Used 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche Consumer Reviews
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We have a limited number of reviews for the 2012 Avalanche, so we've included reviews for other years of the Avalanche since its last redesign.
the Terrible 5.3L engine
D. R. Jared, 07/29/2016
2011 Chevrolet Avalanche LT 4dr Crew Cab SB (5.3L 8cyl 6A)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
There have been complaints about the 5.3L engine since 2007, yet GM has done nothing about it. With only 62000 miles, I had to have $1100 worth of repairs to the engine, due to poor design. The engine had developed a solid engine 'miss', only 20,000 miles after purchasing the truck used. The independent mechanic shop had to look up the cause/effect/recommended repair on their independent web reference. The result: due to a design fault in the valve cover(s) , a replacement had been designed by GM that - supposedly - fixed the problem; oh, that and a premature tune-up, because the spark plugs had been completely gunked up with oil from the poor design. Now, only 20,000 miles later, the same problem has popped up again. A different repair shop described the same remedy as before! This shop owner said he LOVED this engine, as it earned him a lot of money! Personally, he owns a similar truck, but with the 6.0 L engine.
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Great Truck
LTZ owner, 11/15/2010
2009 Chevrolet Avalanche LTZ 4dr Crew Cab SB (5.3L 8cyl 6A)
11 of 12 people found this review helpful
Great truck does everything I ask from hauling my boat and landscape materials such as rocks, yet is good looking enough to hang with the Mercedes and Lexus at high end restaurants. The only cheapness I've found is the plastic door handles which look and feel like chrome both inside and out, tend to break and fall apart in the FL. heat, as well as some failures in some of the electronic sensors over time. The plastic wings behind the windows also turn from black to light gray if you don't constantly maintain them with a protectant.
2012 Chevrolet Avalanche for sale near you
3 of 89 listings
- LTZ Crew CabMSRP: $13,90032 mi away
- LT Crew CabMSRP: $17,99533 mi away
- LT Crew CabMSRP: $10,995553 mi away
See all 89 listings
Great Truck
swell man, 06/30/2010
2010 Chevrolet Avalanche LTZ 4dr Crew Cab SB (5.3L 8cyl 6A)
10 of 11 people found this review helpful
I should start out by stating that this is my 2nd Av. My primary gripe about the 2003 Av was cosmetic. The interior didnt look much better than a mid- level work truck, and most models at that time had the side cladding on the lower door panels and fenders. Fast forward 7 years and you see huge improvements in such areas as engine refinement, standard features, and styling/appearance. I own the top LTZ model and couldnt be happier. Its not cheap, but it really is packed with features. The interior is very well designed and looks sharp. The engine is very smooth and quiet, acceleration is strong. Seats 5 comfortably
Love the Avalanche!!
Sully, 10/10/2019
updated 10/21/2022
2011 Chevrolet Avalanche LS 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (5.3L 8cyl 6A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
The versatility of the Avalanche sets it apart from all other sport utility vehicles. 5 passengers comfortably if I need to, then drop the midgate and I can haul 4x8 sheets of plywood, or wall board, or other large materials. Rated at 8800#'s for towing, and rides like a Cadillac! #1 cylinder plug fouling due to AFM system issues. Update, the fouled plug issue is caused by the AFM (active fuel mgmt) system. I purchased a chip that plugs into the OBD2 port and no more AFM! Plug no longer fouls, engine runs smoother, however gas mileage dropped about 2 mpg. The AFM was causing excessive oil consumption. With less then 3000 miles between oil changes I would use 3 to 5 qts of oil. After installing the chip, I use no oil at all between oil changes. Aside from the AFM system being total junk, the truck has been great. The Daytime Running Light bulbs have burned out. Dealer offered to replace....for $300! Requires the front bumper to be dropped to access. Guess I can live without them. Update Feb 2021: I replaced the VLOM (valve lifter oil manifold) as well as the oil pressure sending unit and the driver's side valve cover. The AFM delete chip only worked for so long before the issues started back up again. This maintenance helped get things working properly, but the damage was already done (ring damage from constant oil intrusion). The truck was totaled in an ice storm at 142,000 miles. If I bought another one, I'd get one without an AFM engine, or plan to have the engine replaced with one that doesn't have AFM. 2002-2006 did not have AFM. My 2003 Avalanche got better highway milage than my 2011, and had 250,000 miles when I traded for the 2011. I should have kept it.
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Just bought and lovin' it
Happy-Go-Lucky, 04/21/2010
2010 Chevrolet Avalanche LT 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (5.3L 8cyl 6A)
7 of 8 people found this review helpful
I've had the Avalanche for about 2 weeks now and I am enjoying the truck thoroughly. Ride is quiet and refined, especially compared to the pick-up it replaced. Acceleration was a pleasant surprise. Despite it's size, I've had no problem maneuvering the vehicle in tight places so far. I do feel the back up camera is mandatory, as I find it essential when going in reverse. Fuel economy is what I expected, but still is actually slightly improved over my smaller former vehicle which I attribute to the 8/4 cyl highway cruise feature, and the ability to run in 2WD except when on-demand 4WD is needed. In short, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful relationship! :-D
Used LTZ great truck
Michelle , 04/06/2021
2010 Chevrolet Avalanche LTZ 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (5.3L 8cyl 6A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
Bought a 2010 Avalanche used in 2021 for my husband after trading in his 99 Sierra short bed. He has argued against the Avalanche for a couple years due to the shorter bed and lower ground clearance but he now has the 2010 LTZ with a full back seat for our son (upgrade from the 3 door ext cab GMC) the truck has almost every bell and whistle available, the rubber lined enclosed bed is often more then enough for his DIY projects and the option to drop the midgate to haul longer items is useful, the engine idles a little rough compared to the 99 but not so much so to be a bother. Even with 160k miles everything including all the electronics are still in peak working order (with exception of a couple little things like our son's door window switch) It rides more like a SUV then a pickup, being used to larger trucks it is not too unruly in parking lots, the backup camera is huge plus with the tall box to check for anything/ anyone directly behind the truck (like our outdoor cat) and the backup sensors are not so sensitive to the point they are obnoxious like other vehicles I've driven. All in all after having owned it for about a month I don't think my husband is in any hurry to go back to a standard pickup.
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Love this thing!
majorv, 04/21/2013
updated 04/28/2020
2012 Chevrolet Avalanche LT 4dr Crew Cab SB (5.3L 8cyl 6A)
27 of 37 people found this review helpful
I've never spent more than $18k for a new car so this was a real splurge for me, but I am totally in love with this 2012 Avalanche! We raise and show rabbits and I got it to take our rabbits and equipment to the shows. It has not disappointed me. It's easy to drop the back seat and midgate and I have LOTS of room to put rabbit cages, grooming table, etc..., and the best part is that I can keep the rabbits cool or warm, as needed, because the bed cover keeps the elements out. The ride is very nice, not at all like a truck. The only thing I'm on the fence about is the AFM (active fuel management) system. If I have to press on the gas there tends to be a slight lag before it accelerates. Update 2016 - still love my Avy! Gas mileage has gone down a little and I wish the A/C blew a little stronger but overall I'd buy it again if I could. I keep getting offers to sell, but there is nothing else out there with the same features to replace it with so I'll keep it as long as I possibly can. Update 2019- I still have it, now at 115k miles. Still love it but facing the reality that it may be time to get a new truck. It’s been very dependable with no major work needed. Was hoping Chevy would bring the Avy back so I could get another one. Final Update 2020- sold the Avy 3 months ago at 117k miles. Hated too, but needed a lower mileage car now that I’m retired. Got a good price for it (it’s in demand!) and the dealer resold it within within 2 months. My next review will be on a New Ford Ranger.
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No complaints except paint
John S, 08/06/2019
updated 02/10/2020
2012 Chevrolet Avalanche LT 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (5.3L 8cyl 6A)
6 of 7 people found this review helpful
Great truck. Perfect blend of on-and-off road performance. Full-size 8x4 foot bed when rear seats and back wall is folded down. I've had not mechanical problems in 7 years. My only complaint is the paint. After a few years, the paint started chipping on the front hood and cab roof. My LT has the off road package (4WD, 2sp transfer case w/ HD cooling, skid plates) and most of the convenience adds (sunroof, bluetooth, satelite radio, power/heated seats and remote start)
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Midgate Leaks
lancher4life , 09/28/2009
2009 Chevrolet Avalanche LT2 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (5.3L 8cyl 6A)
6 of 7 people found this review helpful
Looked for 3 yrs prior to buying, really wanted an Avalanche. Looked as if the leaks had been fixed. Bought a brand new one but the midgate leaks when I wash it - leaks both into the cab and the bed (on both sides of the midgate). Going back a 3rd time to the dealer. Seems like mine is a lemon, some leaks on prior years but thought the leak issue was addressed. Take a hose & check yours before you buy....HOPEFULLY they can fix it, as really do otherwise love it.
Never again
Bradley, 08/31/2017
updated 03/01/2018
2009 Chevrolet Avalanche LTZ 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (5.3L 8cyl 6A)
15 of 21 people found this review helpful
Paid for LTZ 4WD model 4 years ago. Been in the shop 2 times since purchasing. Folding mirrors stopped working almost immediately, cruise control randomly goes out (especially during colder months), I've had all 4 door handles worked on (very cheaply made), lumbar support has stopped functioning properly, small oil leak & radio/AC buttons peeling and cracking. This has not been a quality purchase for me and I am very disappointed in my Chevy. I will never again purchase from this manufacturer.
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