repaired · 2023 Q1
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
2011 Chevrolet AvalancheProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 127 owner complaints about the 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche, most often about the air bags. It is covered by 3 safety recalls, and for recall 21V-050 the manufacturer reports only 28% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through April 23, 2025. Updated daily. Photo: Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 3.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche has problems
127 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
55Air bags1 crash/fire/injury
23Structure
9Power train1 crash/fire/injury
9Engine
4Service brakes
4Electrical system
3Suspension
3Electronic stability control (ESC)
3Vehicle speed control
43 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 55 | 1 |
| Structure | 23 | 0 |
| Power train | 9 | 1 |
| Engine | 9 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 4 | 1 |
| Electrical system | 4 | 0 |
| Suspension | 3 | 0 |
| Electronic stability control (ESC) | 3 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 3 | 0 |
| 3 other systems | 4 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
3 recalls
2011 Chevrolet Avalanche recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2023 Q4
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
repaired · 2016 Q2
Electrical system: ignition
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,…
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Chevrolet.
Mileage at failure
When do air bags problems start?
68kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 24 air bags complaints. 92% were reported before 100,000 miles.
3under 30k miles22under 100k miles2100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2011 vs. every other Avalanche year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Avalanche median. How we score
'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2011 Chevrolet Avalanche safety ratings
2011 Chevrolet Avalanche SUV 4WD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
- Rollover: 3 stars (21.2% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche, and the recalls they led to.
- Desiccated Air Bag Inflator RuptureOpen
In owners' words
What Avalanche owners report
Recent air bags complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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…
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…
Own a 2011 Avalanche?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.