2011 GMC Sierra: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 43 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is air bags (21% 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 43 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“2011 gmc sierra. Consumer writes in regards to passenger side frontal airbag safety recall. The consumer stated the dealer has not been provided the necessary parts to repair the vehicle. *js”Owner report · Air Bags · Mar 2022
“Dash board crack at corner of passenger side air bag and 2 more cracks at drivers side instrument panel. Concern that the crack at air bag could be a safety concern if ever deployed.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Mar 2016
“The tbs goes out. Putting the truck into reduced power. I was going 65 mph and the truck slowed down to 15 mph on the freeway. Lose all breaks control , ABS goes out to. Almost have been due to gm”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Dec 2015
Show 7 more owner reports
“My 2011 gmc sierra's dash board is craking in multiple places. One of the cracks is next to the passenger side airbag which is a safety issue. I also have 2 door handles that are loose and about to come off the truck.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Oct 2015
“Tl* the contact owns a 2011 gmc sierra. While at a stop light, the vehicle lost power and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that two spark plugs needed to be replaced and that the vehicle consumed excess engine oil. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the pcv valve, valve cover, and two spark plugs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 31,500.”Owner report · Engine · Oct 2015
“Tl* the contact owns a 2011 gmc sierra. While the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed large cracks on the dashboard. The contact stated that the cracks were exposing part of the air bags and he was concerned about this affecting the air bag functionality. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the dashboard needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 80,000.”Owner report · Structure · Sep 2015
“Dashboard has cracked at the air bag. Lifters had to be replaced and now the camshaft is making noises. My traction control keeps shutting itself off and telling me to service it. Really bad wind noise coming from the passenger pillar.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Sep 2015
“A fews ago, I notice a crack on the front dashboard, near the air bag, in the passenger side. Im concern due to the safety on my vehicle with my kids and my wife. I don't know if the air bag will deploy at anytime or an any impact. Very concern with this safety issue”Owner report · Air Bags · Aug 2015
“Tl* the contact owns a 2011 gmc sierra. While driving approximately 35 mph, the steering wheel seized and veered to the left independently. The contact was able to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, but the failure could not be duplicated. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 54,000.”Owner report · Steering · Jun 2015
“We were driving on the interstate in houston at approximately 60-65 mph approaching a hill. When reaching the top of the hill, there was a parked car in the middle of the highway and we slammed into the back end of it. Both vehicles were totaled. Fortunately, we were wearing seat belts and were not terribly injured. Just real jarred up.the air bags never deployed. With a hit that hard they should have. *tr”Owner report · Air Bags · Apr 2015
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - 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 Sierra 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 GMC Sierra reliable?
NHTSA has 43 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2011 GMC Sierra. The most complained-about area is air bags (21% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2011 GMC Sierra problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 47,500 miles or less.
Does the 2011 GMC Sierra 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.