2011 GMC Sierra 1500
This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than 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 | 13 |
| 1995 | 3 |
| 1996 | 5 |
| 1997 | 83 |
| 1998 | 59 |
| 1999 | 158 |
| 2000 | 181 |
| 2001 | 140 |
| 2002 | 166 |
| 2003 | 180 |
| 2004 | 212 |
| 2005 | 177 |
| 2006 | 144 |
| 2007 | 261 |
| 2008 | 379 |
| 2009 | 234 |
| 2010 | 167 |
| 2011 | 283 |
| 2012 | 106 |
| 2013 | 115 |
| 2014 | 736 |
| 2015 | 711 |
| 2016 | 337 |
| 2017 | 350 |
| 2018 | 293 |
| 2019 | 601 |
| 2020 | 435 |
| 2021 | 511 |
| 2022 | 528 |
| 2023 | 408 |
| 2024 | 312 |
| 2025 | 90 |
| 2026 | 58 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
40% of complaints: air bags — 112 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
HIT DEER,CRACKED DASH ON BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE,AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171130
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 GMC SIERRA 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY AFTER A TRACTOR TRAILER CRASHED INTO THE VEHICLE. THE SERVICE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140626
13% of complaints: structure — 38 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
Rear shock holder rusted through cross member on frame making top of shock stay forced against bottom of the bed of the truck.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231025
7% of complaints: power train — 21 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
ON NOVEMBER 18, 2010, RETURNING FROM VACATION, DRIVING A NEW 2011 GMC SIERRA SLE PICK UP WITH LESS THAN 2,000 MILES USE, PULLING A 24' TRAVEL TRAILER. THE TRUCK WAS IN "TOW" MODE DESCENDING A 15% GRADE HILL AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH.
NHTSA ODI report, 20101202
6% of complaints: engine — 16 distinct reports on file.
5% of complaints: electrical system — 15 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIREShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 GMC SIERRA 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S REAR DEFROST HAD FAILED. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE FUSE LINE AND NOTICED THAT IT HAD MELTED ON THE PANEL BOX. THE DEALER (DON BROWN CHEVROLET, INC.
NHTSA ODI report, 20201202
SAFETY 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 2009-2014 Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD, 2009 GMC Topkick 5000, 6000, 7000 and 8000 Series and Isuzu F Series, and 2009-2018 Chevrolet Express, and GMC Savana vehicles, equipped with certain...
Remedy: GM will notify owners, instructing them to contact Kidde to get a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began June 11, 2018.
Campaign 18V267000 — 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 GMC Sierra 1500 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (112 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (38 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (21 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 10V643000 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 11V007000 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 18V267000 (equipment) 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 GMC Sierra 1500 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2011 GMC Sierra 1500 is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2011 GMC Sierra 1500?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 40% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2011 GMC Sierra 1500 have?
5 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.