2012 Chevrolet Avalanche

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.

Class
Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
Body styles
1500 P/U Crewcab S/Box 2WD, 1500 P/U Crewcab S/Box 4WD
Engines
5.3L 8-cyl
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive
Fuel
FFV
MPG (best)
17 combined · 15 city / 21 hwy
Length
218.1 in
Curb weight
5,437–5,679 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
3 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • AWD / 4WD available

Watch out for

  • Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 17 MPG combined, 19% below the 2012 SUV - average of 20.9 MPG.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 5 similar 2012 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche is a SUV - offered with a 5.3L 8-cyl engine and rear-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive.

It measures about 218 inches long and 79 inches wide on a 130-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 5,437 lb (1500 P/U Crewcab S/Box 2WD).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 17 MPG combined (15 city / 21 highway), 19% worse than the 2012 SUV - average of 20.9 MPG, for an estimated $3,950 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 45 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the unknown or other.

What changed for 2012

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2011 Avalanche — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 Avalanche →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
1500 P/U Crewcab S/Box 2WD218.1 in79.1 in73.2 in130.3 in68.5 / 67.7 in5,437 lb52/48
1500 P/U Crewcab S/Box 4WD218.1 in79.1 in74.4 in130.3 in68.5 / 67.7 in5,679 lb52/48

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Avalanche 1500 2WD FFV5.3L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive15 / 21 / 17-19%$3,950523
Avalanche 1500 4WD FFV5.3L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spd4-Wheel Drive15 / 21 / 17-11%$3,950523
Spend $7,750Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
20.9 MPG2012 Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2012 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche.

Similar 2012 SUV -s

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2012 Chevrolet Avalanche (this car)17 MPGNot rated3
2012 Chevrolet Suburban17 MPGNot rated4
2012 GMC Yukon21 MPGNot rated4
2012 Chevrolet Captiva23 MPGNot rated2
2012 BYD e6122 miNot rated0
2012 Saab 9-420 MPGNot rated2

Recalls (3)

Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module · Feb 5, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V051000 · 284,645 vehicles

Problem
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2012 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Silverado 2500/3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Sierra 2500/3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL 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." 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.
Risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
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 mailed on May 11, 2021. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212328770.
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module · Feb 5, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V054000 · 1,778,128 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
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 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.
Electrical System › Ignition · Dec 30, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V827000 · 84,192 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
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.
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 for the original equipment, and 14912 for the service replacement parts.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

45Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
0Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
0Injuries reported
54,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Unknown Or Other32
Air Bags8
Structure › Body2
Engine2
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)1
Tires › Tread/Belt1
Wheels1
Service Brakes1
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
17/01: 117/02: 217/03: 317/04: 117/06: 217/08: 317/09: 317/10: 117/11: 118/01: 118/04: 118/09: 118/11: 119/04: 219/07: 119/11: 120/02: 120/03: 220/06: 120/08: 121/08: 122/03: 122/09: 124/05: 117/0117/0417/0918/0118/1119/1120/0622/03max 3

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Air Bags — 8 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
  3. Structure › Body — 2 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
  4. Engine — 2 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 54,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Avalanche years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2013 Avalanche17218.1 inNot rated3108
2011 Avalanche17218.1 inNot rated5138
2010 Avalanche17218.1 inNot rated3108
2009 Avalanche16218.1 inNot rated483
2008 Avalanche16218.1 inNot rated3237
2007 Avalanche16218.1 inNot rated3368
2006 Avalanche14221.7 inNot rated027
2005 Avalanche15221.7 inNot rated035

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Chevrolet. How we calculate this →