How many problems does the 2011 CHEVROLET Avalanche have?

The 2011 CHEVROLET Avalanche currently has 155 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.

What are the most common problems with 2011 CHEVROLET Avalanche?

The most common problems reported for the 2011 CHEVROLET Avalanche are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.

Where does this 2011 CHEVROLET Avalanche problem data come from?

All problem and complaint data for the 2011 CHEVROLET Avalanche comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.

2011 CHEVROLET Avalanche Problems

AIR BAGS

45 complaints

February of 2021 I was notified the driver side air bag in my truck I drive daily has an issue that if goes off can cause serious injury or death. that as 6 months ago and still no path forward to fix it, how safe it this for me to drive is death is an option? I feel this would be a concern for drivers and the companies doing more to prevent something if a part cannot be secured. Maybe start offering deals to accept the trade ins so your customer doesn't have to drive around an unsafe vehicle because of supply issues? This needs to be addressed so something silly can be avoided.

Aug 17, 2021

Was advised of the recall of my vehicle on Feb 26th 2021 and that the part to fix the problem was not available it is now six months later and have heard nothing and don,t know how log they expect people to wait with a faulty part to be repaired.

Aug 13, 2021

I HAVE RECEIVED SEVERAL NOTICES ABOUT HAVING THE AIR BAGS REPLACED BUT THE LOCAL CHEV DEALER TELLS ME WHEN THEY GET THE PARTS THEY WILL CALL ME. WHEN WILL THE PARTS BE READY?

Nov 24, 2020

UNABLE TO GET RECALL HELP OR SUPPORT TO FOR TAKATA AIRBAG RECALL SERVICE

Sep 08, 2020

DASHBOARD IS CRACKED BY PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG AND OVER THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. THERE HAVE BEEN THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS ON 2007 TO 2013 TAHOES, SUBURBANS, SILVERADO'S, AND AVALANCHE'S WITH THIS ISSUE. SHOULD THE AIRBAG DEPLOY THE CRACKING PLASTIC COULD BE A HAZARD.

Aug 30, 2020

+ 40 more complaints for this component

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

42 complaints

DASH HAS SEVERAL LARGE CRACKS AND IT KEEPS GETTING WORSE WITH TIME

Jan 30, 2021

MY DASH KEEPS CRACKING, I HAD IT REPLACED ONCE IN 2015 AND NOW 2020 (BEEN CRACKED FOR 3 YEARS NOW) BOTH PIECES ARE ALL CRACKED WITH HOLE IN THE CENTER OF DASH. SEEMS LIKE THE SUN DRIES OUT THE PLACE WHERE IT SCREWS IN. THE SCREWS/BOLTS FALL OFF AND DASH JUST BOUNCES ALL OVER ANDA STARTS CRACKING. CALL THE SAME DEALERSHIP TO HAVE IT REDONE. THEY TOLD ME $350 PLUS LABOR.

Jul 28, 2020

DASH BOARD IS CRACKING AROUND THE STEERING WHEEL AND AIR BAGS STARTED AS SMALL SPOT NOW WITH THE HEAT IT HAS GOTTEN BIGGER AND CONNECTING TO OTHER CRACKS

Jul 20, 2020

DASH CRACKED ALL ON TOP.

Jan 22, 2020

AVALANCHE RECALL. DEVELOPED DASHBOARD CRACKS WHICH IS A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN FOR ME.

Jul 04, 2019

+ 37 more complaints for this component

STRUCTURE

17 complaints

The structure that holds the rear differential and axle to the frame rusted through and broke off from both sides so the whole rear axle unit broke loose and pulled back so the drive shaft pulled loose and the rear tires were rubbing on the fenders. If this happened at highway speeds I don’t know what might have happened. The vehicle was towed to a welding shop to see if it can be repaired. It has not been inspected. If it can not be repaired the vehicle will have to be junked. There was no warning that this would happen.

Jul 24, 2022

MULTIPLE CRACKS TO INSTRUMENT PANEL, AND DASH PART ADJACENT TO WINDSHIELD. CRACK NEXT TO PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG, AND DIRECTLY OVER DRIVER INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. REAR DASH PANEL HAS MULTIPLE CRACKS. MOST OF THE CLIPS HOLDING DOWN THE PANEL HAVE BROKEN ALONG THE SEAM CAUSING IT TO BOUNCE AND RATTLE.

Sep 11, 2018

DASHBOARD HAS CRACKED IN MULTIPLE SPOTS. I PARKED THE CAR AT WORK AND WHEN I CAME OUT AFTER WORK AND STARTED THE CAR I HEARD A POP AND SAW THE FIRST CRACK HAPPEN. SINCE THEN MORE CRACKS HAVE APPEARED, SOME SURROUNDING THE PASSENGER AIRBAG LOCATION.

Sep 18, 2017

DRIVING ALONG AND DASHBOARD CRACKED BY AIRBAG ON PASSENGER SIDE. NOW THE DASH SHAKE UP AND DOWN WHEN DRIVING.

Apr 25, 2017

DASH CRACKED RIGHT ABOVE PASSENGER AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AREA. NO DISCOLORATION IN THE AREA OR ANY WARNING. ONE DAY FINE, THE NEXT DAY A CRACK APPEARED. TRUCK WAS PARKED MOST OF THE DAY AND MY WORK COMMUTE IS 6 MILES ROUND TRIP. I DON'T OFF ROAD AND I HAVE NORMAL SIZED TIRES SO NO VIBRATION OCCURRED.

Aug 11, 2016

+ 12 more complaints for this component

AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

12 complaints

DASHBOARD HAS 5 LARGE CRACKS 4 LATERAL AN 1 VERTICAL TOP FRONT SPEAKER HAS FALLEN OFF CLIPS.VEHICLE DASHBOARD STARTED CRACKING WHILE JUST SITTING OVER TIME AND WHILE DRIVING ROAD VIBRATION HELP CRACKING CONTINUE I'M AFRAID THAT WITH THE CRACKING SINCE IT IS IN THE PASSENGER AIRBAG AREA AS WELL IT COULD CAUSE AIRBAG TO DEPLOY CAUSING MORE DAMAGE INJURIES TO PASSENGER OR A WRECK BY SUDDENLY GOING OFF AND CAUSING DRIVER TO SWERVE SUDDENLY.

Apr 22, 2021

CRACKS IN DASHBOARD BY AIRBAG. OTHER CRACKS DEVELOPING IN DASHBOARD AS WELL.

Mar 05, 2020

CRACKED DASH ABOVE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER AND ON THE PASSENGER AIR BAG. CHEVROLET REFUSES TO FIX A KNOWN MANUFACTURE DEFECT IF THIS VEHICLE IS EVER IN AN ACCIDENT THE RISK OF DEATH OR SERIOUS BODILY INJURY IS EXTREMELY HIGH.

Apr 27, 2018

RECEIVED RECALL LETTER FROM GM JULY 2016 CONTACTED OUR LOCAL DEALERSHIP SEVERAL TIMES AND REQUEST NEW AIRBAG DURING ROUTINE SERVICE. THE DASH AROUND THE AIRBAG HAS TWO CRACKS AND VIBRATES WHEN DRIVING. IT IS GARAGE KEPT, 87,000 MILES. IT NEEDS TO BE REPAIRED OR REPLACED. I AM WORRIED THAT THE AIRBAG MAY NOT WORK OR THAT PASSENGER WILL BE INJURED WITH PLASTIC FROM DASH IF NEEDED IN CRASH.

Aug 13, 2017

GENERAL MOTORS DASH CRACKS ON VARIOUS AVALANCHE MODEL YEARS. MY RESEARCH SUGGEST OTHER GM VEHICLES SIMILAR TOO THE AVALANCHE. MY METICULOUSLY MAINTAINED AVALANCHE IS TYPICAL. COMPARING TOO OTHER GM VEHICLES OF OTHER OWNERS. CRACK ARE NEAR IDENTICAL IN LOCATION. PRESENTLY ONE AT THE PASSENGER AIRBAG. SECOND CRACK ON THE INSTRUMENT DASH HUMP. I CAN ONLY CONCLUDE THE POSSIBILITY OF A DESIGN FLAW. CRACK PICTURE ARE THE BEST I CAN DO. AIRBAG CRACK IS NEAR THE QUARTER. TWO PICTURES SHOW THE VEHICLE IS NOT ABUSED. GENERAL MOTORS CONTACT HAVE PROVED USELESS. "IF I WANT THE CRACK REPAIRED, I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FROM MY OWN POCKET."

Mar 03, 2017

+ 7 more complaints for this component

AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE

6 complaints

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE DASHBOARD WAS FRACTURED DIRECTLY ABOVE THE AIR BAG. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DAN VADEN BRUNSWICK CHEVROLET CADILLAC (121 ALTAMA CONNECTOR, BRUNSWICK, GA 31525, (912) 265-3540), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V381000 (AIR BAGS), BUT THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE SAME DEALER THREE TIMES AND THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE EACH TIME. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT AT THE SAME DEALER AND PROVIDED A CASE NUMBER: 9-5453255979. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Aug 30, 2019

SAFETY ISSUE. DASH IS CRACKING NEAR AIRBAG. THIS COULD POSSIBLY CAUSE PREMATURE DEPLOYMENT OF AIRBAG OR SHRAPNEL FROM DASH CAUSING HARM DURING DEPLOYMENT. DASH IS ALSO CRACKING OVER STEERING WHEEL AREA.

Dec 03, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE FRACTURED ALONG THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG HOUSING ENCLOSURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO BE INSPECTED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE DASHBOARD NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000.

Nov 12, 2015

NOTICED A LARGE CRACK IN THE DASH BOARD IN FRONT OF THE STEERING WHEEL THAT MIGHT EFFECT THE USE OF AIR BAGS IF THE DASH IS WEAKENED FROM THE CRACK. *TR

Apr 21, 2015

THE DASHBOARD CRACKED AT THE CORNER OF THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG AND SPIDERED OUT INTO THE AIR VENT. I BROUGHT IT TO THE LOCAL CHEVY DEALER, AND BASICALLY TOLD ME TO GO AWAY IT WASN'T UNDER WARRANTY. I BOUGHT AN EXTENDED WARRANTY I GUESS THAT DOESN'T COVER ANYTHING. I KNOW OF HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE WITH THIS SAME ISSUE. THIS IS ABOUT THE SAFETY OF THE CONSUMERS!!! *TR

Nov 21, 2014

+ 1 more complaint for this component

POWER TRAIN

4 complaints

AT TIMES WHILE SLOWING DOWN (CLOSE TO A STOP) THE TRUCK WILL LUNGE FORWARD UNEXPECTEDLY PUSHES THE TRUCK FORWARD. THIS IS GENERALLY IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC. IT BECOME VERY UNSAFE WHILE THE PROXIMITY OF OTHER CARS DURING THIS TIME IS VERY CLOSE AND COULD CAUSE INJURY. THIS IS AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM. *TR

Sep 27, 2014

WHEN SLOWING DOWN THE VEHICLE SURGES FORWARD EVEN WHEN BRAKE IS BEING APPLIED. IT DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE RELATED TO ENGINE SURGE AS IT DOES WITH SUDDEN GEAR CHANGE AS IF THE VEHICLE IS SPEEDING UP FROM A STAND STILL. THIS OCCURRED AS I WAS TURNING INTO A PARKING SPACE WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO VEER UNCONTROLLABLY TO THE RIGHT (WAS MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN INTO PARKING SPACE) AND HIT A BRICK COLUMN. IT HAS ALSO HAPPENED WHEN COMING TO A STOP AND PERSONS WERE ABOUT TO WALK ACROSS ROAD SCARING THEM AND ME! THE VEHICLE CONTINUES TO EXPERIENCE THESE SAME ISSUES. DEALERSHIP HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO FIX THOUGH THEY DID ACKNOWLEDGE THAT MY VEHICLE WAS THE ONLY ONE EXPERIENCING THIS ISSUE. *TR

May 23, 2014

Crash: 1

AT TIMES WHEN MY AVALANCHE IS SLOWING DOWN (CLOSE TO A STOP) THE TRUCK WILL LUNGE FORWARD. IT FEELS LIKE IT'S SOMETHING WITH THE TRANSMISSION (DOWNSHIFTING?). ALMOST LIKE A SURGE OF ENERGY UNEXPECTEDLY PUSHES THE TRUCK FORWARD. IT DOES CATCH ME OFF GUARD AT TIMES, BUT LUCKILY I HAVE NOT STRUCK ANYTHING WHEN IT HAS HAPPENED. IT DOES NOT DO IT ALL THE TIME, BUT RATHER INTERMITTENTLY. I AM HOPING THAT GM CAN FIGURE OUT WHY THIS IS HAPPENING AND POSSIBLY ISSUE A RECALL TO FIX THE PROBLEM. *TR

Aug 03, 2013

WHEN I AM SLOWING DOWN TO A STOP THE TRANSMISSION WILL SUDDENLY MAKE THE VEHICLE SURGE FORWARD QUICKLY. IF I NOT JUST AS QUICK TO APPLY A FIRM BRAKE I RISK HITTING THE CAR OR PEDESTRIANS NEAR ME WHICH HAS HAPPEN ON SEVERAL OCCASION. ON ONE OCCASION, AS I WAS TURNING INTO A PARKING SPACE THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY SURGED FORWARD SO FORCEFULLY THAT IT CAUSE THE FRONT LEFT BUMBLE TO TRAVEL OUTSIDE THE PLANNED PATH AND HIT A BRICK COLUMN. THIS PROBLEM ONLY OCCURS IN SITUATIONS WHEN I AM SLOWING DOWN, I.E. MAKING TURNS, TRAFFIC LIGHTS, PARKING, ETC. IT CAN BE FRIGHTENING WHEN IT OCCURS UNEXPECTEDLY. RECENTLY TOOK INTO LOCAL CHEVROLET DEALER. THEY ACKNOWLEDGED THE PROBLEM AND SAID CHEVROLET ENGINEERS ARE WORKING ON A FIX WHERE THE TRANSMISSION'S COMPUTER IS ALTERED. BUT THEY DIDN'T SEEM CONFIDENT IN THE OUTCOME. *TR

Jun 05, 2013

Crash: 1

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

2 complaints

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 127,000, and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 223,000. Local authorities had been contacted.

Apr 23, 2025

REFERENCE TO GM'S CAMPAIGN #14V827000. DEFECTIVE PART 14696/ REPLACEMENT PART 14912. THIS IS THE IGNITION SWITCH IN WHICH HAS CAUSED DEATHS, ETC. I WOULD LIKE TO GET THIS PROBLEM CORRECTED BEFORE INJURIES OCCUR. DUE TO THE MAGNITUDE OF GM'S RECALLS I AM AFRAID THE RECALL NOTICE WILL NOT BE ISSUED BEFORE CAUSING ME OR MY FAMILY BODILY INJURY. HOW CAN I GET THE DEALER TO REPLACE THE SWITCH ASAP? DEWEY BARBER CHEVROLET IS WITHIN 5 MILES OF MY HOME. I HAVE NEVER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE.

Jan 11, 2015

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE

2 complaints

PURCHASED A USED 2011 CHEVY AVALANCHE WITH 87,000 MILES ONE OWNER FROM A SMALL DEALERSHIP. AFTER HAVING THE VEHICLE FOR ABOUT A WEEK NOTICED IT SHUDDERING WHEN PULLING ANY KIND OF GRADE. THINKING IT WAS SOME KIND OF MISFIRE HAD ALL THE PLUGS CHANGED ONLY TO FIND THAT IT ALSO HAD AN OIL FILE PROBLEM WITH 1 OF THE CYLINDERS. WHEN THE VEHICLE WOULD SHUDDER IT WAS AROUND 1500-2000 RPMS. IF I WOULD GIVE IT MORE GAS IT MADE IT PAST THE 2,000 RPMS AND WOULD SHIFT WITH NO PROBLEMS. NEEDLESS TO SAY THE TRANSMISSION IS NOW TOAST AS IT GAVE OUT COMPLETELY AND NEEDS REPLACED. NO WARNING LIGHTS OF ANY KIND MADE ME AWARE OF A POTENTIALLY SERIOUS PROBLEM. AFTER READING MORE I AM SEEING THAT THE TRANSMISSION IS SOMETHING THAT GM HAS NOT FULLY TAKEN CARE OF AS STATED WITH OLDER MODELS. THE TRANSMISSION FAILED WHILE DRIVING ON A MAJOR INTERSTATE ROADWAY WHILE NEARING THE TOP OF A HILL. IT JUST WENT COMPLETELY INTO NEUTRAL AND WOULD JUST REV THE ENGINE. THE TRUCK WAS CARRYING 3 ADULTS AND 2 CHILDREN IN CAR SEATS WHEN THIS OCCURRED. THANKFULLY WE WERE ABLE TO GET TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD SAFELY. CURRENTLY THE TRUCK HAS 89,995 MILES ON IT. I ONLY PUT APPROXIMATELY 2000 MILES ON IT SINCE PURCHASE.

Oct 12, 2020

AT TIMES WHEN THE VEHICLE IS SLOWING DOWN/DOWN SHIFTING (MORE COMMON WHEN GOING UP A GRADE) IT WILL SUDDENLY LUNGE FORWARD (BEFORE COMING TO A STOP) EVEN WITH YOUR FOOT ON THE BRAKE. IT SEEMS TO HAPPEN WHEN DOWNSHIFTING FROM 2ND TO 1ST GEAR AND SOMETIMES IT CATCHES ME OFF GUARD. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION ESPECIALLY WHEN SLOWING DOWN NEAR PEOPLE. I AM ALWAYS CONCERNED THAT THE VEHICLE IS GOING TO LUNGE FORWARD AND HIT SOMETHING OR EVEN WORSE SOMEONE. I HOPE NHTSA INVESTIGATES THIS SITUATION AS OTHER PEOPLE HAVE REPORTED THE SAME PROBLEM.

Dec 17, 2015

ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

2 complaints

ACTIVE FUEL MANAGEMENT PROBLEM - OIL PASSING THE O-RINGS ON THE PISTONS WHICH IS CAUSING THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO COME ON AND ONE CYLINDER OUT OF THE SEVEN NOT WORKING AT ALL. IT CAUSED 2 NEW SPARK PLUGS TO BREAK

Mar 02, 2019

TRAVELING AT 65MPH IN -25 DEGREES F, OUR CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND STABILINK TRACTION CONTROL LIGHTS CAME ON. DASH DISPLAY SAID VEHICLE WOULD LOSE POWER AND OUR ENGINE SHUT-DOWN. WE PULLED OVER ON A SNOWY HIGHWAY AND READ BLOGS AND FOUND OUR THROTTLE BODY SENSOR WOULD CRACK AND FAIL AT EXTREME COLD TEMP. WE STARTED VEHICLE AND IT RESET, BUT SAME PROBLEM HAPPENED WITHIN 5 MILES. I FOUND A AUTO-ZONE IN PRINCETON, MINNESOTA AND BOUGHT PART AND REPLACED MYSELF. AS IT WAS NEW YEARS EVE NO GM ASSISTANCE WAS AVAILABLE. GM TELLS US THERE WAS A SERVICE BULLETIN BUT THEY FAILED TO NOTIFY US. ALSO TOLD US A DEALER WOULD FIX THE PROBLEM FOR FREE, BUT FAILED TO TELL US HOW TO GET TO A DEALER WITH THE ENGINE SHUT DOWN. I RESEARCHED AND FOUND THIS PROBLEM COMMON AT COLD TEMPERATURES. GM WAS DANGEROUSLY IRRESPONSIBLE BY NOT NOTIFYING US. THEY PUT US IN A BAD SITUATION IN EXTREMELY COLD TEMPS. I FAIL TO SEE WHY THIS WASN'T A RECALL WHEN YOUR VEHICLE BASICALLY SHUTS DOWN. WE COULD HAVE EASILY BEEN REAR-ENDED OR SPUN IN A DITCH. THANKS TO BLOGS WITH NO HELP FROM GM, I FIXED THE PROBLEM MYSELF AT EXTREME COLD TEMP. GM WILL NOT COVER MY $190.00 FOR PART, NOT COUNTING STRESS,TIME AND LABOR. HOW CAN THEY SAY THEY VERIFIED WE RECEIVED NO NOTICE, BUT WOULD NOT COVER OUR COSTS. I AM SURE THERE ARE MANY MORE DRIVERS PUT IN THIS SITUATION. THANKS GM.

Jan 05, 2018

POWER TRAIN,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),ENGINE

2 complaints

ENGINE RUNS ROUGH AT IDLE WHEN ENGINE LIGHT, SERVICE STABILITRAK LIGHT AND TRACTION CONTROL OFF LIGHTS ALL COME ON. UPON ACCELERATION, ONLY ENGINE LIGHT REMAINS ON. WILL REPEAT AT LOWER IDLE.

Mar 24, 2017

I WAS DRIVING MY TRUCK AT ABOUT 45 MPH WHEN THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT CAME ON THE DASH AND MY TRUCK SUDDENLY WENT FROM 45MPH TO 20 MPH AND THE MOTOR BEGAN TO MISS FIRE AND BUCK. IF THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN SOMEONE FOLLOWING ME THEY WOULD OF HIT ME IN THE REAREND DUE TO THE SUDDEN SLOWING OF MY VEHICLE. *TR

Feb 16, 2015

ENGINE

2 complaints

AT 40000 WE NOTICED WE WERE HAVING ISSUES WITH MY AVALANCHE BURNING OIL, WHEN WE ASKED THE TECH AT CHEVY HE TOLD ME THAT WAS NORMAL FOR THE NEWER ENGINES TO BURN OIL, AT 130,000 MILE WE STARTED HAVING PROBLEM WITH A SPARK PLUG FOULING OUT, I READ THAT THIS WAS DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE OIL CONSUMPTION PROBLEM. AT 181,000 MILE AND ONLY FOUR YEARS OLD WE HAD TO REPLACE THE ENGINE AFTER REPLACING THE SPARK PLUG AND WIRE 3 TIMES THIS COST US $6847. I HAVE READ THIS IS A CONSTANT PROBLEM WITH THE 5.3 ENGINES AND COULD CAUSE4 MAJOR ACCIDENTS IF THE END UP ON A HIGHWAY WHEN THEY FINALLY GO OUT

Mar 31, 2016

AT @4000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. THE DEALERSHIP FOUND THAT THERE WAS NO OIL IN THE ENGINE AND #1 SPARK PLUG WAS BAD. THEY REPLACED THE PLUG & OIL. AGAIN ABOUT ANOTHER 4000 MILE IT DID THE SAME THING. THEY REPLACED THE VALVE GUIDE SEALS, THAT STOPPED THE SPARK PLUG FROM GOING BAD, BUT I HAVE TO PUT A QUART OF OIL IN IT EVERY 3,000 MILES. A VEHICLE USING SYNTHETIC OIL SHOULD GO ABOUT 7,500 MILES OR MORE. THAT MEANS TWO QUARTS OIL BETWEEN CHANGES. THEY CLAIM WITH GENERAL MOTORS THAT IS ACCEPTABLE. I HAVE NEVER OWNED A NEW VEHICLE WHERE I HAD TO ADD OIL BEFORE AND DUE OIL CHANGE. THE SAME VEHICLE HAS SO MUCH WIND NOISE COMING IN AROUND THE DOORS OR WINDOWS IT IS HARD TO HEAR THE RADIO. MY COMPLAINT TO THE DEALER THEIR ANSWER WAS ? THERE ISN?T A BULLETIN ON THIS. THAT MEANS THEY DON?T KNOW WHAT TO DO, OR WON?T. AND DIDN?T DO A THING. *JS

Jan 01, 2015

POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE

2 complaints

I OWN A 2011 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE LTZ AND AT TIMES WHEN THE TRUCK DOWN SHIFTS IT WILL LUNGE FORWARD. I REALLY NEED TO HAVE MY FOOT FIRMLY PRESSED ON THE BRAKE TO KEEP THE TRUCK FROM POSSIBLY HITTING SOMETHING OR SOMEONE IN FRONT OF ME. IT DOES NOT DO IT ALL THE TIME AND IT'S RATHER RANDOM. I FEEL THAT IS WORSE THEN IT HAPPENING ALL THE TIME BECAUSE I DON'T KNOW WHEN TO EXPECT IT. I HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANY NOTIFICATION OF A RECALL, BUT I FEEL A FIX IS DEFINITELY IN ORDER. SOMETHING IS NOT RIGHT AND IT COULD RESULT IN A CRASH. *TR

Nov 15, 2013

I HAVE BEGAN TO NOTICE WHEN SLOWING DOWN (FOOT OFF THE GAS AND COASTING WITH FOOT ON BRAKE, OR BRAKE APPLIED) AT ANY AREA WHERE MY SPEED DECREASES TO LESS THAN 15 MPH THAT MY AVALANCHE WILL SEEM TO SORT OF LUNGE FORWARD. THE FIRST TIME I EXPERIENCED THIS I BELIEVED IT WAS RELATED TO ME AND IGNORED IT. THE NEXT COUPLE OF TIMES I EXPERIENCED THIS I THOUGHT THERE MAY BE SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE GAS OR ENGINE. I HAVE SPOKEN WITH SEVERAL OTHER OWNERS (WHO OWN THE SAME YEAR MODEL AVALANCHE AND SUBURBAN - THE SUBURBAN AND AVALANCHE ARE MADE FROM THE SAME FRAME/BODY/PARTS) AND THEY STATE EXPERIENCING THE SAME ISSUE. I MUST BE CAUTIOUS TO RIDE MY BRAKES AND BE READ TO HEAVILY APPLY THEM NOW WHEN TAKING AN OFF/ON RAMP AND VEHICLES ARE IN FRONT OF ME AS MY VEHICLE HAS LUNGED FORWARD BEFORE WITH VEHICLES IN FRONT OF ME. I NOTICED HERE THAT (AT THE TIME OF THIS SUBMISSION) THAT TWO OTHER USERS HAVE REPORTED THE SAME INCIDENT. I AM HOPING THAT MY REPORT HERE WILL HELP OPEN AN INVESTIGATION WITH CHEVROLET ON THIS ISSUE. *TR

Sep 14, 2013

SUSPENSION

1 complaint

The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and making a left turn, there was a loud banging sound coming from under the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road and the steering wheel became stiff. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic but was not yet diagnosed. The contact believed that failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 10V643000 (Suspension); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 101,000.

Feb 13, 2025

STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

Vehicle sometimes without warning, would shut down.Yes its available for inspection. Its unsafe because of the element of surprise when suddenly finding out that the ability to control the vehicle is dangerously compromised. Specifically when trying to steer or brake effectively or even trying to get to a safe location. With no warning there is not much time to react to the situation. In spite of having a perfect driver score I become a threat to other drivers and pedestrians when my vehicle shuts down. I have had it looked at by two different local mechanics. After trying a few less expensive options its becoming more evident that its a faulty sensor. After checking to see about other owners with similar issues, I have learned that the crankshaft position sensor was often behind the problem. This is not to say, it is in my case. My point is that with it posing a safety risk why should these other owners and Im sure more to come and me have to respond after possibly being in a deadly accident when this has been a documented as an ongoing problem. As for the rest of the questions, no one other than a mechanic has looked at the vehicle. Some times there would be an indication message on the dash along with engine trouble light and nothing would happen. But most recently it twice shut down without any indicator message. Once was on the highway the other about two hundred yards before a railroad crossing.

Dec 22, 2021

SUSPENSION,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

1 complaint

JUST PURCHASED THE VEHICLE 3 DAYS AGO AND THE DEALERSHIP IS TELLING ME I BOUGHT THE CAR AS IS AND THERE'S THREE RECALLS ON IT AND THEY ARE THEY'RE REFUSING TO FIX WHAT IT NEEDS TO BE FIXED DO THEY HAVE THE RIGHT TO DO THAT AND JUST BECAUSE I BOUGHT THE CAR AS IS

May 13, 2019

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),ENGINE

1 complaint

SERVICE STABILITRAC SYSTEM INDICATION COMES ON, WITH CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, AND ENGINE POWER REDUCED. HAPPENS RANDOMLY, CANNOT FIND A "COMMON CAUSE" SPENT LOTS OF MONEY ON PCM, BCM, MEMORY SEAT MODULE, BATTERY CABLES, BATTERY, BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH, ETC. ETC. DANGEROUS CONDITION WHEN VEHICLE DROPS INTO POWER REDUCTION MODE.

Feb 18, 2019

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS

1 complaint

AIR BAG SERVICE LIGHT IS ON THE TRUCK WILL SURGE WITH NO WARNING CAUSE THE INSTRUMENT TO BLACK OUT AND WOULD CAUSE THE TRUCK TO STOP CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON WITH NO KEY AND CONTROL ON THE STEERING NOT FUNCTIONAL

Jun 14, 2017

STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

"TAKATA RECALL" CRACK DASH IN 2 PLACES ON 2011 AVALANCHE DUE TO HEAT FROM SUN THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE WITH GMC/CHEVY TRUCKS NEEDS TO BE FIX PAIED GOOD MONEY FOR TRUCK! VERY UNHAPPY!! VERY UNSAFE 1 CRACK AT PASSANGER AIR BAG ANG OTHER AT INSTERMENT REAR OF DASH! HAD ABOUT 60,000 MILES ON IT WHEN A FRIEND NOTICE THE CRACKS!

Aug 28, 2016

SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN

1 complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE. WHILE CHANGING GEARS TO THE DRIVE POSITION, THE GEARS LOCKED UP AND FAILED TO MOVE. THE CONTACT STATED THEY EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE LISTED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V007000 (SUSPENSION), BUT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR AXLE CROSS PIN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Apr 06, 2016

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE

1 complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD OF THE VEHICLE WAS CRACKED ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AROUND THE AIR BAG AND THE DRIVER SIDE OF THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,273. UPDATED 05/18/16*LJ

Dec 23, 2015

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE. WHILE THE VEHICLE IDLED, THE STABLILITRAC AND ABS WARNING INDICATORS FLICKERED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 93,778.

Aug 03, 2015

AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO ENGAGE THE BRAKES, THE VEHICLE DID NOT SLOW DOWN AND THE ABS FAILED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE REAR END OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED UNKNOWN INJURIES, BUT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN VERIFIED THAT THE ABS FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE RESET. THE CONTACT ASKED THE MANUFACTURER FOR A NEW ABS BRAKE MODULE UNDER THE WARRANTY, BUT THE MANUFACTURER REFUSED TO REPLACE THE ABS BRAKE MODULE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 24,500. UPDATED 4/21/15*CN UPDATED 04/23/15*JB

Feb 23, 2015

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE,ENGINE

1 complaint

THE DASHBOARD CRACKED FOR NO REASON IN TWO PLACES. ONE CRACK INVOLVES THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG COVER AND THE COVER IS COMING OFF DUE TO THE CRACK. I TOLD THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THEY HAD SEEN THIS BEFORE BUT WOULD NOT COVER IT. THE CRACK IS GETTING WORSE AND THE AIRBAG COVER IS LIFTING UP WHICH WILL COMPROMISE THE AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT. THERE ARE MANY OTHER COMPLAINTS ONLINE OF THE SAME ISSUE OF CRACKING OF THE DASHBOARD AND ALL ARE SAYING THE DEALERSHIP WILL DO NOTHING TO FIX THIS DEFECT. THIS VEHICLE HAS ALREADY HAD TO HAVE THE ENGINE REPLACED TWICE DUE TO DEFECTS, 3 TIMES IF YOU COUNT THE INITIAL REBUILDING OF THE ENGINE. *JS

Dec 02, 2014

STRUCTURE,VISIBILITY/WIPER

1 complaint

DASH HAS STARTED CRACKING EVERYWHERE. AROUND THE PASSENGER AIRBAG THERE ARE CRACKS IN THE HARD PLASTIC DASH, AFRAID IF THE AIRBAG WERE TO DEPLOY THAT IT WOULD SEND SMALL PIECES OF CRACKED HARD PLASTIC AS PROJECTILES. DASH IS ALSO CRACKED AROUND IN DASH SPEAKER, AND BEHIND INSTRUMENT PANEL.

Sep 06, 2014

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

FIRST FEW MONTHS EXPERIENCED TRUCK LUNGING FORWARD WHILST ATTEMPTING TO STOP. EXPRESSED CONCERN WITH SERVICE DEPT. THEY STATED NATURE OF THE VEHICLE PERFORMANCE. MARCH 2013 CALLED GM SERVICE #[XXX] AFTER EXPERIENCING ON HIGHWAY @ 65 MPH THE VEHICLE ACCELERATING AS I APPLIED BRAKE TO SLOW DOWN RPM'S JUMPED TO 4500 AND ACCELERATED. 3/21/13 MILEAGE 24,565 WAS TOLD BY DEALERSHIP NO CODES WERE FOUND. WAS REFERRED BY GM TO TECH SPECIALIST 3/26/13 @ 866 790 5700 EXT. 32664 TOLD TO GET SECOND OPINION THEN COMPLETELY IGNORED BY GM FOR FOLLOW UPS. APRIL 1ST DIFFERENT DEALERSHIP FOUND CODE EVENT STORED IN TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE FROM MARCH 15TH BUT NO DIAGNOSTIC WAS PRESENT, THEY CLEANED THE THROTTLE BODY. MID APRIL 2013 BRAKES BEGAN PULSATING ON COMPRESSION. MID APRIL FRUSTRATED AND VERY CONCERNED WITH SAFETY CALLED 800 LEMON LAW FOUND ON LINE AND KIMMEL & SILVERMAN ADVISED GM / GM RESPONDED DISCLAIMING ISSUES. @ 28,429 MILES 5/21/13 FRONT ROTORS REPLACED AND REAR ROTORS RESURFACED. TRANSMISSION DIPSTICK TUBE FRACTURE FIX: PIPE INSULATION & ZIP TIE. 8/20/13 BRAKES PULSATING AGAIN & SPONGY - VIBRATION NOTED BY SERVICE BUT NOT ADDRESSED.BROUGHT TO SPECIALIST; RIGHT REAR ROTOR GROOVED & LEFT REAR HAD CHATTER MARKS. 8/29/13 WENT TO AMCO THEY FOUND 4 CODES IN TRUCK ON GM SCANNER WHICH DEALERSHIP DENIED THERE WERE ANY. SEPT. 2013 RECEIVED BULLETIN " THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR MAY CAUSE ENGINE TO RUN ROUGH ". GETTING NO-WHERE WITH GM OR DEALERSHIP AND FEARING FOR SAFETY IN OCT. 2013 I OPTED TO TRADE THE VEHICLE AT A GREAT LOSS AS IT WAS MY ONLY TRANSPORTATION. MIND YOU THIS WAS MY 2ND AVALANCHE - THE 1ST ONE I'D HAD A FRONT END ACCIDENT; AIR BAG NEVER DEPLOYED, FORTUNATELY I WAS NOT INJURED AND DEEMED THE PERFORMANCE ISSUES TO BE DUE TO THE ACCIDENT AND TRADED INTO THIS NEW AVALANCHE. I HAVE DOCUMENTATION FOR ALL OF THIS AND HAVE LOST OVER $30,000 DUE TO GM NEGLIGENCE. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Jun 09, 2014

POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 complaint

I WAS IN LINE AT A DRIVE THROUGH AT BURGER KING AND AS I PULLED UP TO THE CASHIERS WINDOW TO PAY FOR MY FOOD THE ENGINE STARTED TO ACCELERATE. I PUT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKES AS HARD AS I COULD WHILE THE TRUCK WAS SHAKING AND LURCHING TRYING TO GO FORWARD. I CAN'T SAY FOR SURE HOW HIGH THE TACHOMETER WAS, BUT IT SEEMED TO ALMOST PEG FOR A FEW SECONDS WHILE THIS WAS GOING ON. FINALLY I JAMMED THE TRANSMISSION INTO NEUTRAL AND THE ENGINE RETURNED TO NORMAL IDLE. I SAY JAMMED BECAUSE IT TOOK GREAT STRENGTH TO GET IT OUT OF DRIVE. FOR ABOUT 10-15 SECONDS THIS TRUCK WAS TOTALLY OUT OF MY CONTROL. I DROVE AWAY AND PARKED FOR A FEW MINUTES TO GATHER MYSELF AS I WAS VISIBLY SHAKEN..I WAS THANKFUL THAT NO ONE WAS IN FRONT OF ME IN AT BURGER KING OR THAT I WAS NOT IN A PARKING LOT SOMEWHERE WHERE SOMEONE COULD HAVE BEEN INJURED OR KILLED. I HAD BROUGHT THIS VEHICLE IN MORE THAN ONCE TO THE DEALER (RK CHEVROLET) AND COMPLAINED ABOUT THE TRANSMISSION NOT SHIFTING PROPERLY AND WAS ALWAYS TOLD THEY COULD NOT FIND A PROBLEM. AFTER REPORTING THIS THEY DECIDED TO PUT A DEVICE TO MONITOR THE COMPUTER. I DROVE AROUND WITH THIS FOR ABOUT 3 MONTHS AND NOTHING HAPPENED AND THEY SAID THE DATA COLLECTED WAS INCONCLUSIVE. SINCE THE TRUCK HAD JUST WENT OUT OF WARRANTY THEY SAID THEY COULD NOT DO ANYMORE. THIS IS TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE. *TR

May 22, 2014

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

1 complaint

REDUCED ENGINE POWER , ENGINE DIES NO POWER STEERING OR POWER BRAKES ALMOST REAR ENDED ON I-25. TROUBLE CODE SAYS P2135 THROTTLE BODY HAS HAPPENED 20 TIMES OR MORE IN 8 MONTHS. DEALER WHERE PURCHASED SAY THEY NEVER HEARD OF THIS PROBLEM THEN SAID NEW WIRING HARNESS MIGHT FIX IT,KNEW THE PRICE WITHOUT LOOKING IT UP? THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF POSTS ON LINE ABOUT PROBLEM,BUT THEY NEVER HEARD OF IT.WIRING HARNESS REPLACED THROTTLE BODY CLEANED AND CHECKED PEDDLE CHECKED STILL HAPPENS ,HAVE SPENT HUNDREDS. NO SOLUTION . I HAVE TO DRIVE ON HIGHWAY TO GET TO WORK ON OIL RIG,I'M AFRAID IT WELL CAUSE AN ACCIDENT .GM DOESN'T KNOW WHAT IS CAUSING PROBLEM AND DOESN'T SEEM TO CARE. *TR

Mar 15, 2012

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE 1500. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN HE APPLIED THE E BRAKE, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT HE WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE BY SHIFTING INTO NEUTRAL AND SHUTTING OFF THE IGNITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 5,500. UPDATED 03/28/12 *BF UPDATED 03/29/12

Mar 01, 2012

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

1 complaint

2002 CHEVY AVALANCHE - PROBLEMS WITH ABS BRAKES, TRUCK WON'T STOP AS DESCRIBED IN NHTSA ACTION # PE05020, CALLED THE LOCAL DEALER WHERE I PURCHASED NEW IN 2002. I WAS TOLD THE RECALL IS VIN # SPECIFIC, HOWEVER THE NHTSA ACTION DESCRIBES THE RECALL AS STATE SPECIFIC( I RESIDE IN AURORA, OHIO-SOUTHEASTERN SNOW BELT OF LAKE ERIE). THE VEHICLE HAD BRAKE WORK DONE 2 YRS AFTER PURCHASE AND THE SERVICE AND REPAIR FORM STATED " REAR BRAKES CORRODED CAUSING PREMATURE FAILURE ". MY COMPLAINT IS WHY WON'T CHEVY OR THE DEALER HONOR THIS RECALL WHEN IT STATES STATE SPECIFIC IN THE RECALL. LAST NIGHT DURING A SHORT TRIP, UNDER 20 MILES, THE BRAKES STARTED SMOKING WITH SEVERE PEDAL PULSATION. THE VEHICLE HAS 70,680 MILES AS OF TODAY-5/07/11. *TR

May 07, 2011

2011 CHEVROLET Avalanche Problems & Complaints

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