2011 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

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N/A

Safety Rating

161

Owner Complaints

3 Crashes

3

Recalls

ACTIVE RECALL

8

Service Bulletins

0

Investigations

Overview of the 2011 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE

The 2011 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE has received a total of 161 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 7 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE. 8 technical service bulletins have been issued by General Motors, LLC for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Air Bags (55 complaints), Unknown Or Other (44 complaints), and Structurebody (16 complaints).

Recalls for the 2011 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE

NHTSA has recorded 7 recalls for the 2011 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE, potentially affecting up to 13,342,392 vehicles.

Recall 21V054000 — AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

| 1,778,128 vehicles affected

Defect: 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...

Consequence: 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...

View full details →

Recall 21V054000 — AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

| 1,778,128 vehicles affected

Defect: 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...

Consequence: 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...

View full details →

Recall 21V054000 — AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

| 1,778,128 vehicles affected

Defect: 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...

Consequence: 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...

View full details →

Recall 21V050000 — AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

| 2,641,272 vehicles affected

Defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2007-2011 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, Yukon XL, and 2009-2011 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, GMC Sierra 2500 and Sierra 3500 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto...

Consequence: 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...

View full details →

Recall 21V050000 — AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

| 2,641,272 vehicles affected

Defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2007-2011 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, Yukon XL, and 2009-2011 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, GMC Sierra 2500 and Sierra 3500 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto...

Consequence: 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...

View full details →

Recall 21V050000 — AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

| 2,641,272 vehicles affected

Defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2007-2011 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, Yukon XL, and 2009-2011 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, GMC Sierra 2500 and Sierra 3500 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto...

Consequence: 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...

View full details →

Recall 14V827000 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

| 84,192 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

Consequence: 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)....

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Owner Complaints for the 2011 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE

161 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2011 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Most Recent Complaints

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.
#11642582 | SUSPENSION | | 101,000 miles
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.
#11475560 | STRUCTURE:BODY | | N/A miles
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.
#11444714 | SERVICE BRAKES | | N/A miles
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.
#11444714 | STEERING | | N/A miles
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.

View all Air Bags complaints →

Safety Rating for the 2011 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE

NHTSA has not yet tested the 2011 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE in its New Car Assessment Program.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 2011 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE

General Motors, LLC has issued 8 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2011 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

PIC5491K — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an OnStar system that will not power up. Technician should turn off the ignition and cancel retained accessory power. After the vehicle has powered down remove power to the OnStar module for five minutes. After the power...

PIT5124B — EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that within 10 seconds after startup the radio will mute and phone icon displays on the radio for up to 15 seconds and then returns back to normal operation. Technician will need to use the OnStar system to contact...

16-NA-223 — SERVICE BRAKES

This informational bulletin provides information on installing the correct tires for vehicles with the condition of under hard acceleration at higher speeds, the traction control light will flash. Or, they may come in for ABS or general handling/braking concerns.

PI1290 — VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:INTERIOR

This preliminary bulletin provides a procedure to replace the windshild to correct the customers concern of a loose mirrior and/or bracket fell off.

PIT4417H — VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:EXTERIOR

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about an owner that may request to have a different style mirror installed on their vehicle or request a different mirror before they purchase the vehicle. Swapping mirrors on vehicles equipped with Side Blind Zone Alert, Regular Production Option Code UFT,...

05-08-48-001C — VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD

This informational bulletin provides a revision for 05-08-48-001B to add 2010-2014 model years and update Labor Operation.

PIP4819A — ENGINE

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have Service Engine Soon Malfunction Indicator Lamp and the engine misfires. Technician may find Diagnostic Trouble Codes P0300, P0301, P0302, P0303, P0304, P0305, P0306, P0307, and P0308. Technician will need to inspect the spark plug wires. Technician will...

10-06-01-008H — ENGINE

This technical bulletin provides a procedure to install AFM oil deflector, rocker arm cover-left bank and clean carbon from cylinder due to engine oil consumption on aluminum block/iron block engines.

NHTSA Investigations for the 2011 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE

There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.

Other Model Years of the CHEVROLET AVALANCHE

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Other CHEVROLET Models

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