Car Defect Radar
Built from NHTSA complaints and recalls collected for this model, generated September 22, 2026. Totals reflect what has been collected, not every complaint ever filed.

Recalls

0 total

Safety issues the manufacturer must repair for free. A recall means confirm the fix was done, not walk away.

No recalls on record for this model

No safety recalls were found in this dataset. It is still worth entering the exact VIN on NHTSA before purchase, since recalls can be added at any time.

Owner complaints by system

155 total

Unverified reports owners filed with NHTSA, grouped by the part of the car. Useful for spotting patterns. Open a group to read recent examples.

Engine & powertrain

Worth reading
16

Most reports here involve unintended acceleration. Of these, 1 mention a crash.

unintended acceleration 6sudden stalling 4fluid leaks 2
A recent report: 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…
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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 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.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11444714 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Electrical & infotainment

Minor
6

Most reports here involve airbags not deploying.

airbags not deploying 1loss of steering 1
A recent report: AVALANCHE RECALL. DEVELOPED DASHBOARD CRACKS WHICH IS A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN FOR ME.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11229468 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Brakes

Worth reading
7

Most reports here involve unintended acceleration. Of these, 2 mention a crash, 1 mention an injury.

unintended acceleration 4loss of braking 2software faults 1
A recent report: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE. WHILE THE VEHICLE IDLED, THE STABLILITRAC AND ABS WARNING INDICATORS FLICKERED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE. WHILE THE VEHICLE IDLED, THE STABLILITRAC AND ABS WARNING INDICATORS FLICKERED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 93,778.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #10745940 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Steering, suspension & tires

Minor
2

Most reports here involve loss of steering.

loss of steering 1
A recent report: 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…
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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.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11642582 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Airbags & seat belts

Minor
71

Most reports here involve airbags deploying unexpectedly.

airbags deploying unexpectedly 13airbags not deploying 4
A recent report: 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…
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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.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11429418 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Structure & body

Minor
25

Most reports here involve airbags deploying unexpectedly.

airbags deploying unexpectedly 1premature wear 1
A recent report: 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…
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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.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11475560 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Other systems

Minor
28

Most reports here involve premature wear.

premature wear 7
A recent report: 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…
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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.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11656297 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Is 155 complaints a lot? They were filed between 2011 and 2025, roughly 11 a year, which is more than the typical model in this dataset. We do not have sales figures for this model, so treat this as a rough volume, not a rate per car on the road. Popular, high-volume models naturally collect more complaints over time.