2013 CHEVROLET Avalanche Problems

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Premium Report

Complaints Reported

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Complaints by Component

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

31 complaints

The one piece dashboard has been cracking in multiple places for approximately 5 years. I see that there are multiple, multiple, multiple complaints regarding this issue across various models all of which occurred after the one piece dashboard was implemented. I also saw that a class action suit was filed and dismissed because this is not a “safety issue”. In my opinion, this is a safety in the event of an air bag deployment especially with the multiple cracks (which have occurred over the years). We take immaculate care of our vehicles and rarely trade them in under 10 years. We are also retired and don’t have the luxury of dropping 2k on a dashboard replacement. We respectfully request the replacement of the dashboard under manufacturer defect. Please advise if this is possible.

Jun 14, 2022

The Dashboard cracked all the way down the middle.

Dec 30, 2021

I got into my 2013 Chevrolet Avalanche and found that the dash board had cracked. The crack is approx. 6"s long and runs from the windshield to the top of the rise above speedometer. It just happened and I don't know what to do about it. Can you help?

Oct 23, 2021

Dash has cracked as with many others experiencing the same issue.

Jul 08, 2021

DASH CRACKED OVER PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG.

Apr 19, 2021

+ 26 more complaints for this component

STRUCTURE

13 complaints

The dash has been slowly cracking the past couple of years. Which I’m concerned it will affect the air bag if ever in an accident and also dangerously sharp pieces of the dash could cause harm.

Apr 13, 2024

DASH BOARD AROUND PASSENGER AIRBAG AND ABOVE SPEEDOMETER IS BROKEN / CRACKED AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT MAYBE COMPROMISED WHILE DEPLOYING DUE TO PLASTIC DASH CRACK SLICING THE AIRBAG WHILE ACTUATING

Feb 13, 2021

RECENTLY PURCHASED VEHICLE FROM A LOCAL DEALER. DIDN'T NOTICE AT THE TIME THAT THE DASHBOARD WAS CRACKED. IT'S A CONTINUOUS RATTLE NOW THAT APPEARS TO BE GETTING LARGER.

Mar 03, 2020

CRACKS ON DASH AROUND AIR BAG COMPARTMENT ON PASSENGER SIDE.

Oct 29, 2018

DASH BOARD BY PASSENGER AIR BAG HAS A CRACK AND APPARENTLY IT HAPPENS TO ALL GM TRUCKS OF THIS TYPE AND MODEL

Jul 06, 2018

+ 8 more complaints for this component

AIR BAGS

11 complaints

I had an auto accident that totaled my vehicle (2013 Chevy Avalanche). It was t-boned by the other vehicle with significant damage from the front quarter panel to the rear quarter panel. All on the driver's side. NONE of the airbags deployed in my vehicle. The other vehicle that hit me had all of the air bags deployed. I had my passenger airbag replaced, based on a manufacturers recall, this past summer 09/26/2025 at a certified Chevy dealer. At that time, they said everything was replaced that needed to be and confirmed that everything was working. Because NONE of the airbags deployed in my vehicle, I sustained minor injuries, i.e. cuts, bruises, etc. and my passenger sustained minor injuries as well, i.e. bruises and neck pain. At the time of the accident, there were no warning lights or messages related to air bags. All manufacturers recalls were already applied to the vehicle and the airbags were supposedly in good condition only months before the accident (i.e. 09/26/2025).

Jan 08, 2026

Crash: 1

Injuries: 3

Instrument panel (dashboard) cracked at airbag. Upon deployment shrapnel from dash panel could enter passenger compartment causing injury.

Oct 26, 2023

In December of 2020 we took our vehicle cannon dealership,the 2013 avalanche had a recall to repair a part for the takata air bag,on January 17,2022 we had and accident, some one pulling a cow hauling trailer pull out in front of us and we hit into the cow trailer,and the air bags didn't deploy.we got injured,and we are still under the doctor,we had $9000 worth of damage,would have been worse if my husband hadn't hit brakes and we were sliding all across the highway we just couldn't avoid hitting the cow hauling trailer thanks Barbara hill.

Jun 10, 2022

Crash: 1

Injuries: 3

Takata recall. The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Avalanche. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 21V054000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and informed the contact that there was no expected time frame for parts availability. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.

Jul 07, 2021

Takata recall. The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Avalanche. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number 21V053000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The manufacturer was contacted and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.

Jun 17, 2021

+ 6 more complaints for this component

AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

8 complaints

DASHBOARD CRACKED IN 4 PLACES 2 AROUND AIRBAG AND 2 IN CENTER

Aug 30, 2020

I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE NEW AND AFTER SOME TIME MY DASHBOARD STARTED CRACKING BREAKING UP AROUND PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG AND JUST ABOVE INSTRUMENT PANEL ON DRIVERS SIDE ITS AND GETTING WORSE

Jul 12, 2020

THE DASHBOARD CRACKED AND BROKE RIGHT BY THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG, WHICH COULD CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY IF AIRBAGS EVER DEPLOY

Jun 14, 2020

MY DASH BOARD HAS CRACKS AND I AM CONCERNED THAT SHOULD THE AIR BAG GO OFF IN AN ACCIDENT THE CRACKED DASH MAY CAUSE INJURY BEYOND NORMAL. IT HAS BEEN NOTED THAT THERE ARE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ON THE INTERNET ABOUT THIS ISSUE. I CALL TO COMPLAIN ON THE OFFICIAL GM HOTLINE AND WAS DISMISSED BY THE INTERVIEWER.

Aug 09, 2019

GARAGE KEPT 2013 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE THAT DEVELOPED CRACKED DASHBOARD IN 3 LOCATIONS INCLUDING THE PASSENGER AIRBAG AREA. GARAGE KEPT 37K MILE VEHICLE

May 24, 2019

+ 3 more complaints for this component

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

3 complaints

3RD BRAKE LIGHT HOLDING WATER (CONDENSATION) INSIDE. REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY 5 TIMES. VEHICLE NOT GARAGED (SITS OUTDOORS ALL THE TIME) STILL LEAKS, NOT UNDER WARRANTY ANY LONGER. FIRST REPAIR 18 SEPT 2014, SECOND REPAIR 25 NOV 2014, THIRD REPLACEMENT MAY 15, 2015, FOURTH REPLACEMENT JULY 15 2015, FIFTH DEC 3 2015

Jan 08, 2020

TRYING TO GET INSPECTION WAS TOLD SEALED THIRD BRAKE LIGHT HAS WATER IN LIGHT CAUSING FAILURE OF LIGHT TO FUNCTION AS REQUIRED BY LAW. HOW DOES A SEALED LED LIGHT GET WATER IN IT. COST WILL EXCEED WELL OVER $700.00. FOR A PART THAT WILL FAIL AGAIN AFTER SEEING OTHER COMPLAINTS. THIS COULD RESULT IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT WITH BRAKE LIGHT FAILURE! I HAVE VA STATE POLICE REJECTION STICKER ABOUT 3RD LIGHT FAILURE

May 26, 2018

3RD BRAKE LIGHT DOES NOT WORK HAS WATER INSIDE. NO BULB TO CHANGE YOU HAVE TO CHANGE OUT THE WHOLE TAIL LIGHT.

May 25, 2018

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

2 complaints

Odometer Fraud. The contact attempted to purchase a 2013 Chevrolet Avalanche. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 142,000, and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 214,000.

Nov 20, 2025

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT LIT. SHOWING CODES P069E AND P0614. THIS IS THE SAME SYMPTOM FROM RECALL# 14515 (FUEL PUMP CONTROL MODULE) DUE TO INTERNAL CORROSION. MY VIN# WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE CODE STARTED SHORTLY AFTER STARTING TO DRIVE THE CAR.

Mar 13, 2019

STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

2 complaints

INSTRUMENT PANEL (DASHBOARD) CRACKED IN TWO PLACES. ONE BY THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG AND THE OTHER RIGHT ABOVE THE STEERING WHEEL. FROM WHAT I INVESTIGATED, THIS SEEMS TO BE A RATHER COMMON ISSUE.

Sep 15, 2020

CRACK IN DASH FROM AIRBAG CORNER DIAGONAL THROUGH DASH. *TR

Jun 02, 2020

AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

2 complaints

THE DASH IS CRACKED AT MULTIPLE PLACES INCLUDING UP TO THE AIRBAG. I WAS TOLD BY THE PEOPLE WHO REPAIRS WINDSHIELD THAT THIS IS A KNOW PROBLEM FOR AVALANCHE, SILVERADO SUBURBAN. THIS IS CLEARLY A MANUFACTURER DEFECT AND SHOULD BE A RECALL THEY ARE QUOTING ME A $1497 REPAIR FEE TO REPLACE THE DASH AT THE DEALER. I CONTACTED CHEVROLET FOR ASSISTANCE. THEY OFFERED A $130 GOOD WILL....

Oct 14, 2019

TAKATA RECALL: 2013 CHEVY AVALANCHE LTZ CRACKING AND SEPARATING DASHBOARD ALONG WITH RATTLING AROUND THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG HOUSING. SAFETY HAZARD !!

Sep 05, 2017

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint

I am an owner of a 2013 Chevy Avalanche and must say that i enjoy driving this vehicle. The problem that i have is the vehicle has been going into Engine Power Reduced Mode. This mode makes the vehicle hard to accelerate to highway speeds. The vehicle will have a code of P2128 or P2138 which is an accelator pedel ciruit problem. I changed the acceleator pedal and did not solve the problem. I changed out the Throttle Body Sensor and still the problem remains. On the dashboard it will show Check Engine Light on, Service Stablinktrac light on, and Service Traction Control Light on. I have seen other vehicle owners experience the same problems with their vehicles and told that there was no recall and have to pay for the repairs out of pocket. These are very well made vehicles but when they going into Engine Power Reduced Mode, drive ability is diminished.

Aug 05, 2023

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

1 complaint

The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Avalanche. The contact stated while attempting to refuel the vehicle, the fuel started spilling from the fuel filler neck. The contact stated that the failure had recurred since purchasing the vehicle. The contact had taken the vehicle to three independent mechanics where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel tube was narrower than normal and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 151,000.

Jul 24, 2023

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE

1 complaint

Repeated instances of engine misfire/loss of power due to known issue with 5.3L Engines. Chevy/GM have repeatedly not fixed root cause/issues leading to "Stabilitrac/Traction control" error messages during engine misfire while driving in traffic. On 3 of these occasions loss power in roads/intersections with oncoming traffic. Two of these occasions,almost caused collisions. Currently truck at dealership since 4/11/22, with Warranty company (extended warranty) and Chevy dealership discussing mechanical issues with Rings, Pistons, Lifters versus "Carbon build up". Engine very low mileage per year. Total milage under 72k. Carbon is in all engines, failure root cause according to research and service department not related to carbon. In conversation with Service Manager, in past Chevy service departments followed guidelines of "Stick a plug and wire on it, and send it out". 3/19/16- 4/2/16: Issues started. Reported to Chevy performance issues. Did this on 2-3 occasions, air filter replaced one visit, told "without error messages, can not diagnose problem." 31k mile 6/18/16: "Stabilitrac/Traction control" error messages. Engine misfires start. Diagnosis fouled #7 spark plug. Spark plug replaced. Service department verbal comment, "Don't know cause, platinum plugs good to 100K, never seen this before"34k mile 2/21/18: "Stabilitrac/Traction control" error messages. Engine misfire in traffic. Diagnosis misfires with #7 spark plug. Service replaced valve cover with updated metal flap to stop oil from spraying on plug. Removed intake manifold/clean intake runners of oil deposits 7/31/21: #7 checked.No issues 53K 11/11/21: "Stabilitrac/Traction control" error messages. Engine misfire/ stall badly in traffic. Multiple misfires with #7 cylinder. Diagnosis:No issues found after error message reset.Truck perfect, passed inspection to purchase Extended warranty from dealership 4/11/22: "Stabilitrac/Traction control"error messages. Engine misfire/stall in traffic. Engine failure

Sep 08, 2022

STEERING,STRUCTURE

1 complaint

The Dashboard has cracked and broken in several places and I believe this to be directly as a result of the steering wheel column and moving the steering wheel tilt positions. You could hear a cracking when moving the steering wheel position and then a sound like a bolt or something dropping inside. After this happened there was a crack immediately above, perpendicular with the steering wheel in the plastic bent portion of the dash and since that time I have noticed the steering wheel seems to shift some even when you aren’t attempting to tilt it and the dashboard is cracking in several places now. This vehicle has never been left outside of the garage. It has been driven as a secondary, leisure vehicle and is in excellent condition so please don’t say this is normal. This is a result of something that occurred after hearing the snapping sound after the steering wheel was being tilted.

Aug 06, 2022

TIRES

1 complaint

I hadn't put 3000 miles on these tires all four tires started to separate from the tire and they warped and a knot came on the side of the tires.tire # 305-40-22,its a manfacture defect in the tires.

Jun 10, 2022

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

MESSAGE CENTER SAYS SERVICE TRAILER BRAKE SYSTEM. CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP SAYS PROBLEM NOT COVERED BY RECALL.

Jan 26, 2021

ENGINE

1 complaint

MY CHEVY AVALANCHE HAS A GENERATION FOR VORTEX 5300 ENGINE WE ARE USING AT LEAST A QUARTER VOLT IN BETWEEN OIL CHANGES ALSO THE OIL MONITORING SYSTEM IS ALLOWING ME TO DRIVE AND TO OPERATE THE VEHICLE WITHOUT ADEQUATE OIL BECAUSE THE OIL GAUGE IS NOT READING WHEN THE OIL IS READY TO BE CHANGED. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING SINCE THE DAY WE PURCHASED IT NEW IN 2013 WE WERE TOLD BY THE DEALERSHIP THAT THIS IS TYPICAL OF THIS ENGINE I'M NOW FINDING OUT THAT IT IS NOT AND THAT IT IS INVOLVED IN A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT AND I NEED TO BE DOCUMENTED IN THAT LAWSUIT.

Dec 30, 2020

AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE

1 complaint

MY DAUGHTER OWNS THIS VEHICLE AND TRIED MANY TIMES TO GET HER DASHBOARD REPAIRED AS A WARRANTY ISSUE WITH NO LUCK. EVERYONE TOLD HER IT WAS NOT THEIR PROBLEM AND THERE WAS NO RECALL ISSUED FOR THIS. I WAS DRIVING HER TRUCK TODAY AND NOTICED THERE ARE NOW 5 CRACKS IN THE DASHBOARD. THE 1ST AND 2ND CRACK HAPPENED ABOUT 2017 WHILE PARKING OUT OF THE SUN, IN A PARKING GARAGE. THE DASH RATTLES CONSTANTLY AND AT 1 LOCATION THE DASH IS ALMOST CRACKED IN HALF. SPEAKING WITH SEVERAL OTHER OWNERS THEY ALL SAY THE SAME. THERE APPEARS TO BE NO RECALL AND AND NONE OF THE DEALERSHIPS SAY IT'S NOT THERE PROBLEM. THERE IS NO RECALL. WE LIVE IN SOUTH LOUISIANA AND MY MAIN CONCERN IS SAFETY OF MY DAUGHTER AND HER PASSENGERS. IS THERE A RECALL? WAS THERE A RECALL THAT WE WERE NOT NOTIFIED? AND WILL THERE BE A RECALL? ALSO WHAT HAPPENS, GOD FORBID, SHE IS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, HITS A BUMP IN THE ROAD, AND HER AIRBAGS DEPLOY? AND THIS CAUSES HER TO HIT SOMEONE, CAUSES HARM TO HERSELF OR SOMEONE ELSE OR POSSIBLY KILLS SOMEONE? THIS CONCERNS ME MORE THAN I CAN COMMUNICATE TO YOU. ONE THING I FAILED TO MENTION, EVERY DEALERSHIP DID OFFER TO REPAIR OR REPLACE THE DASH, AT OUR COST OF COURSE. PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHAT MY NEXT STEP SHOULD BE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. I LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU WITH SOME SORT OF SOLUTION. [XXX] REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *CC

Jul 15, 2020

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),ENGINE

1 complaint

STABILITRAK AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHTS KEEP COMING ON AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. LOSES POWER AND STABILITY WHILE GOING UPHILL OR ACCELERATING. GM SERVICE OUT OF WARRANTY. LOOKED AT POSSIBLE RECALLS NONE AVAILABLE. NOTICED ALOT OF ISSUES REGARDING 5.3 V8 FROM 2010 TO 2013 GM MODELS. EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION ALSO. DO I JUST PAY FOR A NEW ENGINE OR IS ANYONE DOING ANYTHING ABOUT THIS OVERSIGHT BY GM? THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS BUT NO ACCOUNTABILITY.

Aug 07, 2018

VISIBILITY/WIPER

1 complaint

THE WIPERS STARTED GOING SLOW THEN STOPPED BLOCKING VIEW. CHECKING ONLINE EVERYONE SEEMS TO BELIEVE THE WIPER SYSTEMS TRANSMISSION POINTS ARE FAILING. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS WHEN IT'S RAINING AND YOU LOSE YOUR WIPERS.

Nov 19, 2017

4.9/5.0

108 reviews

Where to Find VIN for Problems Check

To check for problems and complaints on your 2013 CHEVROLET Avalanche, you'll need the VIN number. Find your VIN in one of these 4 common locations.

Where to Find VIN Number on 2013 CHEVROLET Avalanche for Problems Lookup - Dashboard, Door Jamb, Engine Bay, Documents

Understanding VIN Structure for Problem Reports

Each character in your 2013 CHEVROLET Avalanche 17-digit VIN helps identify specific complaints and problems affecting your vehicle model.

2013 CHEVROLET Avalanche VIN Structure for Complaint Verification - WMI, VDS, Check Digit, Model Year, Plant Code

How to Check 2013 CHEVROLET Avalanche Problems in 3 Steps

Locate Your VIN

Find the 17-character VIN on your 2013 CHEVROLET Avalanche dashboard (visible through windshield), door jamb, engine bay, or vehicle documents.

Review by Component

Browse owner-reported complaints organized by vehicle component (engine, transmission, brakes, electrical) to identify common issues and problem patterns for this model year.

Check Safety Issues

Review crash and fire incidents for each component to assess safety concerns. Contact your CHEVROLET dealer or report problems to NHTSA at SaferCar.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many problems does the 2013 CHEVROLET Avalanche have?

The 2013 CHEVROLET Avalanche currently has 82 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 2013 CHEVROLET Avalanche?

The most common problems reported for the 2013 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 2013 CHEVROLET Avalanche problem data come from?

All problem and complaint data for the 2013 CHEVROLET Avalanche comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.

How do I report problems with my 2013 CHEVROLET Avalanche?

You can report safety problems with your 2013 CHEVROLET Avalanche directly to NHTSA at SaferCar.gov or call 1-888-327-4236. Your complaint helps identify patterns and may lead to recalls or investigations.

Where can I find my VIN to check problems?

Your 2013 CHEVROLET Avalanche VIN is located in 4 places: (1) Dashboard near windshield on driver's side, (2) Driver's door jamb sticker, (3) Engine bay, (4) Vehicle registration and insurance documents.

Is the 2013 CHEVROLET Avalanche reliable?

Reliability can be assessed by reviewing the number and severity of owner complaints for the 2013 CHEVROLET Avalanche. Check complaints by component, crash reports, and fire incidents above to evaluate potential issues and problem patterns.