2002 Chevrolet Avalanche: sudden loss of power

6 of the 444 complaints about the 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche describe sudden loss of power.

owner complaints: 6
of this car's complaints: 1%
typical mileage: 51,000
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 44 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Sudden loss of power by model year

2013
1
2012
1
2011
1
2010
5
2008
3
2007
6
2005
3
2004
3
2003
3
2002
6

What owners say

Filed May 16, 2014 · Fuel system · 126,000 miles · MI

As I was traveling on the highway at 70mph the engine sputtered and stopped running causing me to lose all power assist and to coast to the side of the highway. The vehicle was towed to my mechanic where it was discovered that the fuel line had rusted out and needed to be replaced at my expense.

Filed Jun 10, 2007 · Engine · NC

Truck shuts off while driving. When this happens I lose power steering and brakes. Will occur at all speeds including 70 MPH on the interstate. Very scarey situation that could cause a large accident in rush hour. After researching this on the internet, I have found this is a problem with the make and model truck I have. The problem is the crankshaft position sensor. This should be recalled and fixed at chevrolet's expense!

Filed Mar 28, 2006 · Engine · 51,000 miles · MD

I recently purchased a used 2002 chevrolet avalanche 2500hd 4x4 with a 8.1 litre engine. The vehicle has approximately 51,000 miles on it. The first problem I noticed was that the engine would crank, but it would not start immediately. The next problem I experienced was that the engine shut off while I was driving it. This resulted in loss of power steering and power brakes, but more importantly, I was not able to maintain the posted 55 MPH limit, and I had to dodge traffic while trying to steer my "dead" vehicle onto the shoulder. The vehicle did restart and I was able to resume as before. This has happened to me at least 4 times. Thus far after 3 trips to the dealer, they have not been able to repeat, diagnose, or repair this problem.

Filed Jan 20, 2006 · Engine · 57,553 miles · TX

I submitted a complaint last night (10148159) after finding the defective part to my vehicle. I searched the federal safety agency sight and found many complaints with the same issue, though the person making the complaint did not know the resolution to the issue. I'm thinking the defective part that should be issued a recall for is going un-noticed by the federal safety agency because the person making the complaint doesn't know how to resolve and correctly describe it. Because of this the federal safety agency may overlook that this is the same issue. The following link will take you to the chevy avalanche fan club forum where the issue is described and discussed. Http://www.chevyavalanchefanclub.com/cafcna/index.php/topic,39437.0.html many of the forum members are being told by chevy dealers that the issue is with the fuel pump, which is in most cases incorrect. This is causing the consumer to pay to $1000.00 for parts and repairs that are not needed. The cost for repair of the crank shaft position sensor is $110.00 for parts and $170.00 for labor, and this resolves the problem. Please have the investigator take a look at the website given above for more information about this issue. This is obviously a defective part that if under the right conditions can cause a major accident and possible loss of life. With total loss of engine power on a 6,600lbs truck I found it almost impossible to turn and very difficult to stop. Chevy has also re-designed the part proving evidence that the original design was/is defective. I see this as a more potentially dangerous issue than the tail gate strap recall and at least as equal or higher of an issue as the anti-lock brake defect which the federal safety agency has issued recalls for.

Filed Jan 4, 2006 · Electrical, Engine · 40,000 miles · PA

On several occasions, the 8.1l engine died at both low and high speeds (65 MPH) resulting in lost of power brakes and steering. Could not shift transmission into neutral. Diagnosed by dealership shop found that the crank position sensor was failing. Multiple electrical diagnoses over course of failures did not show the sensor to be failing. Oem replacement of senor involved complete removal and dismantling of engine.

Filed Nov 12, 2003 · Engine · 51,000 miles · NY

2002 chevy avalanche, 5.3l engine seized up on me as I was driving and could have caused an accident as I lost power. I'm not getting any satisfaction from gm or the dealer as to why this happened. I just want a new engine. Can you help?