2012 Chevrolet Avalanche
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
3 recalls name the 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
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.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
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.
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…
Risk and remedy
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.
Remedy
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.
Owner complaints
36 complaints2 involved a crash2 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Suspension · Unknown or other
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.
- Engine · Fuel/propulsion system · Vehicle speed control
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 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)
- Unknown or other
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…
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.
- Air bags
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…
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
- Electrical system
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?
- Unknown or other
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…
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 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.
- Exterior lighting
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…
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.
- Engine
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…
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. 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.
- Unknown or other
Multilple cracks in dashboard, kept in garage
- Unknown or other
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.
- Power train
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.
- Air bags
Service airbag light staying on. was told we need a new airbag and connector. airbag has never been deployed.
- Unknown or other
Dashboard cracked in several places
- Unknown or other
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.
- Unknown or other
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!!
- Air bags · Unknown or other
Takata recall ; cracked dash
- Air bags · Unknown or other
Dashboard around passenger side airbag IS cracked. In my opinion this could affect the operation of the airbag, or even tear it upon activation.
- Unknown or other
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…
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 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.
- Unknown or other
Cracked dashboard by the airbag and gauges
- Unknown or other
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
- Unknown or other
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…
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 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.
- Unknown or other
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.
- Service brakes
When nearing a stop light at est. 15 mph I stepped on the brake and it was like stepping on a rock. the pedal did not move. I pounded on the pedal and finally had enough brake to stop. there were no warning lights. afterwards the brakes were good. this was repeated twice more. I took it to a…
When nearing a stop light at est. 15 mph I stepped on the brake and it was like stepping on a rock. the pedal did not move. I pounded on the pedal and finally had enough brake to stop. there were no warning lights. afterwards the brakes were good. this was repeated twice more. I took it to a brake shop where they checked all mechanical function and found nothing wrong. they hooked up the computer and found no codes. I took it to a chevrolet dealer and they could not find any codes. during a test drive the mechanic unhooked the vacuum line and had no vacuum. he found the motor was making vacuum. back at the shop he said it was probably the vacuum booster. when it was replaced the brakes worked as they always had except when they didn't work. now that the booster has been replaced I do not know if the problem IS fixed since it IS a random problem. I will not be able to trust the brakes until at least a month goes by with no problems. the truck has less than 29000 miles on it.
- Unknown or other
My avalanche IS a 2012 with 36500 miles on it. I heard a rattling noise and found my dash IS cracked above the instrument panel.
- Air bags
Service airbag light came on when I released the emergency brake while on a hill, te vehicle only had 21,000 miles on it when this happened, dealer says it will cost about $1,000 to replace the sdm due to a failed current in the sdm, this vehicle has never been in an accident or air bags deployed…
Service airbag light came on when I released the emergency brake while on a hill, te vehicle only had 21,000 miles on it when this happened, dealer says it will cost about $1,000 to replace the sdm due to a failed current in the sdm, this vehicle has never been in an accident or air bags deployed, the warranty just ran out but still well below the allotted mileage. The dealer says the air bags will not work in the event of an accident.
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant…
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 11011805This Preliminary information communicates a GM part number forreflective high temperature heat or insulating tape when repairing wiring harnesses.
- 11011709This 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.
- 11011444This Preliminary information communicates to the dealer a process for accessing the procedure to add attachments to a GM technical assistance case using the dealer case management tool.
- 11011205This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
- 11010566This service bulletin provides frame coating repair information to correct a customer concern of wax coating on frame peeling, metal shows corrosion/rusting (U.S. and Canada Only).
- 11010545This service bulletin provides information on key code security rules and information on GM keycode look-up applications (U.S).
- 11010544This service bulletin explains how to measure for oil consumption and possible reasons for loss of oil.
- 11010491This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information for GM courtesy transportation and roadside assistance programs.
- 11010490This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
- 11010421This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information on the requirements for 12V battery testing and warranty replacements.
- 11009764This service bulletin provides information on Concerns or Questions Regarding Installation of Dealer Installed Accessories.
- 11009756This bulletin provides information on Policies Applicable to All U.S. Dealers for Engine and Transmission Assembly Replacement Under Warranty, Policy or Customer Enthusiasm and information on Submission of Warranty Transaction in Global Warranty Management.
- 11009532This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
- 11009531This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
- 11009088This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be accompanied by a clunk noise. This is a slight movement that is more often seen visually, rather than felt, when viewed from the outside and using the auto-start feature, if equipped.
- 11009039This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information, proper labor operation selection and causal part identification for warranty transactions (U.S. Only).
- 11008956This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on When and How to Submit a Field Product Report (FPR) (U.S. and Canada Dealers Only).
- 11008906This service bulletin provides graphics, information and guidelines for engine component wear to assist service personnel as a guideline to perform necessary engine repairs and prevent unnecessary engine replacement.
- 11008898The bulletin provides direction on how to locate the Temporary Service Part (TSP) form in GlobalConnect.
- 11007936This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel on diagnosis and replacement of shock absorber and strut due to fluid leak.
- 11007935This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel on diagnosis and replacement of shock absorber and strut due to fluid leak.
- 11007208This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire calibration for tires that have been sized, tested and designed for the vehicle in question and its applications. Technician should not use the information that is provided by the antilock braking system tire size selection.
- 11007121This bulletin provides information on Engine Concerns that could result from lack of scheduled maintenance, improper service or aftermarket calibrations.
- 11007116This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 11007115This service bulletin provides information on Internal Engine Noise or Damage After Oil Filter Replacement.
- 11007095This bulletin provides information on the TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline Licensed Brands and the TOP TIER Diesel Fuel Licensed Brands that are recommended for use in all GM vehicles and the TOP TIER FUELS website URL.
- 11007091This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
- 11006682This service bulletin provides information on a guide to help reduce repeat visits for the same customer concern.
- 11006670This service bulletin advises about the possible issues that may occur when using a scotch brite pad or highly abrasive disk on gasket sealing surfaces or reused parts.
- 11006644This Warranty Administration service bulletin provides information for dealers/Service advisors on when and how to submit a Pre-Repair Authorization (PRA).
- 11006621Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). The updating of modules is completed in parallel instead of the technician needing to update one module at a time. This allows a more streamlined approach for dealers and customers.
- 11006511This PI provides information on Rear and Side Tempered Glass Spots (Quench Marks) and that they are a normal characteristic.
- 11006421GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or inadequate packaging or shipping. This bulletin advises the dealers to be more careful not to damage the transmissions during removal and to package the core properly for return.
- 11006282This service bulletin provides information on Chemical Staining, Pitting, Corrosion and/or Spotted Appearance of Chromed Aluminum Wheels.
- 11006278This service bulletin describes the U.S. Dealer Special Tool Loan Program process.
- 11005339This service bulletin explains the difference in oil filters for gas engines with new oil pump control systems and the possibilities of what may happen using the incorrect filter.
- 11005311This service bulletin provides information on Driveline Clunk Noise and what is acceptable and what is considered normal operation.
- 11004761This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
- 11004727This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
- 11004557This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
Every Chevrolet Avalanche model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.