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.
Steering, Dec 11, 2012, crash
STEERING COLUMN BROKE IN PASSENGER SIDE IMPACT. FULL LOSS OF CONTROL OF VEHICLE. CAN SPIN STEERING WHEEL IN COMPLETE CIRCLE. *TR
Suspension, Nov 6, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVEROLET SILVERADO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING UP A DIRT HILL AT APPROXIMATELY 2MPH THE CONTACT STATED THE LOWER CONTROL ARM SNAPPED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT AXLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 15,000. THE VIN NUMBER WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Wheels, Aug 28, 2012
THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT TO MY VEHICLE I PURCHASED A NEW VEHICLE FROM A COMPANY AND I HAVE BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS OUT OF THE VEHICLE SINCE I MADE THE PURCHASE. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE TIRES, THEN REPLACED ONE OF THE RIMS BUT THE PROBLEM STILL EXIST THEY ALSO DID A FRONT END ALIGNMENT, THE SERVICE MANAGER STATED THAT HE HAD NO IDEA WHAT TO NEXT TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM, THERE IS A SHAKING OR VIBRATION IN THE VEHICLE WHEN IT IS DRIVEN. I HAVE HAD SEVERAL CONVERSATIONS WITH GM AND STILL THE MATTER HASN'T BEEN RESOLVED. *TR
Structure, Aug 27, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET SILVERADO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TOWING A BASS BOAT, THE REAR BUMPER COLLAPSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE BUMPER WAS WORKING AS DESIGNED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT SHOULD GET AN AFTER MARKET BUMPER SINCE THE FACTORY BUMPER WAS BUILT TO SPECIFICATIONS AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO ALTER IT. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE BUMPER DID NOT HAVE THE STRENGTH AND TOWING ABILITY AS IT WAS ADVERTISED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 11,000. UPDATED 10/11/12*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED A BASS BOAT WAS LOADED ONTO THE TRAILER. THE CONSUMER STEPPED OFF THE TRAILER ONTO THE REAR BUMPER OF THE CHEVY PICKUP, WHEN THE CORNER COLLAPSED TO THE DOWNWARD. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND PLANNED TO EXCHANGE THE BUMPER FOR A STURDY ONE. THE MANUFACTURER THEN STATED THE BUMPER MET REGULATIONS SO THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. THE CONSUMER STATED THE BUMPER COULD BE BENT BY SIMPLY USING HIS HAND WITH BARELY ANY EFFORT. UPDATED 10/16/2012 *JS
Power train, Jul 5, 2012
WHEN STOPPED AT A STOP LIGHT OR STOP SIGN ON A ROAD THAT HAS AN INCLINE, WHEN REMOVING MY FOOT FROM THE BRAKE TO THE GAS PEDAL, THE TRUCK ROLLS BACKWARDS AND WILL NOT STOP AT ALL UNLESS THE BRAKE IS RE-APPLIED OR THE GAS PEDAL CAN BE PUSHED BEFORE THE VEHICLE ROLLS TOO FAR BACK. TALKED TO DEALER AND HAD VEHICLE IN TO BE CHECKED AND THEY STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS DESIGNED THAT WAY TO ELIMINATE STRESS ON THE TRANSMISSION AND IT WAS MEANT TO FREE ROLL FOR A SHORT DISTANCE. THIS IS AN UNSAFE CONDITION AS VEHICLE COULD ROLL BACKWARDS INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE, PERSON, OR OBJECT. ON A VERY STEEP INCLINE, THE VEHICLE KEPT ON ROLLING BACKWARD FOR SEVERAL FEET AND UNLESS I PUT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE OR GAS IT WILL CONTINUING TO ROLL BACKWARDS. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jul 5, 2012
SPEED CONTROL (CRUISE) DOES NOT HOLD. WHILE GOING DOWN AN INCLINE FROM THE MOUNTAINS, CRUISE CONTROL WAS SET FOR 65 MPH, AND THE VEHICLE INCREASED SPEED TO 85+ MPG BEFORE APPLYING BRAKE TO SLOW DOWN. CALLED DEALERSHIP AND TOOK VEHICLE TO BE CHECKED IN REGARDS TO THIS INCIDENT, AND THEY STATED THAT DUE TO THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, NEW EMISSION STANDARDS THAT TRANSMISSION WAS MADE NOT TO HOLD SO AS NOT TO INCREASE CARBON FOOTPRINT. THIS CAUSES A VERY UNSAFE CONDITION WHEN DRIVING WHEN THE CRUISE CONTROL IS ENGAGED. *TR
Structure, Visibility/wiper, Jun 21, 2012
I OWN A CHEVROLET 2011 1/2 TON TRUCK AND I NOTICED DAYS AFTER I BOUGHT IT THAT THE RIGHT COLUMN BETWEEN THE WINDSHIELD AND THE PASSANGER WINDOW CREATES A BLIND SPOT FOR THE DRIVER THAT ALMOST COST ME AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE I COULD NOT SEE A MOTOCYCLE COMING FROM MY RIGHT IN THE INTERSECTION ABOUT TO DO A LEFT TURN. *TT
Power train, Jun 5, 2012
I PURCHASED VEHICLE USE, WITH 384 MILES. VEHICLE TRANSMISSION BECAME VERY LOUD, WHINING, GROWLING, MAKING CLUNKING NOISE WHEN SHIFTING; DOWNSHIFTING AT TIMES PRODUCED RUNAWAY SHIFTING, CLUNKING AND SLIPPING. TOOK IT TO ONE CHEV. DEALER AND SERVICE WRITER SAID HE HAD A CHEV P.U. JUST LIKE MINE AND IT DIDN'T MAKE THOSE NOISES. WENT BACK AGAIN AND DEALER FOUND A SERVICE BULLETIN THAT APPLIED TO MY TRANSMISSION. THEY ORDERED PARTS, INSTALLED THEM, BUT NO CHANGE. WENT BACK AGAIN AND THE SERVICE SHOP AND THEY SAID THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE TRANSMISSION AND THERE WAS NOTHING MORE THEY COULD DO FOR MY P.U. I WENT TO ANOTHER DEALER AND THEY SAID IT NEEDED FRONT AND REAR PLANETARY GEARS. PARTS WERE ORDERED AND INSTALLED, AGAIN NO CHANGE. WENT BACK TO THE DEALER AND THEY DROVE MY P.U. THE SERVICE MANAGER SAID THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH MY P.U. ! I SPOKE WITH A DISTRICT SPECIALIST AT G.M. AND SHE SAID SHE WOULD CONTACT THE DEALERSHIP! IT IS NOW JUNE 5, 2012 AND I AGAIN CALLED GM CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE AND THEY SAID THE WOMAN WHO HAD MY CASE NO LONGER WORKS IN THAT DEPARTMENT AND THEY WOULD ASSIGN ANOTHER SPECIALIST. SHE/HE WOULD CALL ME TODAY, MAYBE TOMORROW. I TOLD THEM ENOUGH IS ENOUGH AND I WANTED ANOTHER VEHICLE! *TR
Seats, May 14, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER HEAD REST WAS TOO HIGH AND CAUSED THE CONTACT'S BACK, NECK AND HEAD TO PAIN. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THAT DUE TO FEDERAL REGULATIONS, THE HEAD REST COULD NOT BE REMOVED BUT THE CONTACT COULD HAVE THE HEAD REST MODIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 11,138.
Power train, May 9, 2012, crash
JUST SECONDS AFTER HAVING COME TO A COMPLETE STOP, THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTS WHILE RPMS INCREASE CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO OVERCOME THE BRAKE PRESSURE AND TRUCK TO MOVE FORWARD ABRUPTLY. THIS CAUSED ME TO ROLL OUT INTO THE LANE OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC AND STRIKE A VEHICLE AS IT WAS PASSING. *TR
Wheels, May 7, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET SILVERADO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SPARE TIRE FRACTURED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT SOMEONE HAD STOLEN THE TIRE. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC THAT THE SPARE TIRE CABLE WAS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO CUT ONCE THE TIRE WAS ATTACHED AND THE CABLE WAS RETRACTED. THE TIRE WAS NOT REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN, BUT THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 14,115.
Tires, Apr 30, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500 EQUIPPED WITH GOODYEAR WRANGLER AT/S, SIZE 265/70/17 TIRES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH, THE REAR PASSENGER TIRE LOST AIR RAPIDLY, MAKING IT VERY DIFFICULT TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO MANEUVER TO THE SHOULDER. THE TIRE WAS REPLACED WITH A SPARE BY THE CONTACT. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 42,000.
Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 27, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE AND WHEELS BEGAN TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO STATED THE FRONT ROTORS WERE OUT OF ROUND AND TURNED DOWNWARD. THE BRAKE ROTORS WERE REPAIRED BUT THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 6,976 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 14,000. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VIBRATION IS STILL PRESENT IN THE FRONT END. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE TIRES WERE WEARING PREMATURELY. UPDATED 05/17/12 UPDATED 06/05/12*LJ UPDATED 06/06/12 *JS UPDATED 06/11/12.*JB UPDATED 06/26/12 THE CONSUMER STATED HE CONTINUES TO HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKES. UPDATED 06/10/13
Power train, Apr 18, 2012
THIS VEHICLE HAS SEVERAL DEFECTS THAT GM CLAIMS AS NORMAL. 1. TRUCK RANDOMLY LURCHES FORWARD WHEN STARTED IN PARK. GM SAYS THIS IS NORMAL MAKE SURE YOU APPLY PARKING BRAKE WHEN PARKING. 2. DRIVE TRAIN CLUNKS WHEN DECELERATING INTO 10-20MPH RANGE AND ACCELERATING AGAIN. GM SAYS THIS IS NORMAL DUE TO TOLERANCES AND ACCELERATED IN FOUR WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLES. 3. VEHICLE DRAIN TRAIN RANDOMLY MAKES A BANG OR CLUNK NOISE WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP. GM CLAIMS THIS IS ALSO NORMAL. I HAVE PURCHASED THIS TRUCK NEW IN NOVEMBER 2011 AND IT HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP FIVE TIMES. EACH TIME DEALER CHECKS REPAIR FOR DEFECT AND GM SENDS BACK BULLETIN SAYING NO REPAIR CONDITION NORMAL. DEALER SAYS A HANDFUL OF TRUCKS HAVE COME BACK WITH THIS SIMILAR PROBLEM. I CAN NOT BELIEVE GM ACCEPTS THIS DEFECT AS NORMAL. *JS
Vehicle speed control, Apr 12, 2012, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD UNEXPECTEDLY ACCELERATE WITHOUT WARNING WHETHER THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED, IN DRIVE OR REVERSE. IN ADDITION, THE ENGINE RPMS WOULD EXHIBIT AN ABNORMAL INCREASE OF 2000 OR MORE WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED. ON ONE OCCASION, THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY ACCELERATED AND THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO STOP THE UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A ROAD STUMP. FIVE PASSENGERS SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE, BUT WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 14,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 14,100.
Engine and engine cooling, Electronic stability control (ESC), Feb 17, 2012
I WAS TRAVELING ON A DIVIDED HIGHWAY AND APPROACHING A SLOW MOVING TRUCK IN THE RIGHT LANE AHEAD OF ME. THERE WAS ANOTHER TRUCK BEHIND ME IN MY LANE. I MOVED TO THE LEFT LANE TO PASS THE SLOW TRUCK. JUST AFTER I BEGAN THE PASS MY PICKUP SLOWED QUICKLY AND BEGAN FLASHING ERROR MESSAGES: STABILITY CONTROL DISABLED, ENGINE POWER REDUCED & SERVICE STABILITRAK. THE TRUCK BEHIND ME HAD MOVED UP CLOSE AND FOLLOWED ME AROUND THE SLOW MOVING TRUCK. I WAS UNABLE TO ACCELERATE AND CONTINUED SLOWING QUICKLY. I HAD JUST ENOUGH ROOM TO SWERVE IN BEHIND THE SLOW TRUCK AS MY SPEED FELL BELOW ITS SPEED. THE TRUCK BEHIND ME NARROWLY AVOIDED A REAR IMPACT WITH MY TRUCK, WHICH, I BELIEVE, WOULD HAVE BEEN CATASTROPHIC. I PULLED TO THE RIGHT AND TRIED TO SPEED UP. ABOUT 40 MPH WAS ALL MY TRUCK WOULD DO. I STOPPED AND GOT OUT THE MANUAL. IT SAID TO RESET THE STABILITRAK, TURN THE VEHICLE OFF FOR 30 SECONDS. I DID THAT AND THE TRUCK SEEMED TO FUNCTIONED NORMALLY, AT LEAST AS FAR AS ENGINE POWER. I STILL HAD TRACTION CONTROL & STABILITRAK ERROR MESSAGES AND THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON. I WAS ABLE TO RETURN 40 MILES TO MY HOME TOWN WITH NO FURTHER INCIDENTS. I WAS ABLE TO GET MY TRUCK INTO THE CHEVY DEALER ON THE 30TH. THE SERVICE REP RECOGNIZED MY DESCRIPTION IMMEDIATELY AS A "THROTTLE SENSOR" FAILURE. IT WAS REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY. THERE HAVE BEEN NO FURTHER INCIDENTS. MY CONCERNS ARE DUAL: FIRST, ONLY LUCK AND YEARS OF EMERGENCY VEHICLE OPERATION TRAINING ENABLED ME TO AVOID BEING HIT FROM BEHIND BY THE FOLLOWING TRUCK WHEN MY TRUCK UNEXPECTEDLY AND WITHOUT WARNING LOST POWER. AN IMPACT WOULD HAVE LIKELY BE LIFE THREATENING CONSIDERING THE SPEED AND PROXIMITY OF TWO TRUCKS. SECOND, SUBSEQUENTLY, I HAVE FOUND MULTIPLE INTERNET REPORTS OF THIS ISSUE GOING BACK SEVERAL MODEL YEARS AND MY SERVICE PAPER WORK INDICATES A GM SERVICE BULLETIN FOR IT EXISTS. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Feb 14, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF 60 MPH, THE BRAKES WERE ENGAGED AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SLOW DOWN IMMEDIATELY. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS ENGAGED WITH EXTREME PRESSURE IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED FOUR TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND WAS ADVISED THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG AND THE COMPUTER WAS SUPPOSE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 11,000. UPDATED 03/05/12*LJ UPDATED 03/06/12
Electrical system, Jan 11, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE WOULD LUNGE VIOLENTLY WHEN CHANGING GEARS. THE WARNING LIGHTS WOULD ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL SPORADICALLY, THE DOOR LOCKS WOULD FAIL INTERMITTENTLY AND THE FUEL, ODOMETER AND SPEEDOMETER GAUGES WERE INOPERABLE. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE STARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER BUT THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE BUT DENIED ANY ASSISTANCE WITH REPAIRS TO THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 7,000.
Visibility, Dec 26, 2011
THE DRIVER SIDE MIRROR WILL NOT ADJUST OUTWARD FAR ENOUGH TO ELIMINATE A BLIND SPOT ON THAT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. 9/22/11 TOM BANNEN CHEVROLET IN MADISON TN ATTEMPTED TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM BY REPLACING THE MIRROR, BUT THAT RESULTED IN NO IMPROVEMENT. 12/8/11 I COMPLAINED TO THE DEALER AGAIN. [XXX], THE SERVICE WRITER, SAT IN MY TRUCK, OPERATED THE MIRROR AND CONFIRMED THAT THE MIRROR WOULD NOT ADJUST OUTWARD FAR ENOUGH TO ELIMINATE A BLIND SPOT. HE SAID THAT IT WAS DEFINITELY NOT RIGHT,' AND THEY WOULD CHECK IT OUT TO SEE WHAT REPAIR IS NEEDED. BUT WHEN I PICKED UP THE TRUCK, THEY SAID IT OPERATES LIKE ALL THEIR OTHER TRUCKS AND WOULD MAKE NO IMPROVEMENT. 12/10/11 I COMPLAINED TO GM AT 866-790-5600. 12/21/11 "DISTRICT SPECIALIST" JOHN (EXTENSION 42327) SAID GM WILL NOT DO ANYTHING TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM AND THAT THIS IS GM'S FINAL POSITION ON THIS PROBLEM. THIS DEFECT LEAVES A BLIND SPOT IN MY VIEW, AND THAT INCREASES THE HAZARD OF MOVING LEFT TO CHANGE LANES. I AM, OF COURSE, AM NOT SATISFIED WITH THIS SITUATION. IT PLACES ME AT GREATER RISK THAN SHOULD BE NECESSARY WHEN DRIVING MY TRUCK. PERHAPS OTHER SILVERADO OWNERS ARE SUFFERING THIS SAME INCREASED RISK. PLEASE PROMPTLY PROVIDE A SOLUTION, INSTRUCT MY DEALER ON THAT SOLUTION, AND NOTIFY ME. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Steering, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Fuel system, Gasoline, Dec 20, 2011
I HAVE A 2011 CHEVY SILVERADO WITH A FUEL GAUGE PROBLEM. WHILE DRIVING DOWNHILL, MY FUEL GAUGE LIGHT JUST COMES ON AND THE FUEL GAUGE GOES DOWN TO EMPTY. THE VEHICLE THEN STALLS LOSING ALL POWER AND CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE (BRAKES, STEERING). AS I REACH THE BOTTOM OF THE HILL, I HAVE TO PLACE THE VEHICLE IN PARK AND IT STARTS RIGHT BACK UP BUT THE FUEL GAUGE STAYS AT EMPTY. I HAD THE VEHICLE SERVICED AT A GM DEALERSHIP AND IT WAS STATED BY THE TECH THAT VEHICLE IS WORKING AS DESIGNED. THIS WAS ALSO CONFIRMED BY GM ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT. IF I RECALL, THE FUEL PUMP IS PLACED MORE TOWARD THE BACK OF TRUCK AND WHILE DRIVING DOWNHILL GAS MOVES TOWARDS FRONT OF TANK GIVING THE FUEL SENSOR A FALSE READING. I'M NO ENGINEER BUT I HAD A 2009 SILVERADO AND NEVER CAME ACROSS THIS PROBLEM. THIS IS A BIG VEHICLE AND I BELIEVE THIS POSES A GREAT SAFETY RISK TO MYSELF AND FAMILY AS WELL AS THE PUBLIC. MANY TIMES WHEN THE TRUCK HAS LOST ALL POWER STEERING AND BRAKING CAPABILITY, MYSELF OR MY FAMILY MEMBERS WHO ARE DRIVING HAVE NARROWLY AVOIDED ACCIDENTS. GM TECH AND GM CORPORATE SAID REMEDY IS TO KEEP MORE GAS IN VEHICLE. THIS IS A CONTINUOUS PROBLEM AS AT TIMES IN TRAVEL I MAY NOT KEEP MY TANK AS FULL AS REQUIRED BY GM.
Visibility, Wheels, Dec 7, 2011
CONDITIONS: HEAVY MISTING RAIN, 32 DEG F, LOWERING TEMPERATURE, DAYTIME. THIS IS TO REPORT A DESIGN DEFECT OF THE WINDSHIELD DEFOGGING SYSTEM. THE DEFOGGING SYSTEM OPERATED AS DESIGNED. THERE WAS NO FAILURE OF THE EQUIPMENT. WHEN THE WINDSHIELD DEFOGGER IS SELECTED THIS VEHICLES SYSTEM AUTOMATICALLY SETS TO OUTSIDE AIR AND TURNS OFF THE AIRCONDITIONING COMPRESSOR AT 32 DEG F AND BELOW. ON DECEMBER 6TH WHILE DRIVING DURING MISTING RAIN AT SLIGHTLY ABOVE FREEZING WITH THE TEMPERATURE SLOWLY LOWERING I EXPERIENCED A RAPID AND SERIOUS PROBLEM CLEARING THE WINDSHIELD OF MIST ON THE INSIDE SURFACE OF THE WINDSHIELD AS WELL AS ALL OTHER GLASS SURFACES WHEN THE TEMPERATURE FELL BELOW FREEZING AND THE AIRCONDITIONING COMPRESSOR CUT OFF. DESPITE USING THE WINDSHIELD DEFOGGER AT THE MAXIMUM HEAT AND FAN SETTING I WAS FORCED TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD BECAUSE I COULD NO LONGER SEE WELL ENOUGH TO DRIVE SAFELY. SELECTION OF WINDSHIELD DEFOGGING MODE ACTUALLY WORSENED THE PROBLEM INITIALLY. I BELIEVE THAT THE DESIGN OF THE SYSTEM CREATES THE POTENTIAL (AND IN THIS CASE ACTUAL) DANGER OF RAPID LOSS OF VISIBILITY TO THE OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE WITH THE POSSIBILITY OF A LOSS OF EFFECTIVE CONTROL. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Vehicle speed control, Nov 1, 2011
THIS IS A DEALER DEMO VEHICLE, FIRST 2235 MILES WERE DEMO. DURING MY FIRST MORNING (12HOURS AFTER PICKING UP AT DEALER) OF OWNERSHIP I WAS DESCENDING DOWN A HILL WITH THE CRUISE ON, AND THE VEHICLE PROCEEDED TO OVER SPEED APPROXIMATELY 5-7MPH. I TRAVEL THIS HILL BOTH WAYS TO/FROM WORK DAILY AND THIS HAPPENS EVERYTIME. I THOUGH THIS MIGHT BE AN ABNORMAL ADJUSTMENT WITHIN THE COMPUTER/ETC SO WHILE TAKING IN TO THE DEALER FOR A TPMS (TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR SYSTEM) ISSUE I MENTIONED THE OVERSPEED ISSUE TO THE SERVICE WRITE UP AND THEY SAID THAT IT WAS NORMAL. I DON'T AGREE, BUT MAYBE IT IS. IT DOES ADJUST BACK TO NORMAL CRUISE SET SPEED BUT IS UNIQUE. I HAD A 2002 DODGE RAM 1500 PREVIOUSLY AND IT DID NOT DO THIS, AND I HAVE DROVE OTR (OVER THE ROAD) SEMI-TRUCKS AND KNOW THE DIFFERENCE WITH OVERSPEED BEING NORMAL AND ABNORMAL. I WOULD LIKE THIS TO BE LOOKED INTO, AS IT COULD BE A HAZARD THAT COULD LEAD TO UNSAFE SITUATION. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 21, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DEPRESSING THE BRAKES, HE WOULD FEEL A PULSATING SENSATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY ADVISED HIM THAT HE MIGHT NEED TO REPLACE THE PADS AND RESURFACE BOTH THE ROTORS AND DRUMS. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE PULSATION CONTINUED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 114. * REQUEST THAT COMPLAINT BE DELETED * 12/14/2011 CW
Suspension, Power train, Vehicle speed control, Oct 12, 2011
#1. VEHICLE ACCELERATES WHEN LETTING OFF GAS, EVEN WHILE GOING UPHILL THE VEHICLE WILL ACCELERATE. YOU CAN GO UP A STEEP HILL WITHOUT TOUCHING THE GAS. BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP THEY REPLACED, THE THROTTLE BODY, GAS PEDAL ASSEMBLY. THEY REINSTALLED THE ORIGINAL PARTS AND TOLD US THAT THIS WAS NORMAL. WE DROVE OTHER 2011 CHEVY SILVERADO'S WHICH DID NOT DO THE SAME THING. THE DEALERSHIP TOLD US THAT ALL THE 2011 CHEVY SILVERADO'S ACCELERATE ON THEIR OWN. #2. THERE IS A CLUNKING NOISE FROM THE REAR WHEN DRIVING OVER BUMPS. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THIS IS NORMAL BACKLASH, AND DID NOT DO ANYTHING. *KB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 7, 2011
BRAKE FAILURE. APPLIED BRAKES RAPIDLY DUE TO VEHICLE STOPPING IN FRONT OF ME. NOTICED TIRE SQUEAL THEN BRAKE PEDAL REMAINED FIRM BUT, MY VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP. HAD TO STEER INTO OPPOSITE TRAVEL LANE TO AVOID ACCIDENT. BRAKES THEN BEGAN TO FUNCTION NORMALLY. DROVE TO DEALERSHIP TO HAVE CHECKED. SERVICE MANAGER SAID BRAKES CHECKED OK. IN ROUTE TO MY HOME SERVICE BRAKE SOON LIGHT APPEARED ON DASH DISPLAY. *TR