Most common 2013 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 problems
Share of the 29 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 complaints by model year
Best Avalanche 1500 years: 2010, 2012, 2006. Years to avoid: 2003, 2005, 2004, 2002, 2007. Compare all years →
2013 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 recalls (1)
Power train › Automatic transmission
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, and Escalade EXT; Chevrolet Avalanche, Express, Silverado HD, Silverado LD, Suburban, and Tahoe; and GMC Savana, Sierra HD, Sierra LD, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles, manufactured between November 7, 2012, through December 18, 2012, for…
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the affected vehicles and replace the steering column as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on January 21, 2013. Chevrolet owners may call 1-800-630-2438.
What 2013 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 owners say
Body & structure
The adhesive securing the 4 pieces of door trim is breaking down and the trim pieces will eventually fall off on their own, a potential hazard to other motorists depending on when and where it happens. These are supposed to be a no maintenance item. Reported to Chevrolet, case # 8-4199057982, and they do not seem to be concerned that this "life of the vehicle" installation is defective as the 3 year bumper-to-bumper warranty is expired. As a principle engineer in boeing's research and technology division (we test stuff to make sure it's safe), my informed opinion is the defect is caused by poor surface preparation prior to bonding, adhesive material used past it's working life, adhesive material past its shelf life, or use of an adhesive material which is not designed for the intended environment. …
I own a 2013 Chevy Avalanche. I have replaced all 4 chrome door handles due to them pulling away from the door where they attach at the rear portion.. This is a known and well documented problem with the body style. Today I had to pay to replace the drivers door handle for the 2nd time since I have owned the vehicle. I have now replaced 3 under warranty and had to pay for the other two. I am sure that this will continue to happen over the life of the vehicle and I don't feel I should have to pay every time an obvious manufacturers defect occurs.
Air bags
The dash cracked overnight. There are now two big cracks in the dash of the vehicle, one on passenger side just above the airbag and another on the driver side, just to left of center above the main gauge cluster. I have read online that this is a known issue by general motors for the 2013 Avalanche, as well as other models from that year and the few years previous. This vehicle is kept in the garage, has never been off road or been wrecked in any way. The dash itself is only wiped down with a damp cloth when truck is washed, and never has chemicals used on it. When the truck is not in the garage, a sun visor shield is placed in the front window at all times. This is a big safety issue, due to the fact that is compromises the integrity of the air bag and also can allow for flying debris in the case of an accident.
At +/-83000 miles the dash developed a crack leading into the passenger air bag housing. It also is broken and, when driving, loosely vibrating between the instrument panel and the passenger air bag housing. Given the dangers associated with air bags, this is a clear and present danger to anyone in the vehicle.
2013 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5.3L 8-cyl | 6-speed automatic | RWD | 15 / 21 / 17 |
| 5.3L 8-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 4WD | 15 / 21 / 17 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2013 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 a good car?
Based on 29 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2013 Avalanche 1500 rates average: about as many complaints as a typical year of the Avalanche 1500 at the same age. 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 2013 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500?
The body & structure — 8 complaints, 28% of all complaints for this model year, most often about body. Next are the air bags (6) and steering (2).
How many recalls does the 2013 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 have?
There is 1 recall for the 2013 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500, the most recent from January 2, 2013 (automatic transmission). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the 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 2013 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 51,000 miles; 50% 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.