AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Overview
Our database contains 563 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, most frequently naming the airbags, body & structure and engine categories. 4 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 2 NHTSA investigations name it; and 1,836 manufacturer communications are on file.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Complaint activity over time
When owners filed reports about this model year
View as table
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Aug 2020 | 2 | 418 |
| Sep 2020 | 2 | 420 |
| Oct 2020 | 3 | 423 |
| Nov 2020 | 6 | 429 |
| Dec 2020 | 5 | 434 |
| Jan 2021 | 4 | 438 |
| Feb 2021 | 7 | 445 |
| Mar 2021 | 11 | 456 |
| Apr 2021 | 4 | 460 |
| May 2021 | 4 | 464 |
| Jun 2021 | 7 | 471 |
| Aug 2021 | 3 | 474 |
| Sep 2021 | 4 | 478 |
| Oct 2021 | 1 | 479 |
| Nov 2021 | 1 | 480 |
| Dec 2021 | 3 | 483 |
| Jan 2022 | 1 | 484 |
| Feb 2022 | 1 | 485 |
| Mar 2022 | 2 | 487 |
| Apr 2022 | 1 | 488 |
| May 2022 | 1 | 489 |
| Jun 2022 | 2 | 491 |
| Jul 2022 | 2 | 493 |
| Aug 2022 | 3 | 496 |
| Sep 2022 | 1 | 497 |
| Oct 2022 | 2 | 499 |
| Nov 2022 | 3 | 502 |
| Dec 2022 | 1 | 503 |
| Jan 2023 | 1 | 504 |
| Feb 2023 | 2 | 506 |
| Mar 2023 | 2 | 508 |
| Apr 2023 | 2 | 510 |
| May 2023 | 2 | 512 |
| Jun 2023 | 1 | 513 |
| Aug 2023 | 2 | 515 |
| Sep 2023 | 3 | 518 |
| Oct 2023 | 1 | 519 |
| Nov 2023 | 1 | 520 |
| Dec 2023 | 1 | 521 |
| Jan 2024 | 3 | 524 |
| Feb 2024 | 1 | 525 |
| Mar 2024 | 3 | 528 |
| Apr 2024 | 4 | 532 |
| May 2024 | 2 | 534 |
| Jun 2024 | 2 | 536 |
| Jul 2024 | 3 | 539 |
| Aug 2024 | 2 | 541 |
| Sep 2024 | 2 | 543 |
| Oct 2024 | 3 | 546 |
| Nov 2024 | 2 | 548 |
| Dec 2024 | 2 | 550 |
| Jan 2025 | 2 | 552 |
| Feb 2025 | 1 | 553 |
| Mar 2025 | 3 | 556 |
| Apr 2025 | 1 | 557 |
| Sep 2025 | 2 | 559 |
| Mar 2026 | 1 | 560 |
| Apr 2026 | 1 | 561 |
| May 2026 | 1 | 562 |
| Jul 2026 | 1 | 563 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Airbags30652.8%
- Body & structure7212.4%
- Engine437.4%
- Driver assistance305.2%
- Electrical254.3%
- Suspension183.1%
- Powertrain (other)172.9%
- Brakes172.9%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Safety recalls
4 campaigns cover this model year
Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.
Check a VIN on NHTSA.govAIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:SPINDLE
Safety investigations
NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.
Pedestrian alert sounds
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021.On January 27, 2023, NHTSA opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matter described in the petition. On June 24, 2023 and as supplemented on June 25, 2023, the petitioner notified NHTSA he was withdrawing his petition. The petitioner indicated that, based on his review of data, there is no justification for asserting potential benefits that could be derived from actions sought by my petition. Based on the petitioner's withdrawal, DP22-005 is closed. Closure of this DP does not represent a determination by NHTSA regarding the subject matter of the petition.
Recent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
AFM/DOD lifter failed while driving which causes multiple systems to go offline including Traction Control, stability control, ABS just to name a few. This happened while coming off freeway which can be a safety risk as vehicle was at higher speeds. This is a known GM problem with 5.3l engines and should have been addressed years ago.
- NHTSA ID
- 11749950
- Incident
- Jul 10, 2026
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, several warning lights illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle was shaking. The vehicle was driven to the contact's residence. The vehicle was later taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a lifter and a failed cylinder 6. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced an unknown recall which had a similar failure description, however the contact's VIN was not associated. The dealer was made aware of the failure, however the contact was informed that the repair was not covered under any unknown recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 176,200.
- NHTSA ID
- 11738575
- Incident
- Mar 18, 2026
- Mileage
- 176,200 mi
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 103,000. However, at the time of the vehicle registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 155,000; but the Service record indicated that the mileage was 108,000.
- NHTSA ID
- 11729677
- Incident
- Mar 1, 2026
- Mileage
- 155,000 mi
Was sold with a warranty and was not fulfilled, and on top of that we found out they rolled the odometer back over 50k , then found out it has a spilt frame
- NHTSA ID
- 11726233
- Incident
- Dec 29, 2025
Hello Our 2011 Chevy Silverado looks like it was sitting in a lake. The rusted frame has a hole and has failed Pennsylvania Inspection. The whole underside of the vehicle frame is peeling away the body of the truck is very clean. Truck has 60,000 miles and is garage kept. We were shocked to see the condition when we were at the inspection station. It worries me how many of these trucks are on the road or towing trailers. Please don’t wait to take action until something happens. Yes, our vehicle is available for inspection pictures. There was no warning lights. Our local Pennsylvania State Inspection Station failed the truck during routine yearly inspection. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
- NHTSA ID
- 11690427
- Incident
- Dec 10, 2024
[XXX] WITH ONLY 88,500 MILES no wreck or other incident service airbag light came on and dealership wants 180.00 just to check it. what creates the issue is that my other vehicle a 2010 Tahoe with 285,000 miles came on within 3 days of this one. What am i supposed to do? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- NHTSA ID
- 11690080
- Incident
- Sep 26, 2025
After 2 weeks of owning the truck which we are paying on it had to be towed 3 times stalling out and leaving leaving my family,my children with us at least once, and stranded in high traffic roads. We took it back to the dealership and they replaced the fuel pump and the fuel light came came on the very same day we picked it up. Now over a week after getting it back it has stranded us again,this time with our 3 children with us. This is on a Friday evening during rush hour. We manage to pull to a side road and off to the side a bit,but not fully. People are driving by very fast now as we wait for a tow.
- NHTSA ID
- 11656860
- Incident
- Apr 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while the vehicle was at the dealer for the recall repair of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V050000 (Air Bags); the contact was informed that the SDM module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 171,000.
- NHTSA ID
- 11651160
- Incident
- Mar 27, 2025
- Mileage
- 171,000 mi
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.
This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect.
This PI Communications information on an alternative product dealers can use to perform 19-NA-255: Wax Coating on Frame Peeling, Metal Shows Corrosion/Rusting due to issue with getting product from current supplier listed in the bulletin.
This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have had multiple repair attempts that are being performed on customer’s vehicles that exhibit vibration conditions without utilizing the support of General Motors Technical Assistance Center. If valid vibration frequency or Road Force Variation data has been collected and a repair attempt does not correct the customer complaint, contact General Motors Technical Assistance Center for further support. For any vehicles that remains unrepaired after being at the dealer for three days or more and a related bulletin or PI is not found, contact General Motors Technical Assistance Center for further support.
Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.
Compare model years
Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations | Issue Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 69 | 3 | 0 | 53.3 |
| 2025 | 84 | 0 | 0 | 46.9 |
| 2024 | 281 | 2 | 3 | 60.5 |
| 2023 | 357 | 3 | 3 | 64.4 |
| 2022 | 583 | 6 | 3 | 67.2 |
| 2021 | 781 | 8 | 4 | 69.6 |
| 2020 | 695 | 12 | 3 | 67.0 |
| 2019 | 1,053 | 10 | 2 | 64.7 |
| 2018 | 511 | 7 | 0 | 54.9 |
| 2017 | 711 | 6 | 0 | 57.9 |
| 2016 | 790 | 11 | 1 | 60.3 |
| 2015 | 1,095 | 11 | 2 | 62.9 |
| 2014 | 1,432 | 6 | 2 | 59.0 |
| 2013 | 301 | 2 | 2 | 54.0 |
| 2012 | 215 | 2 | 2 | 52.3 |
| 2011Viewing | 563 | 4 | 2 | 57.1 |
| 2010 | 360 | 3 | 2 | 55.0 |
| 2009 | 444 | 3 | 2 | 53.6 |
| 2008 | 914 | 3 | 3 | 59.1 |
| 2007 | 849 | 2 | 3 | 55.7 |
| 2006 | 357 | 0 | 0 | 39.0 |
| 2005 | 525 | 0 | 0 | 39.6 |
| 2004 | 797 | 0 | 0 | 36.5 |
| 2003 | 805 | 0 | 3 | 43.9 |
| 2002 | 509 | 0 | 2 | 49.0 |
| 2001 | 468 | 0 | 2 | 49.0 |
| 2000 | 611 | 0 | 2 | 49.9 |
| 1999 | 587 | 2 | 2 | 57.5 |
| 1998 | 361 | 2 | 0 | 48.1 |
| 1997 | 555 | 2 | 0 | 49.3 |
| 1996 | 7 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 1995 | 3 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 1994 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 38.6 |
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.