2011 Chevrolet Avalanche Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 7%of 127 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 52,073miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche, 7% of the 127 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 52,073 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I have began to notice when slowing down (foot off the gas and coasting with foot on brake, or brake applied) at any area where my speed decreases to less than 15 MPH that my Avalanche will seem to sort of lunge forward. The first time I experienced this I believed it was related to me and ignored it. The next couple of times I experienced this I thought there may be something wrong with the gas or engine. …”
NHTSA complaint #10543618, filed 2013-09, 50,146 miles“At times when the vehicle is slowing down/down shifting (more common when going up a grade) it will suddenly lunge forward (before coming to a stop) even with your foot on the brake. It seems to happen when downshifting from 2nd to 1st gear and sometimes it catches me off guard. This is a very dangerous situation especially when slowing down near people. I am always concerned that the vehicle is going to lunge forward and hit something or even worse someone. I hope NHTSA investigates this situation as other people have reported the same problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10810873, filed 2015-12, 54,000 miles“I own a 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche ltz and at times when the truck down shifts it will lunge forward. I really need to have my foot firmly pressed on the brake to keep the truck from possibly hitting something or someone in front of me. It does not do it all the time and it's rather random. I feel that is worse then it happening all the time because I don't know when to expect it. I have not received any notification of a recall, but I feel a fix is definitely in order. Something is not right and it could result in a crash.”
NHTSA complaint #10552388, filed 2013-11, 32,000 miles“When I am slowing down to a stop the transmission will suddenly make the vehicle surge forward quickly. If I not just as quick to apply a firm brake I risk hitting the car or pedestrians near me which has happen on several occasion. On one occasion, as I was turning into a parking space the vehicle suddenly surged forward so forcefully that it cause the front left bumble to travel outside the planned path and hit a brick column. This problem only occurs in situations when I am slowing down, I.e. Making turns, traffic lights, parking, etc. It can be frightening when it occurs unexpectedly. …”
NHTSA complaint #10515326, filed 2013-06, 100 miles“Engine runs rough at idle when engine light, service stabilitrak light and traction control off lights all come on. Upon acceleration, only engine light remains on. Will repeat at lower idle.”
NHTSA complaint #10968243, filed 2017-03, 85,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11011205Oct 28, 2024This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
- 11009756Sep 17, 2024This bulletin provides information on Policies Applicable to All U.S. Dealers for Engine and Transmission Assembly Replacement Under Warranty, Policy or Customer Enthusiasm and…
- 11009088Sep 16, 2024This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be…
- 11006421Jul 24, 2024GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or…
- 11005311Jul 9, 2024This service bulletin provides information on Driveline Clunk Noise and what is acceptable and what is considered normal operation.
- 11001321May 16, 2024This bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of water or ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 11000119Apr 26, 2024This service bulletin provides technicians with information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
- 10250347Feb 2, 2024This Warranty Admin service bulletin provides guidelines for Dealers Not Required and for Dealers Required to Contact the PQC for engine or transmission assembly replacement and…
- 10249579Jan 12, 2024This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10248721Dec 18, 2023This bulletin advises the technician that the 6L50 (MYB), 6L80 (MYC) and 6L90 (MYD) Transmission Oil Filter and Seal Kit part number 24236933 is currently transitioning from a…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 1 | 1% |
| 2012 | 3 | 8% |
| 2011 | 9 | 7% |
| 2010 | 3 | 3% |
| 2009 | 1 | 1% |
| 2008 | 4 | 2% |
| 2007 | 13 | 3% |
| 2006 | 4 | 36% |
| 2005 | 9 | 13% |
| 2004 | 14 | 8% |
| 2003 | 14 | 7% |
| 2002 | 25 | 6% |
Other parts of the 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche
55 complaintsOther or unknown
44 complaintsBody and structure
23 complaintsEngine
9 complaintsBrakes
4 complaintsElectrical system
4 complaintsElectronic stability control
3 complaintsSuspension
3 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsSteering
1 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology