RecallPlainVehicle recalls, explained in plain English

2011 Chevrolet Avalanche recalls & complaints

3 high-risk recalls and 155 owner complaints. Check every recall is completed before buying.
3recalls
3high risk
0stop-driving
155complaints

Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-18. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.

3 safety recalls, most serious first

High risk Campaign 21V054000 · announced 05/02/2021 (5 years ago)

1. Airbags

What's wrong, in plain English: The airbag system — the part that is supposed to protect you in a crash. " Additionally GM is recalling certain 2011-2014 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, Yukon XL and 2011-2013 Cadillac Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of AZ, AR, DE, DC, IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN,…

What could happen: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.

The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on February 25, 2021. Second notification letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owner notification letters were m…

What to do

  1. Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2011 AVALANCHE.
  2. Book a repair at any authorized Chevrolet dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 21V054000 (manufacturer code N212328800).
  3. The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
  4. Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-222-1020.
  5. Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA

Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Summary: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, PR, AS, GU, the MP, and VI or "Zone A." Additionally GM is recalling certain 2011-2014 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, Yukon XL and 2011-2013 Cadillac Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of AZ, AR, DE, DC, IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, and WV or "Zone B." Additionally, GM is recalling certain 2010-2014 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL and 2010-2013 Cadillac Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with non-desiccated passenger frontal inflators containing phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on February 25, 2021. Second notification letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owner notification letters were mailed to 40 VIN owners on May 11, 2021. A second owner notification letter was mailed to all other owners on January 24, 2022. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212328800.
Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

High risk Campaign 21V050000 · announced 05/02/2021 (5 years ago)

2. Airbags

What's wrong, in plain English: The airbag system — the part that is supposed to protect you in a crash. General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2007-2011 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, Yukon XL, and 2009-2011 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, GMC Sierra 2500 and Sierra 3500 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South…

What could happen: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.

The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on February 22, 2021. Second notification letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owner notification letters were m…

What to do

  1. Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2011 AVALANCHE.
  2. Book a repair at any authorized Chevrolet dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 21V050000 (manufacturer code N212328760).
  3. The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
  4. Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-222-1020.
  5. Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA

Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Summary: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2007-2011 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, Yukon XL, and 2009-2011 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, GMC Sierra 2500 and Sierra 3500 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, GM is recalling certain 2007-2008 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." These vehicles are equipped with non-desiccated passenger frontal inflators containing phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on February 22, 2021. Second notification letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 1, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212328760.
Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

High risk Campaign 14V827000 · announced 30/12/2014 (10 years ago)

3. Electrical system

What's wrong, in plain English: Wiring, modules, batteries. Short circuits can cause stalls or fires. In the affected vehicles, the ignition lock actuator may bind, making turning the key difficult or causing the ignition to get stuck in the "Start" position.

What could happen: If stuck in the "Start" position, the ignition may suddenly snap back into the "Accessory" position, causing a loss of engine, steering, and braking power, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. If the vehicle is in a crash, the air bags may not deploy, increasing the risk of occupant injury.

The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the ignition lock housing, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on February 12, 2015. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-458-8006 (Cadillac), 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), or 1-800-462-8782 (GMC). GM's number for this recall is 14696…

What to do

  1. Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2011 AVALANCHE.
  2. Book a repair at any authorized Chevrolet dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 14V827000 (manufacturer code 14696 for the original equipment, and 14912 for the service replacement parts).
  3. The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
  4. Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-458-8006.
  5. Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA

Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado HD, Silverado LD, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra LD, Sierra HD, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the ignition lock actuator may bind, making turning the key difficult or causing the ignition to get stuck in the "Start" position.
Consequence: If stuck in the "Start" position, the ignition may suddenly snap back into the "Accessory" position, causing a loss of engine, steering, and braking power, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. If the vehicle is in a crash, the air bags may not deploy, increasing the risk of occupant injury.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the ignition lock housing, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on February 12, 2015. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-458-8006 (Cadillac), 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), or 1-800-462-8782 (GMC). GM's number for this recall is 14696 for the original equipment, and 14912 for the service replacement parts.
Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Useful for owners

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Owner complaints filed with NHTSA

155complaints
3crashes
0fires
1injuries
0deaths

Most complained-about parts: Airbags (66), Unknown Or Other (55), Body / structure (27), Engine (13), Transmission / drivetrain (12).

Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.

Read recent complaints (8)

04/23/2025 · Electrical system
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 127,000, and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 223,000.…

02/13/2025 · Suspension
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and making a left turn, there was a loud banging sound coming from under the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road and the steering wheel became stiff. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic but was not yet diagnosed…

07/24/2022 · Body / structure
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…

12/22/2021 · Steering
Vehicle sometimes without warning, would shut down.Yes its available for inspection. Its unsafe because of the element of surprise when suddenly finding out that the ability to control the vehicle is dangerously compromised. Specifically when trying to steer or brake effectively or even trying to get to a safe location. With no warning there is not much tim…

08/17/2021 · Airbags
February of 2021 I was notified the driver side air bag in my truck I drive daily has an issue that if goes off can cause serious injury or death. that as 6 months ago and still no path forward to fix it, how safe it this for me to drive is death is an option? I feel this would be a concern for drivers and the companies doing more to prevent something if a…

08/13/2021 · Airbags
Was advised of the recall of my vehicle on Feb 26th 2021 and that the part to fix the problem was not available it is now six months later and have heard nothing and don,t know how log they expect people to wait with a faulty part to be repaired.

04/22/2021 · Airbags
DASHBOARD HAS 5 LARGE CRACKS 4 LATERAL AN 1 VERTICAL TOP FRONT SPEAKER HAS FALLEN OFF CLIPS.VEHICLE DASHBOARD STARTED CRACKING WHILE JUST SITTING OVER TIME AND WHILE DRIVING ROAD VIBRATION HELP CRACKING CONTINUE I'M AFRAID THAT WITH THE CRACKING SINCE IT IS IN THE PASSENGER AIRBAG AREA AS WELL IT COULD CAUSE AIRBAG TO DEPLOY CAUSING MORE DAMAGE INJURIES TO…

01/30/2021 · Unknown Or Other
DASH HAS SEVERAL LARGE CRACKS AND IT KEEPS GETTING WORSE WITH TIME

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