repaired · 2023 Q2
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.
2012 Chevrolet AvalancheProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 36 owner complaints about the 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche, most often about the air bags. It is covered by 3 safety recalls, and for recall 21V-051 the manufacturer reports only 39% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through May 5, 2024. Updated daily. Photo: SsmIntrigue, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche has problems
36 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
6Air bags1 crash/fire/injury
3Power train2 crash/fire/injury
3Engine
2Wheels
2Steering1 crash/fire/injury
2Structure
2Vehicle speed control
1Electrical system
1Suspension
44 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 6 | 1 |
| Power train | 3 | 2 |
| Engine | 3 | 0 |
| Wheels | 2 | 0 |
| Steering | 2 | 1 |
| Structure | 2 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 2 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 1 | 0 |
| Suspension | 1 | 0 |
| 4 other systems | 4 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
3 recalls
2012 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.
Best & worst years
2012 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
2012 Chevrolet Avalanche safety ratings
2012 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 2012 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.
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…
DASHBOARD AROUND PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG IS CRACKED. IN MY OPINION THIS COULD AFFECT THE OPERATION OF THE AIRBAG, OR EVEN TEAR IT UPON ACTIVATION.
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,…
Own a 2012 Avalanche?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.