2008 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500

▲ Better than typical

2008 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500
RENDERED 2026-09-16T07:46:38.283Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

2008: 37 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2002	154
2003	182
2004	144
2005	129
2006	39
2007	113
2008	37
2009	20
2010	6
2011	28
2012	16
2013	29

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

AIR BAGS 43%

43% of complaints: air bags — 16 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

TAKARA RECALL.

NHTSA ODI report, 20180718

"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.

NHTSA ODI report, 20171114

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 20171101

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 19%

19% of complaints: electrical system — 7 distinct reports on file.

Show complaint excerpts

DOOR LOCKS DO NOT WORK AND SOMETIMES YOU CAN NOT GET INTO OR OUT OF VEHICLE. SAFETY HAZARD. *TR

NHTSA ODI report, 20120318

INSTRUMENT PANEL - PUFF A SMOKE AND VERY STRONG ELECTRICAL BURNING SMELL CAME OUT FROM UNDER THE DASH ON THE DRIVERS SIDE IRRITATING DRIVERS (MY) EYES.

NHTSA ODI report, 20081014

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES 11%

11% of complaints: latches/locks/linkages — 4 distinct reports on file.

VISIBILITY 8%

8% of complaints: visibility — 3 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing switch/wiring and windshield wiper/washer.

Show complaint excerpts

THE WINDSHIELD DEFROST SYSTEM IS INOPERATIVE/INEFFECTIVE ON THE RIGHT SIDE. I HAVE ACQUAINTANCES THAT HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS IS A PROBLEM THAT HAS BEEN ADMITTED TO BY GM.

NHTSA ODI report, 20120316

WINDSHIELD WIPERS TIMING IS OFF CAUSING YOU TO PUT THEM ON CONSTANT WHICH IS NOT NECESSARY, REDUCING TO NEXT LEVEL DOWN DOES NOT ACTIVATE THE WIPERS ENOUGH CAUSING YOU TO PUT THEM BACK ON CONSTANT.... *TR

NHTSA ODI report, 20080306

STRUCTURE 5%

5% of complaints: structure — 2 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing body.

SAFETY TIMELINE

No recalls on file for this model year.

I 20080204 — PE (closed 20080612)

NON-CRASH ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES

I 20080612 — EA (closed 20080908)

NON-CRASH ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2008 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 — pre-purchase inspection

Test/inspect for air bags issues (16 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for electrical system issues (7 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for latches/locks/linkages issues (4 reports on file for this year).

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2006 ● 2007 ● 2005

WORST YEARS

◆ 2003 ● 2002 ● 2004

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2008 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2008 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2008 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500?

The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 43% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2008 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 have?

No recalls are on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-15 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.