2012 Chevrolet Avalanche Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 8%of 36 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 29,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the engine of the 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche, 8% of the 36 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 29,000 miles.
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.
“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 miles“My 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche 5.3l engine has started a oil consumption loss. There was a service bulletin issued oct. 30th 2013 to correct this problem. It does not fix the problem! What I've read is that where the cylinders deactivate to help fuel economy after time those pistons get damaged from not having fuel or fire on them and itdamages pistons and causes oil consumption. In the past few days I have found out that there are 5 people I know with the same issue. Looking on line there appears to be class action law suits all across the country on this issue. …”
NHTSA complaint #11316234, filed 2020-03“The vehicle is displaying error messages Reduced Engine Power, Service Stabilitrak, Service Traction Control. It also has the related service indicator lights for the Stabilitrak, the Traction Control, and the Check Engine Light is on. There is a service bulletin for this issue that only addresses the 2008-2011 model years, my vehicle is a 2012 and thus not included in the current bulletin and should be added to the covered vehicle list. #11-06-04-007B : Diagnosis and Repair - Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Illuminated, Reduced Power Message Displayed, DTC P2135 Set - (April 16, 2012)”
NHTSA complaint #11483870, filed 2022-09Related service bulletins
- 11026017Jun 5, 2025This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced after severe internal engine damage.
- 11024485May 15, 2025The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the…
- 11016942Mar 4, 2025This bulletin advises the technician to flush the cooling system multiple times if oil has been found in the cooling system and replace the parts that may be contaminated due to…
- 11014230Jan 31, 2025This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
- 11014233Jan 30, 2025This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large…
- 11013069Jan 9, 2025This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 11012907Dec 18, 2024This service bulletin explains how to measure for oil consumption and possible reasons for loss of oil.
- 11011709Nov 5, 2024This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
- 11011205Oct 28, 2024This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
- 11010544Oct 7, 2024This service bulletin explains how to measure for oil consumption and possible reasons for loss of oil.
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 4 | 5% |
| 2012 | 3 | 8% |
| 2011 | 9 | 7% |
| 2010 | 6 | 5% |
| 2009 | 1 | 1% |
| 2008 | 15 | 6% |
| 2007 | 24 | 6% |
| 2006 | 1 | 9% |
| 2005 | 3 | 4% |
| 2004 | 1 | 1% |
| 2003 | 2 | 1% |
| 2002 | 3 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche
17 complaintsAir bags
6 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
3 complaintsSteering
2 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaintsVehicle speed control
2 complaintsWheels
2 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsElectrical system
1 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsSuspension
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche
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.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology