Chevrolet Avalanche Structure Problems

Source: NHTSA · Updated Apr 21, 2026 · 275 complaints analyzed

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).

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.

Under 10k miles14 · 7%
10k–25k miles14 · 7%
25k–50k miles53 · 25%
50k–75k miles58 · 27%
75k–100k miles35 · 17%
100k–150k miles28 · 13%
150k+ miles9 · 4%

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

Peak: 2007, with 75 complaints
2000: 1200012002: 672002672003: 9200392004: 7200472005: 3200532006: 1200612007: 752007752008: 442008442009: 8200982010: 162010162011: 232011232012: 2201222013: 19201319

n = 275 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Model yearStructure complaintsShare of that yearMedian miles
2013 Avalanche1923%59,586
2012 Avalanche26%50,700
2011 Avalanche2318%50,000
2010 Avalanche1614%52,042
2009 Avalanche811%69,000
2008 Avalanche4417%64,000
2007 Avalanche7520%75,000
2006 Avalanche19%142,000
2005 Avalanche34%82,293
2004 Avalanche74%9,000
2003 Avalanche94%8,389
2002 Avalanche6715%40,963
2000 Avalanche150%—

When owners reported it

Peak: 2004, with 32 complaints
2002: 520022003: 152004: 322004322005: 192006: 520062007: 22008: 120082010: 82011: 620112012: 122013: 1520132014: 292015: 2920152016: 282017: 1920172018: 152019: 620192020: 162021: 720212022: 32023: 220232024: 1

n = 275 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Related recalls (1)

Structure:body:tailgate:hinge and attachmentsMar 17, 2004 · NHTSA campaign 04V129000 · 3,662,211 vehicles

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 I’m concerned it will affect the air bag if ever in an accident and also dangerously sharp pieces of the dash could cause harm.

Received Apr 13, 2024 · NHTSA complaint 11582808

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…

Received Nov 6, 2023 · NHTSA complaint 11553865

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…

Received Feb 16, 2023 · NHTSA complaint 11507569

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…

Received Aug 6, 2022 · NHTSA complaint 11477931

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…

Received Jul 24, 2022 · NHTSA complaint 11475560
Chevrolet Avalanche
2007-2010 Chevrolet Avalanche photographed in La Plata, Maryland , USA.. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

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

See all Chevrolet Avalanche problems.