Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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 what might have happened. The vehicle was towed to a welding shop to see if it can be repaired. It has not been inspected. If it can not be repaired the vehicle will have to be junked. There was no warning that this would happen.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche. The contact noticed that the front passenger side dashboard was fractured directly above the air bag. The vehicle was taken to dan vaden brunswick Chevrolet Cadillac (121 altama connector, brunswick, ga 31525, [phone]), but was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16V381000 (air bags), but the part needed for the repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the same dealer three times and the part was not available each time. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and scheduled an appointment at the same dealer and provided a case number: 9-5453255979. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
I bought my 2011 Avalanche at the end of 2011. The dash has developed two huge cracks that run all the way through to the seam in two places. It seems to be free floating on the dash board. This makes for terrible noise while driving besides seemingly being unsafe. I am not sure what is under that section on the dash but I have a fear of a jagged piece of sharp plastic coming loose in the event of an accident. It started to crack last year, in 2014 but was out of warranty. I do not feel this is a warranty issue, but instead feel it is a design flaw that really should be fixed for myself and the thousands of other people having the same issue. Thank you for your time and attention to this important issue..updated 09/03/15
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche. While driving approximately 30 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal noise coming from inside the front of the vehicle. Approximately one month later, while driving approximately 30 MPH, the noise recurred and the dashboard was cracked. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the dashboard cover needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 46,800.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche. While driving various speeds, the contact noticed that the entire dashboard was constantly vibrating. In addition, a crack was visible on the passenger side dashboard near the air bag housing area. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the center dash needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 42,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche. The contact stated that the dashboard on the passenger side of the vehicle fractured along the passenger side air bag housing enclosure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be inspected. The contact was informed that the dashboard needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche. The contact noticed a crack on the corner of the dashboard next to the air bag. The contact stated that there was a recall on the 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche for the same issue. The vehicle was driven to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the dashboard needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 83,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche. The contact stated that the dashboard of the vehicle was cracked on the front passenger side around the air bag and the driver side of the steering wheel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 35,273. Updated 05/18/16
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche. While attempting to open the rear passenger side exterior door, the handle fractured. The vehicle was taken to a dealer. The technician diagnosed that the door handle needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 30,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche. While driving approximately 50 MPH, the dashboard fractured above the instrument panel. There was a crack that extended approximately four to five inches long. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 56,200.
Body complaints in other Avalanche years
Frequently asked questions
How common are body problems on the 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche?
NHTSA has 23 complaints about the body & structure of the 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche, 18% of the model year's 127 complaints. The component named most often is body (16 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche body problems?
No. NHTSA lists no body & structure recall for the 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche, though it has 3 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche body problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 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.