2011 Chevrolet Silverado
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Chevrolet › Silverado › 2011
These records cover every 2011 Chevrolet Silverado. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado. Newest first.
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. In the affected vehicles, the ignition lock actuator may bind, making turning the key difficult or causing the ignition to…
Risk and remedy
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.
Remedy
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.
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. The intermediate steering shaft attaching bolts may not have been tightened to the proper specification.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This could allow the joints to separate, and the driver could experience loss of steering increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
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.
Owner complaints
75 complaints7 involved a crash2 involved a fire9 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Air bags
See attached document for complaint.
- Engine
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Silverado. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she heard a loud abnormal tapping sound at the hood of the vehicle. The contact then stated that upon inspection, she noticed that the tapping sound was coming from the lifter and lifter arm…
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Silverado. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she heard a loud abnormal tapping sound at the hood of the vehicle. The contact then stated that upon inspection, she noticed that the tapping sound was coming from the lifter and lifter arm when the piston dropped down. The traction control warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the pistons, rocker arm, head valve seals, and lifter arm needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The contact then stated that upon research she was informed that the engine may need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 260,000.
- Unknown or other
The dashboard cracked on the passenger side of vehicle near the top left corner of the passenger side air bag. Dealership would fix the issue but only at full cost to me, even though I expressed the concern I have how if the airbag were to deploy the sharp edges of the cracked area may not allow…
The dashboard cracked on the passenger side of vehicle near the top left corner of the passenger side air bag. Dealership would fix the issue but only at full cost to me, even though I expressed the concern I have how if the airbag were to deploy the sharp edges of the cracked area may not allow the air bag to work properly. I.e. Could puncture the airbag. Also shards of the dashboard could cause harm if airbag were to deploy
- Air bags
The dashboard IS broken at the upper left corner of the air bag housing on the passenger side.
- Unknown or other
I have a 2011 silverado 1500 and about 6 months ago my dash around the passenger air bag started to crack. I now have 2 cracks and the area feels loose which worries me that in case of a accident with airbag deployment on the passanger side, that this could impair the safety and design for its purpose.
- Unknown or other
The truck had less than 50,000 miles when we noticed a crack in the dash running from the upper left corner of the air bag cover and the defroster vent. I know several other trucks with this same issue. It appears to be a design flaw. I went to the local dealer and he estimated it would take nearly…
The truck had less than 50,000 miles when we noticed a crack in the dash running from the upper left corner of the air bag cover and the defroster vent. I know several other trucks with this same issue. It appears to be a design flaw. I went to the local dealer and he estimated it would take nearly $1,000 to fix. I wonder if this crack would be negatively influenced if the air bag ever inflates causing more damage or injury.
- Structure › Body
I have a 2011 chevrolet silverado 1500 that has approximately 44,000 miles on it and IS garage kept. I have several cracks around my passenger side airbag which could pose a safety issue even though gm said the cracks will not.
- Electronic stability control (esc)
We have had a recurring issue with the traction control feature on this vehicle since buying it. Randomly and out of nowhere it will show stabilitrak off on the instrument panel. The engine becomes sluggish when this happens. This, to me, IS a safety hazard when driving. There IS also an issue with…
We have had a recurring issue with the traction control feature on this vehicle since buying it. Randomly and out of nowhere it will show stabilitrak off on the instrument panel. The engine becomes sluggish when this happens. This, to me, IS a safety hazard when driving. There IS also an issue with the ignition getting stuck when starting where it grinds the starter. I have to turn the truck off and start it again to get it to stop. I have had the vehicle at the dealer where it was purchased and they have no clue what to do about the stabilitrak issue. I have read many complaints on this and there should be a recall.
- Air bags
Dash IS cracking around airbag and instrument panel causing serious concern about projectiles if airbag were to deploy.
- Unknown or other
The dash bord in my truck has a crack next to the air bag which am scare IS going to be a safe issue and this I noticed when the truck had about 45000 miles
- Unknown or other
Takata recall the dash in my 2011 chevrolet pickup suddenly cracked. it IS cracked in the corner of the passenger airbag I ask my chevrolet dealer and they said it wasn't covered under the warranty. I have heard of several gm owners that have thw same problem . The venicle was not in motion.…
Takata recall the dash in my 2011 chevrolet pickup suddenly cracked. it IS cracked in the corner of the passenger airbag I ask my chevrolet dealer and they said it wasn't covered under the warranty. I have heard of several gm owners that have thw same problem . The venicle was not in motion. this vehicle has not been exposed to extended peroids of sunshine or hot weather. the vhicle IS normally kept in my garage when not in use. Photos could be privided but I do not know how to do it.
- Unknown or other
Started hearing noise from dash on highway upon further inspection notice cracks on dashboard on passenger side around air bag
- Air bags · Structure › Body · Unknown or other
Dashboard crack near passenger airbag. Safety issue in my opinion. Numerous other complaints not vehicle specific. Many chevrolet dashboard issues. Facebook page dedicated to gm crack dash issues
- Unknown or other
Cracked dashboard
- Engine · Unknown or other
My dash IS cracking around the passenger airbag and above the instrument cluster. I am concerned that the cracked areas could come loose and become a projectile. The engine IS also burning oil badly and could shut down while driving
- Air bags
Dash cracked right above airbag only 40 thousand miles on truck. It's known to be a widespread problem with these vehicles and could cause a safety concern being by airbag
- Structure › Body
TL* the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet silverado. The contact stated that while parked, it was noticed that there was a fracture on the front passenger side window above the air bag area. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who, diagnosed that the trim needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.
- Visibility/wiper
The defrost on my truck does not funtion properly. It may take up to 15 to 20 minutes for my front windshield and driver and passenger window to clear. The windows are clear when I pull out of the garage. As I am traveling to my destination the windshield and driver and pssenger windows fog up. I…
The defrost on my truck does not funtion properly. It may take up to 15 to 20 minutes for my front windshield and driver and passenger window to clear. The windows are clear when I pull out of the garage. As I am traveling to my destination the windshield and driver and pssenger windows fog up. I usually pull over to the side of the road until it clears. I let my truck warm up before leaving the driveway so the air coming out IS warm. Most of the time I may have an 8 inch circle to see out of. If I wipe it off it comes back again. This has been happening since I purchased the vehicle in 2014. I didn't like but I was living with it. But this IS certainly a hazard to me and other drivers.
- Structure › Body
TL* the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet silverado. The contact stated that there was a crack on the dashboard. The contact mentioned that the crack was approximately six inches wide and near the instrument cluster. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 40,000.
- Unknown or other
I was driving on njtp my daughter was following behind me and calls me (handsfree) saying my brake lights are on . so I tap my brakes a few times then pull up on oedal and lights go off then my cc started workimg again .at same time my stabiltrac idiot light comes on to get it serviced so make…
I was driving on njtp my daughter was following behind me and calls me (handsfree) saying my brake lights are on . so I tap my brakes a few times then pull up on oedal and lights go off then my cc started workimg again .at same time my stabiltrac idiot light comes on to get it serviced so make appt and they find no problem with stabiltrac and tell me im drineing with foot on the brake.however I did some checking and if I step on my brakes let off at times my brake lights stay on. Ive al so noticed when I auto start brake lights stay on .englewood chevy says its my bad driving habits 2 foot driver I say faulty vehicle IS there a state agency to verify its the vehicle. Ive tried emailing service dept but no reply. Just last week in new york post was a story of a lady who for what ever reason lost her legs due to some kind of problem with the stabiltrac .i do not want to be a stat on this .
- Steering
TL* the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet silverado. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 25 mph, the steering wheel seized without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the power steering pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 150,800.
- Engine · Service brakes
TL* the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet silverado. While driving approximately 15 mph, the contact depressed the brake pedal, but the vehicle continued to accelerate. The contact stated that the throttle was also sticking and the engine indicator was illuminating. The vehicle stalled and would not…
TL* the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet silverado. While driving approximately 15 mph, the contact depressed the brake pedal, but the vehicle continued to accelerate. The contact stated that the throttle was also sticking and the engine indicator was illuminating. The vehicle stalled and would not restart for ten minutes. This was a recurring failure. The contact had to push the onstar button, which provided the codes of the failure. The failure codes stated that the pps throttle system was failing. The dealer stated that they could not locate a failure. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 83,918. The vin was unknown.
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owned a 2011 chevrolet silverado. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 35 mph, all of the warning lights on the instrument panel illuminated, the gauges failed, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle failed to restart. The contact noticed smoke coming from the engine…
TL* the contact owned a 2011 chevrolet silverado. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 35 mph, all of the warning lights on the instrument panel illuminated, the gauges failed, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle failed to restart. The contact noticed smoke coming from the engine compartment and the vehicle caught fire. The fire was extinguished by the fire department. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000. updated 12/03/15*lj *cn
- Service brakes, hydraulic
2011 chevrolet silverado. consumer writes in regards to vehicle brakes issue. consumer has another vehicle complaint listed in artemis. *smd the consumer stated the rear brake shoes would stick to the drums after getting wet when the parking brake was applied. The brake shoes would release with…
2011 chevrolet silverado. consumer writes in regards to vehicle brakes issue. consumer has another vehicle complaint listed in artemis. *smd the consumer stated the rear brake shoes would stick to the drums after getting wet when the parking brake was applied. The brake shoes would release with a thud when the vehicle was put into to drive or reverse. The vehicle would not move or roll, until the accelerator was depressed to move the vehicle. When the vehicle was driven in wet conditions, the braking felt different when compared to dry condition. *Jb
- Unknown or other
The driver side door handle completely broke and now my door will not open. This IS a real problem with several chevrolet models my wife also has a 08 tahoe and all four handles have been replaced and the driver side has pulled loose again. For the price we have to pay for our vehicles we should be getting a better product.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10114597This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician of an engine power reduced message on the driver information center after performing the Canada Onstar 4G upgrade. If the concern is present park the vehicle outside and call General Motors Technical Assistance Center.
- 10114470This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicle that may have an OnStar system that has progression tones when pressing the blue or red button. Technician will need to call General Motors Technical Assistance Center with the scan tool data from the OnStar system.
- 10114408This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that are travelling from Canada to the United States. While in the United States they are unable to receive Turn-by-Turn directions. Due to the existing cellular provider not having roaming agreements in areas outside of Canada to support transmitting of the packet data required for Turn-By-Turn feature to operate. The customer has 3 options while traveling through the United Sates. First if the vehicle is equipped with a navigation radio they can request a "Destination Download" to the vehicle. Second if the customer uses the OnStar RemoteLink app they can send the directions to the vehicle. The third option would be to have the vehicle loaded with a "500 phone number" The customer will no longer be able to use their Hands Free Calling minutes when the new 500 phone number is loaded. If a customer chooses to restore Hands Free Calling in the future a new phone number will be assigned to the vehicle; previous phone numbers are not available.
- 10114354This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician that some vehicles may have a Service Engine Soon lamp, engine misfire on cylinder 1, 4, 6, or 7 and/or tick noise. Technician will follow service information diagnosis first. If service information diagnosis does not isolate the cause of this concern perform a cylinder deactivation active fuel management system compression test in service information. If the running compression of the misfiring cylinder stays below 25 Pounds per Square Inch regardless of the active fuel management solenoid being commanded on or off, an active fuel management lifter is mechanically collapsed/stuck or unlocking as soon as the engine is started. Replace all active fuel management lifters, and all plastic lifter guides. Also perform the cylinder deactivation active fuel management Valve Lifter Oil Manifold Diagnosis and Testing in Service Information. If it isolates a concern with the Valve Lifter Oil Manifold, replace it and reevaluate the concern. The active fuel management lifters can also be monitored for proper operation by carefully inspecting the cylinder 1, 4, 6, and 7 rockers and valves while cranking or briefly and safely running the engine with the valve covers removed. If the valve or valves of an active fuel management cylinder stop moving while doing this test, the active fuel management lifter is causing the concern. For 2008-2009 Full Size Truck/SUV or a 2007-2009 Chevrolet Tahoe with the Police Package reprogram the Engine Control Module. On the 2008-2009 Pontiac G8, 2010-2011 Camaro, and 2007-2010 Full Size Trucks with active fuel management, also determine if the active fuel management pressure relief valve shield that is listed in the latest version of 10-06-01-008 has ever been installed. On passenger cars with the LS4 engine, determine if the updated oil pan gasket that is listed in the latest version of 11-06-01-007 has been installed.
- 10114352This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire calibration for tires that have been sized, tested and designed for the vehicle in question and its applications. Technician should not use the information that is provided by the antilock braking system tire size selection.
- 10114343This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician the steps needed to diagnose and repair the vehicles that may have unwanted or phantom phone calls. Technician will need to determine what type of call the customer is having that is unwanted. The vehicle may receive an incoming call just like any other phone. Typically the customer will hear the phone ringing in the vehicle. This scenario also includes incoming Bluetooth calls. One type of unwanted call can be made if the key pad is faulty the OnStar system will try to make a blue button call for shorted voltage in the circuits. The OnStar module could have an internal fault and produce a "Phone Unavailable" audio message also it may have a Diagnostic Trouble Code U1500 or B1000. Refer to diagnostics for the Diagnostic Trouble Code making sure to follow any applicable Bulletins or Preliminary Information sheets. A "Ready" or "OnStar ready" audio message heard while driving. In some cases it has been found that the customer is inadvertently pressing the ?push to talk? button on the steering wheel controls. On rare occasions, other issues in the steering column or Steering Wheel Control system may induce this concern.
- 10114342This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicle that may have an OnStar system that has progression tones when pressing the blue or red button. Technician will need to call General Motors Technical Assistance Center with the scan tool data from the OnStar system.
- 10114328This information for Warranty administration - Changes the Service Policy and Procedures Section 1.6.2.11 and now is refered to Article 3.2.9 of the 1st addition manual for details of Technician Identification and Accounting of Labor Time
- 10114309This informational bulletin explains how to care for wiper blades.
- 10114299This informational bulletin provides a quick guide to updating which model vehicle after replacing the IPC.
- 10114296This warranty administration bulletin provide policy information of the JOB CARD, for a repair on vehicles and what is acceptable - customer authorization; Service manager approvals and transaction authorization; Details of concern, cause and correction; Labor Time; Technician ID and acoutablity of labor time; Proper documentation and retension of warranty parts; Accurate sublet charges and receipts; Add on concerns after the Job Card has been written.
- 10114281This informational bulletin states that it no longer valid and refers to a new bulletin.
- 10114280This informational bulletin provides information on Inappropriate Warranty Claims Submitted for Damaged Radios and IPCs
- 10113889This Preliminary Information communication provides the technician with a list of modules to check for communication with the scan tool, if the navigation radio does not display the current Hybrid mode. Dealer will use a scan tool to check communication with Accessory Direct current Power Control Module, Air Condition control module, Drive Motor Generator Power Inverter Module, Engine Control Module, Battery Energy Control Module, and Transfer Case Control Module. Repair the loss of communication with the affected module and the power flow should return to the radio display.
- 10113888This Preliminary Information communication provides steps the technician will uses to diagnose and repair vehicles that have low oil pressure after an oil change with the engine Regular Production Option Code L20, L77, L94, L96, L99, L9H, LC8, LC9, LH9, LMF, LMG, LY6, or LZ1. Vehicle may have Service Engine Soon lamp with Diagnostic Trouble Code P0521 or Low Oil Pressure message on the instrument panel. Dealer will need to determine if bulletin 10-06-01-008 was completed. If the bulletin was performed inspect the left rocker cover. Dealer will insure the left rocker can hold water without leaking. If leaks are found apply room temperature vulcanization silicone to the rocker cover if possible or replace the left rocker cover.
- 10113887This Preliminary Information communication provides the technician with the additional steps that are needed to help perform a successful brake bleed on the 2-Mode Hybrid with Regular Production Option Code HP2. With a battery maintainer installed on the vehicle use brake pressure bleeder that maintains 30 psi for the entire bleed procedure.
- 10113849This informational bulletin provides information on the proper oils to use on GM vehicles including information regarding the differences of the Dexos oils.
- 10113843This warranty administration bulletin provides information on the Clarification of Use for Dealer Empowerment Labor Operations and Customer Enthusiasm
- 10113837This informational bulletin provides a list off all the issues revolving around new vehicles for a one stop place to find growing concerns around them.
- 10113831This preliminary information bulletin provides a descritption of operation of the echo control and noise cancellation settings for concernc regarding noice drop outs during calls and muffled sound.
- 10113810This warranty administration bulletin provides dealership personnel with policy and procedure requirements for essential tools that include consumable parts (U.S. Only).
- 10113796This informational bulletin provides information on the proper use of GM floor mats.
- 10113792This informational bulletin provides information to technicians regarding intake manifold inspection/replacement after severe internal engine damage.
- 10113788This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information on courtesy transportation and roadside assistance programs.
- 10113787This informational bulletin provides information to advise dealers about seat belt buckles not operating and/or seat belt warning light illumination, as well as difficulty latching and unlatching the buckle or the buckle release button sticking.
- 10113785This informational bulletin adds the 2014 and 2015 model years to information of a language change for OnStar System (U.S. and Canada only).
- 10113775This informational bulletin provides information on the Product Quality Center (PQC) assembly replacement process for Service Agents not required to contact PQC prior to assembly replacement.
- 10113773The intent of this technical bulletin is to identify aftermarket ALDL or DLC interface devices as potential sources for causing multiple customer concerns that do not have other diagnostic methods to identify them.
- 10113770This informational bulletin provides technicians with a brake lathe calibration procedure.
- 10113753This preliminary informational bulletin provides technicians with diagnostic tips for a customer concern of odor emanating from HVAC system.
- 10113752This informational bulletin communicates GM wiring repair strategy information.
- 10113745This warranty administration bulletin communicates GM required operating procedures (U.S. only) for service operations.
- 10113741This warranty administration bulletin provides retail and wholesale service personnel with the policies and the warranty claims submission procedures that support Labor Operation 0600014 - Suspected Tampering or Vehicle Modifications.
- 10113740This informational bulletin provides dealership personnel information on unscheduled supplemental services (including flushing services and additives) and proper use of GM simplified maintenance schedules (Canada only).
- 10113738This informational bulletin provides technicians with diagnostic tips for preventing oil leaks after changing oil and filter.
- 10113731This informational bulletin provides information on the PQC assembly replacement process - for dealers required to contact PQC prior to replacing an assembly (U.S. and Canada only).
- 10113720This informational bulletin provides information on a GM of Canada OnStar cellular communication upgrade.
- 10113703This technical bulletin provides repair information for repairing the IP to body harness connector to correct a customer concern for intermittent Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illuminated with Reduced Engine Power displayed and DTC P2138 set.
- 10113701This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on when and how to submit a Field Product Report (FPR) (U.S. Dealers Only).
- 10113688This informational bulletin provides dealership personnel with Global Warranty Management (GWM), Warranty Parts Center (WPC), and Parts Return Program information.
Every Chevrolet Silverado model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.