2011 Chevrolet Avalanche Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Airbags5547.0%
- Body & structure2319.7%
- Powertrain (other)97.7%
- Engine97.7%
- Driver assistance65.1%
- Brakes43.4%
- Suspension32.6%
- Electrical32.6%
- Fuel system21.7%
- Steering10.9%
- Interior & seats10.9%
- Visibility10.9%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .