MYRModel Year Report

2012 Chevrolet Avalanche

▲ Better than typical
2012 Chevrolet Avalanche
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:39:57.386Z

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints
36
Recalls
3

Campaigns on file for 2012

Investigations
1

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Air bags

17% of complaints

Complaints per year

2000: 2 complaints 2000 2001: 2 complaints 2002: 444 complaints 2002 2003: 204 complaints 2004: 165 complaints 2004 2005: 71 complaints 2006: 11 complaints 2006 2007: 377 complaints 2008: 258 complaints 2008 2009: 76 complaints 2010: 111 complaints 2010 2011: 127 complaints 2012: 36 complaints 2012 36 2013: 82 complaints
2000: 2 complaints 2000 2001: 2 complaints 2001 2002: 444 complaints 2002 2003: 204 complaints 2003 2004: 165 complaints 2004 2005: 71 complaints 2005 2006: 11 complaints 2006 2007: 377 complaints 2007 2008: 258 complaints 2008 2009: 76 complaints 2009 2010: 111 complaints 2010 2011: 127 complaints 2011 2012: 36 complaints 2012 36 2013: 82 complaints 2013
2000: 2 complaints 2000 2001: 2 complaints 2001 2002: 444 complaints 2002 2003: 204 complaints 2003 2004: 165 complaints 2004 2005: 71 complaints 2005 2006: 11 complaints 2006 2007: 377 complaints 2007 2008: 258 complaints 2008 2009: 76 complaints 2009 2010: 111 complaints 2010 2011: 127 complaints 2011 2012: 36 complaints 2012 36 2013: 82 complaints 2013

2012: 36 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19990
20002
20012
2002444
2003204
2004165
200571
200611
2007377
2008258
200976
2010111
2011127
201236
201382

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Air bags

17% · 6 reports
CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

The steering wheel is difficult to turn or control, went to dealership to fix the problem.

NHTSA ODI report, 2014-06-18

Also filed under Steering

Takata recall ; cracked dash

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-01-15

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, 2017-11-19

Power train

8% · 3 reports
CRASHINJURY
Show 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, 2013-04-29

Engine

8% · 3 reports

Wheels

6% · 2 reports

Vehicle speed control

6% · 2 reports

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    2015-02-12Electrical system14V827000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. R
    2021-05-11Air bags21V051000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. R
    2021-05-11Air bags21V054000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  4. I
    2021-09-17Engineering analysisOpen Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

Buy-smart checklist

2012 Chevrolet Avalanche — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Air bags: 6 reports on file for this year.
  • Power train: 3 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine: 3 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 14V827000 · Electrical system
  • Recall 21V051000 · Air bags
  • Recall 21V054000 · Air bags
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 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 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.