Model Years

2011 GMC Sierra 1500 Recalls and Problems

NHTSA lists 7 safety recalls and 327 owner complaints for the 2011 GMC Sierra 1500. It has 1 open investigation that names this model year.

Recalled components: air bags, equipment, electrical system, steering, and 1 more. Most-described problem: rust or corrosion (20 complaints, 6%). Most-reported area: air bags (123 complaints, 38%; median mileage when it happened: 58,000).

Fewer complaints than a typical Sierra 1500 year

The 2011 drew 27 owner complaints in its first three years, against about 98 for a typical Sierra 1500 year. Best years are picked only from 2016 on, since counts for older years say less: owners filed fewer complaints in the early 2010s.

Years to avoid: 2014 and 2023. Based on owner complaints, not adjusted for sales.

Every Sierra 1500 year ranked

7Safety recalls
327Owner complaints
6Complaints citing a crash
3Complaints citing a fire

Opens NHTSA's lookup in a new tab; your VIN goes to NHTSA, not to us. The VIN is on the driver's side dashboard, the door jamb and your registration. Safety recall repairs are free at GMC dealers for vehicles up to 15 years old from first sale.

How to check a car for recalls, step by step

Get a vehicle history report from EpicVIN (opens in a new tab): a paid report with the car's title, odometer and salvage records, from an approved NMVTIS data provider. Affiliate link: we earn a commission if you buy. If you typed a full VIN above, the link sends it to EpicVIN and opens its checkout page for that VIN. Check the price before you pay: EpicVIN's $1 trial lasts 3 days, then becomes a monthly subscription until you cancel ($49.99 to $99.99 a month on its pages as of Oct 2, 2026). Disclosure

Data: NHTSA recall, complaint and investigation filesUpdated Oct 2, 2026

Includes the Sierra Hybrid. Excludes the Sierra EV and heavy-duty models. NHTSA files two recalls for this model year under the model name Sierra alone, which it also uses for the heavy-duty Sierra 2500 and 3500. They are listed here because NHTSA's summary does not point only to the heavy-duty trucks.

7 safety recalls for the 2011 GMC Sierra 1500

Newest first. Summaries are NHTSA's own wording. Open a recall for the fix and the full notice.

Air bags

Feb 5, 2021

frontal · passenger side · inflator module

Additionally, GM is recalling certain 2007-2008 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." These vehicles are equipped with non-desiccated passenger frontal inflators containing phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.

Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.

The fix and full notice

Fix: 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. Second notification letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 1, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212328760.

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, GMC Sierra 2500 and Sierra 3500 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A."

NHTSA listing: SIERRA 1500. GMC campaign N212328760.

Air bags

Feb 5, 2021

frontal · passenger side · inflator module

Additionally GM is recalling certain 2011-2014 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, Yukon XL and 2011-2013 Cadillac Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of AZ, AR, DE, DC, IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, and WV or "Zone B." Additionally, GM is recalling certain 2010-2014 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL and 2010-2013 Cadillac Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with non-desiccated passenger frontal inflators containing phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.

Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.

The fix and full notice

Fix: 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. Second notification letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owner notification letters were mailed to 40 VIN owners on May 11, 2021. A second owner notification letter was mailed to all other owners on January 24, 2022. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212328800.

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 states of AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, PR, AS, GU, the MP, and VI or "Zone A."

NHTSA listing: SIERRA 1500. GMC campaign N212328800.

Equipment

Apr 26, 2018

These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf

Risk: In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.

The fix and full notice

Fix: GM will notify owners, instructing them to contact Kidde to get a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began June 11, 2018. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, and Isuzu customer service at 1-866-441-9638. GM's number for this recall is 18146.

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 Plastic-Handle Fire Extinguishers or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers.

NHTSA listing: SIERRA 1500. GMC campaign 18146.

Electrical system

Dec 30, 2014

ignition

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.

Risk: If stuck in the "Start" position, the ignition may suddenly snap back into the "Accessory" position, causing a loss of engine, steering, and braking power, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. If the vehicle is in a crash, the air bags may not deploy, increasing the risk of occupant injury.

The fix and full notice

Fix: 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.

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.

NHTSA listing: SIERRA. GMC campaign 14696 and 14912.

Steering

Jun 28, 2011

linkages

The intermediate steering shaft attaching bolts may not have been tightened to the proper specification.

Risk: This could allow the joints to separate, and the driver could experience loss of steering increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix and full notice

Fix: 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.

Gm's safety recall no. 11191. or go to <a href=http://www.safercar.gov>http://www.safercar.gov</a> .

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.

NHTSA listing: SIERRA. GMC campaign 11191.

Suspension

Jan 6, 2011

rear · axle · spindle

The rear axle cross pins were not properly heat treated and could fracture and become displaced within the rear axle. Should the pin shift out of position, it could create an interference condition and cause the rear axle to lock.

Risk: The driver may not be able to maintain directional control of the vehicle and a crash could occur without warning.

The fix and full notice

Fix: 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 1-866-996-9463 and at the owner center at www.gmownercenter.com.

This recall campaign is an expansion to 10v-643.gm's safety recall no. 10426a. or go to <a href=http://www.safercar.gov>http://www.safercar.gov</a> .

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, yukon and yukon xl vehicles.

NHTSA listing: SIERRA 1500. GMC campaign 10426A.

Suspension

Dec 17, 2010

rear · axle · spindle

The rear axle cross pins were not properly heat treated and could fracture and become displaced within the rear axle. Should the pin shift out of position, it could create an interference condition and cause the rear axle to lock.

Risk: The driver may not be able to maintain directional control of the vehicle and a crash could occur without warning.

The fix and full notice

Fix: 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 1-866-996-9463 and at the owner center at www.gmownercenter.com.

Gm safety recall no. 100426. or go to <a href=http://www.safercar.gov>http://www.safercar.gov</a> .

General motors is recalling certain model year 2011 cadillac escalade ext, chevrolet avalanche, silverado ld and gmc sierra ld vehicles.

NHTSA listing: SIERRA 1500. GMC campaign 100426.

Questions about any of these recalls: call NHTSA's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236 (TTY 888-275-9171) or check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

NHTSA investigations

NHTSA has opened 1 investigation that names the 2011 GMC Sierra 1500; it is still open. An investigation means NHTSA is reviewing reports of a problem. It is not a finding that the vehicle has a defect.

Desiccated air bag inflator rupture

Engineering analysis EA21002Open since Sep 17, 2021

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant - propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L.

NHTSA listing: SIERRA 1500. Component: Air bags (frontal, driver side, inflator module, passenger side). This investigation names 352 models.

An engineering analysis is a deeper review, usually opened after a preliminary evaluation. NHTSA lists investigations by make, model and model year only, so one can apply to only some versions of a model, such as one engine; its summary says which.

What owners report

Owners have filed 327 complaints with NHTSA about the 2011 Sierra 1500. Below, they are sorted by the problems owners describe and by the areas NHTSA files them under. NHTSA does not verify complaints.

Problems owners describe

Counted from the complaint text: a complaint counts once for each problem it describes (how we match them). Some complaints describe none of these. Compare other models in the problem owners report most for every model year.

Areas named in complaints

A complaint can name more than one area, so shares add up to more than 100%. Mileage is shown where at least 15 owners reported it.

GMC Sierra 1500 recalls and complaints by model year

The highlighted bars are the 2011 model year. Newer model years have had less time on the road, so their counts are lower. Counting complaints filed in each model year's first three years, the 2023 Sierra 1500 drew the most (285) and the 2011 drew 27.

Owner complaints

2011: 327 complaints

Show as a table
Owner complaints by model year, GMC Sierra 1500
Model yearComplaints
2010202
2011327
2012136
2013154
2014840
2015772
2016347
2017415
2018304
2019647
2020468
2021575
2022587
2023485
2024364
2025116
2026130

Safety recalls

2011: 7 recalls

Show as a table
Safety recalls by model year, GMC Sierra 1500
Model yearRecalls
20104
20117
20124
20134
201418
201514
201610
20176
20187
201910
202012
20217
20226
20233
20241
20251
20262

Crash test ratings

NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for each version it tested. Rollover risk is NHTSA's estimate of the chance of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.

Tested versionOverallFrontalSideRollover
GMC Sierra 1500 Hybrid PU/CC 4WD
Rollover risk 18.5%
GMC Sierra 1500 Hybrid PU/CC RWD
Rollover risk 19.1%
GMC Sierra 1500 PU/CC 4WD
Rollover risk 18.5%
GMC Sierra 1500 PU/CC RWD
Rollover risk 19.1%
GMC Sierra 1500 PU/EC 4WD
Rollover risk 18.5%
GMC Sierra 1500 PU/EC RWD
Rollover risk 19.1%
GMC Sierra 1500 PU/RC 4WD
Rollover risk 18.5%
GMC Sierra 1500 PU/RC RWD
Rollover risk 19.1%

2011 Sierra 1500 MPG

EPA rates the 2011 GMC Sierra 1500 up to 18 mpg combined with a gas engine, and 21 mpg as a hybrid.Every version and fuel cost

Questions

What are the most common 2011 Sierra 1500 problems?

In the 327 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2011 GMC Sierra 1500, the problems described most are rust or corrosion (20), loss of power or limp mode (14), and the check engine light coming on (10). NHTSA does not verify complaints, and one complaint can describe several problems.

Is the 2011 GMC Sierra 1500 safe?

In NHTSA crash tests every tested version of the 2011 GMC Sierra 1500 earns 4 stars overall. The table above lists each tested version.

Is NHTSA investigating the 2011 GMC Sierra 1500?

Yes. NHTSA has 1 open investigation that names the 2011 GMC Sierra 1500: desiccated air bag inflator rupture (EA21002, opened Sep 17, 2021). An investigation is not a finding that the vehicle has a defect.

How do I check if my Sierra 1500 has an open recall?

Enter the 17-character VIN from your dashboard, door jamb or registration at nhtsa.gov/recalls. The lookup lists unrepaired recalls for that exact vehicle. Safety recall repairs are free at GMC dealers for vehicles up to 15 years old from first sale.

Sources and method

  • NHTSA recalls file (NHTSA datasets), dated Oct 2, 2026; every campaign checked against NHTSA's recalls API.
  • NHTSA owner complaints file, dated Oct 2, 2026. Counted by complaint number, so a complaint naming three components counts once in the total.
  • NHTSA investigations file, dated Oct 2, 2026. Defect petitions, which ask NHTSA to open an investigation, are listed apart and only while open. Audit queries, which check whether a company met its recall and reporting duties rather than whether a vehicle has a problem, are not listed.
  • NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP).
  • NHTSA model names covered: SIERRA, SIERRA 1500.

Complaint counts are unverified owner reports. They rise with sales volume and time on the road, so compare model years with care. How we build these pages. Spotted an error? Tell us.