Body complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 19 | 23% | 60,000 miles |
| 2012 | 2 | 6% | 98,000 miles |
| 2011 | 23 | 18% | 50,000 miles |
| 2010 | 16 | 14% | 57,000 miles |
| 2009 | 8 | 11% | 69,000 miles |
| 2008 | 44 | 17% | 65,000 miles |
| 2007 | 75 | 20% | 75,000 miles |
| 2006 | 1 | 9% | 142,000 miles |
| 2005 | 3 | 4% | 87,000 miles |
| 2004 | 7 | 4% | 9,000 miles |
| 2003 | 9 | 4% | 8,000 miles |
| 2002 | 67 | 15% | 42,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
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 inside. After this happened there was a crack immediately above, perpendicular with the steering wheel in the plastic bent portion of the dash and since that time I have noticed the steering wheel seems to shift some even when you aren't attempting to tilt it and the dashboard is cracking in several places now. This vehicle has never been left outside of the garage. It has been driven as a secondary, leisure vehicle and is in excellent condition so please don't say this is normal. This is a result of something that occurred after hearing the snapping sound after the steering wheel was being tilted.
The dash is cracked at multiple places including up to the airbag. I was told by the people who repairs windshield that this is a know problem for Avalanche, silverado suburban. This is clearly a manufacturer defect and should be a recall they are quoting me a $1497 repair fee to replace the dash at the dealer. I contacted Chevrolet for assistance. They offered a $130 good will....
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.
During the calendar year 2016, I have experienced two(2) severe dashboard cracks. One crack in front of my instrument cluster occurred while driving as I heard it "crack". The other crack appeared on the passenger side above the air bag panel. I am not sure when this crack appeared, but concerns me relative to the air bag operation/safety. I have drilled holes at the end of the crack on the driver side in an attempt to stop the progression, but the crack continues to get larger. The dash apparently is becoming brittle and the cracks are continuing to grow. I can only assume that soon I will have pieces of the dash come off exposing electrical wiring and components below the dash. Due to the safety concerns and appearance aspects, I am having the dash replaced by my dealership at a cost to me of almost $1,000. …
Beginning of December 2015, noticed a dash crack over instrument panel behind steering wheel. Also small crack by passenger air bag. Contacted and took to ray Chevrolet. I expressed concern about crack by airbag--was told by service manager that it was probably not a safety issue and the amount that I had to pay was determined by a formula by GM. GM said there is a formula but local dealer has leeway on price. First offer was $320; second offer by dealer $200. GM says they can't help. Noticed on the internet, lots of complaints about this very issue. Crack by dash appears to be getting larger. Car is in excellent condition and has been well cared for. 57,000 miles.
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche. The contact stated that he received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V052000 (Air Bags) and the vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair. The contact stated that upon picking up the vehicle from the dealer, he noticed that the dealer had fractured a portion of the dashboard close to the passenger's side air bag housing. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the dashboard was fractured prior to the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact that they could not assist. A case was opened. The vehicle was repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 102,000. Consumer stated dealer installed new dash into the vehicle.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche. The contact stated that the dashboard was cracked. The vehicle was taken to cutter Chevrolet (711 ala moana blvd, honolulu, hi 96813) where the contact was informed that the dashboard needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the failure was a common and that the dashboard would be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.
Related recalls (1)
Structure › Body › Tailgate › Hinge and attachments
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.
Remedy: 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.
Frequently asked questions
Which Chevrolet Avalanche years have body problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2007 (75), 2002 (67), 2008 (44), 2011 (23) and 2013 (19) model years. Body complaints make up 20% of all complaints for the 2007.
Is there a recall for Chevrolet Avalanche body problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 04V-129 (hinge and attachments, Mar 17, 2004). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Chevrolet Avalanche body problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 60,000 miles; 38% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the body (121 mentions), followed by the body › tailgate › hinge and attachments (34).
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.