The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the brake warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the rear brakes needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired however, the failure reoccurred while driving. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic who replaced the parking brakes and the brake fluid; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that the brake pedal would hesitate to respond when depressed, causing a 100-feet in stopping distance delay. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 04V045000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) since the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 178,000.
2004 Chevrolet Avalanche brakes problems
42 complaints (25% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 71,000. 2 crashes reported.
- owner complaints
- 42
- of this car's complaints
- 25%
- typical mileage
- 71,000
- crashes
- 2
- recalls
- 2
Which part fails
- Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip3
- Supply: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings1
- Foundation components: master cylinder1
- Foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings1
- Foundation components: disc: rotor1
- Fluid1
- Antilock: wheel speed sensor1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Chevrolet Avalanche brakes problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche brakes
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic
- What is wrong
- Certain trucks, sport utility vehicles, and vans equipped with bosch hydro-boost brake assemblies, the hydraulic brake booster pressure accumulator may crack and separate from the hydro-boost assembly during normal operating conditions.
- Risk
- If a separation occurred and the hood of the vehicle were open, fragments from the accumulator could cause injury to people in the immediate area. The presence of this crack or fractured surface could allow the hydraulic fluid to leak from the accumulator circuit of the booster assembly. The loss of fluid would cause increased steering and braking effort and a crash may occur without prior warning.
- Remedy
- Dealers will test the hydro-boost assembly for functional operation of the two-function valve. If the hydro-boost assembly fails the test, dealers will replace the assembly free of charge. The recall began on march 23, 2005. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1‑800‑630‑2438, gmc trucks at 1‑866‑996‑9463 and hummer at 1‑800‑732‑5493.
Recall number 05V043000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic
- What is wrong
- Certain sport utility vehicles, pickup trucks, and passenger vans fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 135, ?passenger car brake systems.? Some of these vehicles were produced with an out-of-specification brake hydro-boost housing relief valve bore.
- Risk
- Consequently, the valve o-ring seal may fracture. Steering efforts may be slightly increased while braking or parking. Under certain driving conditions, a fractured seal may require a slight increase in the applied brake pedal effort to achieve the same vehicle deceleration rate as prior to the seat fracture.
- Remedy
- Dealers are to replace the hydro-boost relief valve. The recall began on june 18, 2004. Owners should contact cadillac at 1‑866‑982‑2339; chevrolet at 1‑800‑630‑2438; gmc at 1‑866‑996‑9463; or hummer at 1‑866‑486‑6376.
Recall number 04V045000 · Recall details
Related investigations
Hydraulic pump failres
Gm is conducting a recall on all subject vehicles build between may 1999 and october 14, 1999.significant changes were incorporated into production in early october 1999, and vehicles built after that date have lower warranty failure rates.the complaint and warranty data appear to support the effectiveness of these changes. Gm made additional changes in november 1999, february 2000, may 2001, and february 2004.odi will continue to monitor this problem and will take further action, if warranted, in the future.for further technical details see the attached engineering analysis report.
EA04012
What 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
My son had borrowed the truck and was returning it with his 4 and 5 year old sons in the vehicle. He was in a traffic circle and had to brake to avoid an accident. Immediately afterwards the brake failure warning came on and the truck had no brakes. Fortunately he was only going about 25 MPH and was able to park it on the shoulder and no one was injured. I was able to get it to a local dealer for repair to the tune of $1,952. They diagnosed the problem as a rusted brake line that ruptured and damaged the left caliper. We got no prior warning of the brake failure. In 2012 I also had a sudden brake failure while leaving a parking garage. There was no prior warning or indication that the brakes were not functioning. Again I took it to a local dealer and was told that there was a leak in the master cylinder and I had to have that replaced. No one mentioned anything at that time about rusting brake lines. Although the truck is 11 years old it only has 67,871 miles.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet avalanche. While driving approximately 7 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and traveled to the floorboard. The ABS warning indicator illuminated. The emergency brake was engaged and the vehicle failed to stop. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the brake lines were rusted and the vehicle had multiple brake leaks. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 125,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet avalanche. The contact stated that the brake system failed when the brake pedal was depressed and the brake system failed to engage. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the power booster and the ABS system were severely corroded. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 136,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet avalanche. While reversing at a low speed, the brake pedal was depressed but it took a longer distance to stop the vehicle. The brake warning light illuminated and service brake system was displayed across the message board. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact discovered that one of the brake lines had fractured. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 39,000.
The brake line burst as I was shifting into drive could not stop vehicle, shifted it into park and was able to stop before hitting someone. Why are these lines not made of stainless steel? Better yet why is this agency not doing anything about this? They jump all over a key switch that may cause a problem but do nothing for something as important as be able to safely stop our vehicles.
When braking the pedal was sinking all the way to the floor. I pumped brakes and was able to stop. Had a leak of brake fluid so filled brake fluid and attempted to drive home/closer to my mechanic. I was at a complete stop at a traffic light when my brake pedal sunk to the floor and my vehicle started to roll forward towards cross traffic. I pumped brake pedal but no effect. I shifted into neutral and was able to stop long enough to put vehicle in park. Called a tow to mechanic. Was told my brake line had rusted out. He fixed 2 lines. With in a week (5/8/15) I had another leak of brake fluid. Another tow to mechanic. He fixed another brake line. On 5/24/15 another brake line broke. Another tow. Mechanic is replacing the remaining 5 lines. All in all cost is over $1000 to fix.
Catastrophic brake failure when attempting to stop vehicle at 45 miles per hour. Brake peddle went to floor almost causing a major crash. Gmc dealer stated brake lines totally rusted out and ruptured causing total brake failure. Dealer stated brake lines disintegrated in the technicians hands when the tech was removing old lines. I have read similar experiences from other gm owners on the internet. This is a major safety issue which if it has not thus far will result in injury and or death. I am one of the lucky ones who was able to avoid an accident. I am sure this wont be the same outcome for others. Dealer info: ultimate buick gmc 5150 jefferson davis highway fredericksburg va 22408 tel # 540‑898‑6200 service advisor ian doughty ro339073 thanks for any assistance in addressing this safety issue.
My husband, 3 year old, any myself were driving back from a doctor appointment when we had to make a sudden stop because of a driver 2 cars ahead of us that quickly applied brakes to make a quick right hand turn. The driver in front of us in turn had to apply his breaks on and when my husband applied the brakes on our 2004 chevrolet avalanche there were no brakes!! Our 3 year old was asleep in the backseat!! We hit him of course because we could not stop (going downhill on a busy highway) we ended up having to coast up the hill in the middle of the lane because there was nowhere safe for us to pull off . There were almost several other accidents due to it being a blind spot for drivers coming over the hill both ways and we were stuck there because we had no way to stop ourselves again. So after all that we ended up needing our truck towed and the brake lines are corroded and had busted!! So not only do we have a tow bill now we are responsbile for replacing them! The estimate is $800!!! Thanks gm! We will be selling this one soon! Gm won't do a recall on these after all the complaints and accidents about the brake lines on here? Seriously? We had no clue about any of this until today! The mechanic that is fixing ours today told us he has 2 more that have the exact same issue and have to be replaced on theirs too! I guess it takes people dying or getting seriously injured before the car manufactures have to take responsibility. And what makes it even worse is that the whole brake line replacement is available (for us to purchase) and it's only about $160!! Nice to know the safety of our family, friends, and other motorists aren't worth it to them. Just 2 miles earlier we drove though a school zone!!!!! As the kids were leaving for the day! Thank god they lasted that 2 extra miles and no one was seriously injured or killed.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet avalanche. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH attempting to engage the brakes, the vehicle failed to stop and the pedal pressed to the floor. The contact had to engage the emergency brakes in order for the vehicle to stop. The failure recurred twice. The vehicle was taken to a dealer. The technician diagnosed that the brake line needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 65,000. The VIN number was unavailable.
Questions about the 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche brakes
Does the 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche have brakes problems?
Owners have filed 42 complaints about the brakes of the 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche, 25% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche brakes problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 71,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche brakes?
Yes, 2 recalls: 05V043000, 04V045000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Chevrolet Avalanche have bad brakes?
The Chevrolet Avalanche model years with the most brakes complaints are 2002 (200 complaints), 2003 (81 complaints) and 2004 (42 complaints).
Other 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche problems
Electrical 60Transmission 14Fuel system 11Steering 10Airbags 9Visibility 9Body 7Engine 7Suspension 7Acceleration 5Wheels 3Lights 2Locks 2Seat belts 2Driver assistance 1Tires 1
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