2011 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 28 owner complaints on record; most reports concern air bags.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jan 2011
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 28 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Safety issue. Dash is cracking near airbag. This could possibly cause premature deployment of airbag or shrapnel from dash causing harm during deployment. Dash is also cracking over steering wheel area.”Owner report · Structure · Nov 2018
“Service stabilitrac system indication comes on, with check engine light, and engine power reduced. Happens randomly, cannot find a "common cause" spent lots of money on pcm, bcm, memory seat module, battery cables, battery, brake light switch, etc. Etc. Dangerous condition when vehicle drops into power reduction mode.”Owner report · Electronic Stability Control (Esc) · May 2018
“Takata recall; no gm remedy from tn chevrolet dealers. Live in martin, tn. 38237 notr: below date field will not allow prior year date; recall +2 years outstanding with no remedy via gm to date.”Owner report · Air Bags · Jan 2018
Show 7 more owner reports
“2011 chevrolet avalanche has dashboard cracking all around the passenger side air bag. My concern is if the air bag is deployed for any reason the hard plastic dashboard material will shatter a scatter all through the cabin injuring myself, or worse my family. My understanding after reading all the reviews this is not a concern of gm even though most vehicles have this issue. It seems they are simply waiting for enough people to get injured before they have to do a recall due to using inferior products. This was my first chevrolet and will be my last, what a disappointment.”Owner report · Air Bags · Sep 2017
“Air bag service light is on the truck will surge with no warning cause the instrument to black out and would cause the truck to stop check engine light is on with no key and control on the steering not functional”Owner report · Electrical System · Jun 2017
“Takata recall - my airbag is under recall and I contacted my dealer who does not have a replacement or knows nothing about how I can get a new part. I am fearful to drive the vehicle. Takata”Owner report · Air Bags · May 2017
“My dashboard right above the drive seat instrument cluster has a large crack and getting bigger. Possible safety issue when traveling the vibration of the road increase cracking”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Sep 2016
“Dash cracked right above passenger airbag deployment area. No discoloration in the area or any warning. One day fine, the next day a crack appeared. Truck was parked most of the day and my work commute is 6 miles round trip. I don't off road and I have normal sized tires so no vibration occurred.”Owner report · Structure · Aug 2016
“General motors dash cracks on various avalanche model years. My research suggest other gm vehicles similar too the avalanche. My meticulously maintained avalanche is typical. Comparing too other gm vehicles of other owners. Crack are near identical in location. Presently one at the passenger airbag. Second crack on the instrument dash hump. I can only conclude the possibility of a design flaw. Crack picture are the best I can do. Airbag crack is near the quarter. Two pictures show the vehicle is not abused. General motors contact have proved useless. "if I want the crack repaired, I would have to pay from my own pocket."”Owner report · Air Bags · Apr 2016
“Dashboard has cracked into multiple pieces around and behind the instrument cluster and near the airbag. Numerous calls with chevy have failed to resolve the problem and chevy refuses to guarantee, in writing, that the airbag will still discharge properly in an accident and remain seated properly and that the radio will not dislodge from the dash. This vehicle is well maintained and has approximately 51k miles on it. This is a huge safety concern and is a common issue with all vehicles with the same dash made from 2009-2013. Chevy has acknowledged this is an issue yet refuses to repair or replace unless they are forced to in a recall.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Nov 2015
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 0 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 CADILLAC ESCALADE, ESCALADE ESV, ESCALADE EXT; CHEVROLET AVALANCHE, COLORADO, EXPRESS, SILVERADO, SUBURBAN, TAHOE; AND GMC CANYON, SIERRA, SAVANA, YUKON AND YUKON XL VEHICLES. THE REAR AXLE CROSS PINS WERE NOT PROPERLY HEAT TREATED AND COULD FRACTURE AND BECOME DISPLACED WITHIN THE REAR AXLE. SHOULD THE PIN SHIFT OUT OF POSITION, IT COULD CREATE AN INTERFERENCE CONDITION AND CAUSE THE REAR AXLE TO LOCK.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW REAR AXLE CROSS PIN FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 11, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463 AND AT THE OWNER CENTER AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.
GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 CADILLAC ESCALADE EXT, CHEVROLET AVALANCHE, SILVERADO LD AND GMC SIERRA LD VEHICLES. THE REAR AXLE CROSS PINS WERE NOT PROPERLY HEAT TREATED AND COULD FRACTURE AND BECOME DISPLACED WITHIN THE REAR AXLE. SHOULD THE PIN SHIFT OUT OF POSITION, IT COULD CREATE AN INTERFERENCE CONDITION AND CAUSE THE REAR AXLE TO LOCK.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW REAR AXLE CROSS PIN FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 11, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463 AND AT THE OWNER CENTER AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.
How other years compare
Check your exact Avalanche 1500 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 reliable?
NHTSA has 28 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500. The most complained-about area is air bags.
Does the 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning suspension:rear:axle:spindle. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.