2011 GMC Sierra 3500
Only 20 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
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.
Only 20 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1996 | 1 |
| 1997 | 10 |
| 1998 | 12 |
| 1999 | 19 |
| 2000 | 26 |
| 2001 | 36 |
| 2002 | 20 |
| 2003 | 7 |
| 2004 | 24 |
| 2005 | 24 |
| 2006 | 11 |
| 2007 | 16 |
| 2008 | 24 |
| 2009 | 5 |
| 2010 | 2 |
| 2011 | 20 |
| 2012 | 9 |
| 2013 | 14 |
| 2014 | 7 |
| 2015 | 30 |
| 2016 | 19 |
| 2017 | 13 |
| 2018 | 14 |
| 2019 | 12 |
| 2020 | 51 |
| 2021 | 20 |
| 2022 | 27 |
| 2023 | 26 |
| 2024 | 40 |
| 2025 | 16 |
| 2026 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 20 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
8 of 20 total reports mention: air bags.
Show complaint excerpts
TAKATA RECALL - 5/27/2016 NO REMEDY AVAILABLE AS OF YET. HOW DO I GET THIS RESOLVED?
NHTSA ODI report, 20171031
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 GMC SIERRA 3500. EVERY TIME THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR FOR BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDES ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE SENSOR ON BOTH SIDES FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20160421
2 of 20 total reports mention: wheels.
2 of 20 total reports mention: structure.
Show complaint excerpts
CRACKED DASHBOARD LOCATED BY AIRBAG
NHTSA ODI report, 20171106
2 of 20 total reports mention: power train.
2 of 20 total reports mention: fuel/propulsion system.
Show complaint excerpts
WHILE DRIVING UP HILL THE TRUCK JUST SHUT OFF. COULD NOT START IT AGAIN. THERE WAS NO WARNING SIGNS IT TOOK OVER 2 WEEKS AND 2 DIFFERENT GM DEALERS TO FIGURE OUT IT WAS A FUEL INJECTOR PUMP THAT EXPLODED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20150629
VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING DOWN ACCESS ROAD COMING UP TO INTERSTATE OFFRAMP. RIGHT BEFORE YIELD SIGN BOSCH CP4 PUMP FAILED STOPPING MOTOR. BRAKES AND STEERING AFFECTED. JUST ENOUGH MOMENTUM TO FIGHT TRUCK INTO ADJACENT PARKING LOT RIGHT AFTER RAMP.
NHTSA ODI report, 20150504
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Campaign 14V407000 — check if this car was fixed
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 and GMC Sierra 3500 trucks equipped with dual fuel tanks. The low fuel level sensor for the front tank may stick causing the rear tank to overfill the front tank.
Remedy: GM has notified owners, and dealers will replace the rear tank fuel pump or update the fuel-level sensor software, as well as inspect the front tank, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2017.
Campaign 17V664000 — 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
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2011 GMC Sierra 3500 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for wheels issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 14V407000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 17V664000 (fuel system, gasoline) 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.
FAQ
Is the 2011 GMC Sierra 3500 reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2011 GMC Sierra 3500?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 40% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2011 GMC Sierra 3500 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.