2012 Chevrolet Avalanche
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1999 | 0 |
| 2000 | 2 |
| 2001 | 2 |
| 2002 | 444 |
| 2003 | 204 |
| 2004 | 165 |
| 2005 | 71 |
| 2006 | 11 |
| 2007 | 377 |
| 2008 | 258 |
| 2009 | 76 |
| 2010 | 111 |
| 2011 | 127 |
| 2012 | 36 |
| 2013 | 82 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
17% of complaints: air bags — 6 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
THE STEERING WHEEL IS DIFFICULT TO TURN OR CONTROL, WENT TO DEALERSHIP TO FIX THE PROBLEM.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140618
TAKATA RECALL ; CRACKED DASH
NHTSA ODI report, 20180115
DASHBOARD AROUND PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG IS CRACKED. IN MY OPINION THIS COULD AFFECT THE OPERATION OF THE AIRBAG, OR EVEN TEAR IT UPON ACTIVATION.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171119
8% of complaints: power train — 3 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE STANDING AT THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR WITH THE VEHICLE PARKED AND THE ENGINE RUNNING, THE VEHICLE ROLLED AWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130429
8% of complaints: engine — 3 distinct reports on file.
6% of complaints: wheels — 2 distinct reports on file.
6% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 2 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
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.
Campaign 14V827000 — check if this car was fixed
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...
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.
Campaign 21V051000 — check if this car was fixed
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...
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.
Campaign 21V054000 — check if this car was fixed
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2012 Chevrolet Avalanche — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 14V827000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V051000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V054000 (air bags) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 17% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.