Is the 2011 GMC Sierra 2500 reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2011 GMC Sierra 2500 is rated "typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2011 GMC Sierra 2500?

The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 32% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2011 GMC Sierra 2500 have?

4 recalls on file for this model year.

2011 GMC Sierra 2500

● Typical for this model

2011 GMC Sierra 2500
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:45:26.292Z

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 63
Recalls: 4
Investigations: 1
Top problem: Air bags

Complaints per year

2011: 63 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1994	1
1997	14
1998	15
1999	36
2000	48
2001	134
2002	134
2003	160
2004	143
2005	115
2006	66
2007	83
2008	63
2009	31
2010	10
2011	63
2012	30
2013	46
2014	30
2015	89
2016	59
2017	37
2018	35
2019	32
2020	79
2021	51
2022	45
2023	32
2024	104
2025	28
2026	14

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Air bags

32% · 20 reports

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

To avoid a head on collision I had to move to the right of my lane and I hit a mountain head on and neither the driver or passengers airbag deployed.

NHTSA ODI report, 2020-12-04

Also filed under Seat belts

Structure

17% · 11 reports

Most commonly citing body.

Electrical system

14% · 9 reports

Most commonly citing interlock/lockout and cybersecurity.

FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

The vehicle abruptly caught fire while driving on February 20TH 2021. The reason remains unknown. Please see attached images.

NHTSA ODI report, 2021-02-23

On or about [XXX], the Transmission Control Module, FAILED, on my 2011GMC Denali 2500 6.6 diesel. It was a KNOWN faulty part .General Motors was aware of the issue years ago. This part should have been deemed a Safety Recall item.

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-09-16

Also filed under Power train and vehicle speed control

Vehicle sporadically spontaneously locks all 4 doors within 10 seconds after closing the door. No touching of remote, no accidentally hitting a door switch while exiting the vehicle. It happens when I'm at the back of the truck, or 10 feet away.

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-11-05

Power train

10% · 6 reports

Most commonly citing column shift.

Engine

8% · 5 reports

FIRE

Safety timeline

4 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

2014-08-29Electrical system14V407000 General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 Chevrolet Silverado HD 2500/3500 trucks manufactured January 18, 2007, to June 22, 2011, and GMC Sierra HD 2500/3500 trucks manufactured January 22, 2007, to June 21, 2011, and...

Remedy: GM will notify owners and dealers will replace the jumper harness with one that includes a 40 amp inline fuse, and provide the owner with supplemental Owner Manual information, free of charge. The recall began on August 29, 2014.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2018-06-11Equipment18V267000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2021-03-01Air bags21V050000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2021-05-11Air bags21V054000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2021-09-17Engineering analysisOpen Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

Buy-smart checklist

2011 GMC Sierra 2500 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Air bags: 20 reports on file for this year.
Structure: 11 reports on file for this year.
Electrical system: 9 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 14V407000 · Electrical system
Recall 18V267000 · Equipment
Recall 21V050000 · Air bags
Recall 21V054000 · Air bags

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2011 GMC Sierra 2500 reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2011 GMC Sierra 2500 is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2011 GMC Sierra 2500?: The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 32% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2011 GMC Sierra 2500 have?: 4 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.