Is the Chevrolet Avalanche reliable?

The Chevrolet Avalanche has 2,472 NHTSA complaints, or 458.5 per 1,000 vehicles. Its crash involvement rate is moderate. The most common issue is AIR BAGS. Source: VinItel

What Chevrolet Avalanche years should I avoid?

Avoid the 2002, 2007 model years of the Chevrolet Avalanche — these have significantly more NHTSA complaints than other years. The 2002 model year alone has 562 complaints. Source: VinItel (vinitel.com)

What is the best year for the Chevrolet Avalanche?

Among Chevrolet Avalanche model years with enough on-road history, the most reliable years are 2000 (2 complaints), 2001 (2 complaints), 2006 (14 complaints). Source: NHTSA complaints database via VinItel.

What are common Chevrolet Avalanche problems?

The most common Chevrolet Avalanche problems reported to NHTSA are: AIR BAGS (571 complaints, 6.0% crash rate); UNKNOWN OR OTHER (312 complaints, 0.6% crash rate); SERVICE BRAKES (147 complaints, 7.5% crash rate); ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (126 complaints, 1.6% crash rate); STRUCTURE:BODY (121 complaints, 2.5% crash rate). Source: VinItel

Should I buy a used Chevrolet Avalanche?

Used Chevrolet Avalanche buyers should: 1) Check our years-to-avoid list for this model. 2) Verify the specific VIN for accident history, title issues, and odometer rollbacks. The most reliable model years to look for: 2000, 2001, 2006. Free VIN check at vinitel.com.

Chevrolet Avalanche Reliability

2,472 NHTSA complaints (2000–2013). Complaint rate: 458.5 per 1,000 vehicles.

Severity Score

856.3

Complaints

2,472

Crash Rate

4.4%

Fire Rate

0.8%

Injuries

111

Fatalities

Which Years to Buy & Avoid

Years auto-clustered by complaint volume relative to this model's median.

Bottom line: Avoid the 2007–2008 Chevrolet Avalanche. The 2012 models had significantly fewer reported issues. Most common issue across all years: AIR BAGS.

Avoid These Years

2007–2008

~408/yr complaints · 21 crashes

2002–2003

~400/yr complaints · 63 crashes

Average

2004

~202/yr complaints

2009–2011

~135/yr complaints

2013

~105/yr complaints

Better Years

2012

~43/yr complaints

2005–2006

~50/yr complaints

2000–2001

~2/yr complaints

Looking at a specific Chevrolet Avalanche?

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Complaints by Model Year

NHTSA complaint count per model year

Chevrolet Avalanche — Complaints by Model YearPeak: 2002 (562)

Common Chevrolet Avalanche Problems

Most reported component complaints to NHTSA

Component	Complaints	Crash %
AIR BAGS	571	6.0%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	312	0.6%
SERVICE BRAKES	147	7.5%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	126	1.6%
STRUCTURE:BODY	121	2.5%
STRUCTURE	80	0.0%
ENGINE	71	0.0%
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC	67	6.0%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL	65	0.0%
POWER TRAIN	57	8.8%

Year-by-Year Breakdown

NHTSA complaint count per model year — click any year for full problems & recalls breakdown.

Year	Generation	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Details
2000GOOD	—	2	0	—	View →
2001GOOD	—	2	0	—	View →
2002AVOID	—	562	52	—	View →
2003AVOID	—	238	11	2	View →
2004	—	202	9	1	View →
2005GOOD	—	85	3	—	View →
2006GOOD	—	14	1	—	View →
2007AVOID	—	492	14	13	View →
2008AVOID	—	323	7	4	View →
2009	—	96	4	1	View →
2010	—	147	0	—	View →
2011	—	161	3	—	View →
2012GOOD	—	43	4	—	View →
2013	—	105	2	—	View →

Year-by-Year Breakdown

Tap any year for full problems & recalls breakdown.

See also: Chevrolet Avalancheaccident & safety statistics from our vehicle history database.

Buying a Chevrolet Avalanche?

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