RoadVitals

2012 Chevrolet Avalanche

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

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.
36
Latest May 5, 2024
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
3
Latest Feb 5, 2021
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
1
1 currently open
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
2 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 36 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche, most frequently naming the airbags, engine and powertrain (other) categories. 3 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 1,542 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Airbags623.1%
  • Engine311.5%
  • Powertrain (other)311.5%
  • Driver assistance27.7%
  • Steering27.7%
  • Other / unspecified27.7%
  • Body & structure27.7%
  • Tires & wheels13.8%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

3 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
21V054000

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Feb 5, 2021
1,778,128 units potentially affected
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, PR, AS, GU, the MP, and VI or "Zone A." Additionally GM is recalling certain 2011-2014 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, Yukon XL and 2011-2013 Cadillac Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of AZ, AR, DE, DC, IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, and WV or "Zone B." Additionally, GM is recalling certain 2010-2014 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL and 2010-2013 Cadillac Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with non-desiccated passenger frontal inflators containing phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
The risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
The remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on February 25, 2021. Second notification letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owner notification letters were mailed to 40 VIN owners on May 11, 2021. A second owner notification letter was mailed to all other owners on January 24, 2022. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212328800.
General Motors, LLCManufacturer number N212328800View on NHTSA.gov
21V051000

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Feb 5, 2021
284,645 units potentially affected
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2012 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Silverado 2500/3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Sierra 2500/3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." These vehicles are equipped with non-desiccated passenger frontal inflators containing phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
The risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
The remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on February 22, 2021. Second notification letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 11, 2021. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212328770.
General Motors, LLCManufacturer number N212328770View on NHTSA.gov
14V827000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

Dec 30, 2014
84,192 units potentially affected
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado HD, Silverado LD, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra LD, Sierra HD, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the ignition lock actuator may bind, making turning the key difficult or causing the ignition to get stuck in the "Start" position.
The risk: If stuck in the "Start" position, the ignition may suddenly snap back into the "Accessory" position, causing a loss of engine, steering, and braking power, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. If the vehicle is in a crash, the air bags may not deploy, increasing the risk of occupant injury.
The remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the ignition lock housing, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on February 12, 2015. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-458-8006 (Cadillac), 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), or 1-800-462-8782 (GMC). GM's number for this recall is 14696 for the original equipment, and 14912 for the service replacement parts.
General Motors LLCManufacturer number 14696 and 14912View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

EA21002OpenEngineering Analysis

Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

Opened Sep 17, 2021

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 36
Suspension
Filed May 5, 2024

Rear control arms were rusted out and fell off the frame. Additionally with that happening the rear drive shaft was pulled out from transmission and could cause a vehicle to flip. Upon further investigation body frame was extremely rusted for a truck this age. 85450 mes on it.

NHTSA ID
11587068
Incident
May 4, 2024
Driver assistanceEngineFuel system
Filed Sep 11, 2022

The vehicle is displaying error messages Reduced Engine Power, Service Stabilitrak, Service Traction Control. It also has the related service indicator lights for the Stabilitrak, the Traction Control, and the Check Engine Light is on. There is a service bulletin for this issue that only addresses the 2008-2011 model years, my vehicle is a 2012 and thus not included in the current bulletin and should be added to the covered vehicle list. #11-06-04-007B : Diagnosis and Repair - Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Illuminated, Reduced Power Message Displayed, DTC P2135 Set - (April 16, 2012)

NHTSA ID
11483870
Incident
Sep 10, 2022
Filed Mar 29, 2022

There is a problem with GM vehicles developing cracked dashboards including my own. The cracks are happening around/above the instrument cluster and more importantly, around the airbag. I am concerned that the defected dashboard would cause some sort of airbag puncture if it were deployed causing serious injury. Should someone get killed or seriously injured before this matter is taken into consideration. I own a 2012 Chevy Avalanche. I have developed the same cracks just as so many other GM vehicle owners.

NHTSA ID
11458759
Incident
Jan 5, 2020
Airbags
Filed Aug 18, 2021

The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V054000 (Air Bags) however, the VIN was updated and now displayed that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The contact mentioned that the vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair. The failure recurred. The vehicle then was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the air bag needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact was informed that a senior adviser would reach out him for further assistance however, no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 171,000

NHTSA ID
11429670
Incident
Aug 2, 2021
Mileage
171,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Aug 26, 2020

TRAILER BRAKE WARNING IS SHOWING ON DASH. NOTED THERE IS A RECALL BULLETIN #14515B ISSUED RELATING TO THIS ISSUE AND NOT SURE WHY MY SERIAL NUMBER IS NOT FOUND IN THIS RECALL?

NHTSA ID
11351333
Incident
Aug 21, 2020
Filed Jun 30, 2020

SEVERELY CRACKED DASHBOARD. THIS HAPPENED BOTH WHEN STATIONARY AND MOVING. PURCHASED THIS TRUCK JUST A FEW WEEKS AGO. HAD CRACKED DASHBOARD. PREVIOUS OWNER SAID IT HAD BEEN THAT WAY FOR YEARS. FIGURED IT WOULD NOT COST MUCH TO FIX/REPLACE. TOOK IT TO BODY SHOP THIS MORNING. NO WAY THEIR PRICE IS WITHIN MY BUDGET. CRACK CAUSES CONSTANT RATTLING AND IS EXTREMELY ANNOYING. FRIENDS HAVE LOOKED AT THE TRUCK SINCE I BOUGHT IT AND ARE REALLY IMPRESSED WITH ALL THE ADVANTAGES IT HAS TO OFFER. HOWEVER THE LOOK ON THEIR FACES WHEN THEY SEE THE DASHBOARD MAKES ME WISH I HAD NEVER PURCHASED THIS TRUCK. I WOULD LOVE TO SAY I WOULD RECOMMEND THIS TRUCK TO OTHERS WHO ARE PURCHASING A USED VEHICLE BUT THAT WOULD BE A LIE. SOMETIMES IT'S THE LITTLE THINGS THAT CAN CHANGE A PERSONS WHOLE OUTLOOK AND THIS IS A BIGGIE. YOU DROPPED THE ON THIS. NOT ONLY IS IT A COSMETIC DEFECT BUT I CAN SEE A LOT OF SAFETY ISSUES ALSO. WISH I HAD NEVER PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE.

NHTSA ID
11331709
Incident
Jan 1, 2008
Mileage
50,000 mi
Exterior lighting
Filed Mar 11, 2020

I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT ONE OF MY DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS IS BURNED OUT. I HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO INSPECT THE LIGHTS BECAUSE THEY ONLY COME ON IF THE TRANSMISSION IS NOT IN PARK. I CALLED DEALER TO FIND OUT IF THERE IS ANY WAY TO HAVE THEM COME ON WITHOUT THE TRANSMISSION IN GEAR. THE DEALER SAID TO SET THE PARKING BRAKE, PUT THE TRANSMISSION IN GEAR, AND GET OUT TO LOOK AT THE LIGHTS (OR HAVE A SECOND PERSON LOOK AT THEM, WHICH IS NOT PRACTICAL FOR ME). THIS SOUNDS LIKE A DANGEROUS PRACTICE. THERE SHOULD BE A BETTER WAY TO DO THIS. MY OLD 2007 AVALANCHE WOULD HAVE THE DAYTIME RUNNING LAMPS ON WHEN IN PARK.

NHTSA ID
11317492
Incident
Mar 11, 2020
Mileage
80,000 mi
Engine
Filed Mar 5, 2020

MY 2012 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE 5.3L ENGINE HAS STARTED A OIL CONSUMPTION LOSS. THERE WAS A SERVICE BULLETIN ISSUED OCT. 30TH 2013 TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM. IT DOES NOT FIX THE PROBLEM! WHAT I'VE READ IS THAT WHERE THE CYLINDERS DEACTIVATE TO HELP FUEL ECONOMY AFTER TIME THOSE PISTONS GET DAMAGED FROM NOT HAVING FUEL OR FIRE ON THEM AND ITDAMAGES PISTONS AND CAUSES OIL CONSUMPTION. IN THE PAST FEW DAYS I HAVE FOUND OUT THAT THERE ARE 5 PEOPLE I KNOW WITH THE SAME ISSUE. LOOKING ON LINE THERE APPEARS TO BE CLASS ACTION LAW SUITS ALL ACROSS THE COUNTRY ON THIS ISSUE. GM/CHEVROLET KNOW THEY HAVE A PROBLEM BUT REFUSE TO TAKE CARE OF THIS PROBLEM. THERE IS NO RECALL ON THIS AND I'M SURE NEVER WILL BE BECAUSE IT HAPPENS WHEN THE ENGINES REACH HIGHER MILEAGE. I HAVE ALL MY MAINTENANCE RECORDS ON MY TRUCK AND HAD NO INTENTION OF TRADING IT, BUT NOW THE MOTOR WILL HAVE TO BE REBUILT OR REPLACE.

NHTSA ID
11316234
Incident
Nov 1, 2019

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

PIT3271Q

This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.

PIP6104

This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect.

PIP4902V

This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.

PIT6400A

This PI Communications information on an alternative product dealers can use to perform 19-NA-255: Wax Coating on Frame Peeling, Metal Shows Corrosion/Rusting due to issue with getting product from current supplier listed in the bulletin.

PIP4902U

This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.

PIT5214G

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have had multiple repair attempts that are being performed on customer’s vehicles that exhibit vibration conditions without utilizing the support of General Motors Technical Assistance Center. If valid vibration frequency or Road Force Variation data has been collected and a repair attempt does not correct the customer complaint, contact General Motors Technical Assistance Center for further support. For any vehicles that remains unrepaired after being at the dealer for three days or more and a related bulletin or PI is not found, contact General Motors Technical Assistance Center for further support.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Chevrolet Avalanche by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2014000—
2013822149.7
2012Viewing363149.2
20111273148.6
20101114149.9
2009765157.7
20082584255.5
20073774257.0
2006111037.3
2005713043.9
20041656151.7
20032046459.4
20024444762.9
2001204—
2000204—
1999002—

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. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.