2011 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 problems

General information about Chevrolet-Avalanche 1500
Overview of popular issues
Recalls list

The Chevrolet Avalanche is a four-door, five- or six-passenger pickup truck that was manufactured by General Motors. The Avalanche was a hybrid between the Chevrolet Suburban SUV and the Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck, sharing the chassis with the Suburban. Unlike a typical pickup truck where the bed is mounted separately from the cab on the frame, the bed of the Avalanche was integrated with the cab body. It also featured a "midgate" behind the second row of seats that could be folded down, with the seats, to create a longer bed area. The Avalanche was produced across two generations starting in 2001 and ending in 2013.

Breaking with a long-standing tradition, the Avalanche was not available as a GMC, but only as a Chevrolet. Instead, Cadillac would sell a re-badged Avalanche; however, the midgate design would be adapted for use on the GMC Envoy XUV and Hummer H2 SUT.

First generation (2001–2006)

The Avalanche was launched in September 2001 as a 2002 model on the GMT800 platform. First year Avalanches featured light gray plastic body cladding, intended to provide visual distinction from the Suburban/Yukon XL. The Avalanche also gave the public an advance look at the next generation of front fascia designs for the entire GM line. A full-length chrome strip splits each lamp assembly and the grille, with a gold Chevrolet "bow tie" in the center. The hood and fenders featured aggressive folds, in contrast to the softer designs seen on other models built on the GMT800 platform.

Avalanche was nominated for the North American SUV of the Year award and was Motor Trend magazine's Truck of the Year for 2002.

The Avalanche was originally marketed as being able to "change from an SUV to a super SUV." This was made possible by a plastic cover and an exclusive "midgate," called the Convert-a-Cab system by GM, which could open and close. The midgate was a divider behind the second row of seats that could be folded down, with the seats, to create a longer bed area, or folded up to make a larger cab area. A similar midgate was found on the Cadillac Escalade EXT (a rebadged Avalanche), Hummer H2 SUT, and GMC Envoy XUV.

The truck was offered as a half-ton 1500 series with a Vortec 5.3L V8 producing 285 hp (216 kW) or as a three-quarter-ton 2500 series with a Vortec 8.1L V8 with 340 hp (253 kW) and the 4L85-E four-speed transmission. The base layout is rear-wheel drive, but there is an available with selectable high/low four-wheel drive. Avalanche 2500 models from 2004–2006 were exclusively available with four-wheel drive.

For those who planned to go off-road in their Avalanche, a Z71 Off-Road package was available that added features such as off-road suspension, GM's AutoTrac full-time push-button four-wheel-drive system, all-terrain P265/70R17 white-lettered Goodyear tires, seventeen-inch alloy wheels, leather seating surfaces with waterproof accents, front dual power bucket seats, cloth door panel inserts, GM's OnStar telematics system, all-weather rubber floor mats, Chevrolet bowtie emblems embedded into the backrests of the seats (for 2002 models), dual-zone automatic climate controls with rear HVAC vents and remote controls, remote radio controls with headphone jacks for two pairs of headphones, a security system, gray-finished side running boards, power-adjustable, heated side-view mirrors, SRS side impact airbags. Aside from these details, a Z71 Off-Road decal on the rear side panels identified an Avalanche equipped with this package. Full leather seating surfaces were an available option, also removing the cloth door panel inserts, and also added heated front seats.

For those who preferred the styling of the Z71 Off-Road package but did not plan to take their Avalanche off-road, a Z66 Premium On-Road package was also available. The Z66 On-Road package featured all the equipment that the Z71 Off-Road package offered but replaced the off-road suspension with sport on-road suspension and did not offer four-wheel drive. Aside from these details, a Z66 On-Road sticker on the rear side panels identified an Avalanche equipped with this package. As with the Z71 Off-Road package, full leather seating surfaces without the cloth accents were an available option, also removing the cloth door panel inserts, and also added heated front seats.

To further distinguish it from its Silverado siblings, the Avalanche was practically fully equipped and only came with bodyside cladding. The Avalanche included features such as 16-inch alloy wheels and tires (chromed steel on the 2500 model), an AM/FM stereo with single-disc CD player and six speakers, cloth seating surfaces, front bench seat with power front driver's seat, power windows, power door locks, keyless entry, full instrumentation, dual front airbags, and air conditioning. Options included OnStar telematics system, cassette player, leather seating surfaces, front dual power bucket seats that could be heated, and side airbags for the front seats. A North Face Edition, in partnership with the North Face brand included limited exterior color options, a unique Ebony/Green leather interior, special exterior ornamentation and decals, white-faced gauges, OnStar telematics system, specially colored door panel inserts and speaker grilles, and more.

For 2003, the Avalanche was slightly changed. 2003 models featured a darker cladding, but GM's new president, Rick Wagoner, demanded the removal of this "unpopular" trim (as did certain elements of the public). From mid-year, Avalanche could be ordered without cladding. The uncladded model, known as "Without Body Hardware" (or its initialism "WBH," which is also an RPO code), and alternatively called "slicksides" by GM marketers, resembled the 2003–2005 Silverado 1500 in the front. A new interior—shared with the Tahoe and Suburban—added a new, larger steering wheel with subsequent audio, cruise, and speed controls; an optional six-speaker premium Bose sound system with external amplifier; a new gauge cluster with information center and memory for the front driver's seat, brake and accelerator pedals, and side-view mirror position (on some models); new radio head units, which included an AM/FM stereo with either a single-disc or six-disc CD/MP3 changer, Radio Data System, and optional XM Satellite Radio; standard OnStar telematics system with steering wheel controls; new warning chimes that played through the vehicle's audio system instead of through a separate speaker behind the dashboard; and newly available 17-inch alloy wheels and tires. Optional features included rear audio controls with headphone jacks and a rear DVD entertainment system by Panasonic with wireless headphones. The WBH option was only available in the 1500 series.

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Common 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 problems

The Chevrolet Avalanche 1500, produced from 2002 to 2013, has been known to have several common problems that have been reported by owners. Here are some of the most frequently mentioned issues:

Excessive Oil Consumption: Some owners have reported that their Avalanche consumes oil excessively, which can lead to engine damage if not addressed promptly.

Cracked Dashboard: A cracked dashboard is another common problem, which can be caused by the dashboard's material not being able to withstand extreme temperatures or exposure to sunlight.

Speedometer Malfunction: Malfunctions in the speedometer have also been reported, which can make it difficult for drivers to accurately gauge their vehicle's speed.

Electrical Concerns: Electrical issues, such as problems with the daytime running lights, have been reported by some owners.

Fuel Level Sensor Failure: Failure of the fuel level sensor can lead to inaccurate readings of the fuel level, which can be misleading for drivers.

Frail Inside Door Handles: The inside door handles have been reported to be fragile and prone to breakage, which can be a safety concern.

Tailgate Problems: Issues with the tailgate have also been reported, including difficulty in opening and closing it.

These problems can vary in severity and frequency, and it's important to note that not all Chevrolet Avalanche 1500s will experience these issues. However, being aware of these common problems can help potential buyers make informed decisions when considering purchasing a used Avalanche.

Do Chevy Avalanches have transmission problems?

Delayed, shuddering or is extremely harsh 1-2 shift

The symptoms of one of the more common Chevrolet Avalanche transmission problems are described above, and they can become very unpleasant. The problem has do with faulty 4L60E accumulators, which are designed to act like a sort of shock absorber between shifts.

What are the flaws of the Chevy Avalanche?

The issues that arose with the Chevy Avalanche are items like interior accessory troubles, transmission failure, and excessive oil consumption, among other things. We'll talk more about these Chevy Avalanche years to avoid later so you can get a better idea of which model will work best for you.

Are there any recalls on 2011 Chevy Avalanche?

GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 CADILLAC ESCALADE EXT, CHEVROLET AVALANCHE, SILVERADO LD AND GMC SIERRA LD VEHICLES. THE VEHICLE MAY HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH THE REAR AXLE CROSS PIN WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO SPECIFICATION.

What were the best years for the Chevy Avalanche?

There are several excellent choices from the Chevy Avalanche. We recommend the 2006, 2009, 2011, 2012, and 2013 versions.

Is Chevrolet Avalanche a good vehicle?

For a monster truck, the Avalanche drives pretty well, with good steering and brake-pedal feel. Based on the same platform as the Chevy Silverado full-size pickup, this truck has GM's innovative Midgate feature, which allows pass-through capability between the cargo box and the cabin, vastly increasing versatility.

Do Chevy Avalanches have transmission problems?

Delayed, shuddering or is extremely harsh 1-2 shift

What is the best year for Chevy Avalanche?

There are several excellent choices from the Chevy Avalanche. We recommend the 2006, 2009, 2011, 2012, and 2013 versions.

Are there any recalls on 2011 Chevy Avalanche?

2011 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 complaints

The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500.

You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.

2011 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500.

2011-01-06

Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Components: SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:SPINDLE
Summary: GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 CADILLAC ESCALADE, ESCALADE ESV, ESCALADE EXT; CHEVROLET AVALANCHE, COLORADO, EXPRESS, SILVERADO, SUBURBAN, TAHOE; AND GMC CANYON, SIERRA, SAVANA, YUKON AND YUKON XL VEHICLES. THE REAR AXLE CROSS PINS WERE NOT PROPERLY HEAT TREATED AND COULD FRACTURE AND BECOME DISPLACED WITHIN THE REAR AXLE. SHOULD THE PIN SHIFT OUT OF POSITION, IT COULD CREATE AN INTERFERENCE CONDITION AND CAUSE THE REAR AXLE TO LOCK.
Consequence: THE DRIVER MAY NOT BE ABLE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND A CRASH COULD OCCUR WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW REAR AXLE CROSS PIN FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 11, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463 AND AT THE OWNER CENTER AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.

2010-12-17

Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Components: SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:SPINDLE
Summary: GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 CADILLAC ESCALADE EXT, CHEVROLET AVALANCHE, SILVERADO LD AND GMC SIERRA LD VEHICLES. THE REAR AXLE CROSS PINS WERE NOT PROPERLY HEAT TREATED AND COULD FRACTURE AND BECOME DISPLACED WITHIN THE REAR AXLE. SHOULD THE PIN SHIFT OUT OF POSITION, IT COULD CREATE AN INTERFERENCE CONDITION AND CAUSE THE REAR AXLE TO LOCK.
Consequence: THE DRIVER MAY NOT BE ABLE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND A CRASH COULD OCCUR WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW REAR AXLE CROSS PIN FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 11, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463 AND AT THE OWNER CENTER AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.

Additional sources

More sources of information about 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 problems:

2007 Avalanche Steering Wheel: Common Issues & Solutions ...

https://www.justanswer.com/chevy/8qkp4-chevrolet-avalanche-1500-lt-steer-wheel-position-sensor.html

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Chevrolet Avalanche Engine Problems - Page 2 — Car Forums at ...

https://forums.edmunds.com/discussion/6040/chevrolet/avalanche/chevrolet-avalanche-engine-problems/p2

Oct 17, 2006 ... i have a 2011 avalanche with 21,000 miles on and engine is making ticking sounds from passenger side front wheel well area. First trip to dealer ...

Chevy Avalanche Stabilitrak Problems: Q&A for 2007-2011 Models

https://www.justanswer.com/chevy/9tbua-having-problem-2007-avalanche-service.html

Jul 19, 2016 ... the most common issue with gm vehicles and the v8's is the mass air flow sensor going bad. a bad mass airflow sensor can cause poor shift ...

Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Questions - Stabilitrak and traction control ...

https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/Discussion-t30884_ds822284

Aug 22, 2017 ... There's an engineering flaw that makes this such a common issue. My 09 Avalanche is experiencing these issues short of 110k soft miles. 12 ...