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.
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
Structure, Feb 27, 2021
DASH BOARD IS CRACKING IN THREE PLACES . THE MOST CONCERNING ONE IS AROUND THE PASSENGERS AIR BAG. MY PASSENGER COULD BE IMPALED WITH PIECES OF THE DASH IF THE AIRBAG WERE TO DEPLOY.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Feb 9, 2021
THE DAY TIME RUNNING LIGHT ON THE DRIVERS SIDE IS STAYING ON AND WONT SHUT OFF AT ALL AND I HAD MY JOB LOOK AT IT AND IT IS THE JUNCTION BOX. HOWEVER I HAVE HAD MULTIPLE PEOPLE TELL ME THEY HAVE HAD THIS ISSUES
Structure, Other or unspecified, Jan 21, 2021
I HAVE A ISSUE WITH MY DASHBOARD CRACKING ALONG THE AIRBAG MODULE DOOR. I BELIEVE IF I WAS OR INVOLVED IN A ACCIDENT AND THE AIR BAGS ARE DEPLOYED THE PIECES OF DASH CAN BECOME FRAGMENTS AND CAUSE EXCESSIVE INJURY AND ALSO COULD DEFLATE THE AIRBAGS UPON EXPANSION. CAUSING MORE INJURY THAN DEEM NECESSARY.
Other or unspecified, Dec 22, 2020
DASHBOARD CRACKED AT CORNER OF PASSENGER AIRBAG. DECEMBER 22, 2020. THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE GARAGE. I NOTICED IT AS SOON AS I GOT IN TO DRIVE IT.
Electrical system, Dec 2, 2020, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 GMC SIERRA 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S REAR DEFROST HAD FAILED. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE FUSE LINE AND NOTICED THAT IT HAD MELTED ON THE PANEL BOX. THE DEALER (DON BROWN CHEVROLET, INC. 2244 S KINGSHIGHWAY BLVD, ST. LOUIS, MO 63110; (314) 222-0363) WHO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL REGARDING THIS MATTER. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN OFFICIALLY DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE AND CONFIRMED WHAT THE DEALER STATED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Other or unspecified, Nov 27, 2020
WHEN I TURN THE TRUCK OFF THE DIM HEADLAMPS STAY ON WITH THE KEYS OUT. THE ONLY WAY TO MAKE THEM GO OFF IS TO PULL THE BATTERY
Other or unspecified, Nov 24, 2020
CRACKS IN DASHBOARD ABOVE STEERING COLUMN AND PASSENGER AIRBAG. STATIONARY.
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.
Electronic stability control (ESC), Engine, Oct 30, 2020
MY TRUCK HAS PROBLEMS WITH STABILITY CONTROL RUNNING ON THE FREEWAY IN THE DASH CAME STABILITY CONTROL SERVICES AND SECOND REDUCE POWER AND THE STOP MU TRUCK GO SLOW FROM 65 TO 20 IN THE MIDDLE OF THE FREEWAY CAR BEHIND MY TRUCK
Service brakes, Oct 17, 2020
I HAD A SEVERE SHUDDER WHEN BRAKING. I TOOK APART THE FRONT BRAKES AND DID NOT FIND ANYTHING. WHEN I TOOK OFF THE REAR DRUM I FOUND THAT THE WASHERS ON THE HOLD DOWN SPRINGS HAD FAILED AND ALLOWED THE PIN TO PULL THROUGH. (MAKING A CROSS IN THE WASHER WHERE THERE SHOULD ONLY BE A SLOT) THE RELEASED THE SPRING AND WASHER TO FALL. THE SHOES WERE JUST SITTING THERE NOT SECURED TO THE BACK PLATE OF THE WHEEL. THE SECOND SIDE HAD ALMOST FAILED AND THE WEAR ON THE WASHER IS VISIBLE IN MY ATTACHED PHOTOS.
Other or unspecified, Oct 1, 2020
THE RIGHT SIDE DAH PANEL IS CRACKED AT THE TOP LEFT CORNER OF THE PASSENGER AIR BAG..
Power train, Air bags, Seats, Sep 18, 2020
DIFFERENTIAL MAKES CRACKING NOISE, LUM BAR ON DRIVERS SEAT DOESN'T INFLATE,
Structure, Sep 15, 2020
DASH HAS BEEN CRACKED COMPLETELY THROUGH ON PASSENGER SIDE BY AIRBAG, NOW I HAVE A CRACK JUST ABOVE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. VEHICLE ONLY HAS 47,000 MILES AND THE CRACKS JUST APPEAR OUT OF NO WHERE. THE VEHICLE IS NOT DRIVEN OFF ROADING OR ANYTHING LIKE THAT IT IS IMMACULATE OTHER THEN NOW CRACKED UP DASH. IT'S NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT.
Exterior lighting, Sep 11, 2020
MY BRAKE LIGHT BULB HAS MELTED TO THE SOCKET AND HAD TO REPLACE THE BOLD TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY.
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.
Structure, Aug 13, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 GMC SIERRA 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S SUBFRAME, NEAR THE DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SIDE WERE SEVERELY RUSTED. THE CONTACT CONTACTED THE DEALER GANLEY CHEVROLET OF AURORA - ADDRESS: 310 W GARFIELD RD, AURORA, OH 44202; PHONE: (330) 964-2128) TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE VEHICLE DIAGNOSED WHICH WAS STILL PENDING. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND OPENED A CASE REGARDING THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 38,000. *LN *DL
Suspension, Aug 6, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 GMC SIERRA 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL SOUND COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT BECAME AWARE THAT THE REAR AXLE CROSS PINS FAILED AND CAUSED THE REAR TIRES TO MOVE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURE WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V007000 (SUSPENSION). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000.
Power train, Engine, Jul 13, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT CALLED ON BEHALF OF HER CUSTOMER WHO OWNS A 2011 GMC SIERRA 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE JERKED AND SHUDDERED WHILE DOWNSHIFTING. THE STABILITY TRAC AND TRACTION CONTROL WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO FIORE TOYOTA (1000 S LOGAN BLVD, HOLLIDAYSBURG, PA 16648) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED BY THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY THE CONTACT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED A CASE NUMBER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 103,000. *LN*DT*JB CONSUMER STATED WARRANTY IS GOOD UNTIL MAY 2021 OR 120,291 MILES.*JB