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
366 reports, newest first.
Other or unspecified, Jan 30, 2023
Just noticed that the Frame is rusting badly. It is available for inspection upon request. I see that the Chevy Silverado has the same problem and that a recall exists for it, but not for the GMC Sierra, which is virtually the same truck. My safety or the safety of others can be put at risk if the frame were to fail. The problem has not been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center. The vehicle or component has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others. Unknown about any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem. No failure yet.
Structure, Dec 29, 2022
I have a 2011 GMC Sierra Standard Cab pickup truck. I’m a disabled veteran and have this as my primary vehicle. The frame has a huge hole that developed and will need repair. The frame is rotted and soon will not pass inspection. The truck looks brand new but Engin compartment, frame and tow parts have rotted. I had the leaf spring separated from rotted frame on the highway. I swerved and almost died. GMC must replace the frame to make this right. Soon I will have no truck after giving GMC so much money. It’s criminal what they have done.
Power train, Dec 20, 2022
11/2022 shift cable separated from shift lever; preventing ability to put vehicle Into park. Retaining clip deteriorated allowing separation. Fortunately it happened when leaving parking garage and not moving fast. Was able to refasten using zip-tie until new retaining clip arrived at auto parts store.
Other or unspecified, Dec 12, 2022
Dashboard has completely cracked and fallen apart. I fear safety if airbag were to deploy, that there would be plastic pieces that could directly damage passengers in the car. I am also very disappointed at the cost to repair the dash and the value that is lost from the truck because of the cracked dash issue.
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.
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Sep 21, 2022
I towed a U-Haul trailer for four hours from Winter Springs, FL to Tallahassee, FL 08/18/2022. On the way back to Winter Springs, FL on 08/21/2022, I began to hear the dings and a message to service the trailer brake system. I had the vehicle looked at to determine the problem. The fuse was determined to be good, the ground wire was secure and not damaged, and the relay was functioning. I have been told that it may be a defective wire harness which could lead to other safety issues while operating the vehicle. The constant dinging and the blocking of vital messaging by the warning is a distraction and safety issue. A recall should be issued to correct this safety defect.
Other or unspecified, Aug 14, 2022
Frame rusting away and cracking. On left side in front of EVAP canister. Noticed it on 8/14/22.
Air bags, Jul 6, 2022
No Airbags
Other or unspecified, Jun 29, 2022
The entire frame of truck has rusted through.
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
Tires, Mar 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2011 GMC Sierra 1500 equipped with Goodyear Tires, Tire Line: Wrangler 12th Grade Pro, Tire Size: 265/70/R17, DOT Number: PJAH35HV3518. The contact stated while her friend was driving approximately 40-45 MPH with her seated in the passenger’s side seat, the passenger's side front tire experienced tread separation. The passenger's side curtain airbags, the driver's side curtain airbags, and the airbag located at the edge of the driver's seat deployed. The emergency fuel shut-off valve failed to engage. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact sustained injuries on her right arm, and her friend sustained injuries to the face. Medical assistance was not needed. The driver veered to the side of the roadway. The driver was able to drive the vehicle to the nearby hotel as the tire was not totally deflated. The contact stated that only the outer layer of the tire had separated. Upon attempting to use both the front driver's seat belt and the front passenger's seat belt the next morning, the contact noticed that they had seized and would not retract nor extend. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The tire dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The tire was replaced with a spare tire. The tire was a replacement tire. The vehicle failure mileage was approximately 302,984. The tire failure mileage was approximately 15,000.
Firerelated, Feb 28, 2022, fire
The contact owned a 2011 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked at the residence overnight, the vehicle caught on fire. The fire spread to his other vehicle, a 2000 Chevrolet Blazer, and that vehicle was also destroyed. The fire department was able to extinguish the fire. A fire department report was filed. The contact was informed that the cause of the fire ignition was unintentional. Both vehicles remained at the contact's residence and were deemed totaled by the insurance company. The dealer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V054000 (Air Bags) however, the cause of the fire was not related to the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 201,000.
Steering, Jan 11, 2022
The power steering failed while operating the vehicle. Unsafe. Local GMC dealership Haggerty in Oak Lawn, IL not able to diagnose problem after fact. My safety and others were at risk. Not confirmed, as techs are not familiar with system. No warnings prior to power steering failure. Be advised, this is a hybrid pickup, and as such, does not have a traditional power steering pump system. Other GM models from the same era have had recalls, but the Silverados and Sierras were somehow omitted. The power steering assist motor has failed. Not the "brains", module.
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.
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.
Structure, Aug 30, 2021
The contact owns a 2011 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while having routine maintenance performed on the vehicle, she was informed that the sub-frame was rusted. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who took photos. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Aug 23, 2021
The contact owns a 2011 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving 8 mph, he started to smell fuel fumes inside the vehicle. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that while inspecting under the vehicle and he noticed a fuel leak. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 119,543.
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
Other or unspecified, Aug 10, 2021
[XXX] FRAME ROT CROSSMEMBER FOR SHOCK. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
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.
Other or unspecified, Jun 22, 2021
Dash cracked and keeps cracking. I wiped it down to clean is and it cracked, and every time I wipe it down im afraid its going to crack more and in other places. Feels very brittle.
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.