Chevrolet Avalanche engine failure problems

Filed Sep 8, 2022 · Engine, Transmission · FL

Repeated instances of engine misfire/loss of power due to known issue with 5.3L Engines. Chevy/GM have repeatedly not fixed root cause/issues leading to "Stabilitrac/Traction control" error messages during engine misfire while driving in traffic. On 3 of these occasions loss power in roads/intersections with oncoming traffic. Two of these occasions,almost caused collisions. Currently truck at dealership since 4/11/22, with Warranty company (extended warranty) and Chevy dealership discussing mechanical issues with Rings, Pistons, Lifters versus "Carbon build up". Engine very low mileage per year. Total milage under 72k. Carbon is in all engines, failure root cause according to research and service department not related to carbon. In conversation with Service Manager, in past Chevy service departments followed guidelines of "Stick a plug and wire on it, and send it out". 3/19/16- 4/2/16: Issues started. Reported to Chevy performance issues. Did this on 2-3 occasions, air filter replaced one visit, told "without error messages, can not diagnose problem." 31k mile 6/18/16: "Stabilitrac/Traction control" error messages. Engine misfires start. Diagnosis fouled #7 spark plug. Spark plug replaced. Service department verbal comment, "Don't know cause, platinum plugs good to 100K, never seen this before"34k mile 2/21/18: "Stabilitrac/Traction control" error messages. Engine misfire in traffic. Diagnosis misfires with #7 spark plug. Service replaced valve cover with updated metal flap to stop oil from spraying on plug. Removed intake manifold/clean intake runners of oil deposits 7/31/21: #7 checked.No issues 53K 11/11/21: "Stabilitrac/Traction control" error messages. Engine misfire/ stall badly in traffic. Multiple misfires with #7 cylinder. Diagnosis:No issues found after error message reset.Truck perfect, passed inspection to purchase Extended warranty from dealership 4/11/22: "Stabilitrac/Traction control"error messages. Engine misfire/stall in traffic. Engine failure

Filed Aug 19, 2019 · Engine, Steering · 156,693 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet avalanche. While driving 40 MPH, the steering wheel seized and the vehicle shut off. The vehicle began to roll down the street. The contact stopped and shut off the vehicle. Upon restarting the vehicle, the check engine indicator illuminated. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic, but could not be serviced. The vehicle was then driven to vera cadillac (300 s university dr, pembroke pines, fl 33025, (954) 998-1684) where the mechanic stated that the contact would have to pay for the repairs. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and did not assist. The failure mileage was 156,693.

Filed Aug 7, 2018 · Acceleration, Driver assistance · 110,000 miles · MA

Stabilitrak and traction control lights keep coming on and check engine light. Loses power and stability while going uphill or accelerating. Gm service out of warranty. Looked at possible recalls none available. Noticed alot of issues regarding 5.3 v8 from 2010 to 2013 gm models. Excessive oil consumption also. Do I just pay for a new engine or is anyone doing anything about this oversight by gm? Thousands of complaints but no accountability.

Filed Aug 18, 2017 · Body, Engine · 97,000 miles · MI

The 5.3 engine has had many complaints from owners where the engine fails due to oil recirculation and valves going bad. The manufacturer will not do anything to replace the engines. The engine starts running extremely rough and had to be towed to a repair facility

Filed Mar 31, 2016 · Engine · 181,000 miles · MN

At 40000 we noticed we were having issues with my avalanche burning oil, when we asked the tech at chevy he told me that was normal for the newer engines to burn oil, at 130,000 mile we started having problem with a spark plug fouling out, I read that this was directly related to the oil consumption problem. At 181,000 mile and only four years old we had to replace the engine after replacing the spark plug and wire 3 times this cost us $6847. I have read this is a constant problem with the 5.3 engines and could cause4 major accidents if the end up on a highway when they finally go out

Filed Dec 23, 2015 · Suspension · 92,000 miles · AR · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet avalanche. The contact stated that while driving and towing an ultra light rv trailer at 65 MPH, the rear suspension seized. The contact stated that there was smoke coming from the rear suspension. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the rear axle seals, rear bearings and gears needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred in less than 100 miles. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 92,000. The VIN was not available.

Filed Feb 3, 2015 · Engine · 159,009 miles · CA

Total engine loss at highway speed, chevrolet want to replace the engine, but as I read all these complaint about engine and oil and afm. I believe they should be held accountable for selling lemons. The federal safety agency must put a end to manufacturers selling trash.

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 Mar 8, 2005 · Electrical, Engine · 28,000 miles · MO

While driving 55 MPH vehicle stalled. Dealer was not able to duplicate the problem. *ak the consumer stated that the vehicle restarted until it got to the stop sign failed but would not die. The vehicle was road tested and the engine died. The consumer was unable to shift into neutral and crank engine. The consumer was able to restart the engine and the engine had an extended crank time. The consumer stated that the radio would not work all the time. *tc phone interview update (february 15, 2006): the first dealer couldn't find what caused the engine to stall. They later went out of business. The vehicle kept stalling without warning at all speed. The stalled engine would not restart immediately. The second dealer find the problem to be the crank position sensor right the way. The sensor was broken in several pieces. The vehicle was traded in. The complainant will try to find the repair inovice and fax it to odi.

Filed Feb 15, 2005 · Engine · 60,000 miles · TX

Traveling from texas to florida, vehicle began stalling. At times the vehicle wouldn't shift out of lower gears, at times it wouldn't start, at times it would shut off. Found dealer in florida that changed out a wiring harness in the steering column. The vehicle had less than 30,000 miles at this point. Have also had to have the engine replaced at 50,000 miles. Dealer couldn't figure out why the engine wouldn't work, nor could the dealership repair. Replaced with a new engine and is currently at 30,000 on new engine and problems starting again. This vehicle does not tow or drive off road at any time, there is a defect in this product that needs to be addressed.