Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.
2011 Gmc Sierra 1500 — Known Issues & Recalls
Complaints from Jan 2017 to Dec 2022
The most reported issue is air bags problems (95 complaints). 6 complaints involved crashes. 3 involved fires.
Open Safety Recalls (5)
NHTSA Campaign: 21V050000
Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
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.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: 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.
NHTSA Campaign: 21V054000
Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
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.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: 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.
NHTSA Campaign: 18V267000
Component: EQUIPMENT
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
Risk: In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: 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.
NHTSA Campaign: 10V643000
Component: SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:SPINDLE
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.
Risk: THE DRIVER MAY NOT BE ABLE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND A CRASH COULD OCCUR WITHOUT WARNING.
Fix: 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.
NHTSA Campaign: 11V007000
Component: SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:SPINDLE
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.
Risk: THE DRIVER MAY NOT BE ABLE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND A CRASH COULD OCCUR WITHOUT WARNING.
Fix: 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.
Owner-Reported Issues (20 of 365)
Structure →6 issues
Your truck's frame has rusted through on the left side at the mid-vehicle point, making it unsafe to drive. You've found that this appears to be a widespread issue affecting GMC Sierra trucks from multiple model years in northern states, where inadequate rust protection has compromised the frame's structural integrity. A frame replacement would likely be necessary to restore the vehicle to safe condition.
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Your truck's frame crossmember rusted through and fell off, and the frame itself has now broken in two. This is a serious structural failure that affects your vehicle's safety and ability to drive. The issue appears to stem from inadequate rust protection on the frame steel. Fixing this will require professional frame repair or replacement, which is a major undertaking.
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After hitting a pothole in a parking lot, your gas tank fell to the ground. An inspection revealed that the frame cross members and fuel tank straps have rusted and deteriorated, leaving them unable to properly support the tank's weight. This is a serious structural safety issue that needs immediate attention. The repair will likely involve replacing the rusted frame components and fuel tank straps.
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Your driver's side door handle broke off completely. Your passenger side door handle won't open the door, and the outside handles feel loose. Both rear doors on the driver and passenger sides also won't open. This will require replacing the broken door handles and checking the door latch mechanisms to restore full functionality.
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Your truck's frame has developed rust that's severe enough to fail a vehicle inspection scheduled for February 2025. The rusting of the frame structure is preventing it from passing safety requirements. This will likely require professional frame repair or replacement to address the rust damage.
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Your truck's rear sub-frame has separated from the vehicle due to severe rust damage, which was discovered while the vehicle was parked. This is a structural integrity issue that needs attention, as the sub-frame supports critical suspension and drivetrain components. The manufacturer has been notified and recommends visiting a dealer for repair evaluation. Fixing this will likely require replacing the corroded rear sub-frame assembly.
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Unknown Or Other →4 issues
Your truck's frame coating has peeled off, and the underlying metal has deteriorated significantly. A frame shop determined the frame damage is severe enough that the truck may not be safe to drive. The protective coating GM applied wasn't durable enough to prevent rust and corrosion over time. Addressing this would likely require a professional frame inspection and possible frame repair or replacement.
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Your truck is throwing a P2138 error code that triggers reduced engine power warnings, check engine light, and engine stalling. This has been happening for years and creates a serious safety hazard—when it occurred on the freeway, your truck lost acceleration while other vehicles were passing at 75-80 mph, nearly causing an accident. The issue likely involves the throttle control system and will require diagnostic testing to identify the root cause, followed by repairs to the throttle body or related electrical components.
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Your truck's frame has developed rust that has eaten completely through the metal in places. This is a structural integrity issue that affects the vehicle's safety and longevity. The frame will likely need to be inspected by a professional to determine which sections require repair or replacement, which may involve welding, patching, or replacing affected frame sections.
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Your dashboard is prone to cracking, which can significantly reduce your vehicle's resale value. Repairing the cracked dashboard typically costs $2,000–$2,500 and may require dashboard removal and replacement or professional refinishing.
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Structure,unknown Or Other →2 issues
Your truck's driver side frame has developed rust and a hole that caused it to fail a Pennsylvania state inspection. The rusted section of the frame will need to be replaced due to improper coating. This is happening at only 69,700 miles, which is relatively early for this type of damage.
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Your truck had body damage when you purchased it. This appears to be pre-existing damage rather than something that occurred during normal use or operation.
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Steering,power Train,service Brakes →1 issue
While driving, your truck made a loud noise from the rear and you immediately lost all braking power and steering control. The problem started when factory exhaust manifold bolts broke and directed hot exhaust toward the brake system, which damaged the brake vacuum pump and master cylinder. Additionally, rear brake caliper bolts fractured, causing the caliper to hit the wheel and blow out the tire. The combination of failed brakes and steering made the vehicle impossible to control.
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Fuel/propulsion System →1 issue
Squirrels have repeatedly chewed through your fuel line above the fuel tank, causing fuel to leak near the hot exhaust system when you start the engine. You might not notice the leak immediately, creating a serious fire hazard. This has happened four times on your truck. The fix will likely involve replacing the damaged fuel line and possibly installing protective shielding or deterrents to prevent animal damage.
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Electrical System →1 issue
You purchased a 2011 GMC Sierra 1500 that showed 119,000 miles at the time of sale, but when you went to register it, the odometer reading had jumped to 128,000 miles. This discrepancy suggests the odometer may have been tampered with or that the mileage wasn't accurately recorded at purchase. You'll likely need to contact your state's registration authority and potentially pursue legal action against the seller, as this appears to be odometer fraud.
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Electrical System,forward Collision Avoidance →1 issue
When you engage 4-wheel drive, your dashboard displays a 'Service StabiliTrak' message and both the traction control and ABS warning lights illuminate. This suggests a problem with the stability control system that's triggered by switching to 4WD mode. A technician will likely need to scan the vehicle's computer for fault codes and may need to replace or repair sensors or wiring related to the stability control system.
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Air Bags →1 issue
The owner filed a complaint about the airbags in their 2011 GMC Sierra 1500, but no additional details were provided in the submission. Without more information about what specific problem occurred with the airbags, the exact nature of the concern cannot be determined. Contact GMC or review the original complaint document for full details about the airbag issue.
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Power Train →1 issue
Your transmission won't shift properly. This means your vehicle may not move through its gears as it should, preventing normal driving. You should have this transmission issue inspected and serviced by a mechanic as soon as possible.
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Suspension,air Bags,structure →1 issue
The rear shock absorber mounting bracket has rusted through the truck's frame cross member, causing the top of the shock to be forced against the truck bed. This prevents the shock from moving properly and can affect your truck's suspension performance and handling.
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Suspension,structure →1 issue
Your truck's frame has developed multiple cracks and holes at 105,000 miles. A dealer inspected it and indicated the structural damage is severe. Fixing frame cracks typically requires welding repairs or frame replacement, which can be extensive and costly.
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