2002 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 problems
NHTSA has received 185 complaints about the 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500, and 54% of them involve brakes. Next are electrical system (6%) and body & structure (6%).
At a glance
- Complaints
- 185 filed with NHTSA
- Most reported
- Brakes 54% of complaints
- Crashes and fires
- 22 and 1
- Injuries and deaths
- 24 and 1
- Typical mileage
- 98,000 miles 161 complaints with mileage
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
Where the complaints are
Share of this model year's complaints by the part of the car involved. One complaint can name more than one part, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
When problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 5 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 11 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 16 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 14 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 36 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 19 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 17 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 17 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 8 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 6 |
| 200k+ miles | 12 |
What the data shows
Of the 161 complaints that include odometer readings, half describe a problem before roughly 98,000 miles. For brakes specifically, the median reported mileage is about 94,000 miles (88 complaints with mileage).
Safety-related details: 22 complaints mention a crash; 1 complaint mentions a fire; 24 injuries reported; 1 death reported.
Looking only at complaints filed within five years of the model year (so older and newer years are comparable), the 2002 ranks 5th most-complained-about out of 10 model years of the Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 with enough data (40 complaints in that window).
What owners wrote
A few complaints as filed, shortened and with personal details removed. The first ones are among the most serious reports for this model year; the rest are typical.
Vehicle was involved in a collision, striking a cement stair case and embankment, before rotating to final rest during which time the cab separated completely from the frame. One occupant was trapped in the cab and one was ejected. Information submitted by case investigator, Trp. [XXX] - Iowa State Patrol
Takata airbag deployed and impacted accident.. My vehicle was moving when I was hit and airbag deployed. I've since had 2 unsuccessful back surgeries and I continue unceasingly to receive medical treatment. I am disable retired. There is a washington dc police report, pictures, insurance claim paperwork, investigation etc. There is a box of paperwork. To much to upload, but I can gather the info and forward to an address provided to me.
The vehicles governor shut the vehicle off at 97MPH while going around a corner which made the steering wheel lock up and made the brakes not work. Two people where life flighted to hospitals with various injuries... No air bags deployed at all... The first impact in the accident was to the side of the vehicle. Injuries sustained included multiple fractures of the spine of the driver from being ejected almost 40 feet passed where the truck had come to a rest. The debris path was over 150 ft.
I experienced a brake line failure on my 2002 chevrolet avalanche 1500 4x4 while vacationing in florida. On sunday, february 6, 2011, I noted that the brake pedal feely spongy. Upon investigation, I noted a leakage behind the driver side front tire. When I checked the brake fluid reservoir it was below the normal level. An inspection of the brake lines indicated severe rust and corrosion. I had to drive to the nearest repair shop and rent a car until the repair was complete.
I was traveling at 55 MPH when I came to a stop light and while slowing down for the light my brake pedal went to the floor and ended up going through the light. It was a good thing no one was in front of me or I would have collided with their rear end of their car at 55 MPH after looking into what happened I noticed my brake like has corroded enough to cause a leak which upon inspection all 4 brake lines running from the master cylinder to the brake management/ equalization system was rusted beyond repair.