Chevrolet Avalanche vs GMC Sierra
For 2005–2013 models, the GMC Sierra has 17.9 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
2.6× the GMC Sierra’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
GMC Sierra
17.9 complaints per 10,000 sold
62% fewer than the Chevrolet Avalanche
- Complaints
- 2,789
- Sold
- 1,560,697
- Recall campaigns
- 18
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 0
Most complaints: 2008. Fewest: 2005–2006 and 2012–2013. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Internal engine (bearings, pistons, rings)
Typically around 79,000 mi
-
Airbags, seatbelts and restraints
Typically around 72,000 mi
-
Body control and other modules
Typically around 51,000 mi
-
Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim
Typically around 54,401 mi
-
Harsh, delayed or erratic shifting
Typically around 29,000 mi
Common questions
Which has fewer problems, the Chevrolet Avalanche or the GMC Sierra?
For 2005–2013 models, the GMC Sierra has 17.9 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 GMC Sierra?
The most-reported problem on the GMC Sierra is internal engine (bearings, pistons, rings), typically around 79,000 miles.
Which Chevrolet Avalanche and GMC Sierra years have the most complaints?
Relative to each vehicle's typical year: Chevrolet Avalanche: 2007–2008; GMC Sierra: 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.