- The problem
- 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 AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, PR, AS, GU, the MP, and VI or "Zone A." Additionally GM is recalling certain 2011-2014 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, Yukon XL and 2011-2013 Cadillac Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of AZ, AR, DE, DC, IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, and WV or "Zone B." Additionally, GM is recalling certain 2010-2014 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL and 2010-2013 Cadillac Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with non-desiccated passenger frontal inflators containing phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
- The risk
- An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
- The fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on February 25, 2021. Second notification letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owner notification letters were mailed to 40 VIN owners on May 11, 2021. A second owner notification letter was mailed to all other owners on January 24, 2022. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212328800.
Vehicle safety record
2011 Chevrolet Avalanche Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 155 complaints about the 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche with NHTSA, most often about the airbags (66) and the body, doors & structure (27). Those complaints describe 3 crashes and 1 injury. It is covered by 3 recalls, the latest in February 2021 for the inflator module. For comparison, the 2010 has 117 and the 2012 has 52.
NHTSA data checked
CAbout as many problems as a typical Avalanche year, for its age
#75 most complained-about 2011 vehicle
- Complaints
- 155
- Recalls
- 3
- Crashes
- 3
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 1
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche problems
Share of all 155 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2011 Chevrolet Avalanche recalls 3
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2007-2011 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, Yukon XL, and 2009-2011 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, GMC Sierra 2500 and Sierra 3500 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, GM is recalling certain 2007-2008 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." These vehicles are equipped with non-desiccated passenger frontal inflators containing phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
- The risk
- An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
- The fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on February 22, 2021. Second notification letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 1, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212328760.
- The problem
- 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 vehicles, the ignition lock actuator may bind, making turning the key difficult or causing the ignition to get stuck in the "Start" position.
- The risk
- If stuck in the "Start" position, the ignition may suddenly snap back into the "Accessory" position, causing a loss of engine, steering, and braking power, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. If the vehicle is in a crash, the air bags may not deploy, increasing the risk of occupant injury.
- The fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the ignition lock housing, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on February 12, 2015. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-458-8006 (Cadillac), 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), or 1-800-462-8782 (GMC). GM's number for this recall is 14696 for the original equipment, and 14912 for the service replacement parts.
What owners say
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155 complaints about the 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 7.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 127,000, and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 223,000. Local authorities had been contacted.
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and making a left turn, there was a loud banging sound coming from under the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road and the steering wheel became stiff. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic but was not yet diagnosed. The contact believed that failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 10V643000 (Suspension); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 101,000.
The structure that holds the rear differential and axle to the frame rusted through and broke off from both sides so the whole rear axle unit broke loose and pulled back so the drive shaft pulled loose and the rear tires were rubbing on the fenders. If this happened at highway speeds I don't know what might have happened. The vehicle was towed to a welding shop to see if it can be repaired. It has not been inspected. If it can not be repaired the vehicle will have to be junked. There was no warning that this would happen.
Vehicle sometimes without warning, would shut down.Yes its available for inspection. Its unsafe because of the element of surprise when suddenly finding out that the ability to control the vehicle is dangerously compromised. Specifically when trying to steer or brake effectively or even trying to get to a safe location. With no warning there is not much time to react to the situation. In spite of having a perfect driver score I become a threat to other drivers and pedestrians when my vehicle shuts down. I have had...
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it looked at by two different local mechanics. After trying a few less expensive options its becoming more evident that its a faulty sensor. After checking to see about other owners with similar issues, I have learned that the crankshaft position sensor was often behind the problem. This is not to say, it is in my case. My point is that with it posing a safety risk why should these other owners and Im sure more to come and me have to respond after possibly being in a deadly accident when this has been a documented as an ongoing problem. As for the rest of the questions, no one other than a mechanic has looked at the vehicle. Some times there would be an indication message on the dash along with engine trouble light and nothing would happen. But most recently it twice shut down without any indicator message. Once was on the highway the other about two hundred yards before a railroad crossing.
February of 2021 I was notified the driver side air bag in my truck I drive daily has an issue that if goes off can cause serious injury or death. that as 6 months ago and still no path forward to fix it, how safe it this for me to drive is death is an option? I feel this would be a concern for drivers and the companies doing more to prevent something if a part cannot be secured. Maybe start offering deals to accept the trade ins so your customer doesn't have to drive around an unsafe vehicle because of supply issues? This needs to be addressed so something silly can be avoided.
Was advised of the recall of my vehicle on Feb 26th 2021 and that the part to fix the problem was not available it is now six months later and have heard nothing and don,t know how log they expect people to wait with a faulty part to be repaired.
Dashboard has 5 large cracks 4 lateral an 1 vertical top front speaker has fallen off clips.Vehicle dashboard started cracking while just sitting over time and while driving road vibration help cracking continue I'm afraid that with the cracking since it is in the passenger airbag area as well it could cause airbag to deploy causing more damage injuries to passenger or a wreck by suddenly going off and causing driver to swerve suddenly.
Dash has several large cracks and it keeps getting worse with time
I have received several notices about having the air bags replaced but the local chev dealer tells me when they get the parts they will call me. When will the parts be ready?
Purchased a used 2011 chevy avalanche with 87,000 miles one owner from a small dealership. After having the vehicle for about a week noticed it shuddering when pulling any kind of grade. Thinking it was some kind of misfire had all the plugs changed only to find that it also had an oil file problem with 1 of the cylinders. When the vehicle would shudder it was around 1500-2000 rpms. If I would give it more gas it made it past the 2,000 rpms and would shift with no problems. Needless to say the transmission is now...
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toast as it gave out completely and needs replaced. No warning lights of any kind made me aware of a potentially serious problem. After reading more I am seeing that the transmission is something that gm has not fully taken care of as stated with older models. The transmission failed while driving on a major interstate roadway while nearing the top of a hill. It just went completely into neutral and would just rev the engine. The truck was carrying 3 adults and 2 children in car seats when this occurred. Thankfully we were able to get to the shoulder of the road safely. Currently the truck has 89,995 miles on it. I only put approximately 2000 miles on it since purchase.
Unable to get recall help or support to for takata airbag recall service
Dashboard is cracked by passenger side airbag and over the instrument cluster. There have been thousands of complaints on 2007 to 2013 tahoes, suburbans, silverado's, and avalanche's with this issue. Should the airbag deploy the cracking plastic could be a hazard.
I am the owner of a 2011 chevrolet avalanche. I received the chevrolet recall, I went to do the airbag repair and they inform me that the company that makes it has gone bankrupt and there is no repair. They also inform me that it is dangerous to use the vehicle since the airbag can cause damage. What I can do?
My dash keeps cracking, I had it replaced once in 2015 and now 2020 (been cracked for 3 years now) both pieces are all cracked with hole in the center of dash. Seems like the sun dries out the place where it screws in. The screws/bolts fall off and dash just bounces all over anda starts cracking. Call the same dealership to have it redone. They told me $350 plus labor.
Dash board is cracking around the steering wheel and air bags started as small spot now with the heat it has gotten bigger and connecting to other cracks
Cracks in dashboard by airbag. Other cracks developing in dashboard as well.
DASH CRACKED ALL ON TOP.
Open recall on airbag gm says no remedy yet. What do I do.
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2011 chevrolet avalanche. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v381000 (air bags). The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time to repair the vehicle. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet avalanche. The contact noticed that the front passenger side dashboard was fractured directly above the air bag. The vehicle was taken to dan vaden brunswick chevrolet cadillac (121 altama connector, brunswick, ga 31525, (912) 265-3540), but was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v381000 (air bags), but the part needed for the repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of...
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time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the same dealer three times and the part was not available each time. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and scheduled an appointment at the same dealer and provided a case number: 9-5453255979. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet avalanche. The contact received a recall notice for nhtsa campaign number: 16v381000(air bags). Gerry lane chevrolet (6505 florida blvd, baton rouge, la 70806, 225-366-7962) was contacted and stated that the part was not available. The manufacturer was not notified. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available. *Tr
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet avalanche. The contact stated that the vehicle was included in an unknown recall regarding defective takata air bags. The contact took the vehicle to community chevrolet (200 w olive ave, burbank, ca 91502, (866) 610-2450) and allen gwynn chevrolet (1400 s brand blvd, glendale, ca 91204, (818) 528-8597) and was informed that the parts were not available for the recall remedy. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided the same information as the dealer. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Avalanche recall. Developed dashboard cracks which is a major safety concern for me.
Just purchased the vehicle 3 days ago and the dealership is telling me I bought the car as is and there's three recalls on it and they are they're refusing to fix what it needs to be fixed do they have the right to do that and just because I bought the car as is
Cracked dashboard creates a concern if air bag is deployed
Chevrolet Avalanche: every year compared
All Avalanche years2011 Chevrolet Avalanche vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche | 155 | 3 | C | |
| 2011 Chevrolet Camaro | 194 | 3 | F | Compare |
| 2011 Chevrolet Corvette | 85 | 1 | F | Compare |
| 2011 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 | 85 | 0 | C | Compare |
| 2011 Chevrolet Aveo | 77 | 0 | A | Compare |
| 2011 Chevrolet AVEO4 | 77 | 0 | - | Compare |
| 2011 Chevrolet Colorado | 42 | 5 | C | Compare |
| 2011 Chevrolet Cobalt | 2 | 0 | A | Compare |
| 2011 Chevrolet Captiva | 1 | 1 | A | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche
Does the 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche: inflator module (February 2021); inflator module (February 2021); ignition (December 2014). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the airbags (66), body, doors & structure (27), engine & cooling (13).
How many complaints has the 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche had?
155 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on May 7, 2011 and the latest on April 23, 2025. Of these, 3 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 1 injury and 0 deaths.
Is the 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 45 out of 100 (grade C: about as many problems as a typical Chevrolet Avalanche year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Chevrolet Avalanche years have the most complaints?
2002 (671), 2007 (493), 2003 (422). See every Chevrolet Avalanche year compared.
What should I do if my 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data