2011 GMC Sierra
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 2011 GMC Sierra. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 2011 GMC Sierra. 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
43 complaints1 involved a crash1 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Air bags
2011 GMC sierra. Consumer writes in regards to passenger side frontal airbag safety recall. the consumer stated the dealer has not been provided the necessary parts to repair the vehicle. *Js
- Unknown or other
My dash IS cracked around the airbag. Passenger side.
- Structure › Body
TL* the contact owns a 2011 GMC sierra. While the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed multiple fractures on the dashboard around where the front passenger side air bag was located. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 50,000.
- Engine
While driving down the interstate at 70 mph my service traction control message, service stabilitrak message, check engine light, and reduced engine power message came on. the vehicle started running very rough it would not go above 50 mph. I drove approximately 3 miles to get off the interstate…
While driving down the interstate at 70 mph my service traction control message, service stabilitrak message, check engine light, and reduced engine power message came on. the vehicle started running very rough it would not go above 50 mph. I drove approximately 3 miles to get off the interstate into the gas station parking lot. I turned it off for about 10 minutes when I turned it back on only the check engine light was on I took it to the shop and they ran tests and said it was the battery. Two weeks later it happened again same thing when I turned it off it worked fine after sitting for 10 minutes I got home and when I got a chance to look at it to days later the check engine light was off. I have read a lot and forums about people having the same issue but no resolution truly being found. this IS a 2011 GMC sierra 1500 with the all-terrain package and only has about 60,000 miles on it it gets oil changes regularly. this really makes me think this IS something gm should look into.
- Unknown or other
Recently the dashboard has started to crack in multiple locations, most notably a crack around passenger airbag.
- Air bags · Unknown or other
Dash board crack at corner of passenger side air bag and 2 more cracks at drivers side instrument panel. concern that the crack at air bag could be a safety concern if ever deployed.
- Unknown or other
When my 2011 GMC denali pickup was nearly 4 years old, the dash started cracking. The first crack was at the forward, left corner of the passenger air bag. Other cracks have since appeared on the driver's side, over the instrument cluster area. The cracks are continuing to grow. The plastic…
When my 2011 GMC denali pickup was nearly 4 years old, the dash started cracking. The first crack was at the forward, left corner of the passenger air bag. Other cracks have since appeared on the driver's side, over the instrument cluster area. The cracks are continuing to grow. The plastic material of the dash IS becoming more brittle with time. I am concerned that in the event the air bags deploy, the broken, brittle plastic dash parts around the airbag area could become dangerous projectiles.
- Unknown or other
My dashboard IS cracking real bad.
- Air bags · Unknown or other
Large and noticeable crack by my passenger side airbag on my dashboard. could see this becoming shrapnel in the event of the airbag deploying. gm will not issue a recall, nor take any sort of responsibility for their error.
- Air bags · Unknown or other
Dash cracked may cause hassarad due to air bag.
- Unknown or other
My 2011 GMC sierra's dash board IS craking in multiple places. One of the cracks IS next to the passenger side airbag which IS a safety issue. I also have 2 door handles that are loose and about to come off the truck.
- Electronic stability control (esc) · Engine · Unknown or other
Dashboard has cracked at the air bag. lifters had to be replaced and now the camshaft IS making noises. my traction control keeps shutting itself off and telling me to service it. Really bad wind noise coming from the passenger pillar.
- Unknown or other
My truck has developed cracks on both sides of the dash. The one over the airbag IS the one that has me concerned. if the airbag deploys it may then throw shrapnel into the face of my passenger possibly causing disfigurement and or death.
- Air bags
Dashboard IS cracking along seem of pass. Side airbag and above instrument cluster
- Engine · Fuel/propulsion system · Vehicle speed control
The tbs goes out. Putting the truck into reduced power. I was going 65 mph and the truck slowed down to 15 mph on the freeway. Lose all breaks control , ABS goes out to. Almost have been due to gm
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 2011 GMC sierra. While at a stop light, the vehicle lost power and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that two spark plugs needed to be replaced and that the vehicle consumed excess engine oil. The…
TL* the contact owns a 2011 GMC sierra. While at a stop light, the vehicle lost power and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that two spark plugs needed to be replaced and that the vehicle consumed excess engine oil. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the pcv valve, valve cover, and two spark plugs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 31,500.
- Structure › Body
TL* the contact owns a 2011 GMC sierra. While the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed large cracks on the dashboard. The contact stated that the cracks were exposing part of the air bags and he was concerned about this affecting the air bag functionality. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where…
TL* the contact owns a 2011 GMC sierra. While the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed large cracks on the dashboard. The contact stated that the cracks were exposing part of the air bags and he was concerned about this affecting the air bag functionality. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the dashboard needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 80,000.
- Air bags
A fews ago, I notice a crack on the front dashboard, near the air bag, in the passenger side. Im concern due to the safety on my vehicle with my kids and my wife. I don't know if the air bag will deploy at anytime or an any impact. Very concern with this safety issue
- Air bags · Power train · Service brakes
First off would be my dashboard air bag, the dashboard plastic IS cracking with the concern on flying debris I brought my GMC 1500 into my local service/sales center and he told me with out a recall there IS nothing he could do for me. second I have been dealing with what seems to either the…
First off would be my dashboard air bag, the dashboard plastic IS cracking with the concern on flying debris I brought my GMC 1500 into my local service/sales center and he told me with out a recall there IS nothing he could do for me. second I have been dealing with what seems to either the power train or brakes from day one I purchased my truck. What it does IS when I come to a complete stop, release the brake, and then apply the accelerator I get a big cur plunk sound and feeling of the truck jerk. This IS coming for the rear end of my truck I would assume the rear axial. I have brought this up to my local service/sales center , multiple times. He has not stopped the problem and tells me there IS not much more he can do without the manufacturer posting a bulletin out.
- Steering
TL* the contact owns a 2011 GMC sierra. While driving approximately 35 mph, the steering wheel seized and veered to the left independently. The contact was able to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, but the failure could not be duplicated. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 54,000.
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 2011 GMC sierra. The contact stated that the ignition lock actuator made it difficult to turn the key, which caused the ignition to become stuck. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was repaired under nhtsa campaign number: 14v827000 (electrical system), but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 25,000.
- Air bags
We were driving on the interstate in houston at approximately 60-65 mph approaching a hill. When reaching the top of the hill, there was a parked car in the middle of the highway and we slammed into the back end of it. Both vehicles were totaled. Fortunately, we were wearing seat belts and were not terribly injured. Just real jarred up.the air bags never deployed. With a hit that hard they should have. *tr
- Structure
The dash panels on my 2011 GMC sierra have spontaneously cracked in 6 places. 1 directly adjacent to the passenger airbag, another directly above the instrument panel and now in 4 places directly adjacent to the windshield. In any sort of impact I am fearing the airbags deploying will cause the…
The dash panels on my 2011 GMC sierra have spontaneously cracked in 6 places. 1 directly adjacent to the passenger airbag, another directly above the instrument panel and now in 4 places directly adjacent to the windshield. In any sort of impact I am fearing the airbags deploying will cause the dash to turn from hard plastic to hard moving pieces of plastic and cause additional injury above and beyond in a normal crash. Gm has refused to accept liability for this matter and calls it a cosmetic issue. *tr
- Structure › Frame and members › Underbody shields · Suspension
Severe frame corrosion (all sections of frame). The undercoating IS flaking off in all sections exposing bare metal which IS rapidly corroding throughout the frame. The truck IS in mint condition inside and out other than this issue. Gm stated that "rust" IS not covered under my active warranty.…
Severe frame corrosion (all sections of frame). The undercoating IS flaking off in all sections exposing bare metal which IS rapidly corroding throughout the frame. The truck IS in mint condition inside and out other than this issue. Gm stated that "rust" IS not covered under my active warranty. This IS a faulty coating application or a faulty metal issue. This vehicle will be unsafe soon and it just hit 12,000 miles. I purchased this "gm certified pre-owned" truck two weeks ago from the gm dealership and just realized that many, many complaints have been filed for this very issue. *tr
- Electronic stability control (esc)
I was sitting in a parking lot with my truck running, I noticed my rpm's were starting to flutter and my oil pressure was doing the same. After a few minutes or so my truck started shaking and the rpm's were still fluttering. While this happened my check engine light came on and it flashed "engine…
I was sitting in a parking lot with my truck running, I noticed my rpm's were starting to flutter and my oil pressure was doing the same. After a few minutes or so my truck started shaking and the rpm's were still fluttering. While this happened my check engine light came on and it flashed "engine power reduced" "service traction" and then "service stabilitrak." I then shut my truck off and waited approx. 25 minutes. When I turned my truck back on the rpm's were still fluttering but the truck was no longer shaking. I took my truck to auto-zone the following morning and had a diagnostic done, the trouble code had to do with the throttle position sensor. After that my computer must have reset itself and everything went back to running normally until about two weeks later the same thing happened again. *tr
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.
- 10114431This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have an issue when using Bluetooth voice recognition with an iPhone. Technician should work with the customer to insure the phone contacts to not have any Emojis loaded to any contact.
- 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.
- 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).
- 10113722This informational bulletin provides information on communication with OnStar module after Canadian cellular upgrade.
- 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).
Every GMC Sierra model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.