CarBrief

NHTSA has 295 owner complaints on file for the 2008 Avalanche, and about half of them name the air bags[1][2]. Two air bag inflator recalls list the remedy as not yet available, so check any truck you look at by VIN[3][4].

295owner complaints[1]
4recalls[5]
14–16MPG combined (EPA)[6]

Most reported problems

Owners filed 295 complaints with NHTSA[1]. Eight mention a crash, 3 a fire and 15 injuries[1]. No deaths are reported[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and the counts are not adjusted for how many trucks were sold.

The largest groups are:

Component group Complaints
Air bags[2] 148
Unknown or other[7] 60
Structure[8] 46
Electrical system[9] 28
Engine[10] 21
Latches, locks, linkages[11] 17

Air bags. This group has 8 crashes and 10 injuries, with a median mileage of 84,091 at failure[2]. In a sample of 12 complaints we read, 6 describe a cracked dashboard near the passenger air bag and worry about it breaking apart in a crash[2]. A few others describe air bags that did not deploy in a collision, one that deployed without impact, and a warning light[2].

Electrical system. In a sample of 12 complaints, 8 describe power door locks that stopped working on one or more doors[9]. One describes smoke and a burning smell under the dash[9]. The group has 2 fires[9].

Structure. In a sample of 12 complaints, 7 describe chrome door handles that peel or break off[8]. Some say the peeling plating cut their fingers[8].

Engine. In a sample of 12 complaints, 5 describe oil consumption[10]. The group has 1 fire and a median mileage of 92,650[10].

Recalls

NHTSA lists 4 recalls for this model year[5]. Newest first:

The recall text names the states and vehicles each recall covers, so run the VIN at NHTSA before you buy.

Fuel economy

EPA ratings depend on engine and drive:

Version City / highway / combined MPG Annual fuel cost
5.3L V8, 2WD, regular[6] 14 / 20 / 16 $4,200
5.3L V8, 4WD, gasoline or E85[14] 14 / 19 / 16 $4,200
6.0L V8, 2WD[15] 12 / 17 / 14 $4,800
6.0L V8, 4WD[16] 12 / 17 / 14 $4,800

The 5.3L 2WD is also rated with gasoline or E85 at the same 14 / 20 / 16 MPG[17]. EPA uses its current fuel price assumptions for annual cost, not prices when the truck was new.

Safety ratings

NHTSA gives the 4-door rear-wheel-drive version 3 stars for rollover, with a rollover risk of 21.2%[18].

Engine and size

Our data lists these Canadian-market specifications, which can differ slightly from US trucks:

Version Length Width Height Wheelbase Curb weight
Crew cab short box 2WD[19] 218 in 79 in 73 in 130 in 5,437 lb
Crew cab short box 4WD[20] 218 in 79 in 74 in 130 in 5,679 lb

EPA lists 5.3L and 6.0L V8 engines for this model year[6][15].

How 2008 compares with other years

2002: 598 complaints, 2 recalls20022003: 386 complaints, 4 recalls20032004: 309 complaints, 5 recalls20042005: 200 complaints, 4 recalls20052006: 50 complaints, 2 recalls20062007: 490 complaints, 5 recalls20072008: 295 complaints, 4 recalls29520082009: 96 complaints, 5 recalls20092010: 117 complaints, 3 recalls20102011: 155 complaints, 5 recalls20112012: 52 complaints, 3 recalls20122013: 111 complaints, 3 recalls2013
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Avalanche model year. The 2008 is highlighted[5].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
20025982
20033864
20043095
20052004
2006502
20074905
20082954
2009965
20101173
20111555
2012523
20131113

NHTSA has 295 complaints and 4 recalls for 2008[5]. That is the fifth highest complaint count of the 12 model years from 2002 to 2013[5]. Only 2002 (598), 2007 (490), 2003 (386) and 2004 (309) have more[5]. The seven years with fewer complaints range from 50 in 2006 to 200 in 2005[5]. The recall count of 4 sits inside a range of 2 to 5 recalls across those years[5]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for sales.

Should you buy a used 2008 Avalanche?

The biggest issue is the two passenger air bag inflator recalls, where the remedy is listed as not yet available[3][4]. Ask for the VIN check before you commit. The complaint count of 295 is the fifth highest of 12 model years[5], though these are unverified reports. Owners in our sample describe door locks, door handles, dashboard cracks and oil use, so inspect those on any truck you view[8][9][10]. Fuel costs are high at $4,200 to $4,800 a year by EPA estimates[6][15].

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2008 Chevy Avalanche?
Air bags are the largest complaint group with 148 of 295 complaints[1][2]. In small samples we read, owners describe dashboard cracks, door locks, door handles and oil use[2][8][9][10].
Does the 2008 Avalanche have recalls?
NHTSA lists 4 recalls[5]. Two cover passenger air bag inflators, and their remedy is not yet available[3][4]. Two cover the heated washer fluid system[12][13].
What MPG does a 2008 Avalanche get?
The 5.3L is rated 14 city and 20 highway for 2WD, and 14 city and 19 highway for 4WD[6][14]. The 6.0L is rated 12 city and 17 highway[15][16].
Is 2008 a good year for the Avalanche?
It has the fifth highest complaint count of 12 years, at 295[5]. Years like 2006 (50) and 2012 (52) have far fewer, though counts are not adjusted for sales[5].

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 295 owner complaints on file for the 2008 Chevrolet Avalanche (8 mention a crash, 3 a fire, 15 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. 148 complaints name the air bags component group (8 crashes, 0 fires, 10 injuries, median mileage at failure 84,091). NHTSA vehicle records
  3. Recall 21V050, filed February 5, 2021: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
  4. Recall 21V052, filed February 5, 2021: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
  5. Owner complaints and recalls for every Chevrolet Avalanche model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  6. EPA rating for Avalanche 1500 2WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 20 highway / 16 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  7. 60 complaints name the unknown or other component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 75,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  8. 46 complaints name the structure component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 4 injuries, median mileage at failure 67,200). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 28 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 2 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 41,500). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 21 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 92,650). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 17 complaints name the latches/locks/linkages component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 41,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. Recall 10V240, filed June 4, 2010: Electrical System. NHTSA recall database
  13. Recall 08V441, filed August 28, 2008: Electrical System. NHTSA recall database
  14. EPA rating for Avalanche 1500 4WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Gasoline or E85, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 19 highway / 16 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  15. EPA rating for Avalanche 1500 2WD, 6.0L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 12 city / 17 highway / 14 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  16. EPA rating for Avalanche 1500 4WD, 6.0L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 12 city / 17 highway / 14 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  17. EPA rating for Avalanche 1500 2WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Gasoline or E85, Rear-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 20 highway / 16 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  18. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR RWD: rollover 3 stars; rollover risk 21.2%. NHTSA vehicle records
  19. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, AVALANCHE 1500 P/U CREWCAB S/BOX 2WD: length 218 in, width 79 in, height 73 in, wheelbase 130 in, curb weight 5,437 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  20. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, AVALANCHE 1500 P/U CREWCAB S/BOX 4WD: length 218 in, width 79 in, height 74 in, wheelbase 130 in, curb weight 5,679 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.