Takata recall 2- rear differential- I had to completely replace the rear differential at 153,000 miles. I have seen a lot of the same problem reported on different online forums. There should be a recall on this. It cost me over $3,000. It had many broken parts inside of it. It could have locked up the rear wheels and caused a very unsafe condition. Thank you
- Air bags
Takata recall I am still wait to get my air service. I received a recall in 2016 and still waiting for service
- Air bags · Electronic stability control (esc) · Service brakes
Takata recall critical safety concern. air bag light IS on and it needed service cruise control malfunction, break sensor
- Air bags
Received notification of recall october 2017. Took vehicle to dealer and was advised no parts available I will be notified when parts are available. How long do I have to wait to fix this issue?
- Air bags
TL* takata recall. The contact owned a 2008 chevrolet avalanche 1500. While driving approximately 60 mph, all six air bags deployed with force. There was no warning or impact prior to the deployment. The contact coasted the vehicle to the side of the road and it was towed to a dealer (5 star…
TL* takata recall. The contact owned a 2008 chevrolet avalanche 1500. While driving approximately 60 mph, all six air bags deployed with force. There was no warning or impact prior to the deployment. The contact coasted the vehicle to the side of the road and it was towed to a dealer (5 star chevrolet in 300 s boone st, aberdeen, wa 98520: (360) 637-6869). The insurance company investigated the failure. The dealer sent information to the manufacturer. The contact waited more than a week for a response. The manufacturer indicated that due to the vehicle being turned over to the insurance company, they would not provide an investigation. The driver was not injured. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000. *Tt *tr
- Air bags
I received a recall on march 2016 and nothing was done
- Air bags
I contacted advantage chevrolet when I received the recall notice telling me to call to schedule repair and was told there IS no action to take at this time, why does the recall notice tell me to do this if the dealer isn't going to co-operate, also dealer says I will be notified but recall notice says I will not be notified in the future. I do not have a claim other than being part of this recall.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet avalanche 1500. The contact received a recall notification for nhtsa campaign number: 16v387000 (air bags); however, the parts to do the repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall…
TL* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet avalanche 1500. The contact received a recall notification for nhtsa campaign number: 16v387000 (air bags); however, the parts to do the repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer (paradise chevrolet in temecula, california) was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not available for the recall remedy. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue and was not able to confirm when the parts were to become available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
- Air bags
"Takata recall" recall notice on faulty takata driver side air bag in our '08 avalanche received july 2016 from general motors. have yet to hear anything in return. followed up with h & h chevrolet in omaha ne (dealership of purchase) 11/2/17 regarding the recall (steve french and nick pabla). still have not received a return response.
- Air bags
Takata recall . I've contacted at least 2 chevrolet dealerships in my area and asked them both to contact me asap , since they both claimed no parts were available. Neither have contacted me since and I made the 1ST phone call last year. it seems as though chevrolet has no true intentions to fix my airbag issue.
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet avalanche 1500. While driving 60 mph, the rpms increased and decreased, the headlights flashed intermittenly, and that the entire instrument cluster with different warning sensors illuminated intermittently. The vehicle was driven home. The vehicle was not…
TL* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet avalanche 1500. While driving 60 mph, the rpms increased and decreased, the headlights flashed intermittenly, and that the entire instrument cluster with different warning sensors illuminated intermittently. The vehicle was driven home. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The local dealer was not contacted or made aware of the failure. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced the same failure in may of 2017 when it was diagnosed that the amplifier failed and was replaced. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 39,000.
- Unknown or other
Dash cap 2 cracks above instrument cluster and left upper corner of airbag cover. Appears , with some research , that this IS a common problem with this model year of gm products . Dash cap has been covered with dash mat entire time . There IS a definite defect from the manufacture because it IS happening to a large number of vehicles 2008-2010 .
- Air bags
"Takata recall" in july 2016 I received a recall notice on my 2008 avalanche takata airbag. in june 2017 a service air bag light came on. I called the dealer (williams chevrolet) in elkton maryland and they told me that I would have to pay for the fix. I called chevrolet customer service and…
"Takata recall" in july 2016 I received a recall notice on my 2008 avalanche takata airbag. in june 2017 a service air bag light came on. I called the dealer (williams chevrolet) in elkton maryland and they told me that I would have to pay for the fix. I called chevrolet customer service and was told the same thing. I was told by both parties the recall didn't mean anything that I had to pay for the fix. I told both parties that I felt if there was a recall on this airbag and a service airbag light came on it IS their responsibility to replace and fix my airbag under the recall at no cost to me. I called onstar a was told that it should be fixed immediately. the recall notice states the airbag inflators it supplied to gm are defective and may rupture during deployment causing serious or fatal injuries. the truck has less than 93000 miles on it. I would appreciate any help you can get me on this matter. thanks, [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *tr
- Unknown or other
The issue I have IS with the dash pad on our 2008 chevy avalanche. We bought it used and paid $525 to have it replaced and approximately two and a half years later it cracked again in the same area others have mentioned. It seems to be a quality issue and gm would help the owners.
- Unknown or other
Cracking dashboard over the instrument panel and passenger side airbag. contacted gm and they refused to acknowledge the defect as a safety issue.
- Electrical system
2008 chevrolet avalanche 1500. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle power door locks and tailgate power lock actuator mechanism failure. *smd the consumer stated the power door locks and tailgate power lock, would no lock or unlock. *Jb
- Unknown or other
Takata recall dash cracked over instrument panel and at air-bag on passenger side of vehicle. As far as I know the truck was stationary as it IS garage kept. I noticed crack when I heard rattle shortly after leaving my driveway. Concerned about airbag deploying and throwing shrapnel on me.
- Engine · Vehicle speed control
TL* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet avalanche 1500. While driving approximately 30 mph, the check engine warning light illuminated and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to the dealer multiple times over a span of three years where it was diagnosed that the throttle position sensor and…
TL* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet avalanche 1500. While driving approximately 30 mph, the check engine warning light illuminated and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to the dealer multiple times over a span of three years where it was diagnosed that the throttle position sensor and the program sensor kit needed to replaced. The contact also stated that the LS valve cover, number one plug, cylinder head, piston rings, and a deflector needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired and an oil consumption test was performed over a six month period. In addition, the engine was flushed; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The failure mileage was 43,000.
- Engine
Excessive oil consumption. It the 5.3L with active fuel management system. Gm knowns there IS a problem and the only fix IS to replace the rings and pistons or replace the entire engine at the owners expense, 5,000.00 - 8,000.00. Since it's it's a design flaw, I feel they should fix it at no cost.…
Excessive oil consumption. It the 5.3L with active fuel management system. Gm knowns there IS a problem and the only fix IS to replace the rings and pistons or replace the entire engine at the owners expense, 5,000.00 - 8,000.00. Since it's it's a design flaw, I feel they should fix it at no cost. It consumes over quart and a half per 1000 miles, both highway and city and at times 2 quarts with pulling heavy loads. I have done a oil consumption test with the dealer and they have admitted it goes through a lot of oil. I bought the truck used, and the dealer who sold it to me never mentioned this truck could have this problem.
- Unknown or other
I just noticed that there are 2 cracks in dashboard of my 2008 chevy avalanche. One above the instrument panel, and the other on the passenger side. As reported numerous times here I am concerned that the cracked plastic could be dangerous and potentially damage the airbags on deployment.
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Non-crash engine compartment fires
In a letter dated august 27, 2008, general motors corp. (Gm) notified nhtsa that it will conduct a safety recall (nhtsa recall number 08v-441) to address a safety relateddefect that can result in engine compartment fire in approximately 850,000 vehicles equipped with a heated windshield washer fluid option.the subject…
In a letter dated august 27, 2008, general motors corp. (Gm) notified nhtsa that it will conduct a safety recall (nhtsa recall number 08v-441) to address a safety relateddefect that can result in engine compartment fire in approximately 850,000 vehicles equipped with a heated windshield washer fluid option.the subject vehicles of this investigation comprise over three-quarters of the recall population. According to gm, a short circuit on the printed circuit board for the windshield washer fluid heater module may overheat the control-circuit ground wire. This may cause other electrical features to malfunction, create an odor or cause smoke and in rare cases it may cause a fire.as a remedy, gm dealers will install a wire harness with an in-line fuse. In addition to the subject vehicles, several other gm models with the heated windshield washer fluid option are included in recall 08v-441: my 2006-2008 buick lucerne (manufactured august 2005 through november 2007); my 2008 buick enclave (manufactured february 2007 through april 2007); my 2006-2008 cadillac DTS (manufactured may 2007 through november 2007); my 2007-2008 saturn outlook (manufactured august 2006 through april 2007); and my 2007-2008 GMC acadia (manufactured august 2006 through april 2007) vehicles.gm IS instructing owners to take their vehicle to a dealer for service if they experience symptoms of windshield washer heater module short circuits. Gm's recall resolves the safety defect concerns pursued by this investigation.this engineering analysis IS closed.
- Non-crash engine compartment fires
In response to an information request letter sent by the office of defects investigation(odi) during preliminary evaluation pe08-010, gm provided odi with 41 allegations of non-crash engine compartment fires including 16 allegations of fires originating with the ignition in the off position.one of the fires was…
In response to an information request letter sent by the office of defects investigation(odi) during preliminary evaluation pe08-010, gm provided odi with 41 allegations of non-crash engine compartment fires including 16 allegations of fires originating with the ignition in the off position.one of the fires was determined to be caused by an arson event.odi has also received 5 reports, 4 of which are of duplicative of reports provided by gm, alleging non-crash engine compartment fires in the subject vehicles.in total, odi IS aware of 41 non-crashengine compartment fires in the subject vehicles that are unrelated to arson.eight of the 41 fire allegations also allege property damage as a result of the fires.this preliminary evaluation has been upgraded to an engineering analysis (ea08-010) to further assess the scope, frequency, origin and cause of the alleged non-crash related engine compartment fires in the subject vehicles.
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.
- 11011782This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads. The J-35616-64B is the latest test probe released for checking tension or probing the .64 series terminals. The test probe terminal has been released in the terminal repair kit (J-38125-620H) located in Lear Tray 7 part number 963716-2. There are 5 terminated leads in a package part number is 13505346, which can be ordered through your normal General Motors Customer Care and Aftersales parts channel.
- 11010544This service bulletin explains how to measure for oil consumption and possible reasons for loss of oil.
- 11009531This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
- 11009156This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 11009088This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be accompanied by a clunk noise. This is a slight movement that is more often seen visually, rather than felt, when viewed from the outside and using the auto-start feature, if equipped.
- 11008956This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on When and How to Submit a Field Product Report (FPR) (U.S. and Canada Dealers Only).
- 11007936This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel on diagnosis and replacement of shock absorber and strut due to fluid leak.
- 11007935This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel on diagnosis and replacement of shock absorber and strut due to fluid leak.
- 11007744This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
- 11007743This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
- 11007208This 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.
- 11007196This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming on. Technician may find Diagnostic Trouble Codes B3055, B3060, and/or B3935. Technician should not replace any parts for this concern. If unable to duplicate the concern ask if the customer uses any Radio Frequency Identification Devices when the concern is present. Dealer should also direct their customers to the appropriate section in the Owner manuals that references that the device complies.
- 11007116This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 11007095This bulletin provides information on the TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline Licensed Brands and the TOP TIER Diesel Fuel Licensed Brands that are recommended for use in all GM vehicles and the TOP TIER FUELS website URL.
- 11007091This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
- 11006682This service bulletin provides information on a guide to help reduce repeat visits for the same customer concern.
- 11006621Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). The updating of modules is completed in parallel instead of the technician needing to update one module at a time. This allows a more streamlined approach for dealers and customers.
- 11006421GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or inadequate packaging or shipping. This bulletin advises the dealers to be more careful not to damage the transmissions during removal and to package the core properly for return.
- 11006274This 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 MPH at any given speed when looking straight at the needle.
- 11004761This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
- 11004727This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
- 11004557This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
- 11002312This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and resolution information.
- 11001325This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information to cover GMs policy on performing GM covered vehicle services and maintenance on vehicles originating/sold in Canada.
- 11001321This bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of water or ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 11000576This Warranty Administration bulletin provides retail and wholesale service personnel with the policies/procedures and the warranty transaction submission procedures that support the Personal Property Damage process.
- 11000162The intent of this service bulletin is to identify aftermarket ALDL or DLC interface devices as potential sources for causing multiple customer concerns that do not have other diagnostic methods to identify them.
- 11000160This service bulletin provides information on proper use of floor mats.
- 11000158This service bulletin includes information on Interior Cleaning - Instrument Panel (IP), Hard or Plastic Surfaces, Seats, Carpet, Leather, Vinyl, Fabric Cleaner, Stain Remover, Restorer - Product Availability.
- 11000119This service bulletin provides technicians with information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
- 10253770This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Tire Radial Force Variation (RFV).
- 10253632Rear and Side Tempered Glass Spots.
- 10252974This service bulletin provides information on Takata Air Bag Courtesy Transportation Reimbursement Program - Applicable to GM Recalls listed in bulletin.
- 10252735This bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement fasteners with conductive finish.
- 10252163XM Audio Traffic And Travel Link Availability And Operation.
- 10251890This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
- 10251888This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information for GM courtesy transportation and roadside assistance programs.
- 10251345This service bulletin provides information on Takata Air Bag Completion Rate Improvement Program - Applicable to GM Recalls 14491, 14735,15040, 15041, 15043,15044, 15045, 15046, 15406,15438, 15442, 15815, 15816,15817, 15818, 15826, 17009, 17476, 17477, 28810, 28811,17478, 18015, N192273760, N192278940, N212328760, N212328770, N212328780, N212328790, N212328800, N242437050, N242437060, N242437070.
- 10250775This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system.
- 10250505This service bulletin provides information on the cold start control system in DI engines to reduce cold start emissions and improve fuel economy.
Every Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.