RoadVitals

2013 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.
82
Latest Jan 8, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
13
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 2013 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

  • Airbags2236.7%
  • Engine46.7%
  • Electrical46.7%
  • Exterior lighting35.0%
  • Fuel system23.3%
  • Interior & seats23.3%
  • Visibility11.7%
  • Brakes11.7%
  • Powertrain (other)11.7%
  • Steering11.7%
  • Tires & wheels11.7%
  • Driver assistance11.7%

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.

22
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jan 8, 2026

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

NHTSA ID 11552004 · filed Oct 26, 2023
All 22 reports naming airbags

Body & structure

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

17
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Feb 13, 2021

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.

NHTSA ID 11355135 · filed Sep 15, 2020
All 17 reports naming body & structure

Engine

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

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Aug 5, 2023

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 · filed Sep 8, 2022

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.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Nov 20, 2025

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 · filed Aug 5, 2023

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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

NHTSA ID 11297885 · filed Jan 8, 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

NHTSA ID 11098083 · filed May 26, 2018

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

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 · filed Aug 5, 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 · filed Jul 24, 2023

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.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Apr 13, 2024

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 · filed Aug 6, 2022

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

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.

NHTSA ID 11047304 · filed Nov 19, 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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

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

NHTSA ID 11390067 · filed Jan 26, 2021

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Powertrain (other)

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

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Sep 8, 2022

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

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 · filed Aug 6, 2022

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jun 10, 2022

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Driver assistance

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

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 11118318 · filed Aug 7, 2018

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 .