2012 Chevrolet Avalanche Problems
Compared with other Chevrolet Avalanche years
Typical for this model
39/100 0.8× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.8× that of a typical Chevrolet Avalanche year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 7 of its 36 complaints were filed by the end of 2014.
- Most reported part: Other or unknown (17 complaints, median 48,164 mi).
- 3 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2010, 2013
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 36filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 44,000miles, 25 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 3campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 36 consumer complaints for the 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche. The part named most often is other or unknown, with 17 complaints (47% of the total), followed by air bags (6) and engine (3). 25 of the complaints include a mileage, and 56% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 44,000 miles. Of all complaints, 2 involved a crash, 2 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 1,544 technical service bulletins for this model year. Other or unknown complaints overlap with 60 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Air bags complaints overlap with 2 recall campaigns covering the inflator module and 11 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Compared with the other 5 Chevrolet Avalanche model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 39 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Other or unknown17 47%
- Air bags6 17%
- Engine3 8.3%
- Steering2 5.6%
- Body and structure2 5.6%
- Vehicle speed control2 5.6%
- Wheels2 5.6%
- Brakes1 2.8%
- Electrical system1 2.8%
Also reported: Exterior lighting (1), Fuel system (1), Suspension (1), Tires (1).
Example complaints
Other or unknown: “My dashboard has been getting cracks in it for years and I am afraid that it will effect the airbag deployment if I ever have an accident. This is something that GM needs to address. Also I have had problems with the outside door handles breaking and coming off. As of this moment I will never buy another GM vehicle because they don't stand behind it.”
NHTSA complaint #11152876, filed 2018-11, 46,327 milesAir bags: “The steering wheel is difficult to turn or control, went to dealership to fix the problem. After the dealership allegedly fix the problem, we had continued problems with the steering (controlling the steering wheel) and then the transmission caused the vehicle to jump or skip gears, causing the vehicle to be difficult to control. Took it back to the dealership and they were to busy to help us. All of the aforementioned defects caused my husband to lose control of the truck and ultimately flew off the road and vehicle flipped over (roll over).”
NHTSA complaint #10604372, filed 2014-06, 26,000 milesEngine: “The engine fails to start some times, this happen 2 to 3 time a month the engine crank ok volt on battery drops to 10.5 volts, installed new battery, no help. After setting for 15 to 20 min. It will start, no check eng. Lite no code set in computer. Chev dealer said cannot help unless it happen at the dealership.I cannot check for spark because the spark plug are out of sight, the fuel pump runs ok. I need help.”
NHTSA complaint #10564580, filed 2014-02, 29,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “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. The contact was knocked over and sustained several injuries including a concussion and soft tissue injuries. The vehicle halted to a stop after crashing against a tree. A police report was not filed of the incident. The vehicle was inspected by a dealer, who stated that the frame was damaged however, the cause of the failure was not determined. …”
NHTSA complaint #10509899, filed 2013-04, 34,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
56% of the 25 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 28,857 and 72,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avalanche · SUV 4WD | not rated | — | — | — | 3 · 21.2% risk |
| Avalanche · SUV RWD | not rated | — | — | — | 3 · 22.8% risk |
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Recalls and investigations
- 21V051000Feb 5, 2021Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator moduleCovers: Chevrolet Avalanche 2012, Tahoe 2012, Suburban 2012 +11 more
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 ever…
- 21V054000Feb 5, 2021Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator moduleCovers: Chevrolet Avalanche 2010–2013, Cadillac Escalade 2010–2014, Chevrolet Tahoe 2010–2014 +11 more
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 states of…
- 14V827000Dec 30, 2014Electrical system › IgnitionCovers: Chevrolet Avalanche 2011–2012, Tahoe 2011–2012, Cadillac Escalade ESV 2011–2012 +7 more
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. In the affected…
Recall details for the 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 1,544 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11037253Sep 4, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11030974Apr 1, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.
- 11030092Mar 9, 2026Other or unknown. This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect.
- 11030091Mar 9, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11027698Jan 16, 2026Other or unknown. This PI Communications information on an alternative product dealers can use to perform 19-NA-255: Wax Coating on Frame Peeling, Metal Shows Corrosion/Rusting due to issue with getting product from…
- 11027601Jan 8, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11025755Nov 20, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have had multiple repair attempts that are being performed on customer’s vehicles that exhibit…
- 11023091Sep 9, 2025Other or unknown. New Vehicle Monitoring Programs Section in IVH
- 11022084Aug 14, 2025Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11021792Aug 7, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming…
Other model years of the Chevrolet Avalanche
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 82 | 55,000 | 2 | — | — | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2012 | 36 | 44,000 | 3 | — | — | 39 · Typical | Falling |
| 2011 | 127 | 63,000 | 3 | — | — | 59 · Typical | Falling |
| 2010 | 111 | 65,000 | 3 | — | — | 27 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2009 | 76 | 75,500 | 5 | — | — | 66 · More | Falling |
| 2008 | 258 | 74,000 | 4 | — | — | 73 · More | Falling |
| 2007 | 377 | 95,000 | 4 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 11 | 84,000 | 1 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2005 | 71 | 71,685 | 3 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 165 | 55,150 | 5 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 204 | 65,543 | 4 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2002 | 444 | 50,500 | 2 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
All Chevrolet Avalanche model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche have?
NHTSA recorded 36 consumer complaints for the 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche is reported most often?
Other or unknown is named most often, in 17 complaints (47% of the total), followed by air bags with 6.
Has the 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche been recalled?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
At what mileage are problems with the 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche reported?
Among the 25 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 44,000 miles and the middle half falls between 28,857 and 72,000 miles; 56% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program.
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.