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BrakesPart report

2004 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 Brakes Problems

Complaints
39about this part
Share
27%of 144 total for the year
Median mileage
92,000miles
Trend
FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 39 complaints about the brakes of the 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500, 27% of the 144 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 92,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“I was getting in my truck to go shopping and after driving for a short distance I notice my brake pedal went to the floor causing me to head into traffic almost causing a accident. When I got the truck home I notice dripping of brake fluid on driver side door. Further checking I discover my brake lines is rusting and cause a major leaks underneath my truck.”

NHTSA complaint #10681038, filed 2015-02, 154,211 miles

“Was hooking up my trailer to tow. Had my daughter step on the brakes to check the lights. The pedal went to the floor and alarm went off. Found brake fluid squirting onto the ground. Had to have all the brake lines replaced due to rust behind the drivers front wheel. Found out this is a common problem with this type and all the chevy trucks. All in the same area.”

NHTSA complaint #10568340, filed 2014-03, 126,000 miles

“Brake line failure due to rusty lines along frame on drivers side of my 2004 chevy avalanche. Line broke and brake pedal went to the floor. There was a slight amount of rear braking power left but the truck would not stop in normal driving conditions. The lines were repaired at the dealer. Luckily this happened in my driveway when I went to put the truck in gear.”

NHTSA complaint #10324488, filed 2010-04, 71,000 miles

“After applying pressure to brake pedal, the vehicle failed to stop and the brake pedal was to the floor. Once the truck coasted to a stop, we pulled to the side of the road and found brake fluid leaking underneath the truck. We had the truck towed to our local dealership. The dealership replaced all metal brake lines that left us with a bill of over $2,000 for parts and labor. The entire truck is in beautiful condition and rust free except for the faulty brake lines! Gm should recall this issue.”

NHTSA complaint #10672600, filed 2015-01, 82,000 miles

“I came around a curve and there was road work going on and had to stop real quick. The brake pedal went to the floor. All the brake lines were rotted. I had to change every brake line on my truck.”

NHTSA complaint #10576007, filed 2014-03, 89,000 miles

Related service bulletins

Brakes: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
201313%
201114%
200825%
200711%
20061026%
2005129%
20043927%
20035329%
20029662%

Other parts of the 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500

Electrical system
53 complaints
Air bags
12 complaints
Steering
10 complaints
Body and structure
7 complaints
Vehicle speed control
7 complaints
Tires
6 complaints
Fuel system
5 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
5 complaints
Engine
4 complaints
Other or unknown
4 complaints
Seat belts
4 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology