2011 GMC Sierra 1500
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Air bags is the leading concern among 366 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 9th highest complaint count among 26 Sierra 1500 model years with reports.
Of the 2011 reports, 6 involved a crash and 3 involved a fire. 12 people were injured.
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
EquipmentApr 26, 2018
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD, 2009 GMC Topkick 5000, 6000, 7000 and 8000 Series and Isuzu F Series, and 2009-2018 Chevrolet Express, and GMC Savana vehicles, equipped with certain Plastic-Handle Fire Extinguishers or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf
In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.
GM will notify owners, instructing them to contact Kidde to get a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began June 11, 2018. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, and Isuzu customer service at 1-866-441-9638. GM's number for this recall is 18146.
Campaign 18V267000 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: air bags
138 reports, newest first. Show all
Air bags, Aug 13, 2024
See attached document for complaint
Suspension, Air bags, Structure, Oct 25, 2023
Rear shock holder rusted through cross member on frame making top of shock stay forced against bottom of the bed of the truck.
Air bags, Oct 19, 2022
Takata recall. The contact owns a 2011 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V054000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had 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. Parts distribution disconnect.
Air bags, Jul 6, 2022
No Airbags
Air bags, Mar 24, 2022
The contact owns a 2011 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V054000 (Air Bags). The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the front passenger's side air bag was replaced; however, the air bag warning light remained illuminated. The dealer informed the contact that the failure could be associated with the front driver's side air bag; however, there was no recall for the front driver's side air bag. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.
Air bags, Mar 11, 2022
2011 GMC SIERRA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO PASSENGER SIDE FRONTAL AIRBAG SAFETY RECALL. THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER HAS NOT BEEN PROVIDED THE NECESSARY PARTS TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. *JS
Air bags, Oct 29, 2021
Takata Recall. The contact owns a 2011 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V054000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts are not available.
Air bags, Oct 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2011 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to a local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the driver’s side air bag needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 112,000.
Air bags, Sep 27, 2021
Three of the vehicles airbags went off during last night while parked in driveway. Shattered windshield, ripped head liner, tore up interior courtesy light. Nothing had touched the vehicle when this happened.
Air bags, Aug 11, 2021
Takata recall. The contact owns a 2011 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 21V050000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact was currently stationed in St. Croix and was unable to find a local dealer to perform the recall repair. The contact was awaiting assistance from the manufacturer but had not yet received a response. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. A failure mileage was not provided. Parts distribution disconnect
Air bags, Aug 9, 2021
This recall was issued 6 months ago yet there is still no remedy for this issue which seems to be a safety hazard. This issue is not being corrected in a timely manner.
Air bags, Jun 2, 2021
Takata Recall. The contact owns a 2011 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V054000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact contacted the local dealer and was informed that the recall remedy was still pending. The contact had not experienced a failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and opened a case. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Air bags, May 12, 2021
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 GMC SIERRA 1500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 21V054000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. WYATT JOHNSON BUICK GMC (2600 WILMA RUDOLPH BLVD, CLARKSVILLE, TN 37040, (800) 811-0763) WAS CONTACTED AND IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Air bags, Mar 26, 2021
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 GMC SIERRA 1500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 21V050000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CAPITOL CHEVROLET (6200 S IH 35 FRONTAGE RD, AUSTIN, TX 78745, (512) 436-0938) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT YET 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.
Air bags, Mar 18, 2021
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 GMC SIERRA 1500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 21V050000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT CALLED ALL STAR AUTOPLEX (1216 E PALESTINE AVE, PALESTINE, TX 75801) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE PARTS WERE AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. *DT*JB CONSUMER STATED GMC DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND APPOINTMENT WAS SCHEDULED TUES. APRIL 6, 2021.*JB
Air bags, Mar 1, 2021
AN INflATOR RUPTURE MAY CAUSE METAL FRAGMENTS TO PASS THROUGH THE AIRBAG AND INTO THE VEHICLE INTERIOR AT HIGH SPEED, WHICH MAY RESULT IN INJURY OR DEATH TO VEHICLE OCCUPANTS. THIS RECALL HAS YET TO HAVE A REMEDY. WITH A RECALL OF THIS MANNER I WOULD THINK THAT IT WOULD BE OF MUCH MORE IMPORTANCE TO GET A REMEDY IN ORDER IN A TIMELY MANNER. HOWEVER, WE ARE STILL WAITING.
Air bags, Forward collision avoidance, Feb 27, 2021
NEEDS TO BE FIX AND NHTSA STATES THAT THEY CAN NOT FIX IT
Power train, Air bags, Nov 23, 2020
I PURCHASED THIS TRUCK IN 2017. FOUND OUT ABOUT THE AIRBAG RECALL AND OVER THE LAST 3 YEARS I HAVE WENT TO SEVERAL GMC DEALERSHIPS TO REPLACE THE AIRBAGS TO FIX THE RECALL ISSUE AND THEY TELL ME THAT THEY CANT FIX IT WITHOUT THE PROPER AIRBAGS WHICH THEY DONT HAVE. HOW IS IT THAT THERE IS RECALLS, AND EVEN DEATHS BUT I HAVE TO FEAR DRIVING THIS TRUCK HOPING MY AIRBAG WONT DEPLOY? AND NO ONE CARES TO FIX THE ISSUE. I SPENT 2 THOUSAND DOLLARS THROWING PARTS INTO MY ENGINE TO FIND OUT. TWO LIFTERS IN THE ENGINE DOESN'T LIKE COLD WEATHER. WHEN THE TEMP DROPS BELOW 40 DEGREES, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. WHEN THE TEMPERATURE RAISES ABOVE 40 DEGREES THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT GOES OFF. I CHASED THIS PROBLEM FOR YEARS. THERE IS SOME MECHANICAL ISSUE HERE.
Air bags, Other or unspecified, Nov 23, 2020
MY DASH LIGHT HAVE A CODE THAT SAY CHECK AIR BAG SERVICE NEVER BEEN IN ACCIDENT IN VEHICLE BUT. LIGHT STAYS ON I THINK IAM APART OF RECALL BUT NOONE AT DEALER HAVE REACH OUT TO ME IAM OWNER OF VEHICLE AND MY CAR IS PAIDED OFF
Air bags, Nov 23, 2020
HIT A DEER WHILE DRIVING, AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY BUT MADE A NOISE AND SOUNDS LIKED GAS WAS RELEASED. LIKE THE AIRBAGS TRIED TO DEPLOY BUT DIDN'T. NOW MY AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON AND SAYS TO CHECK AIRBAG SYSTEM OR SOMETHING TO THAT EFFECT.
Power train, Air bags, Seats, Sep 18, 2020
DIFFERENTIAL MAKES CRACKING NOISE, LUM BAR ON DRIVERS SEAT DOESN'T INFLATE,
Air bags, Sep 2, 2020
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 GMC SIERRA 1500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V381000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED EDWARDS CHEVROLET-280 LOCATED AT 5499 US-280, BIRMINGHAM, AL 35242, AND WAS INFORMED THAT PARTS WERE NOT YET AVAILABLE 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.
Air bags, Other or unspecified, Jan 16, 2020
THE TOP SECTION OF THE DASHBOARD HAS MULTIPLE CRACKS INCLUDING AREAS DIRECTLY BEHIND THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER AND AROUND THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAGS. THE AIRBAG SECTION IS THE MOST TROUBLING, AS IT WOULD APPEAR THE BROKEN SECTIONS COULD BECOME AIRBORNE AT A HIGH RATE OF VELOCITY IN THE EVENT OF AN AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT.
Air bags, Dec 15, 2019
GM IS NOT FIXING THE RECALLED TAKATA AIRBAGS, AND I AM NOT ABLE TO SELL OR DRIVE THE VEHICLE.
Air bags, Dec 5, 2019
NHTSA DOCKET # 2016-0124. NHTSA 16V381. GM RECALL #2049151. HOW LONG IS A REASONABLE TIMEFRAME FOR A SAFETY RECALL TO BE OR THE ACTED ON? THIS RECALL WAS ISSUED IN MAY 2016, YOU AND GM JUST WANT TO SET ON IT WHILE I AM DRIVING A UNSAFE TRUCK. WHAT HAPPENED TO THE AUGUST 2017 DECISION DATE TO GET GENERAL MOTORS TO FIX THIS PROBLEM WITH MY 2011 GM SIERRA AIR BAG. THEY CLAIM NO ONE HAS BEEN KILLED "YET", WHAT'S THE NUMBER TO GET THEM TO ACT OR THE NHTSA TO MAKE THEM DO THE RIGHT THING. IF SAFETY IS SO IMPORTANT WHY HAS IT BEEN 3 1/2 YEARS WITH NO FIX, I HAVE NOT EVEN GOT A LETTER FROM THEM TELLING ME I HAVE A RECALLED AIR BAG ON MY TRUCK, I GUESS THEY DON'T WANT PEOPLE TO KNOW, IT MIGHT COST THEM SOME MONEY.