RoadVitals

2011 Chevrolet Silverado

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
75
Latest Aug 20, 2024
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
2
Latest Dec 30, 2014
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
9
9 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 75 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado, most frequently naming the body & structure, airbags and brakes categories. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 274 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.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

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

2 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.gov
14V827000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

Dec 30, 2014
84,192 units potentially affected
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado HD, Silverado LD, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra LD, Sierra HD, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the ignition lock actuator may bind, making turning the key difficult or causing the ignition to get stuck in the "Start" position.
The risk: If stuck in the "Start" position, the ignition may suddenly snap back into the "Accessory" position, causing a loss of engine, steering, and braking power, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. If the vehicle is in a crash, the air bags may not deploy, increasing the risk of occupant injury.
The remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the ignition lock housing, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on February 12, 2015. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-458-8006 (Cadillac), 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), or 1-800-462-8782 (GMC). GM's number for this recall is 14696 for the original equipment, and 14912 for the service replacement parts.
General Motors LLCManufacturer number 14696 and 14912View on NHTSA.gov
11V339000

STEERING:LINKAGES

Jun 28, 2011
739 units potentially affected
The defect: GM IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011CADILLAC ESCALADE, ESCALADE ESV; CHEVROLET SILVERADO HD, SILVERADO LD, SUBURBAN, TAHOE; AND GMC SIERRA HD, SIERRA LD, YUKON, AND YUKON XL VEHICLES. THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT ATTACHING BOLTS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN TIGHTENED TO THE PROPER SPECIFICATION.
The risk: THIS COULD ALLOW THE JOINTS TO SEPARATE, AND THE DRIVER COULD EXPERIENCE LOSS OF STEERING INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The remedy: GM DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND ENSURE THAT THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT BOLTS ARE TIGHTENED TO THE PROPER SPECIFICATION. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT JULY 13, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-800-458-8006, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 AND GMC AT 1-866-996-9463.
GENERAL MOTORS LLCManufacturer number 11191View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 75
Airbags
Filed Aug 20, 2024

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA ID
11609767
Incident
Jul 26, 2024
Engine
Filed Oct 10, 2023

The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Silverado. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she heard a loud abnormal tapping sound at the hood of the vehicle. The contact then stated that upon inspection, she noticed that the tapping sound was coming from the lifter and lifter arm when the piston dropped down. The traction control warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the pistons, rocker arm, head valve seals, and lifter arm needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The contact then stated that upon research she was informed that the engine may need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 260,000.

NHTSA ID
11549261
Incident
Sep 3, 2023
Mileage
260,000 mi
Filed Apr 20, 2016

THE DASHBOARD CRACKED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF VEHICLE NEAR THE TOP LEFT CORNER OF THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG. DEALERSHIP WOULD FIX THE ISSUE BUT ONLY AT FULL COST TO ME, EVEN THOUGH I EXPRESSED THE CONCERN I HAVE HOW IF THE AIRBAG WERE TO DEPLOY THE SHARP EDGES OF THE CRACKED AREA MAY NOT ALLOW THE AIR BAG TO WORK PROPERLY. I.E. COULD PUNCTURE THE AIRBAG. ALSO SHARDS OF THE DASHBOARD COULD CAUSE HARM IF AIRBAG WERE TO DEPLOY

NHTSA ID
10860497
Incident
Feb 15, 2016
Mileage
64,000 mi
Airbags
Filed Apr 4, 2016

THE DASHBOARD IS BROKEN AT THE UPPER LEFT CORNER OF THE AIR BAG HOUSING ON THE PASSENGER SIDE.

NHTSA ID
10853229
Incident
Apr 4, 2016
Filed Mar 1, 2016

I HAVE A 2011 SILVERADO 1500 AND ABOUT 6 MONTHS AGO MY DASH AROUND THE PASSENGER AIR BAG STARTED TO CRACK. I NOW HAVE 2 CRACKS AND THE AREA FEELS LOOSE WHICH WORRIES ME THAT IN CASE OF A ACCIDENT WITH AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT ON THE PASSANGER SIDE, THAT THIS COULD IMPAIR THE SAFETY AND DESIGN FOR ITS PURPOSE.

NHTSA ID
10839314
Incident
Aug 31, 2015
Mileage
50,000 mi
Filed Feb 13, 2016

THE TRUCK HAD LESS THAN 50,000 MILES WHEN WE NOTICED A CRACK IN THE DASH RUNNING FROM THE UPPER LEFT CORNER OF THE AIR BAG COVER AND THE DEFROSTER VENT. I KNOW SEVERAL OTHER TRUCKS WITH THIS SAME ISSUE. IT APPEARS TO BE A DESIGN FLAW. I WENT TO THE LOCAL DEALER AND HE ESTIMATED IT WOULD TAKE NEARLY $1,000 TO FIX. I WONDER IF THIS CRACK WOULD BE NEGATIVELY INFLUENCED IF THE AIR BAG EVER INFLATES CAUSING MORE DAMAGE OR INJURY.

NHTSA ID
10825957
Incident
Dec 16, 2015
Mileage
50,000 mi
Body & structure
Filed Feb 11, 2016

I HAVE A 2011 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500 THAT HAS APPROXIMATELY 44,000 MILES ON IT AND IS GARAGE KEPT. I HAVE SEVERAL CRACKS AROUND MY PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG WHICH COULD POSE A SAFETY ISSUE EVEN THOUGH GM SAID THE CRACKS WILL NOT.

NHTSA ID
10825706
Incident
Nov 17, 2015
Mileage
43,000 mi
Driver assistance
Filed Feb 10, 2016

WE HAVE HAD A RECURRING ISSUE WITH THE TRACTION CONTROL FEATURE ON THIS VEHICLE SINCE BUYING IT. RANDOMLY AND OUT OF NOWHERE IT WILL SHOW STABILITRAK OFF ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE ENGINE BECOMES SLUGGISH WHEN THIS HAPPENS. THIS, TO ME, IS A SAFETY HAZARD WHEN DRIVING. THERE IS ALSO AN ISSUE WITH THE IGNITION GETTING STUCK WHEN STARTING WHERE IT GRINDS THE STARTER. I HAVE TO TURN THE TRUCK OFF AND START IT AGAIN TO GET IT TO STOP. I HAVE HAD THE VEHICLE AT THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS PURCHASED AND THEY HAVE NO CLUE WHAT TO DO ABOUT THE STABILITRAK ISSUE. I HAVE READ MANY COMPLAINTS ON THIS AND THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL.

NHTSA ID
10825260
Incident
Dec 1, 2015
Mileage
76,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

06-03-09-004H

SUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS:LEAF SPRING ASSEMBLY

This technical bulletin provides a procedure to lube the rear leaf springs on vehicles with the condition of a squeak noise originating from the rear of the vehicle.

PIT5161E

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have a bump feel or clunk noise at a stop or on launch. Dealer should communicate to the customer this condition is a normal operating characteristic of their vehicle. The bump clunk issue may be due to fuel movement in the fuel tank when not completely full. The condition is eliminated after completely filling the fuel tank.

PIT3665E

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES

This Preliminary Information communication advises the technician that the Hydro-Boost is not serviceable and will need to be replaced if the brake pedal moves or applies on its own at a full turn.

PIT5124B

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that within 10 seconds after startup the radio will mute and phone icon displays on the radio for up to 15 seconds and then returns back to normal operation. Technician will need to use the OnStar system to contact an OnStar advisor and request a full unit configuration. Technician will need to contact General Motors Technical Assistance Center if the concern is still present.

PIT4597E

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY; SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

This Preliminary Information communication provides the technician with the additional steps that are needed to help perform a successful brake bleed on the 2-Mode Hybrid with Regular Production Option Code HP2. With a battery maintainer installed on the vehicle use brake pressure bleeder that maintains 30 psi for the entire bleed procedure.

PIP5276F

ENGINE

This Preliminary Information communication provides steps the technician will uses to diagnose and repair vehicles that have low oil pressure after an oil change with the engine Regular Production Option Code L20, L77, L94, L96, L99, L9H, LC8, LC9, LH9, LMF, LMG, LY6, or LZ1. Vehicle may have Service Engine Soon lamp with Diagnostic Trouble Code P0521 or Low Oil Pressure message on the instrument panel. Dealer will need to determine if bulletin 10-06-01-008 was completed. If the bulletin was performed inspect the left rocker cover. Dealer will insure the left rocker can hold water without leaking. If leaks are found apply room temperature vulcanization silicone to the rocker cover if possible or replace the left rocker cover.

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

Chevrolet Silverado by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
20171250040.0
2016520—
2015767052.7
201412414053.5
2013643050.8
2012682052.0
2011Viewing752048.6
2010621038.1
2009760037.9
20081622050.7
20071834258.7
200618210052.8
200531614050.7
200462215159.9
200369513862.5
2002710151266.5
2001877151366.8
20001,305201366.6
19991,660171463.5
19982790243.0
19972720038.1
19961860039.2
19952630035.9
19942100037.1
1993690037.5
1992400036.9
1991170028.0
1990250040.0
1989220042.3
1988150038.7
1987200—
1985300—
1984500—
1982200—
1980200—

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.