CarComplaints.com Notes: It didn't take long for the cladding to fade, discolor, and in some cases crack. Cladding is the protective plastic piece that runs along the outside of vehicles, and exposure to both heat and UV rays give the Avalanche's cladding a chalky, faded appearance.
Owners have said the problem is especially bad on the panels near the cargo bed. Eventually, GM agreed to a one-time treatment of ArmorDillo, a protective treatment similar to what you find in any auto shop. Unfortunately, that would only help for 6 months (on average).
Eventually, GM offered another coating solution for owners within the 3 year / 36,000 mile original warranty under TSB:04-08-111-001C.
I live in Alaska so when the 4X4 went out, it was a huge problem. The automatic 4X4 being engaged caused the mechanism responsible for shifting the vehicle into four wheel drive "on the fly" to fail altogether. I know it was several thousands of dollars to fix but the extended warranty covered it and the car rental. I got new parts with a warranty.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
I live in Alaska so when the 4X4 went out, it was a huge problem. The automatic 4X4 being engaged caused the mechanism responsible for shifting the vehicle into four wheel drive "on the fly" to fail altogether. I know it was several thousands of dollars to fix but the extended warranty covered it and the car rental. I got new parts with a warranty.
- April S., Wasilla, AK, US