Chevrolet Avalanche vs Nissan Frontier
For 2005–2013 models, the Nissan Frontier has 37.6 owner complaints per 10,000 sold, against 47.1 for the Chevrolet Avalanche. Below: what each one’s owners report most, when it shows up, and what it costs to fix.
Both rates cover the same model years (2005–2013), counting each complaint once and dividing by US sales, so the more popular vehicle isn’t penalized for being popular. Years too new to judge are left out. How this is calculated.
Chevrolet Avalanche
47.1 complaints per 10,000 sold
1.3× the Nissan Frontier’s rate
- Complaints
- 1,460
- Sold
- 310,165
- Recall campaigns
- 10
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 1
Most complaints: 2007–2008. Fewest: 2005–2006 and 2012. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Airbags, seatbelts and restraints
Typically around 79,000 mi
-
Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim
Typically around 60,000 mi
-
Calipers, hoses and lines
Typically around 104,000 mi · repair $230–$880
-
Body control and other modules
Typically around 86,000 mi
-
Harsh, delayed or erratic shifting
Typically around 64,400 mi
Nissan Frontier
37.6 complaints per 10,000 sold
20% fewer than the Chevrolet Avalanche
- Complaints
- 1,888
- Sold
- 501,793
- Recall campaigns
- 9
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 1
Most complaints: 2005–2008. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Fuel pump and sending unit
Typically around 64,450 mi · repair $630–$1,700
-
Transmission cooler and fluid overheating
Typically around 104,500 mi · repair $200–$600
-
Harsh, delayed or erratic shifting
Typically around 100,005 mi
-
Airbags, seatbelts and restraints
Typically around 74,000 mi
-
Cooling system: radiator, water pump, thermostat, fan
Typically around 102,000 mi · repair $260–$1,910
Common questions
Which has fewer problems, the Chevrolet Avalanche or the Nissan Frontier?
For 2005–2013 models, the Nissan Frontier has 37.6 owner complaints per 10,000 sold and the Chevrolet Avalanche has 47.1, counting the same model years for both.
What is the most common problem on the Chevrolet Avalanche?
The most-reported problem on the Chevrolet Avalanche is airbags, seatbelts and restraints, typically around 79,000 miles.
What is the most common problem on the Nissan Frontier?
The most-reported problem on the Nissan Frontier is fuel pump and sending unit, typically around 64,450 miles; the repair typically runs $630–$1,700.
Which Chevrolet Avalanche and Nissan Frontier years have the most complaints?
Relative to each vehicle's typical year: Chevrolet Avalanche: 2007–2008; Nissan Frontier: 2005–2008.
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, recalls and investigations; US sales from public industry figures; repair costs from book labor hours and parts pricing at national rates. Complaints are self-reported and not independently verified. Problem lists cover each vehicle’s full history. This is not a recommendation to buy or avoid either vehicle.