NHTSA has 111 owner complaints on file for the 2013 Chevrolet Avalanche[1]. Most of them sit in a few component groups, and recalls exist for this year too[2].
Most reported problems
Here are the complaint groups in the order of how often they show up.
- Unknown or other. 54 complaints[4]. These reports do not point to one named part, so there is no single story to retell.
- Air bags. 28 complaints[5]. In the stories we read, owners describe splits forming in the dash plastic near the passenger air bag cover, sometimes with rattling. One owner says the air bag stayed shut in a side impact at city speed. This group holds all 3 crash reports and 6 injuries[5].
- Structure. 27 complaints[6]. Owners describe the same dash splitting, and some say a dealer told them the panel needed replacing. Others write about chrome door handles pulling loose from the door, with one owner paying for a repeat replacement.
- Electrical system. 6 complaints[7]. Owners describe a trailer brake warning on the information screen, sudden loss of power to windows and locks, and a reduced power mode that makes it hard to pick up speed. Some say the dealer told them their truck was outside a recall.
- Exterior lighting. 5 complaints[8]. The facts we have do not say more than the count.
- Engine. 5 complaints[9]. Owners describe stability and traction warnings with lost power on hills, plus oil use between changes and an oil monitor that does not seem to warn in time.
- Steering. 3 complaints[10].
- Fuel system, gasoline. 2 complaints[11].
These are unverified reports sent to NHTSA, and one complaint can name more than one part.
Recalls
Newest first. Each recall covers only certain vehicles, so not every 2013 Avalanche is necessarily included.
- Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module (21V053), February 2021. About 692,526 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: explosion, injury, death. Dealers do the repair free of charge.[12]
- Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module (21V054), February 2021. About 1,778,128 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: explosion, injury, death. Dealers do the repair free of charge.[13]
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission (13V001), January 2013. About 54,686 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, injury, reduced braking, the car rolling away. Dealers do the repair free of charge.[14]
Fuel economy
EPA ratings depend on the engine and drive. Annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices when the car was new.
Safety ratings
Engine and size
These are Canadian-market specifications from Transport Canada, so US models can differ slightly.
How 2013 compares with other years
Show the numbers
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 598 | 2 |
| 2003 | 386 | 4 |
| 2004 | 309 | 5 |
| 2005 | 200 | 4 |
| 2006 | 50 | 2 |
| 2007 | 490 | 5 |
| 2008 | 295 | 4 |
| 2009 | 96 | 5 |
| 2010 | 117 | 3 |
| 2011 | 155 | 5 |
| 2012 | 52 | 3 |
| 2013 | 111 | 3 |
NHTSA's counts for the Avalanche show 111 complaints and 3 recalls for 2013[2]. Among the 12 model years listed, 3 have fewer complaints than 2013 and 8 have more[2]. The fewest complaints are for 2006 (50) and the most are for 2002 (598)[2]. These counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat them as a rough guide. The chart above shows every year.
Should you buy a used 2013 Avalanche?
The 2013 Avalanche has a fair number of complaints on file[1]. The air bag and structure groups are large, and owners link both to the dash plastic near the passenger air bag[5][6]. The air bag group is also where the crash and injury reports sit[5]. Complaints are not adjusted for how many trucks were sold, so treat the counts as a guide only. Check the recall section on this page and compare nearby years before you buy.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems with the 2013 Chevrolet Avalanche?
- The largest named groups are air bags with 28 complaints[5] and structure with 27 complaints[6]. Owners describe dash splitting and loose door handles.
- Does the 2013 Chevrolet Avalanche have recalls?
- Yes. The by-year facts show 3 recalls for this model year[2]. See the Recalls section on this page for the list.
- How reliable is the 2013 Chevrolet Avalanche?
- NHTSA has 111 complaints on file[1]. Counts are not adjusted for sales, so use them next to the by-year section on this page.
- What is the gas mileage of the 2013 Chevrolet Avalanche?
- See the fuel economy section on this page for the EPA figures.
- Is 2013 a good year for the Chevrolet Avalanche?
- Use the by-year comparison on this page. This year has 111 complaints[2].
Keep exploring
Other model years of the Chevrolet Avalanche
Compare all model years of the Chevrolet Avalanche
Other Chevrolet models from 2013
Similar cars from 2013: suvs
Facts and sources
- NHTSA has 111 owner complaints on file for the 2013 Chevrolet Avalanche (3 mention a crash, 0 a fire, 6 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Chevrolet Avalanche model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Avalanche 1500 2WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Gasoline or E85, Rear-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 21 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- 54 complaints name the unknown or other component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 55,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 28 complaints name the air bags component group (3 crashes, 0 fires, 6 injuries, median mileage at failure 49,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 27 complaints name the structure component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 46,612). NHTSA vehicle records
- 6 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 5 complaints name the exterior lighting component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 5 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 3 complaints name the steering component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 2 complaints name the fuel system, gasoline component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 21V053, filed February 5, 2021: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 21V054, filed February 5, 2021: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 13V001, filed January 2, 2013: Power Train › Automatic Transmission. NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Avalanche 1500 4WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Gasoline or E85, 4-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 21 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV 4WD: rollover 3 stars; rollover risk 21.2%. NHTSA vehicle records
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV RWD: rollover 3 stars; rollover risk 22.8%. NHTSA vehicle records
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, AVALANCHE 1500 P/U CREWCAB S/BOX 2WD: length 218 in, width 79 in, height 73 in, wheelbase 130 in, curb weight 5,437 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, AVALANCHE 1500 P/U CREWCAB S/BOX 4WD: length 218 in, width 79 in, height 74 in, wheelbase 130 in, curb weight 5,679 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov