2011 Chevrolet Silverado: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 75 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is structure (19% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Dec 2014
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 75 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Feb 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.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Dec 2015
“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.”Owner report · Electronic Stability Control (Esc) · Dec 2015
Show 7 more owner reports
“Tl* the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet silverado. The contact stated that while parked, it was noticed that there was a fracture on the front passenger side window above the air bag area. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who, diagnosed that the trim needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.”Owner report · Structure · Nov 2015
“Started hearing noise from dash on highway upon further inspection notice cracks on dashboard on passenger side around air bag”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Nov 2015
“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.”Owner report · Structure · Nov 2015
“The defrost on my truck does not funtion properly. It may take up to 15 to 20 minutes for my front windshield and driver and passenger window to clear. The windows are clear when I pull out of the garage. As I am traveling to my destination the windshield and driver and pssenger windows fog up. I usually pull over to the side of the road until it clears. I let my truck warm up before leaving the driveway so the air coming out is warm. Most of the time I may have an 8 inch circle to see out of. If I wipe it off it comes back again. This has been happening since I purchased the vehicle in 2014. I didn't like but I was living with it. But this is certainly a hazard to me and other drivers.”Owner report · Visibility/Wiper · Oct 2015
“Dash cracked right above airbag only 40 thousand miles on truck. It's known to be a widespread problem with these vehicles and could cause a safety concern being by airbag”Owner report · Air Bags · Oct 2015
“My dash is cracking around the passenger airbag and above the instrument cluster. I am concerned that the cracked areas could come loose and become a projectile. The engine is also burning oil badly and could shut down while driving”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Oct 2015
“Takata recall the dash in my 2011 chevrolet pickup suddenly cracked. It is cracked in the corner of the passenger airbag I ask my chevrolet dealer and they said it wasn't covered under the warranty. I have heard of several gm owners that have thw same problem . The venicle was not in motion. This vehicle has not been exposed to extended peroids of sunshine or hot weather. The vhicle is normally kept in my garage when not in use. Photos could be privided but I do not know how to do it.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Oct 2015
When filing, owners marked a crash in 7 of these complaints and injuries in 9 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
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.
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 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.
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.
How other years compare
Check your exact Silverado by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado reliable?
NHTSA has 75 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado. The most complained-about area is structure (19% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2011 Chevrolet Silverado problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 54,000 miles or less.
Does the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning steering:linkages. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.