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: fuel/propulsion system
11 reports, newest first. Show all
Fuel/propulsion system, May 29, 2024
Over the past few years squirrels have eaten through the fuel line of the truck just above the fuel tank multiple times. As soon as the ignition switch is turned on fuel gets pumped out very near the exhaust system. The driver may not notice anything wrong immediately causing a very real fire risk. Today is the fourth time I have experienced this issue with this truck.
Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 11, 2023
The fuel pump rusted out from the gas tank causing fuel to leak onto the hot exhaust system. There was a stong gasoline odor which kead to the discovery. The repair bill was $911.00.
Suspension, Power train, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 21, 2021
this vehicle was sold by a dealership with these issues the frame has a half inch wide six inch long gap needs a fuel pump control module and the engine needs lifters replaced.
Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 4, 2017
I MAY HAVE A ILLEGAL AUXILIARY EMISSION CONTROL DEVISE RESULT IN EXCESS EMISSIONS OF NITROGEN OXIDES THAT ARE SIMILAR TO THOSE MADE AGAINST VOLKSWAGEN AND 2011 GMC SIERRA DURAMAX DIESEL TRUCK. GENERAL MOTORS MAY HAVE INTENTIONALLY INSTALLED AN ELECTRICAL 'CHEAT DEVICES ' PRODUCING PASSING EMISSION RESULTS.
Air bags, Seat belts, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 22, 2017
FOR THE AIR BAG, THE LIGHT CONTINUALLY GOES ON AND WHEN I TOOK IT TO DEALER; THEY SAID IT WAS FINE, BUT WHEN I TOOK IT LATER; DEALER SAID THAT WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED AND IT WOULD COST ME $800. I JUST LEFT IT ALONE. LIGHT CONTINUALLY GOES ON AND TURNS ITSELF OFF. FOR THE SEAT BELT, BACK SEAT MIDDLE, THE DEALER REPAIRED IT TWICE, BUT ONCE WARRANTY EXPIRED THAN THEY WOULDN'T FIX IT ANYMORE UNLESS I PAID. FOR THE GAS, I PUMP GAS AND IT CONSTANT CAUSES PUMP TO POP AND SHUT OFF. THEY HAD FIXED THE PROBLEM AT DEALER, BUT ONCE WARRANTY EXPIRED THEY STOPPED. I HAD TO PAY FOR ALL REPAIRS.
Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 25, 2017
DUE TO A FAULTY DESIGN AND OR MATERIALS USED THE FUEL PUMP MODULE ASSEMBLY LOCATED ON THE TOP OF THE TANK HAS PREMATURELY CORRODED AND CAUSED A DANGEROUS SITUATION WITH POTENTIAL THREAT TO LIFE AS WELL AS CONTAMINATING THE ENVIRONMENT. GAS IS LEAKED OUT OF THE UNIT AND CAN BECOME VERY DANGEROUS IF UNNOTICED OR NOT REPAIRED. VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED NEW IN 2012 AND HAS ONLY SEEN 4 WINTERS. MECHANICS AT THE GARAGE STATED IT WAS A COMMON OCCURRENCE THEY HAD SEEN IN NUMEROUS VEHICLES AND CAUSED BY A POOR DESIGN IN WHICH SNOW AND SALT CAN ACCUMULATE ON TOP OF THE TANK RATTING THE UNIT AND GAS LINES PREMATURELY. I CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER AND THEY WERE NOT CONCERNED AND CONSIDERED IT "NORMAL" WEAR AND WAS AN UNFORTUNATE SITUATION. GAS LEAKS WHEN STATIONARY AND IS LEAKED WHEN SYSTEM IS PRESSURIZED SPRAYING THE UNDERCARRIAGE OF THE VEHICLE AND A MAJOR CONCERN FOR POTENTIAL FIRE OR EXPLOSION WHEN GASOLINE IS VAPORIZED.
Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 29, 2016
THE THROTTLE BODY AND PEDAL CHIP WENT BAD CAUSING A ROUGH RUNNING ENGINE, LOSS OF POWER, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, AND LOSS OF TRACTION CONTROL. MECHANIC STATED HE'S BEEN REPLACING 5-12 A MONTH ON THE SAME ENGINE (5.3 LITER V8). OTHER MODELS ARE SUPPOSEDLY UNDER RECALL. REPAIRS COST IN EXCESS OF $500.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 5, 2016
THE TBS GOES OUT. PUTTING THE TRUCK INTO REDUCED POWER. I WAS GOING 65 MPH AND THE TRUCK SLOWED DOWN TO 15 MPH ON THE FREEWAY. LOSE ALL BREAKS CONTROL , ABS GOES OUT TO. ALMOST HAVE BEEN DUE TO GM
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 4, 2015
PULLING OUT OF A SNOW COVERED PARKING LOT THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON DIC THEN THE MESSAGE, REDUCED ENGINE POWER, THE ENGINE BEGAN TO RUN VERY ROUGH AT A LOWER IDLE SPEED, AS BEGAN TO HAPPEN THE TRUCK LURCHED FORWARD AND I HAD TO PRESS HARD ON THE BRAKES VERY HARD LIKE I WAS FIGHTING THE ENGINE SPEED TO SLOW, THEN THE MESSAGE CHANGED TO SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL, I HAD NO CONTROL OVER THE GAS PEDAL AND COULD ONLY MOVE AT ABOUT 5MPH, THEN THE MESSAGE CHANGED TO SERVICE STABILITRAK, I GOT TO ANOTHER AREA OF THE PARKING LOT, PARKED AND SHUT OFF THE ENGINE FOR A FEW MINUTES AND THE ISSUE WOULD NOT GO AWAY. I WAS MORE THAN TWO HOURS FROM MY HOME. I REMOVED THE RED BATTERY CABLE THEN REPLACED IT AND WAS ABLE TO START THE ENGINE AND IT OPERATED NORMALLY FOR A WHILE. ONE AND A HALF HOURS LATER WHILE DRIVING 60MPH IT HAPPENED AGAIN AND I COST OFF THE INTERSTATE AND COULD NOT GET IT RUNNING AGAIN. HAD TO BE TOWED TO A DEALERSHIP. THEY SAID THERE WAS A SERVICE BULLETIN TO REPLACE THE THROTTLE BODY BUT WANT TO CHARGE ME $215 TO CLEAN THE OTHER FUEL RELATED PARTS. THIS NEEDS TO BE A RECALL. IF IT WAS A RECALL I WOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY $215 TO COMPLETE THE WORK PROPERLY. *TR
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 18, 2014
NOTICED ONE MORNING WHEN STARTING UP MY TRUCK THE VALVES WERE TAPPING. LIKE OUT OF ADJUSTMENT. MY 5.3 IS ROLLER LIFTERS SO I WAS SURPRISED. TOOK IT TO DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT GM HAD A RECALL ON CADILLAC, CHEVY AND GMC 5.3 AND 6.2 ENGINES WITH DEFECTIVE LIFTERS. DEALER REPLACED THE LIFTERS. TOOK A WEEK. WHEN I PICKED UP TRUCK SERVICE ADVISER TOLD ME TO EXPECT TO COME BACK AROUND 60K FOR A NEW CAMSHAFT. NOW WHAT! *TR
Vehicle speed control, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 7, 2014
WENT ABOUT A MILE WAS GETTING READY TO MAKE A LEFT ACROSS MD RT 4 WHEN I LOST POWER AND REDUCED ENGINE POWER LIGHT CAME, HAD A CLOSE CALL, ON DID SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND A TECHNICAL NOTICE ABOUT THROTTLE BODY AND INJECTOR SENSORS THEY NEED A RECALL. *TR