Chevrolet Avalanche Structure Problems
Owners have filed 275 complaints with NHTSA about structure problems on the Chevrolet Avalanche across 13 model years. The 2007 model year has the most (75). The words owners use most often: “dashboard cracked” (11% of reports).
- 275structure complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 4mention a crash
- 17mention an injury
- 1related recalls
- 23%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Dashboard cracked: mentioned in 31 of 275 complaints (11%)
- Dash board: mentioned in 18 of 275 complaints (7%)
- Passenger airbag: mentioned in 17 of 275 complaints (6%)
- Door handles: mentioned in 15 of 275 complaints (5%)
At what mileage do structure problems happen?
Based on 211 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 275 complaints, 4 mention a crash, 2 a fire, 17 an injury.
Chevrolet Avalanche structure complaints by model year
| Model year | Structure complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 Avalanche | 19 | 23% | 59,586 |
| 2012 Avalanche | 2 | 6% | 50,700 |
| 2011 Avalanche | 23 | 18% | 50,000 |
| 2010 Avalanche | 16 | 14% | 52,042 |
| 2009 Avalanche | 8 | 11% | 69,000 |
| 2008 Avalanche | 44 | 17% | 64,000 |
| 2007 Avalanche | 75 | 20% | 75,000 |
| 2006 Avalanche | 1 | 9% | 142,000 |
| 2005 Avalanche | 3 | 4% | 82,293 |
| 2004 Avalanche | 7 | 4% | 9,000 |
| 2003 Avalanche | 9 | 4% | 8,389 |
| 2002 Avalanche | 67 | 15% | 40,963 |
| 2000 Avalanche | 1 | 50% | — |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (1)
Structure:body:tailgate:hinge and attachments
Model years: 2002, 2003, 2004
Problem: On certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles, the galvanized steel tailgate support cables that retain the tailgate in the full open (horizontal) position may corrode, weaken, and eventually fracture. If both cables fractured, the tailgate would suddenly drop and strike the top surface of the rear bumper.
Risk: Anyone sitting or standing on the horizontal surface of the tailgate when both cables fractured could be injured by falling from the tailgate. On vehicles that have had the bumper removed, the tailgate may drop even lower. Additionally, if there is cargo on the tailgate the cargo may fall off if the support cables fracture.
Fix: Dealers will replace the cables. Interim owner notification began on april 7, 20004. The recall began on september 24, 2004, when replacement parts were available, and will continue through october 29, 2004. Owners should contact cadillac at 1-866-982-2339, chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or gmc at 1-866-996-9463, or visit www.mygmlink.com, and enter your vehicle identification number.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
The dash has been slowly cracking the past couple of years. Which Iâm concerned it will affect the air bag if ever in an accident and also dangerously sharp pieces of the dash could cause harm.
The contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at the dealer for a service appointment, the contact was informed that the subframe was severely corroded. The contact was informed that the subframe and parts connected to the frame would also need to be…
The contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche. The contact stated that there was an abnormal odor of antifreeze inside the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed the contact that there was excessive rust to the subframe and one of fuel tank strap. Additionally, the…
The Dashboard has cracked and broken in several places and I believe this to be directly as a result of the steering wheel column and moving the steering wheel tilt positions. You could hear a cracking when moving the steering wheel position and then a sound like a bolt or something dropping…
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 donât know…

Frequently asked questions
Do all Chevrolet Avalanches have structure problems?
No. NHTSA has 275 owner complaints about structure for the Chevrolet Avalanche. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Chevrolet Avalanche structure?
Yes: 1 safety recall list structure. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
What do owners say about structure problems on the Chevrolet Avalanche?
The most frequent phrase is “dashboard cracked”, in 31 of 275 complaints, followed by “dash board” (18).
Other Chevrolet Avalanche problems
- Air Bags problems (591)
- Electrical System problems (206)
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic problems (164)
- Service Brakes problems (147)
- Power Train problems (100)
See all Chevrolet Avalanche problems.