2013 Chevrolet Avalanche Owner 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).

NHTSA ID

11709721

Incident

Dec 23, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID

11700589

Incident

Nov 20, 2025

Mileage

214,000 mi

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.

NHTSA ID

11582808

Incident

Apr 12, 2023

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

NHTSA ID

11552004

Incident

Oct 26, 2023

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.

NHTSA ID

11536637

Incident

May 15, 2023

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.

NHTSA ID

11534046

Incident

Jul 24, 2016

Mileage

151,000 mi

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

NHTSA ID

11483483

Incident

Apr 1, 2022

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.

NHTSA ID

11477931

Incident

Jun 1, 2022

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.

NHTSA ID

11469117

Incident

Jan 1, 2017

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.

NHTSA ID

11468643

Incident

Jan 17, 2022

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.

NHTSA ID

11468612

Incident

Jun 15, 2021

The Dashboard cracked all the way down the middle.

NHTSA ID

11445564

Incident

Dec 4, 2018

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?

NHTSA ID

11437897

Incident

Oct 12, 2021

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

NHTSA ID

11424006

Incident

Jul 1, 2021

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.

NHTSA ID

11423783

Incident

Jul 7, 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.

NHTSA ID

11421232

Incident

Feb 1, 2021

I received a letter back in Feb of 2021 advising us about the passenger airbag recall. I was to wait until parts come in from GM. After months of waiting, and confirmation of others that already got the repair done, I went ahead and scheduled the recall replacement with GM themselves, which in turn set it up with Ron Norris GMC in town. Even though I set this up a couple weeks ago and have received text and email confirmations reminding me of the appointment, I just received a call from Ron Norris, I was on the way to their dealership to have this recall taken care, telling me GM does not have the part for my truck and did not give me any more information about it. This is a serious issue and I have given them plenty of time to have it replaced. You ordered them to do this and after months they still do not have parts, they are dragging their feet on something that could kill the passenger of my vehicle. Could you please push them to get the part as I do not feel safe having a passenger ride in my truck now. If something happens I will hold you and GM responsible for the delays.

NHTSA ID

11417722

Incident

May 19, 2021

DASHBOARD CRACK ON PASSENGER SIDE NEAR AIRBAG COMPARTMENT. CRACK ON DRIVER SIDE LEFT SIDE OF STEERING WHEEL. UNKNOWN REASON FOR THESE CRACKS.

NHTSA ID

11412818

Incident

May 1, 2020

DASH CRACKED OVER PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG.

NHTSA ID

11412808

Incident

Apr 1, 2020

Mileage

57,000 mi

TL*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 CONTACT CALLED KELLEY CHEVROLET SERVICE CENTER (5220 VALUE DRIVE, FORT WAYNE, IN 46808, (260) 494-3537) WHERE 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 MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID

11406670

Incident

Apr 6, 2021

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

NHTSA ID

11396034

Incident

Jan 25, 2020

Mileage

98,000 mi

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

NHTSA ID

11390067

Incident

Dec 26, 2002

DASHBOARD CRACKING AND PIECES COMING FREE AND PRESENT SAFETY HAZARD - SHARP EDGES. - PAID TO REPAIR. DASH CRACKED AGAIN. INTERIOR DOOR HANDLES BREAK AND PREVENT EGRESS FROM VEHICLE - 4 TIMES TWICE ON FRONT DRIVE SIDE, ONCE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AND ONCE ON REAR PASSENGER SIDE. EXTREMELY UNSAFE SITUATION - PAID TO REPAIR ALL 4 TIMES. DOOR PULL BROKEN ON DRIVER AND PASSENGER FRONT DOOR PREVENTS PROPER CLOSING OF DOOR. - STILL BROKEN. ONLY REMEDY ACCORDING TO GM IS TO REPLACE ENTIRE DOOR PANEL.

NHTSA ID

11389879

Incident

May 1, 2020

Mileage

75,000 mi

I NOTICED ABOUT 6 YEARS AGO MY DASH STARTING TO CRACK ON MY 2013 AVALANCHE IT HAS NOW CRACKED COMPLETELY ACROSS AND COME TOWARDS THE STEERING WHEEL WHICH TO ME IS A SAFETY HAZARD I DID NOTICE THAT THERE HAD BEEN A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT BUT IT WAS DENIED BUT I STILL THINK IT IS A SAFETY HAZARD WHEN I'M DRIVING I HIT A BUMP IT CRACKS MORE EVENTUALLY IT'S GOING TO CRACK AND FALL INTO MY LAP

NHTSA ID

11385627

Incident

Jun 22, 2014

Mileage

30,000 mi

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.

NHTSA ID

11385622

Incident

Feb 1, 2013

Mileage

2,500 mi