2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Air bags is the leading concern among 638 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 8th highest complaint count among 19 Silverado 1500 model years with reports.
Of the 2011 reports, 29 involved a crash and 6 involved a fire. 39 people were injured and 1 person died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleFeb 5, 2021
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.
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on February 25, 2021. Second notification letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owner notification letters were mailed to 40 VIN owners on May 11, 2021. A second owner notification letter was mailed to all other owners on January 24, 2022. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212328800.
Campaign 21V054000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleFeb 5, 2021
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.
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on February 22, 2021. Second notification letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 1, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212328760.
Campaign 21V050000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, rear, axle, spindleJan 6, 2011
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.
THE DRIVER MAY NOT BE ABLE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND A CRASH COULD OCCUR WITHOUT WARNING.
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.
Campaign 11V007000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, rear, axle, spindleDec 17, 2010
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.
THE DRIVER MAY NOT BE ABLE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND A CRASH COULD OCCUR WITHOUT WARNING.
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.
Campaign 10V643000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
638 reports, newest first.
Air bags, Nov 16, 2016
2011 CHEVROLET SILVERADO. CONSUMER REQUESTS COMPENSATION FOR THE HANDLING OF THE FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG RECALL NOTICE SITUATION. *SMD
Other or unspecified, Nov 11, 2016
DRIVER SIDE INSIDE DOOR HANDLE BROKE OFF WHILE PARKED AS I WAS EXITING VEHICLE.. INSPECTION OF HANDLE SHOWED A CRACK ON THE HANDLE WHERE IT BROKE. IT APPEARS TO BE A DEFECT OF MANUFACTURE AND DESIGN. THE REPAIR REQUIRED THE COMPLETE REPLACEMENT OF THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR PANEL AT CONSIDERABLE EXPENSE. THE POTENTIAL FOR SAFE EGRESS FROM THE VEHICLE IN AN EMERGENCY IS OF CONCERN.
Electrical system, Nov 10, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STARTED WAS DEAD. A REBUILT STARTER WAS INSTALLED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STARTER HAD BEEN REPLACED APPROXIMATELY THREE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 900.
Air bags, Oct 25, 2016
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V381000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Air bags, Oct 24, 2016
DASHBOARD CRACK NEXT TO AIRBAG (UPPER RIGHT CORNER) AND OVER INSTRUMENT PANEL. I AM CONCERNED THAT IN A WRECK WHERE THE AIRBAG DEPLOYS THE DASH WILL BECOME A DEADLY PROJECTILE. THE CRACKS OCCURRED WITHOUT ANY UNDO STRESS ON THE DASHBOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT IN MOTION WHEN IT OCCURRED.
Air bags, Oct 17, 2016
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V381000 (AIR BAGS). THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 12/20/16*LJ UPDATED 12/28/16.*JB
Structure, Oct 11, 2016
THE DASHBOARD ON MY 2011 CHEVY SILVERADO LTZ IS CRACKED IN MULTIPLE PLACES, INCLUDING OVER THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND AT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG.
Other or unspecified, Oct 6, 2016
DASH IS CRACKING IN SEVERAL PLACES,ONE IS BY PASSENGER AIR BAG.
Electrical system, Air bags, Structure, Oct 3, 2016
TO YOUR COMPANY OFFERING TO PUT A USED ENGINE IN A USED VEHICLE. THEN PURCHASING A 2011 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500, AND HAVING NUMEROUS ELECTRICAL ISSUES. YOU HAD ASKED ME TO GIVE YOUR DEALERSHIP A SECOND CHANCE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM WITH MY 2011 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500. WITH THE AMOUNT OF UNPROFESSIONAL DEMEANOR THAT I EXPERIENCED PRIOR I DECIDED TO GIVE YOUR COMPANY A SECOND CHANCE TO RECTIFY THE PROBLEM.
Air bags, Sep 20, 2016
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V381000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE...UPDATED 11/21/16 *BF UPDATED 11/22/16.*JB
Air bags, Sep 20, 2016
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V381000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Structure, Sep 16, 2016
2011 CHEVY SILVERADO 1500. THE PASSENGER SIDE DASH BOARD IS CRACKED. THE TRUCK ONLY HAD 40000 MILES ON IT WHEN THE DASH CRACKED. I CONTACTED GM ABOUT THIS PROBLEM, WITH NO LUCK TO GET THEM TO RECALL THIS PROBLEM. IN THE EVENT THE AIR BAG DEPLOYING PIECES OF THE DASH WILL COME APART AND GO FLYING EVERWHERE!!
Other or unspecified, Sep 16, 2016
DASHBOARD AROUND PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG CRACKING FOR NO APPARENT REASON.
Electrical system, Sep 15, 2016
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY FAILED TO TURN OVER TO START THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN DUE TO THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT LATER RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 14V827000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AND 16V381000 (AIR BAGS), AND NEEDED THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Air bags, Seat belts, Sep 14, 2016
PASSENGER AIRBAG LIGHT OFF AND ON AT RANDOM TIMES. SEAT NOT USED OFTEN AT ALL. PASSENGER PRESENCE SYSTEM SHORTED. COST 775.00 + 125.00 PAID FOR DIAGNOSTIC TEST. FAILED INSPECTION. SHOWS RECALL ONLINE BUT IN GM DATA BASE NOT ON OUR VIN. PASSENGER SEAT AND IT IS HARDLY TO NEVER EVEN USED.
Other or unspecified, Sep 9, 2016
I HAVE A 2011 CHEVY SILVERADO EXTENDED CAB AND AFTER 37,000 MILES OF DRIVING MY TRUCK I NOTICE THREE CRACKS ON THE DASHBOARD. ONE ON THE DRIVER SIDE AND TWO ON THE PASSENGER SIDE RIGHT ABOVE THE RECALLED AIR BAG. I HAVE A FRIEND WITH THE SAME MODEL AND HE TOLD ME THE SAME THING ABOUT HIS TRUCK. HE HAS TWO CRACKS IN THE DASH. I HAVE ASK THE DEALER ABOUT ANY RECALLS ON THE DASHBOARD FOR CRACKING AND THEY SAID THAT'S A NORMAL THING THAT HAPPENS ON TRUCKS. REALLY! I SPEND $28,000 ON A TRUCK AND NOW I AM TOLD IF I WANT MY DASH FIXED I HAVE TO PAY FOR THAT! THIS IS VERY CONCERNING TO ME BECAUSE OF THE SAFETY BAG. WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF THE PASSENGER BAG DEPLOYS AND PIECES OF DASHBOARD GO FLYING WITH THE FORCE OF THE AIR BAG OR IF THE CRACKS ITSELF DEFLATES THE AIR BAG. I HOPE A RECALL IS DONE SOON FOR THE DASHBOARDS!
Structure, Sep 8, 2016
THIS IS THE SECOND DASH BOARD THAT HAS CRACKED BY THE AIR BAG AND ABOVE THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE FIRST WAS COVERED UNDER THE FACTORY WARRANTY AND NOW ITS OUT OF WARRANTY. I WORRY THAT HAVING A DASH THAT IS COMING A PART WILL BLOW APART IF THE AIR BAG GOES OFF AFTER ALL THE AIRBAG COVER IS ALSO THE SAME PLASTIC..THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND GM NEEDS TO TAKE CARE OF IT. WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF YOU GET INTO A ACCIDENT AND THE DASH COME A PART.
Air bags, Sep 7, 2016
TAKATA RECALL. CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER RECALL NO. 16V381 STILL NOT FIXED. CALLED DEALER BUT THEY SAID TO WAIT FOR A SECOND LETTER. ANSWER WAS NOT SATISFACTORY. FIRST LETTER DATED 07/2016
Air bags, Aug 30, 2016
S10 APPROPRIATE HANDLING- COPY OF AN EMAIL TO SENATORS JOHN CORNYN AND TED CRUZ REQUESTING ASSISTANCE REGARDING A TAKATA AIRBAG. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED IT TOOK TOO LONG, FOR GM TO NOTIFY CONSUMERS ABOUT THE RECALL. *JB UPDATED 10/26/16.*JB THE CONSUMER IS REQUESTING NOT TO GIVE GM ANY TYPE OF EXTENSIONS, REGARDING THE AIR BAG ISSUE, UNLESS IT IS WITH RESTRICTIONS. UPDATED 11/02/16.*JB 2011 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500. UPDATED 02/09/17.*JB
Air bags, Seat belts, Aug 29, 2016, crash
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500. THE FRONT END AND FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS STRUCK BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER. A CHILD PASSENGER SUSTAINED WHIPLASH, BRUISES TO THE ANKLES, KNEES, AND WRISTS. A SECOND CHILD PASSENGER SUSTAINED WHIPLASH AND MINOR BRUISING FROM THE SEAT BELT RETRACTING. MEDICAL TREATMENT WAS RECEIVED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT LATER RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V381000 (AIR BAGS). THE DEALER INDICATED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 10/18/16*LJ *TR
Air bags, Aug 25, 2016
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V381000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Air bags, Aug 23, 2016
TAKATA RECALL: I HAVE FAXED AND EMAILED CEO AND EXECUTIVES OF GENERAL MOTORS SEVERAL TIMES EACH DAY REGARDING THIS MATTER. I AM GOING ON VACATION AND DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THE VEHICLE WITH THESE AIRBAGS. THE NOTICE THAT WE JUST RECEIVED THIS MONTH, STATED THE VEHICLES ARE CURRENTLY SAFE TO DRIVE. IT DOES NOT STATE ANYTHING ABOUT IN THE FUTURE (I.E. NEXT MONTH, NEXT WEEK, ETC.). THEY KNEW ABOUT THE DEFECT BUT JUST DECIDED TO SEND OUT RECALL NOTICES LATE LAST MONTH. I WANT A RENTAL CAR FOR THE WEEK I NEED TO DRIVE OUT OF TOWN, AT THEIR EXPENSE, BECAUSE WE SHOULD HAVE NOTIFIED EARLIER AND THEY WILL NOT VERIFY (THE EXECUTIVES) NOR BACKUP THE ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT THAT THE VEHICLES ARE SAFE TO DRIVE. I WANT A LETTER FROM THE CEO THAT VERIFIES THIS OR A RENTAL VEHICLE FOR ONE WEEK UNTIL MY VEHICLE IS REPAIRED. WE LIVE IN HOT TEXAS AND THE VEHICLE IS ALWAYS EXPOSED TO HOT AND HUMID TEMPERATURES! THIS VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE.
Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 22, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE LEAKED FUEL FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE FUEL TANK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL PUMP LINE FRACTURED AND CAUSED THE FUEL LEAK. THE FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 44,000.
Other or unspecified, Aug 20, 2016
DASH HAS A CRACK ON PASSENGER SIDE UPPER LEFT OF A AIR BAG. MAY CAUSE A HAZARD TO PASSENGER IF AIR BAG IS DEPLOYED IN A COLLISION
Other or unspecified, Aug 16, 2016
THE DASHBOARD ON THE PASSENGER SIDE HAS CRACKED.