AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
2011 Chevrolet Silverado 3500
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Overview
Our database contains 29 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 3500, most frequently naming the airbags, engine and fuel system categories. 5 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 678 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 2011 | 1 | 1 |
| Mar 2012 | 1 | 2 |
| Jul 2012 | 1 | 3 |
| Sep 2012 | 1 | 4 |
| Mar 2014 | 1 | 5 |
| Dec 2014 | 1 | 6 |
| Jan 2015 | 1 | 7 |
| Feb 2015 | 1 | 8 |
| Sep 2015 | 1 | 9 |
| Apr 2016 | 1 | 10 |
| Dec 2016 | 1 | 11 |
| Aug 2017 | 1 | 12 |
| Oct 2017 | 2 | 14 |
| Nov 2017 | 1 | 15 |
| Dec 2017 | 1 | 16 |
| Jan 2018 | 1 | 17 |
| Dec 2018 | 1 | 18 |
| Jan 2019 | 1 | 19 |
| Apr 2019 | 1 | 20 |
| Jul 2019 | 1 | 21 |
| Sep 2019 | 1 | 22 |
| Jul 2021 | 1 | 23 |
| Aug 2021 | 1 | 24 |
| Jul 2022 | 1 | 25 |
| Aug 2022 | 1 | 26 |
| Aug 2023 | 1 | 27 |
| Sep 2023 | 1 | 28 |
| Jan 2024 | 1 | 29 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Airbags1027.8%
- Engine616.7%
- Fuel system616.7%
- Powertrain (other)513.9%
- Electrical25.6%
- Brakes25.6%
- Tires & wheels12.8%
- Body & structure12.8%
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
5 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
EQUIPMENT
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.
Recent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
CP4 high pressure fuel pump failed causing Loss of Motive Power (LOMP) in Oct of 2018. Truck became hard to steer and brake but I was traveling at a lower speed. Had it of been 1 hour later I would have been at freeway speeds pulling a 13000lbs trailer. I had the truck towed to a local dealer where they diagnosed the truck as having a failed CP4 high pressure fuel pump made by Bosch. They informed me that the entire fuel system would have to be replaced do to the large amount of metal contaminants that this catastrophic failure produces and spreads though out the entire system. The total cost for the repairs were not covered under any type of warranty or recall and had to be paid entirely out of pocket. Not only was this a huge inconvenience as I was trying to leave town for a vacation it was very very expensive. I still can not understand why there has never been a recall on this issue. I think it can be related to a safety issue as a LOMP. I believe GM knew that the CP4 pump was and could be a faulty product but continued to use it.
- NHTSA ID
- 11564389
- Incident
- Oct 15, 2018
TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE (TCM). FAILURE OF THIS PART LEAVES THE VEHICLE INOPERABLE AND UNABLE TO DRIVE. BEING STRANDED, OR IN TRAFFIC CAN CAUSE INJURY TO MYSELF OR ANY OTHER DRIVER THAT MAY ENCOUNTER ME DISABLED UNKNOWN, MAJOR PROBLEM WITH THIS MAKE AND MODEL OF VEHICLE. DEALER INVENTORY OF THE PART IS EXHAUSTED AND TRUCKS ARE SITTING INOPERABLE ALL OVER THE U.S.A. NO INDICATIONS OF A ISSUE WERE DISPLAYED PRIOR TO THE PROBLEM. THE PROBLEM DOES DISPLAY ON DASH, AFTER THE PROBLEM SHOWS UP
- NHTSA ID
- 11543113
- Incident
- Aug 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 3500. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 MPH and slowing for a traffic signal, the vehicle downshifted very hard. The contact stated that there was an audible clunking sound while the transmission was downshifting. The contact stated that at approximately 1 MPH, the rear wheels locked up and the vehicle came to a sudden stop. The contact stated that the failure had recurred and was unpredictable. The contact stated that the "Shift Inhibited" message was displayed. The contact stated that the rough shifting occurred at various speeds while upshifting or downshifting. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the Transmission Control Module (TCM) needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the TCM module was on a national back order. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 220,000.
- NHTSA ID
- 11541633
- Incident
- Jun 10, 2023
- Mileage
- 220,000 mi
The DEF system on this vehicle has failed three times since we bought it in 2021. The weather was not pleasant and in one case it was extremely dangerous. The DEF system froze up and fortunately I was able to limp it into a dealer who managed to get it working again but not after losing half a day and spending a couple hundred dollars. The second time a sensor failed and I was able to reset the system myself via removing all the electricity from the vehicle and doing what they call a shady tree reset. The third time the vehicle went into limp mode on us was when a sensor failed and the DEF pump failed at the same time. Chevy refused to help us cover the cost of repairs and refuses to replace the defective system. The vehicle might be over ten years old but it is like showroom new, it only had 20,000 miles on it in 2021 when we bought it and the previous owner took very good care of the truck. The vehicle now only has 32,000 miles on it. Our main argument is that Chevy aka GM knows about the defective systems and refuses to replace them. I have been in the transportation industry for a good part of my life and I know vehicles, especially diesel operated vehicles. The DEF systems are a complete joke and need to be removed especially for people who live in very cold climates.
- NHTSA ID
- 11479129
- Incident
- May 13, 2022
Complete collapse of tire (BLOWOUT) on highway that caused damage too wheel well of vehicle and outside body panel damages of vehicle including driver side mirror due to tire explosion of rubber coming apart on tire. The tire is the original tire that came with the vehicle green dot is still on tire with tread that covers Lincoln face during a penny test, the tires are maintained at my local Discount tire dealer here, I need the damages repaired caused by Michelin product .
- NHTSA ID
- 11474339
- Incident
- Jul 12, 2022
Takata recall. The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 3500. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 21V054000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and 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 not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
- NHTSA ID
- 11427687
- Incident
- Jun 1, 2021
Takata recall. The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 3500. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V054000 (Air Bags) however, the contact was informed by the dealer that parts for the recall repair were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue and confirmed that the remedy was not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
- NHTSA ID
- 11423955
- Incident
- Jul 8, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 3500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V381000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND STATED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
- NHTSA ID
- 11255125
- Incident
- Aug 18, 2019
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 communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect.
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 that some owners of Heavy Duty Trucks and Utilities may ask if they can lower their tire pressures. Tire pressures being set to the "Tire and Loading Label" will ensure the safe handling and ride characteristics of the truck and should not be lowered.
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.
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 | 2 | 3 | 0 | — |
| 2025 | 12 | 1 | 0 | 52.0 |
| 2024 | 47 | 3 | 0 | 55.2 |
| 2023 | 15 | 1 | 0 | 39.3 |
| 2022 | 27 | 3 | 0 | 59.6 |
| 2021 | 38 | 5 | 1 | 61.0 |
| 2020 | 40 | 8 | 1 | 60.2 |
| 2019 | 21 | 7 | 0 | 57.7 |
| 2018 | 18 | 6 | 0 | 49.1 |
| 2017 | 13 | 6 | 0 | 41.2 |
| 2016 | 50 | 6 | 0 | 52.8 |
| 2015 | 52 | 7 | 1 | 63.5 |
| 2014 | 10 | 3 | 1 | 56.1 |
| 2013 | 26 | 4 | 1 | 51.9 |
| 2012 | 23 | 4 | 1 | 57.5 |
| 2011Viewing | 29 | 5 | 1 | 49.4 |
| 2010 | 2 | 5 | 1 | — |
| 2009 | 10 | 6 | 1 | 58.4 |
| 2008 | 31 | 4 | 3 | 64.5 |
| 2007 | 39 | 5 | 3 | 61.9 |
| 2006 | 52 | 0 | 0 | 46.3 |
| 2005 | 46 | 1 | 0 | 33.7 |
| 2004 | 41 | 1 | 0 | 43.6 |
| 2003 | 42 | 1 | 0 | 34.7 |
| 2002 | 50 | 2 | 2 | 52.9 |
| 2001 | 72 | 2 | 3 | 56.9 |
| 2000 | 80 | 2 | 2 | 54.6 |
| 1999 | 47 | 1 | 0 | 37.4 |
| 1998 | 67 | 1 | 0 | 42.7 |
| 1997 | 61 | 1 | 1 | 47.3 |
| 1996 | 1 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 1995 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 1994 | 1 | 0 | 0 | — |
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.