Before you buy
This 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche has 52 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Uncategorized Issues.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
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2012 Chevrolet Avalanche Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 2 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 2 trims analysed.
2012 Chevrolet Avalanche Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche SUV 4WDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not Rated21.2% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
21.2% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
CHEVROLET AVALANCHE 2012 has 52 NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls. The top complaint category is Uncategorized Issues with 32 reports, followed by Airbag Malfunctions with 9. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
- Make
- Chevrolet
- Model
- Avalanche
- Model year
- 2012
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 52
- Crash-related complaints
- 2
- Safety recall campaigns
- 3
- Top reported component
- Uncategorized Issues
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 17
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 15 / 21
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 3/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Common problems
Most common 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Uncategorized Issues
Airbag Malfunctions
Engine Problems
Complaint patterns center on Uncategorized Issues, Airbag Malfunctions, Engine Problems. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche?
The 2012 Avalanche may be worth considering if you find a well-maintained example, but the high number of uncategorized complaints and low data confidence mean you should proceed with caution and a thorough inspection.
Uncategorized Issues dominate complaints, making it hard to pinpoint common problems. Airbag Malfunctions and recalls add safety concerns that need verification.
May Suit
This year may suit buyers who prioritize the Avalanche's utility and are willing to perform detailed pre-purchase checks.
May Want to Avoid
Buyers seeking a trouble-free used truck with clear reliability data should avoid this year due to vague complaint patterns.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche
Inspection Focus
- Inspect airbag system for any warning lights or prior repairs.
- Check engine and transmission for unusual noises or leaks.
- Review service records for any uncategorized issues reported by previous owner.
Before You Close the Deal
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for reported components like airbags and engine.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
- Ask the seller about any uncategorized issues they experienced.
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
What the complaint data suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche shows 52 total complaints, with the largest category being Uncategorized Issues (32 complaints). Airbag Malfunctions account for 9 complaints, and there are 3 recalls. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
Year context: Without data on other model years, this 2012 model's complaint count cannot be directly compared, but 52 complaints for one year is notable.
Recall context: Three recalls mean you must verify all recall repairs were completed before purchase.
- Uncategorized Issues account for 32 of 52 total complaints.
- Airbag Malfunctions represent 9 complaints.
- There are 3 recalls for the 2012 model year.
- Uncategorized Issues (32 complaints) lack specific component details.
- Airbag Malfunctions (9 complaints) indicate potential safety system problems.
- Engine Problems (3 complaints) and Transmission/Drivetrain (3 complaints) are less frequent but still reported.
Full breakdown
All 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncategorized Issues | 32 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 9 | 1 | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 3 | 2 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
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.
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 t…
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 we…
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 d…
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?
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. …
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. T…
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…
MULTILPLE CRACKS IN DASHBOARD, KEPT IN GARAGE
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.
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.
SERVICE AIRBAG LIGHT STAYING ON. WAS TOLD WE NEED A NEW AIRBAG AND CONNECTOR. AIRBAG HAS NEVER BEEN DEPLOYED.
DASHBOARD CRACKED IN SEVERAL PLACES
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…
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. CHEVROL…
DASH HAS CRACKED IN 2 PLACES NEAR THE PASSENGER AIR BAG AND IN ONE PLACE ABOVE THE INSTRUMENT HOUSING. CHECKING ONLINE FORUMS IDENTIFIES THAT THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE WITH CHEVROLET DASHES. THIS CREATES A SAFETY HAZARD IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION AS THESE PIECES COULD BECOME PROJEC…
TAKATA RECALL ; CRACKED DASH
DASHBOARD AROUND PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG IS CRACKED. IN MY OPINION THIS COULD AFFECT THE OPERATION OF THE AIRBAG, OR EVEN TEAR IT UPON ACTIVATION.
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 STOR…
CRACKED DASHBOARD BY THE AIRBAG AND GAUGES
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche.
Safety recalls
2012 Chevrolet Avalanche recalls
3 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche. Three recalls mean you must verify all recall repairs were completed before purchase. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
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Questions
2012 Chevrolet Avalanche buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 52 owner complaints, 2 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2012 Avalanche may be worth considering if you find a well-maintained example, but the high number of uncategorized complaints and low data confidence mean you should proceed with caution and a thorough inspection. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche?▾
#1: Uncategorized Issues (32 complaints). #2: Airbag Malfunctions (9 complaints). #3: Engine Problems (3 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche, NHTSA complaints include 2 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 52 total complaints. 2 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche have any recalls?▾
Yes. 3 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche. A major recall area is AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE. Three recalls mean you must verify all recall repairs were completed before purchase. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche?▾
The 2012 Avalanche may be worth considering if you find a well-maintained example, but the high number of uncategorized complaints and low data confidence mean you should proceed with caution and a thorough inspection. Uncategorized Issues dominate complaints, making it hard to pinpoint common problems. Airbag Malfunctions and recalls add safety concerns that need verification. Pay extra attention to Uncategorized Issues during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Chevrolet Avalanche reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
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Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
Check the exact vehicle history before you buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.