2006 Chevrolet Avalanche 2500 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 2006 Chevrolet Avalanche 2500 problems
Based on the information provided in the sources, here are the common problems with the Chevrolet Avalanche 2500 2006 based on complaints from owners:
- Tailgate Problems:
- Common complaints include a tailgate that won't latch or has a broken handle that won't open. These issues can be frustrating for owners as they impact the functionality and convenience of accessing the truck bed.
- Faded Plastic Trim:
- Another common problem is the fading of plastic trim on the sides, bumpers, and bed of the vehicle. While this may not affect the performance of the vehicle, it can impact its aesthetic appeal and overall condition.
- Check Engine Light for Fuel Trim Codes:
- Owners have reported instances where the check engine light comes on for fuel trim codes like P0101, P0171, or P0174. These codes are related to the air/fuel mixture in the engine, indicating potential issues with the mass air flow (MAF) sensor or oxygen (O2) sensors.
- Engine Misfire or Vibration:
- Complaints have been made about engine misfires or vibrations in the Chevrolet Avalanche 2500 2006. These issues can affect the performance and smooth operation of the engine, leading to a less than optimal driving experience.
- Transmission Solenoid Circuit Error Codes:
- Some owners have experienced problems with the transmission solenoid circuit error codes, causing the truck to drop into "limp" mode when running the A/C blower on higher speeds. This issue can impact the transmission's functionality and overall driving performance.
These common problems reported by owners of the Chevrolet Avalanche 2500 2006 highlight various issues ranging from mechanical components like the 4WD transfer case sensor to aesthetic concerns like faded plastic trim. Addressing these issues promptly and effectively is essential to ensure the optimal performance and longevity of the vehicle.
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 many miles per gallon does a Chevy Avalanche 2500 get?
Based on data from 11 vehicles, 471 fuel-ups and 123,323 miles of driving, the 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche 2500 gets a combined Avg MPG of 9.95 with a 0.18 MPG margin of error.
Are Chevy Avalanches expensive to maintain?
The Chevrolet Avalanche Reliability Rating is 3.0 out of 5.0, which ranks it 8th out of 14 for fullsize SUVs. The average annual repair cost is $700 which means it has average ownership costs. The frequency of repairs is average, but when issues do arise, they are more likely to be severe than with other models.
Do Chevy Avalanches have problems?
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 reliable is the Avalanche?
The Chevrolet Avalanche Reliability Rating is 3.0 out of 5.0, which ranks it 8th out of 14 for fullsize SUVs. The average annual repair cost is $700 which means it has average ownership costs. The frequency of repairs is average, but when issues do arise, they are more likely to be severe than with other models.
What engine is in a 2006 Chevrolet Avalanche?
5.3-liter V-8
Available with rear- or four-wheel drive, the Avalanche 1500 holds a 295-horsepower, 5.3-liter V-8 that generates 335 pounds-feet of torque. The four-speed-automatic transmission has a tow/haul mode. Autotrac four-wheel drive automatically distributes power to the front and rear wheels to maintain traction.
2006 Chevrolet Avalanche 2500 complaints
The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2006 Chevrolet Avalanche 2500.
You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2006 Chevrolet Avalanche 2500 problems:
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2006 Chevrolet Avalanche 2500 Problems and Complaints - 15 Issues
Problem with your 2006 Chevrolet Avalanche 2500? Our list of 15 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 2006 Chevrolet Avalanche 2500.
Chevy 2500 Avalanche Overview - YouTube
Nov 30, 2015 ... 8.1 Vortec Reliability & Common Problems ... A 2006 Chevy Avalanche 2500 with Only 28,000 Original Miles! ... 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche 2500 Driving.
Other years of Chevrolet Avalanche 2500
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