2004 Chevrolet Avalanche Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 14about this part
- Share
- 8%of 165 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 52,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 14 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche, 8% of the 165 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 52,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Second chevy 04 that transmission went in my first was a tahoe now my Avalanche! All this money into vehicles and they don't last 50,000 miles or with my truck 75,000 what is wrong with chevy transmissions? We traded tahoe in for a subaru and my next truck will not be a chevy even though I have alot of money on my GM credit card towards a new vehicle!”
NHTSA complaint #10440961, filed 2011-12, 75,000 miles“I have problem with the brake system, and the transmission fluid came out from the from front passenger side. I took it to the chevy dealer, but I was told that the transmission clutch was burned out, maybe it an defected transmission or recall, im not sure, but I do know that the transmission and the brake system are not in safe conditions, nor workable. Not to mention the cracking noise in the front of the suspension, while turning.”
NHTSA complaint #10241413, filed 2008-09, 69,124 miles“While driving on freeway vehicle was revving up, immediately exited freeway and found transmission was gone, vehicle would not go in reverse, did drive in neutral. Vehicle has only 30k miles. Took vehicle to transmission mechanic stated the chevy Avalanche and denali are known for this, and feels this is a factory defect. His vehicle too went out at 20k miles. My cousin transmission too went out at 50k miles, would like to have dealer repair my vehicle. How many more vehicles does the NHTSA need to complain about so the matter can be corrected by the dealer(s) or manufacture.”
NHTSA complaint #10269969, filed 2009-05, 30,000 miles“My husband, my two children and I were all in our 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche k1500, headed to church on sunday morning, going down the street we live on. My husband, who was driving, turned on the cross street. All of a sudden, every one heard a big clunk, like some thing had dropped. The car would not move forward. My husband drove our vehicle backwards all the way home. It was parked for a few weeks, while we contacted aaa, the manufacturer, and local chevy dealerships to find out about repair and warranties. We believe this is a failure of the transmission. …”
NHTSA complaint #10154353, filed 2006-04, 39,000 miles“Vehicle transmission failed at 73,500 miles. Vehicle just stopped in middle of highway while traveling at approx 45 miles per hour. Subsequent rebuild by mechanic revealed that GM had installed incorrect valve body gaskets in the transmission, likely contributing to the premature failure.”
NHTSA complaint #10428866, filed 2011-10, 73,501 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10113664May 29, 2015This informational bulletin provides technicians with information regarding automatic transmission oil cooler flow test essential tool J-45096 TransFlow®.
- 10112697Dec 27, 2012This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a Service Engine Soon Malfunction Indicator Lamp on, engine misfire…
- 10112681Dec 17, 2012This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have a planetary gear whine noise in first and second gear. Technician…
- 10112600Nov 26, 2012This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician with the axel setup information from American Axle Manufacturing. Technician should be advised…
- 10112523Oct 30, 2012This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have slip in forward ranges immediately after replacing the input housing…
- 10043185Nov 1, 2011Cadillac/chevrolet/gmc/hummer: some suvs and trucks are exhibiting a condition where by grinding/ratcheting type noise coming from automatic transmission when shifting into park…
- 10026804Oct 1, 2008Gmc: fluid leak from transmission oil cooler lines due to corrosion. All 2000-2006 light duty trucks equipped with the light duty automatic transmission.
- 10024345Feb 1, 2008Eaton locking differential chatter shudder noise on turns, equipped with a locking rear differential rpo g80. *nj updated 7/17/2008.
- 10017464Jan 1, 2008Service 4wd light illuminated, diagnostic trouble code (dtc) c0374 set. *tt updated 10/05/07. *nj inspect wiring harness to transfer case speed sensors, replace wiring harness…
- 10021676Jun 15, 2007New design front axle side bearing adjusters.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 1 | 1% |
| 2012 | 3 | 8% |
| 2011 | 9 | 7% |
| 2010 | 3 | 3% |
| 2009 | 1 | 1% |
| 2008 | 4 | 2% |
| 2007 | 13 | 3% |
| 2006 | 4 | 36% |
| 2005 | 9 | 13% |
| 2004 | 14 | 8% |
| 2003 | 14 | 7% |
| 2002 | 25 | 6% |
Other parts of the 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche
60 complaintsBrakes
42 complaintsFuel system
11 complaintsSteering
10 complaintsAir bags
9 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
9 complaintsBody and structure
7 complaintsSuspension
7 complaintsEngine cooling
6 complaintsVehicle speed control
5 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsWheels
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche
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