Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/14/2026
High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Air Bags — runs 6.0× the fleet median for that category across the 1998 model-years tracked on this site.
258Complaints
4Recalls
7Crashes
3Fires
12Injured
0Deaths
Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.
Is this problem acknowledged?
The most-reported problem — Air Bags (51.2% of complaints) — is covered by 2 NHTSA recall campaigns.
Air Bags complaints here are 6.0× the median for that category across the 1998 model-years tracked on this site.
2 of the 6 most-reported categories on this page are backed by a recall or open investigation; the other 4 rest on owner reports alone.
Complaint category
Reports
Official status
Reference
Air Bags
132 · 51.2%
Recalled
Recall 21V052000 · Recall 21V050000
Structure:body
31 · 12%
No official action
—
Electrical System
21 · 8.1%
Recalled
Recall 08V441000 · Recall 10V240000
Engine
15 · 5.8%
Investigation closed
EA08010 → recall 08V441000
Latches/locks/linkages
13 · 5%
No official action
—
Structure
11 · 4.3%
No official action
—
Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Percentages are the share of the 258 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
THIS MAY CAUSE OTHER ELECTRICAL FEATURES TO MALFUNCTION, CREATE AN ODOR, OR CAUSE SMOKE INCREASING THE RISK OF A FIRE. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE HEATED WASHER MODULE TO IGNITE AND A FIRE MAY OCCUR. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Park itPark outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What owners report
“I RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL IN JULY OF 2016, I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO GET IT REPAIRED. IF IT IS A SAFETY RECALL, I…”NHTSA complaint 11042787 — filed 11/02/2017 · AIR BAGS
“TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V383000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO…”NHTSA complaint 11042491 — filed 11/02/2017 · AIR BAGS
“"TAKATA RECALL" WENT TO MY DEALER TODAY ABOUT THIS AND THEY SAID I HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL I AM CONTACTED BY WHOM EVER BECAUSE TAKATA…”NHTSA complaint 11042161 — filed 11/01/2017 · AIR BAGS
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Complaint trend by year filed
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Chevrolet Avalanche?
Air bags issues are the most-reported category, cited in 132 of 258 NHTSA complaints (51.2%), followed by unspecified/other issues (53), structure:body (31), electrical system (21). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
How many complaints does the 2008 Chevrolet Avalanche have?
258 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/14/2026. Of those, 7 involved a crash, 3 involved a fire, and 12 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.
Does the 2008 Chevrolet Avalanche have any recalls?
Yes — 4 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 21V052000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Has NHTSA acted on the 2008 Chevrolet Avalanche's reported problems?
2 of the 6 most-reported complaint categories on this page are backed by an NHTSA safety recall or open investigation; the rest are unverified owner reports. A recall means a free repair is available at authorized dealers.
Is a complaint proof of a defect?
No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.
About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/14/2026.
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