Faults:

The muffler needed a metal binding strap applied around it because apparently it was breaking open.

The gears in the rear axle needed replacement because they wore out at about 80,000 miles.

The water pump has been replaced twice.

The entire instrument cluster had to be replaced because the speedometer stopped working correctly.

Some control doors needed repair in the dash because the A/C was directing hot air instead of cold air.

Not bad for 11 years and 135,000 miles!

General Comments:

I LOVE this truck. It is the best vehicle I have ever owned, & I hope to keep it until at least 250,000 miles.

It is extremely versatile. Some people don't call it a truck. I do because I use it like one.

I bought the Z66 model because it has the trailer towing package. For those complaining about a lack of torque when pulling a trailer, YOU SHOULD HAVE BOUGHT ONE EQUIPPED FOR IT. When I activate Tow Mode with a button on the gear shift lever, this truck has torque like a Ford Triton V-10 engine. I have towed large trailers like 35 foot camper trailers and smaller U-Haul trailers loaded with furniture with no problems. I have hauled dirt bikes and large street motorcycles in the truck bed. I moved a full size clothes washer and clothes dryer in the bed from Dallas to San Antonio one day, and the truck rode better, not worse! When I have something long to haul like sheets of plywood, I fold down the rear seats and the mid gate wall in 60 seconds and I'm ready to go. I even mounted 2 mountain bikes on the roof rack when moving my daughter & her boyfriend to college. I got my truck with the seating for 6, which comes in handy.

This truck's ride on the highway is terrific and I have driven through some terribly bad rain storms over the years when I was impressed by how well it handled the poor conditions. This is 2wd, so I use tire chains on ice.

Faults:

Well where can I start?

First it was the bulbs on the dash board, then it was the "SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT" on, which GM would not fix because I was just slightly over the guarantee of the vehicle, so I have dealt with that beeping sound for all the rest of the miles.

Now 4 months ago the transmission BROKE, and had to be rebuilt.

Back in 2011 I had to replace the OIL CAP because it wore out on the grooves, so they told me.

Now in 05/2014, I am told again that the NEW oil cap that was put in on 2011 is leaking slightly, but they went on ahead and tried something to stop the leak, which DIDN'T WORK, so now I am told I have to replace the entire OIL PAN and parts for $800.00? Are you kidding me!

General Comments:

I really liked this vehicle at the beginning. When I rode in it, it was very comfortable.

But when the problems started to happen and the GM dealer could not fix or replace it at a decent price, I knew I was in trouble. For one thing, before I purchased this truck I had a 1987 GMC Suburban 454 engine big block. The only critical thing I ever had go on that was the timing belt. Replaced it, and it ran like a champ again compared to this 2004 Chevy Avalanche.

I cannot believe that GM does not see that everyone reports the same problems I have had, but they still do not care.