2012 Chevrolet Avalanche Problems: 3 Issues Every Owner Should Know

2012 Chevrolet Avalanche Problems: 3 Issues Every Owner Should Know | Au7o

All 3 Known Issues

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580 owners

On the 2007-2013 Chevrolet Avalanche 5.3L V8, the 5.3L Vortec V8 with Active Fuel Management (AFM/DOD) in 2007-2013 Avalanches suffers from excessive oil consumption and premature lifter failure. The AFM system deactivates four cylinders for fuel economy, but the AFM lifters have a coating that wears off prematurely, leading to collapsed lifters, bent pushrods, fouled spark plugs, and catastrophic engine damage. GM issued TSB 10-06-01-008A for oil deflector installation but never recalled the vehicles. Oil consumption of 1 quart per 1,000 miles is commonly reported.

This issue also affects: Citroën C3, Hyundai Santa Fe, Hyundai Tucson

Common Symptoms

Oil consumption of 1 quart per 1,000 miles or more
Blue smoke from exhaust on startup or acceleration
Misfire codes on AFM-controlled cylinders (1,4,6,7)
Check engine light with cylinder-specific misfire codes
Lifter tick or knock noise from engine

How to Fix

Monitor oil level weekly and top off as needed. For a permanent fix, perform an AFM delete which involves replacing the camshaft, all 16 lifters, and valley cover with non-AFM components ($2,000-$4,000 parts and labor). An AFM disabler device ($300-$500) can reduce the issue by preventing cylinder deactivation. Change oil every 5,000 miles with full synthetic.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 580+ owners who fixed this issue

TipAn AFM disabler like the Range Technology AFM Disabler ($300) prevents cylinder deactivation and dramatically reduces oil consumption. This is the cheapest first step before committing to a full AFM delete. Pair it with 5,000-mile oil changes using full synthetic
NoteDo NOT ignore excessive oil consumption on the 5.3L AFM engine. Running low on oil with AFM active leads to collapsed lifters, bent pushrods, and catalytic converter damage from oil fouling. Check oil level at every fuel stop. A full AFM delete ($2,000-$4,000) is the only permanent fix
UpgradeHigh-quality synthetic oil helps reduce consumption and protect worn engines (Mobil 1 Extended Performance Full Synthetic Motor Oil)
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UpgradePremium oil filter ensures proper filtration with high-mileage engines (Wix Oil Filter)
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Typical repair cost:$300 - $4,000

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580+ owners have reported this issue

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Community Reported

High Confidence580 reportsLast reported by owners Mar 2026Reviewed Mar 2026

Community Reported

310 owners

On the 2007-2013 Chevrolet Avalanche, the 2007-2013 Avalanche frequently enters "Reduced Engine Power" mode, severely limiting acceleration. The most common causes are the electronic throttle body wearing out or the accelerator pedal position sensor (APP sensor) developing faults. The vehicle becomes barely drivable in this mode, struggling to accelerate to highway speeds. The issue can occur intermittently before becoming permanent.

This issue also affects: Ford Explorer, Ford Transit, Volvo C70

Common Symptoms

"Engine Power Reduced" or "Reduced Engine Power" message on dash
Vehicle struggles to accelerate past 20-30 mph
Check engine light with P2128 or P2138 codes
Intermittent power loss that resolves after restart
Rough or hesitant throttle response

How to Fix

Diagnose with a scan tool to determine if the throttle body or accelerator pedal position sensor is the cause. Throttle body replacement costs $200-$400 parts and labor. APP sensor replacement costs $100-$250. A remanufactured throttle body from a quality source works well. Clear codes after repair and road test to verify.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 310+ owners who fixed this issue

TipP2128 and P2138 codes point to the accelerator pedal position (APP) sensor, not the throttle body. The APP sensor is a $50-$100 part and takes 15 minutes to replace. Do NOT let a shop sell you a throttle body without confirming the APP sensor is not the cause - it is the cheaper and more common fix
TipIf the throttle body is confirmed bad, AC Delco remanufactured units are the best value. Aftermarket throttle bodies for the 5.3L are hit-or-miss. Clean the throttle body with CRC Throttle Body Cleaner before replacing - sometimes carbon buildup alone causes the reduced power mode
UpgradeThrottle body cleaner can resolve hesitation and idle issues (CRC Throttle Body Cleaner)
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UpgradeReplacement throttle body for units with failed motors or sensors (Dorman Throttle Body Assembly)
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Typical repair cost:$100 - $500

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310+ owners have reported this issue

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Community Reported

High Confidence310 reportsLast reported by owners Mar 2026Reviewed Mar 2026

Community Reported

350 owners

On the 2007-2013 Chevrolet Avalanche, the 2007-2013 Chevrolet Avalanche (and related GMT900 trucks) suffers from widespread dashboard cracking. The upper dashboard material shrinks and cracks due to UV exposure and heat cycling, with cracks typically developing above the instrument cluster, over the passenger airbag panel, and at the windshield defroster vents. Over 100 complaints have been filed with NHTSA. There are safety concerns that dashboard fragments could become projectiles during airbag deployment in a crash.

Common Symptoms

Visible cracks in dashboard above instrument cluster
Cracks near passenger-side airbag panel
Dashboard material warping or bubbling
Cracks appear primarily in sun-exposed areas
Dashboard surface becomes brittle and flaky

How to Fix

Dashboard replacement is the proper fix but costs $1,500-$2,500 installed at a dealer. More affordable options include dash covers ($50-$100), dashboard replacement kits ($200-$400), or professional dashboard repair services ($300-$600). A class-action lawsuit was filed but GM has not issued a recall.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 350+ owners who fixed this issue

TipA quality dash cover ($50-$100) from DashMat or Coverlay is the most cost-effective solution. The Coverlay dashboard replacement panel ($200-$400) fits over the existing cracked dash and looks factory. A full dashboard replacement at a dealer is $1,500-$2,500 and rarely worth it on a high-mileage truck
TipUse a windshield sun shade when parked to slow dashboard deterioration. UV exposure is the primary cause of cracking. A quality ceramic window tint on the windshield also helps reduce UV damage to the interior
UpgradeTrim removal tool set for body panel work without damage (MICTUNING Trim Removal Tool Set)
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UpgradeBondo body filler for dent and panel repair (Bondo Body Filler Kit)
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Typical repair cost:$50 - $2,500

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350+ owners have reported this issue

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Community Reported

High Confidence350 reportsLast reported by owners Mar 2026Reviewed Mar 2026

⚠️NHTSA Recalls9 recalls

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

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.

Campaign #21V05400005/02/2021

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2013 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, and Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Silverado 2500/3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Sierra 2500/3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL 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 2010 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, and Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Silverado 2500/3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Sierra 2500/3500, Yukon, and 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." Additionally, GM is recalling certain 2009 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, and Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Silverado 2500/3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Sierra 2500/3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C."

Campaign #21V05300005/02/2021

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

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.

Campaign #21V05000005/02/2021

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

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.

Campaign #14V82700030/12/2014

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

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.

Campaign #21V05100005/02/2021

+ 4 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov

Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Chevrolet Avalanche problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 1,240+ owner reports, the 2012-2012 Chevrolet Avalanche has 3 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: 5.3L Vortec AFM Active Fuel Management Oil Consumption and Lifter Failure, Reduced Engine Power Mode from Throttle Body and Pedal Sensor Faults, Dashboard Cracking Above Instrument Cluster and Airbag Panel. Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Chevrolet Avalanche reliable?

The 2012-2012 Chevrolet Avalanche has 3 known issues documented across 1,240+ owner reports. 1 issue is rated critical: 5.3L Vortec AFM Active Fuel Management Oil Consumption and Lifter Failure. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Chevrolet Avalanche problems?

Repair costs for known Chevrolet Avalanche issues range from $50 to $4,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, 5.3L Vortec AFM Active Fuel Management Oil Consumption and Lifter Failure, typically costs $300-$4,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2007-2013 Chevrolet Avalanche 5.3L Vortec AFM Active Fuel Management Oil Consumption and Lifter Failure?

The 5.3L Vortec V8 with Active Fuel Management (AFM/DOD) in 2007-2013 Avalanches suffers from excessive oil consumption and premature lifter failure. The AFM system deactivates four cylinders for fuel economy, but the AFM lifters have a coating that wears off prematurely, leading… Repairs typically run $300-$4,000. Severity: high.

What is the 2007-2013 Chevrolet Avalanche Reduced Engine Power Mode from Throttle Body and Pedal Sensor Faults?

The 2007-2013 Avalanche frequently enters "Reduced Engine Power" mode, severely limiting acceleration. The most common causes are the electronic throttle body wearing out or the accelerator pedal position sensor (APP sensor) developing faults. The vehicle becomes barely drivable… Repairs typically run $100-$500. Severity: medium.

What is the 2007-2013 Chevrolet Avalanche Dashboard Cracking Above Instrument Cluster and Airbag Panel?

The 2007-2013 Chevrolet Avalanche (and related GMT900 trucks) suffers from widespread dashboard cracking. The upper dashboard material shrinks and cracks due to UV exposure and heat cycling, with cracks typically developing above the instrument cluster, over the passenger airbag… Repairs typically run $50-$2,500. Severity: low.

2012 Chevrolet Avalanche Problems: 3 Issues Every Owner Should Know

All 3 Known Issues

2007-2013 Chevrolet Avalanche: 5.3L Vortec AFM Active Fuel Management Oil Consumption and Lifter Failure#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

2007-2013 Chevrolet Avalanche: Reduced Engine Power Mode from Throttle Body and Pedal Sensor Faults#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

2007-2013 Chevrolet Avalanche: Dashboard Cracking Above Instrument Cluster and Airbag Panel#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

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Other Chevrolet Models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Chevrolet Avalanche problems?

Is the Chevrolet Avalanche reliable?

How much does it cost to fix common Chevrolet Avalanche problems?

What is the 2007-2013 Chevrolet Avalanche 5.3L Vortec AFM Active Fuel Management Oil Consumption and Lifter Failure?

What is the 2007-2013 Chevrolet Avalanche Reduced Engine Power Mode from Throttle Body and Pedal Sensor Faults?

What is the 2007-2013 Chevrolet Avalanche Dashboard Cracking Above Instrument Cluster and Airbag Panel?