2012 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 Problems & Complaints

Better than average42% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Avalanche 1500 at the same age

Owners have filed 16 complaints about the 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That is 42% fewer than a typical Avalanche 1500 model year at the same age, making the 2012 one of the better Avalanche 1500 years. The most reported problem area is the air bags (3 complaints, typically around 62,000 miles).

16complaints
0recalls
0crashes
0fires
0injuries
0deaths

Most common 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 problems

  • Other / not specified~62,000 miles
    1594%
  • Air bags~62,000 miles
    319%
  • Stability & traction control~65,000 miles
    16%
  • Body & structure~30,000 miles
    16%

Share of the 16 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.

Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 complaints by model year

2002200320042005200620072008200920102011201220131541821441293911337206281629
Owner complaints per model year, Chevrolet Avalanche 1500. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).

Best Avalanche 1500 years: 2010, 2012, 2006. Years to avoid: 2003, 2005, 2004, 2002, 2007. Compare all years →

What 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 owners say

Air bags

The dashboard cracked over the instrument panel and over the passenger side airbag. This is the second Avalanche that I have owned that cracked in the same location; previous year was a 2007.

62,000 miles · Jul 2016

Dash board cracks formed on passenger airbag and driver over instrument panel. Possible airbag deployment puncture hazard and vibration distraction while moving.

43,000 miles · May 2017

2012 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 engines & fuel economy

EngineTransmissionDriveMPG city / hwy / combined
5.3L 8-cyl6-speed automaticRWD15 / 21 / 17
5.3L 8-cyl6-speed automatic4WD15 / 21 / 17

EPA ratings. Class: SUV.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 a good car?

Based on 16 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2012 Avalanche 1500 rates better than average: 42% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Avalanche 1500 at the same age. It is one of the best Avalanche 1500 years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.

What is the most common problem with the 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500?

The air bags — 3 complaints, 19% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the stability & traction control (1) and body & structure (1).

How many recalls does the 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 have?

NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.

What are the best and worst years of the Chevrolet Avalanche 1500?

The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2010, 2012 and 2006. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2003, 2005, 2004, 2002 and 2007. See the full Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 years comparison.

At what mileage do 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 problems happen?

The median mileage reported in complaints is about 62,000 miles; 45% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.