2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1994 | 10 |
| 1995 | 3 |
| 1996 | 7 |
| 1997 | 555 |
| 1998 | 361 |
| 1999 | 587 |
| 2000 | 611 |
| 2001 | 468 |
| 2002 | 509 |
| 2003 | 805 |
| 2004 | 797 |
| 2005 | 525 |
| 2006 | 358 |
| 2007 | 849 |
| 2008 | 914 |
| 2009 | 444 |
| 2010 | 361 |
| 2011 | 563 |
| 2012 | 216 |
| 2013 | 301 |
| 2014 | 1433 |
| 2015 | 1101 |
| 2016 | 791 |
| 2017 | 711 |
| 2018 | 514 |
| 2019 | 1058 |
| 2020 | 709 |
| 2021 | 792 |
| 2022 | 602 |
| 2023 | 365 |
| 2024 | 288 |
| 2025 | 87 |
| 2026 | 74 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
55% of complaints: air bags — 307 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing curtain and frontal.
CRASH INJURY DEATHShow complaint excerpts
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND THE AIRBAG WENT OFF AND CAUSED ME TO CRASH INTO A POLE
NHTSA ODI report, 20240118
I WAS INVOLVED IN A COLLISION MY AIRBAGS FIRED BUT DID NOT DEPLOY THERE WAS A BAD SMELL IN THE CAB AS WELL AS WHAT I WOULD DESCRIBE AS BABY POWDER THE FIRE DEPARTMENT SAID THEY DID NOT DEPLOY BUT THE SMELL IS WHAT THEY HAVE RAN INTO WHEN THEY HAVE...
NHTSA ODI report, 20180530
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V381000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART FOR THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171108
13% of complaints: structure — 72 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing body and frame and members.
CRASH FIREShow complaint excerpts
Truck has excessive rust and holes on frame, back wheel wells completely rotted out and bed is completely rusted out.
NHTSA ODI report, 20230905
7% of complaints: engine — 40 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260713
5% of complaints: electrical system — 26 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing interior/under dash and speedometer/odometer.
FIRE3% of complaints: suspension — 19 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing rear.
CRASHSAFETY TIMELINE
GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 CADILLAC ESCALADE EXT, CHEVROLET AVALANCHE, SILVERADO LD AND GMC SIERRA LD VEHICLES. THE REAR AXLE CROSS PINS WERE NOT PROPERLY HEAT TREATED AND CO
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW REAR AXLE CROSS PIN FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 11, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-9
Campaign 10V643000 — check if this car was fixed
GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 CADILLAC ESCALADE, ESCALADE ESV, ESCALADE EXT; CHEVROLET AVALANCHE, COLORADO, EXPRESS, SILVERADO, SUBURBAN, TAHOE; AND GMC CANYON, SIERRA, SAVANA, Y
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW REAR AXLE CROSS PIN FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 11, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-9
Campaign 11V007000 — check if this car was fixed
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2007-2011 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, Yukon XL, and 2009-2011 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500,...
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on February 22, 2021.
Campaign 21V050000 — check if this car was fixed
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the...
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on February 25, 2021.
Campaign 21V054000 — check if this car was fixed
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
Pedestrian alert sounds
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (307 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (72 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (40 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 10V643000 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 11V007000 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V050000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V054000 (air bags) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 55% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.