- 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
2012 Chevrolet Avalanche Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 52 complaints about the 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche with NHTSA, most often about the airbags (9) and the body, doors & structure (3). Those complaints describe 2 crashes and 2 injuries. It is covered by 3 recalls, the latest in February 2021 for the inflator module. For comparison, the 2011 has 155 and the 2013 has 82.
NHTSA data checked
AFar fewer problems than a typical Avalanche year, for its age
#119 most complained-about 2012 vehicle
- Complaints
- 52
- Recalls
- 3
- Crashes
- 2
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 2
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche problems
Share of all 52 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2012 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 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 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." 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 May 11, 2021. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212328770.
- 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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52 complaints about the 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 3.
Rear control arms were rusted out and fell off the frame. Additionally with that happening the rear drive shaft was pulled out from transmission and could cause a vehicle to flip. Upon further investigation body frame was extremely rusted for a truck this age. 85450 mes on it.
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)
There is a problem with GM vehicles developing cracked dashboards including my own. The cracks are happening around/above the instrument cluster and more importantly, around the airbag. I am concerned that the defected dashboard would cause some sort of airbag puncture if it were deployed causing serious injury. Should someone get killed or seriously injured before this matter is taken into consideration. I own a 2012 Chevy Avalanche. I have developed the same cracks just as so many other GM vehicle owners.
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V054000 (Air Bags) however, the VIN was updated and now displayed that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The contact mentioned that the vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair. The failure recurred. The vehicle then was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the air bag needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact was informed that a senior adviser would reach out him for further assistance however, no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 171,000
Trailer brake warning is showing on dash. Noted there is a recall bulletin #14515b issued relating to this issue and not sure why my serial number is not found in this recall?
Severely cracked dashboard. This happened both when stationary and moving. Purchased this truck just a few weeks ago. Had cracked dashboard. Previous owner said it had been that way for years. Figured it would not cost much to fix/replace. Took it to body shop this morning. No way their price is within my budget. Crack causes constant rattling and is extremely annoying. Friends have looked at the truck since I bought it and are really impressed with all the advantages it has to offer. However the look on...
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their faces when they see the dashboard makes me wish I had never purchased this truck. I would love to say I would recommend this truck to others who are purchasing a used vehicle but that would be a lie. Sometimes it's the little things that can change a persons whole outlook and this is a biggie. You dropped the on this. Not only is it a cosmetic defect but I can see a lot of safety issues also. Wish I had never purchased this vehicle.
I have been told that one of my daytime running lights is burned out. I have been unable to inspect the lights because they only come on if the transmission is not in park. I called dealer to find out if there is any way to have them come on without the transmission in gear. The dealer said to set the parking brake, put the transmission in gear, and get out to look at the lights (or have a second person look at them, which is not practical for me). This sounds like a dangerous practice. There should be a better way to do this. My old 2007 avalanche would have the daytime running lamps on when in park.
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...
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law suits all across the country on this issue. Gm/chevrolet know they have a problem but refuse to take care of this problem. There is no recall on this and I'm sure never will be because it happens when the engines reach higher mileage. I have all my maintenance records on my truck and had no intention of trading it, but now the motor will have to be rebuilt or replace.
MULTILPLE CRACKS IN DASHBOARD, KEPT IN GARAGE
Multiple cracks in dash (instrument panel). Had one crack when purchased the avalanche used. 2Nd crack appeared one month ago. First one is the front left corner of the airbag. 2Nd one is over the gauge cluster.
Rear end started making a clunk noise during the time one steps on gas to move the truck. Also rear end now makes a holling noise when moving.
Service airbag light staying on. Was told we need a new airbag and connector. Airbag has never been deployed.
DASHBOARD CRACKED IN SEVERAL PLACES
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.
Dash has cracked in two places near the passenger air bag and above the instrument housing. Checking online forums identifies that this a common issue with chevrolet dashes. This creates a safety hazard in the event of a collision as these pieces could become projectiles. Chevrolet should step up and fix this issue!!
Dash has cracked in 2 places near the passenger air bag and in one place above the instrument housing. Checking online forums identifies that this is a common issue with chevrolet dashes. This creates a safety hazard in the event of a collision as these pieces could become projectiles. At this point chevrolet is not offering to fix the issue.
TAKATA RECALL ; CRACKED DASH
Dashboard around passenger side airbag is cracked. In my opinion this could affect the operation of the airbag, or even tear it upon activation.
Gm vehicles are systematically manufactured and designed in a manner that makes them prone to crack. These are not the type of cosmetic blemishes that may be caused by a car left in the sun for many years. Instead, these cracks are deeper, more substantial, occur to vehicles stored in all manners and in all environments, occur during a shorter time period, and occur with a relatively uniform location and presentation. In short, the dashboards are defective in that they are certain to exhibit a large, discernible...
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crack to the dashboard panel. The cracking around the airbag is particularly troubling as it could interfere with the deployment of passenger airbag. The dash is more likely to splinter in unplanned and potentially dangerous directions during deployment of the airbag. As a result of the cracked dashboard problem, the dashboard portion is more susceptible to shattering, which creates the potential for bodily harm from shrapnel during impact.
CRACKED DASHBOARD BY THE AIRBAG AND GAUGES
The dash is cracking all over and next to the air bad. I think it is a safety problem and something needs to be done. If the airbag deploys it would send pieces all over. Thanks
My dashboard has two cracks that just appeared, one of the cracks is right where the passenger airbag is. My vehicle has 76000 miles im being told that this is not cover under the warranty, I've done some research and this seems to be a common problem with this make and model of vehicle but yet gm is refusing to issue a recall, even thought the airbag is being compromised , my vehicle is parked in a garage, I keep it in excellent shape because I enter it in car shows , I'm hoping that all these complaints are being...
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taken serious, and gm issue a recall on this issue before someone gets killed by a airbag that gets inflated and because the dashboard is cracked it gets inbedded in someones face or head, or it causes someone to loose an eye, like I stated, there are numerous complaints on this issue and no one has done anything about it. I'm seriously considering contacting a lawyer about this matter. It's a serious matter , but gm is treating it like it's not, putting peoples life in danger.
I am original owner and the dash has cracked and I am worried on a sir bag deployment that the bag will be torn. Looking into the issue there are a lot of worried about safety issues.
DASH BOARD CRACKED
Cracked dash above instrument panel. Crack began during normal on-road driving.
Chevrolet Avalanche: every year compared
All Avalanche years2012 Chevrolet Avalanche vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche | 52 | 3 | A | |
| 2012 Chevrolet Captiva | 145 | 0 | C | Compare |
| 2012 Chevrolet Camaro | 113 | 5 | F | Compare |
| 2012 Chevrolet Corvette | 56 | 1 | F | Compare |
| 2012 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 | 52 | 0 | B | Compare |
| 2012 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 | 52 | 0 | B | Compare |
| 2012 Chevrolet Colorado | 43 | 2 | C | Compare |
| 2012 Chevrolet Cobalt | 1 | 0 | A | Compare |
| 2012 Chevrolet Aveo | 1 | 0 | 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 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche
Does the 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2012 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 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the airbags (9), body, doors & structure (3), engine & cooling (3).
How many complaints has the 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche had?
52 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on September 10, 2012 and the latest on May 5, 2024. Of these, 2 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 2 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 76 out of 100 (grade A: far fewer problems than 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 2012 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