6.8

fairly significant
Typical Repair Cost:
$550
Average Mileage:
99,600 miles
Total Complaints:
5 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. not sure (2 reports)
  2. new engine/rebuild (1 reports)
  3. replace #7 plug (1 reports)
  4. replace numerous parts for #4 cylinder (1 reports)
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problem #5

Jan 012014

Avalanche LTZ 5.3L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 137,656 miles

found numerous tsb on same problem . list of suggested fix . 1 replace lifters, cam. new pistons and rings etc . if so many people are having the same problems why wont GM fix it.

- George C., Kunkletown, PA, US

problem #4

Sep 012015

Avalanche LT

  • Automatic transmission
  • 97,000 miles

I acquired my vehicle in March 2010 after the passing of my father in San Antonio, TX. Previously my father kept his regular maintenance on the vehicle and I have done the same. I take the vehicle to Koons Chevrolet in White Marsh, MD for all maintenance & repairs. I have spent a lot of money trying to make sure that I keep up on all necessary/required mechanic work.

About a month ago my husband took the vehicle to Koons for an oil change. Because the engine light had been coming on we paid $120 to put the vehicle on a machine to find out the problems. We were told the engine would need servicing soon. The stability light and the tire sensor light had been coming on for the past year or two. Constantly taking it to Koons with the same complaint regarding the same lights. Paid $2000 back in Jan 2014. Some of the same problems.

Recently, a knocking occurred possibly indicating no oil. Had just had an oil change. Plenty oil in it. Three weeks ago took it back to Koons (charging another $120 to put on machine) and they can not find the problem. They call the engineer in Detroit and he can't tell them what's wrong. They take the engine apart and still can't figure out what the problem is. Yet, they are saying it may cost $3900 - $5000. I am furious, however, I can't convince my husband to get the vehicle and take it else where. Open to suggestions.

- Susie D. L., Baltimore, MD, US

problem #3

Jan 062015

Avalanche LTZ V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 114,954 miles

GM are selling are complete garbage. I have a 2008 Chevy Avalanche LTZ that I took in about 18 months ago +/- for lifter noise WHILE UNDER WARRANTY. I was told it all sounds normal. I know for a fact GM knows about these issues and its a common problem on these trucks to need to rebuild the motor once these things go. Fast forward to yesterday when my truck shuts down and I get a call from GM telling me I need to replace the motor because of this EXACT issue. I am now just outside of warranty coverage and this is insane!! I take my truck in identifying a problem during warranty and nothing is done about it. There will not be a dime from me to repair this and I will do everything in my legal power to make sure this is covered by GM.

- Desmond D., Calgary, Alberta, canada

problem #2

Jun 302014

Avalanche LS 4WD 5L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 79,000 miles

Wow, this is very discouraging. I just dropped my '08 Avalanche off at the Chevy Dealer in McCordsville, IN and it is experiencing the same symptoms as those described here. Specifically, the #4 cylinder has very low compression (~30) and they claim to not know what is causing it. I love the truck, but will be a short affair if it is going to cost me $3,000 to fix. I was just telling friends that I have been very impressed with my first Chevy/GM car and maybe my trust in Fords was not fair. I hope I don't have to retract, but based on what I am reading, I'm not very optimistic. This would be the single biggest auto repair I have ever experienced! I will update as I get further into this. Please forward any suggestions that might help.

- happelc, McCordsville, IN, US

problem #1

Apr 272014

Avalanche LT 5.3L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 69,169 miles

My Avalanche began running rough - very rough on a Sunday afternoon. All kinds of instrument lights came on (traction light, stabilitrac light, and there may have been others). I had vehicle towed to Chevrolet dealer before they closed at 6 PM on Sunday evening.

Called dealer Monday morning - they were already starting to determine what was wrong.

Basically it was a continuation of the excessive oil consumption I had reported 3 months earlier to the dealer. After over a week, I was told that my engine needed pistons, rings, lifters, probably camshaft, and I don't remember the entire list. The estimate was in the $4500 range. But Service Manager said he would try to get GM to pay most of the cost. Ultimately my receipt said they replaced one piston, the camshaft, 16 lifters. 4 guides, one sensor, one manifold, 8 spark plugs, one seal, 6 qts of oil and a lot of nuts, bolts, gaskets, etc. I was told that my engine was assembled in Mexico and that the engine components were not of the highest quality. They told me the replacement parts were made in Canada and that they were far better quality. Since GM had issued a Service Bulletin on excessive oil consumption I question why GM did not cover the entire cost to repair.

- John M., Seymour, TN, US