RoadVitals

2011 Chevrolet Avalanche Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
127
Latest Apr 23, 2025
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
12
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
2

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

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.

55
reports

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.

NHTSA ID 11429418 · filed 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.

NHTSA ID 11429025 · filed Aug 13, 2021
All 55 reports naming airbags

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

23
reports

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.

NHTSA ID 11475560 · filed Jul 24, 2022

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.

NHTSA ID 11252373 · filed Aug 30, 2019
All 23 reports naming body & structure

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

9
reports

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.

NHTSA ID 11363964 · filed Oct 12, 2020

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.

NHTSA ID 10968243 · filed Mar 24, 2017
All 9 reports naming powertrain (other)

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

9
reports

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.

NHTSA ID 11363964 · filed Oct 12, 2020

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

NHTSA ID 11183690 · filed Mar 2, 2019
All 9 reports naming engine

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

6
reports

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

NHTSA ID 11207207 · filed May 13, 2019

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.

NHTSA ID 10968243 · filed Mar 24, 2017

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.

4
reports

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.

NHTSA ID 11444714 · filed Dec 22, 2021

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.

NHTSA ID 10745940 · filed Aug 3, 2015

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.

3
reports

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.

NHTSA ID 11642582 · filed Feb 13, 2025

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

NHTSA ID 11207207 · filed May 13, 2019

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.

3
reports

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.

NHTSA ID 11656297 · filed Apr 23, 2025

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

NHTSA ID 11207207 · filed May 13, 2019

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.

2
reports

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

NHTSA ID 11183690 · filed Mar 2, 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.

NHTSA ID 11060686 · filed Jan 5, 2018

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.

1
report

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.

NHTSA ID 11444714 · filed Dec 22, 2021

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.

1
report

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

NHTSA ID 10811975 · filed Dec 23, 2015

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.

1
report

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.

NHTSA ID 10631217 · filed Sep 6, 2014

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

Data on this page last refreshed .