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 82 listings
- LS Crew CabMSRP: $11,890133 mi away
- LTZ Crew CabMSRP: $12,995206 mi away
- LT Crew CabMSRP: $7,995336 mi away
See all 82 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