2008 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 problems
The Chevrolet Avalanche is a four-door, five- or six-passenger pickup truck that was manufactured by General Motors. The Avalanche was a hybrid between the Chevrolet Suburban SUV and the Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck, sharing the chassis with the Suburban. Unlike a typical pickup truck where the bed is mounted separately from the cab on the frame, the bed of the Avalanche was integrated with the cab body. It also featured a "midgate" behind the second row of seats that could be folded down, with the seats, to create a longer bed area. The Avalanche was produced across two generations starting in 2001 and ending in 2013.
Breaking with a long-standing tradition, the Avalanche was not available as a GMC, but only as a Chevrolet. Instead, Cadillac would sell a re-badged Avalanche; however, the midgate design would be adapted for use on the GMC Envoy XUV and Hummer H2 SUT.
First generation (2001–2006)
The Avalanche was launched in September 2001 as a 2002 model on the GMT800 platform. First year Avalanches featured light gray plastic body cladding, intended to provide visual distinction from the Suburban/Yukon XL. The Avalanche also gave the public an advance look at the next generation of front fascia designs for the entire GM line. A full-length chrome strip splits each lamp assembly and the grille, with a gold Chevrolet "bow tie" in the center. The hood and fenders featured aggressive folds, in contrast to the softer designs seen on other models built on the GMT800 platform.
Avalanche was nominated for the North American SUV of the Year award and was Motor Trend magazine's Truck of the Year for 2002.
The Avalanche was originally marketed as being able to "change from an SUV to a super SUV." This was made possible by a plastic cover and an exclusive "midgate," called the Convert-a-Cab system by GM, which could open and close. The midgate was a divider behind the second row of seats that could be folded down, with the seats, to create a longer bed area, or folded up to make a larger cab area. A similar midgate was found on the Cadillac Escalade EXT (a rebadged Avalanche), Hummer H2 SUT, and GMC Envoy XUV.
The truck was offered as a half-ton 1500 series with a Vortec 5.3L V8 producing 285 hp (216 kW) or as a three-quarter-ton 2500 series with a Vortec 8.1L V8 with 340 hp (253 kW) and the 4L85-E four-speed transmission. The base layout is rear-wheel drive, but there is an available with selectable high/low four-wheel drive. Avalanche 2500 models from 2004–2006 were exclusively available with four-wheel drive.
For those who planned to go off-road in their Avalanche, a Z71 Off-Road package was available that added features such as off-road suspension, GM's AutoTrac full-time push-button four-wheel-drive system, all-terrain P265/70R17 white-lettered Goodyear tires, seventeen-inch alloy wheels, leather seating surfaces with waterproof accents, front dual power bucket seats, cloth door panel inserts, GM's OnStar telematics system, all-weather rubber floor mats, Chevrolet bowtie emblems embedded into the backrests of the seats (for 2002 models), dual-zone automatic climate controls with rear HVAC vents and remote controls, remote radio controls with headphone jacks for two pairs of headphones, a security system, gray-finished side running boards, power-adjustable, heated side-view mirrors, SRS side impact airbags. Aside from these details, a Z71 Off-Road decal on the rear side panels identified an Avalanche equipped with this package. Full leather seating surfaces were an available option, also removing the cloth door panel inserts, and also added heated front seats.
For those who preferred the styling of the Z71 Off-Road package but did not plan to take their Avalanche off-road, a Z66 Premium On-Road package was also available. The Z66 On-Road package featured all the equipment that the Z71 Off-Road package offered but replaced the off-road suspension with sport on-road suspension and did not offer four-wheel drive. Aside from these details, a Z66 On-Road sticker on the rear side panels identified an Avalanche equipped with this package. As with the Z71 Off-Road package, full leather seating surfaces without the cloth accents were an available option, also removing the cloth door panel inserts, and also added heated front seats.
To further distinguish it from its Silverado siblings, the Avalanche was practically fully equipped and only came with bodyside cladding. The Avalanche included features such as 16-inch alloy wheels and tires (chromed steel on the 2500 model), an AM/FM stereo with single-disc CD player and six speakers, cloth seating surfaces, front bench seat with power front driver's seat, power windows, power door locks, keyless entry, full instrumentation, dual front airbags, and air conditioning. Options included OnStar telematics system, cassette player, leather seating surfaces, front dual power bucket seats that could be heated, and side airbags for the front seats. A North Face Edition, in partnership with the North Face brand included limited exterior color options, a unique Ebony/Green leather interior, special exterior ornamentation and decals, white-faced gauges, OnStar telematics system, specially colored door panel inserts and speaker grilles, and more.
For 2003, the Avalanche was slightly changed. 2003 models featured a darker cladding, but GM's new president, Rick Wagoner, demanded the removal of this "unpopular" trim (as did certain elements of the public). From mid-year, Avalanche could be ordered without cladding. The uncladded model, known as "Without Body Hardware" (or its initialism "WBH," which is also an RPO code), and alternatively called "slicksides" by GM marketers, resembled the 2003–2005 Silverado 1500 in the front. A new interior—shared with the Tahoe and Suburban—added a new, larger steering wheel with subsequent audio, cruise, and speed controls; an optional six-speaker premium Bose sound system with external amplifier; a new gauge cluster with information center and memory for the front driver's seat, brake and accelerator pedals, and side-view mirror position (on some models); new radio head units, which included an AM/FM stereo with either a single-disc or six-disc CD/MP3 changer, Radio Data System, and optional XM Satellite Radio; standard OnStar telematics system with steering wheel controls; new warning chimes that played through the vehicle's audio system instead of through a separate speaker behind the dashboard; and newly available 17-inch alloy wheels and tires. Optional features included rear audio controls with headphone jacks and a rear DVD entertainment system by Panasonic with wireless headphones. The WBH option was only available in the 1500 series.
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Common 2008 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 problems
Based on complaints from owners of the Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 2008, several common problems have been reported. Here is a detailed list of these issues:
- Cracked Dashboard: Another prevalent issue with the 2008 Avalanche 1500 is dashboard cracking. Many owners have experienced cracks in the dashboard and instrument panels, requiring costly replacements that some argue should have been subject to a recall.
- Engine Troubles: The 2008 model has been associated with extensive engine problems, which can manifest in various ways, including issues with acceleration, smoke emissions, and overall performance. These engine troubles can lead to a bogged-down response when accelerating from a stop position, potentially posing safety risks.
- Transmission Issues: While not as commonly reported as other problems, transmission issues have been a concern for some owners of the 2008 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500. These problems can affect the vehicle's drivability and overall performance, requiring attention from a qualified mechanic.
- Interior Accessory Troubles: Interior accessory problems have also been noted by owners of the 2008 Avalanche 1500. These issues can range from malfunctioning components to electrical problems, impacting the comfort and functionality of the vehicle's interior.
These common problems with the Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 2008 highlight some of the challenges that owners have faced with this particular model. Addressing these issues promptly and with the assistance of a qualified mechanic can help maintain the vehicle's performance and longevity.
Do Chevy Avalanches have transmission problems?
Delayed, shuddering or is extremely harsh 1-2 shift
The symptoms of one of the more common Chevrolet Avalanche transmission problems are described above, and they can become very unpleasant. The problem has do with faulty 4L60E accumulators, which are designed to act like a sort of shock absorber between shifts.
What are the flaws of the Chevy Avalanche?
The issues that arose with the Chevy Avalanche are items like interior accessory troubles, transmission failure, and excessive oil consumption, among other things. We'll talk more about these Chevy Avalanche years to avoid later so you can get a better idea of which model will work best for you.
What were the best years for the Chevy Avalanche?
There are several excellent choices from the Chevy Avalanche. We recommend the 2006, 2009, 2011, 2012, and 2013 versions.
How long do Chevy Avalanches last?
The Chevy Avalanche Could Last 250,000 Miles, Study Finds.
Is Chevrolet Avalanche a good vehicle?
For a monster truck, the Avalanche drives pretty well, with good steering and brake-pedal feel. Based on the same platform as the Chevy Silverado full-size pickup, this truck has GM's innovative Midgate feature, which allows pass-through capability between the cargo box and the cabin, vastly increasing versatility.
Why did the Chevy Avalanche fail?
The issues that arose with the Chevy Avalanche are items like interior accessory troubles, transmission failure, and excessive oil consumption, among other things. We'll talk more about these Chevy Avalanche years to avoid later so you can get a better idea of which model will work best for you.
Do Chevy Avalanches have transmission problems?
Delayed, shuddering or is extremely harsh 1-2 shift
The symptoms of one of the more common Chevrolet Avalanche transmission problems are described above, and they can become very unpleasant. The problem has do with faulty 4L60E accumulators, which are designed to act like a sort of shock absorber between shifts.
Why did Chevrolet stop making Avalanche?
Production of the Avalanche ended after the 2013 model year, after 2011 saw a sales decline of 2.6% to 20,088 units. Production of the Cadillac Escalade EXT also ended after the 2013 model year.
2008 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 complaints
The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2008 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500.
You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2008 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 problems:
Chevy Avalanche Q&A: 2008 Electrical Problems & 4WD Issues
Aug 3, 2010 ... What causes electrical problems with my 2008 Avalanche? - Answered by a verified Chevy Mechanic.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Questions - Stabilitrak and traction control ...
Aug 22, 2017 ... I have searched and searched and this seems to be a common problem I have contacted a lawyer who represented the Dex Cool case back in 2008. I ...
Chevrolet Avalanche 1500: Had collapsed lifter on 2008 Chevrolet
Sep 26, 2013 ... The Camaro I was having issues with the misfire, I replaced ... I have a 2009 Chevy Avalanche. it has the 5.3 Flexfuel. One ... 1 cylinder, ...
2008 Chevrolet Avalanche Engine Problems | CarComplaints.com
Also started experiencing excessive oil consumption and noisy engine. Have heard and read too many reports of people with the 5.3 liter having major mechanical ...
2008 Avalanche LTZ 4WD Cruise Control Problems - Chevrolet Forum
Jun 13, 2010 ... If I could I would like to message both of you about your issues. Thank you for your time. Jeff Morris, Chevroelt Customer Service.
Other years of Chevrolet Avalanche 1500
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