What year Chevrolet Avalanche should I avoid?

Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, the 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche stands out with a complaint index of 100, the highest among the four covered years, and 155 total complaints.

What is the best year for the Chevrolet Avalanche?

The 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche is the best year based on NHTSA data, with a complaint index of 0 and only 52 complaints, the lowest of the covered years.

Is the 2013 Chevrolet Avalanche reliable?

The 2013 Avalanche is rated Caution, with 111 complaints and a complaint index of 67, higher than 2010 and 2012 but lower than 2011.

What is the most common problem area for the Chevrolet Avalanche?

Airbags are the top problem area across all covered years, accounting for 160 complaints, or 37% of the total 435 complaints filed.

Are there airbag recalls on the Chevrolet Avalanche?

Yes, the 2011 Avalanche was included in recalls for front passenger airbag inflator replacement, part of a wider General Motors recall covering multiple model years and vehicles.

Chevrolet Avalanche Best and Worst Years (2010–2013)

The 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche is the year to avoid, with a complaint index of 100 and 155 complaints, the highest of the four model years covered. The 2012 model is the best year, with only 52 complaints and a complaint index of 0.

Avoid 2011 Best 2012

Model years: 4; 2010–2013
NHTSA complaints: 435
Recall campaigns: 8
Crashes reported: 8
Fires reported: 0
Top problem area: Airbags

Avalanche Complaint Index by year

Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Chevrolet Avalanche problems and recalls by year

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Crashes	Recalls	Top issue	MPG	NCAP
2010	Good	33	117	0	3	Airbags	15.5	—
2011	Avoid	100	155	3	5	Airbags	17	—
2012	Best	0	52	2	3	Airbags	17	—
2013	Caution	67	111	3	3	Airbags	17	—

Avalanche years to avoid: what went wrong

2011 Chevrolet Avalanche Index 100 · 155 complaints · 5 recalls

The 2011 Avalanche has the highest complaint index (100) of the four years covered, with 155 total complaints and 5 recalls. Airbags are the top problem area, making up 43% of complaints for the year, with a median mileage at failure of 68,000. Structure & body issues account for 17% of complaints, failing at a median of 48,640 miles. Owners also reported transmission surges while slowing down, sometimes causing the vehicle to lurch forward unexpectedly, and brake failures where the ABS did not respond, leading to crashes. Three crashes were tied to 2011 complaints. Two recalls that year addressed front passenger airbag inflators, and one addressed ignition lock housing inspection and replacement.

2011 airbags problems →2011 structure & body problems →2011 engine problems →

Most common Chevrolet Avalanche problems (all years)

Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.

Other193 (44%)
Airbags160 (37%)
Structure & Body75 (17%)
Engine32 (7%)
Electrical System30 (7%)
Transmission & Powertrain20 (5%)
Brakes19 (4%)
Suspension, Wheels & Tires10 (2%)
Fuel System6 (1%)
Steering6 (1%)

Frequently asked questions

What year Chevrolet Avalanche should I avoid?: Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, the 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche stands out with a complaint index of 100, the highest among the four covered years, and 155 total complaints.
What is the best year for the Chevrolet Avalanche?: The 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche is the best year based on NHTSA data, with a complaint index of 0 and only 52 complaints, the lowest of the covered years.
Is the 2013 Chevrolet Avalanche reliable?: The 2013 Avalanche is rated Caution, with 111 complaints and a complaint index of 67, higher than 2010 and 2012 but lower than 2011.
What is the most common problem area for the Chevrolet Avalanche?: Airbags are the top problem area across all covered years, accounting for 160 complaints, or 37% of the total 435 complaints filed.
Are there airbag recalls on the Chevrolet Avalanche?: Yes, the 2011 Avalanche was included in recalls for front passenger airbag inflator replacement, part of a wider General Motors recall covering multiple model years and vehicles.