“[XXX] WITH ONLY 88,500 MILES no wreck or other incident service airbag light came on and dealership wants 180.00 just to check it. what creates the issue is that my other vehicle a 2010 Tahoe with 285,000 miles came on within 3 days of this one. What am i supposed to do? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)”
Owner complaint, filed Sep 27, 2025
“The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, unoccupied, and turned off, the front passenger's side air bag deployed. Prior to the failure, the air bag warning light had intermittently illuminated. The contact stated that there was no impact to the vehicle that would have caused the air bag to deploy.”
Owner complaint, filed Mar 21, 2025 at 115,000 miles
Complaints and recalls over time
By year of filing
All complaintsAbout the airbagsRecall (red: the airbags)NHTSA investigation opened
Complaints about the 2011 Silverado 1500 peaked in 2017, with 124 filed that year. Owners had filed 260 complaints about the airbags before the first recall that covers it, 21V054000 in February 2021; 40 more have come in since. In 2026 owners filed 6 so far.
4 safety recalls
Part 573 reports
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module21V054000
Filed Feb 5, 20211,778,128 vehiclesGeneral Motors, LLC
Defect. 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." 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.
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. 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.
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module21V050000
Filed Feb 5, 20212,641,272 vehiclesGeneral Motors, LLC
Defect. 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." 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.
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. 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.
Filed Jan 6, 201130,566 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.
Defect. 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. 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.
Remedy. 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.
Filed Dec 17, 20101,262 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.
Defect. GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 CADILLAC ESCALADE EXT, CHEVROLET AVALANCHE, SILVERADO LD AND GMC SIERRA LD VEHICLES. 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.
Remedy. 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.
All 4 campaigns on file, newest first.
NHTSA investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
Before a recall there is often an investigation: NHTSA opens one when complaints or manufacturer data point to a safety defect. 2 name the 2011 Silverado 1500.
Opened Jan 27, 2023Closed Aug 7, 2023Led to recall 22V063000electrical system
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after …
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator RuptureEngineering analysis EA21002Open
Opened Sep 17, 2021airbags
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. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at …
Technical service bulletins
1,837 on file
Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 2011 Silverado 1500. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.
equipment 543engine 304electrical system 289transmission 113fuel system 106body and frame 74suspension 52equipment adaptive/mobility 46
General CommunicationService campaignAug 26, 2024electrical system
Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). The updating of modules is completed in parallel instead of the technician needing to …
GCUS-3-566Service campaignMay 27, 2016electrical system
15801A - Customer Satisfaction Program. This bulletin is being revised to add a note at the beginning of the Service Information section. The 2016 model year GMC Sierra HD vehicle, and an increase in population has also been added. Vehicles equipped with Duramax Diesel Engine (RPO LGH or LML) and Ambulance Upfitter or Fire Truck Upfitter (RPO YF2 or ANM), …
GCUS-3-553Service campaignMay 16, 2016engine
15801 - Customer Satisfaction Program. (2012 model year repair suspended) Vehicles equipped with Duramax Diesel Engine (RPO LGH or LML) and Ambulance Upfitter or Fire Truck Upfitter (RPO YF2 or ANM), may have a condition in which the emission control system as designed will limit speed under certain conditions. The EPA has approved General Motor?s request …
PIT5236GService campaignMar 31, 2016electrical system
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a Diagnostic Trouble Code B101D stored in Telematics Communication Interface Control Module. Technician will check Global Warranty Management system for customer satisfaction program 15086 status. If the status of the customer satisfaction program …
This service bulletin provides information on Takata Air Bag Courtesy Transportation Reimbursement Program - Applicable to GM Recalls listed in bulletin.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unwanted Stability Activation and/or a Service Stability message on the Driver Information Center. Technician may find a Diagnostic Trouble Code C0710. Technician should inspect for vehicles modifications before any in-depth diagnostics are …
This Preliminary information communicates information on a parts restrictions for the passenger air bag.
Showing the newest 6 of 11 bulletins about the airbags, and any warranty extensions or service campaigns.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA 5-star safety ratings
Version tested
Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk
2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 PU/CC 4WD
★★★★★
★★★★★
★★★★★
★★★★★
18.5%
2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 PU/CC RWD
★★★★★
★★★★★
★★★★★
★★★★★
19.1%
2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 PU/EC 4WD
★★★★★
★★★★★
★★★★★
★★★★★
18.5%
2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 PU/EC RWD
★★★★★
★★★★★
★★★★★
★★★★★
19.1%
2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 PU/RC 4WD
★★★★★
★★★★★
★★★★★
★★★★★
18.5%
2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 PU/RC RWD
★★★★★
★★★★★
★★★★★
★★★★★
19.1%
New Car Assessment Program results for this model year. Ratings compare cars of similar size and weight only.
What owners reported
Newest filings
Steering
Filed Oct 27, 2026AZ
On September 17, 2026, the vehicle suffered two critical failures. First, the transmission shifter linkage detached while being placed in DRIVE due to failure of a plastic shifter cable bushing, locking the car in NEUTRAL. Second, minutes late while loading the disabled vehicle onto a flatbed tow truck, the steering shaft completely separated from the steering column. An independent AAA mechanic inspection revealed that the steering shaft pinch bolt was entirely missing. Just 30 days prior (August 18, 2026), with under 200 miles traveled since, a licensed dealership technician performed a safety inspection and certified both assemblies as "Green" (Passed/Safe). Dealer invoices show consistent maintenance and no prior safety inspection issues since purchase in 2011. Mechanically, a pinch bolt requires weeks of driving vibration to unthread and back out, proving it was left loose, under-torqued, or missing its locking flag nut during the dealership's inspection. Furthermore, the transmission shifter cable linkage failed due to total plastic bushing degradation. At 97,970 miles, this specific GM factory bushing exhibits a well-documented color transformation from white to yellow to amber as it oxidizes through continuous heat cycles, becoming brittle and cracked before ultimately failing completely. Both failure points sit in close physical proximity when inspected from below. The intermediate steering shaft is also easily accessible from above, where a technician can quickly ch
Electrical System › Instrument Panel › Speedometer/Odometer
Filed Oct 23, 2026253,000 milesDE
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that after retrieving a Carfax report, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 115,519. The Carfax report indicated that the mileage was 253,000 in 2019.
Engine
Filed Jul 13, 2026MI
AFM/DOD lifter failed while driving which causes multiple systems to go offline including Traction Control, stability control, ABS just to name a few. This happened while coming off freeway which can be a safety risk as vehicle was at higher speeds. This is a known GM problem with 5.3l engines and should have been addressed years ago.
Engine
Filed May 18, 2026176,200 milesTX
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, several warning lights illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle was shaking. The vehicle was driven to the contact's residence. The vehicle was later taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a lifter and a failed cylinder 6. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced an unknown recall which had a similar failure description, however the contact's VIN was not associated. The dealer was made aware of the failure, however the contact was informed that the repair was not covered under any unknown recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 176,200.
Electrical System › Instrument Panel › Speedometer/Odometer
Filed Apr 7, 2026155,000 milesOH
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 103,000. However, at the time of the vehicle registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 155,000; but the Service record indicated that the mileage was 108,000.
Structure › Body
Filed Mar 22, 2026PA
Was sold with a warranty and was not fulfilled, and on top of that we found out they rolled the odometer back over 50k , then found out it has a spilt frame
Suspension
Filed Sep 29, 2025PA
Hello Our 2011 Chevy Silverado looks like it was sitting in a lake. The rusted frame has a hole and has failed Pennsylvania Inspection. The whole underside of the vehicle frame is peeling away the body of the truck is very clean. Truck has 60,000 miles and is garage kept. We were shocked to see the condition when we were at the inspection station. It worries me how many of these trucks are on the road or towing trailers. Please don’t wait to take action until something happens. Yes, our vehicle is available for inspection pictures. There was no warning lights. Our local Pennsylvania State Inspection Station failed the truck during routine yearly inspection. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Air Bags
Filed Sep 27, 2025OK
[XXX] WITH ONLY 88,500 MILES no wreck or other incident service airbag light came on and dealership wants 180.00 just to check it. what creates the issue is that my other vehicle a 2010 Tahoe with 285,000 miles came on within 3 days of this one. What am i supposed to do? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine
Filed Apr 25, 2025IN
After 2 weeks of owning the truck which we are paying on it had to be towed 3 times stalling out and leaving leaving my family,my children with us at least once, and stranded in high traffic roads. We took it back to the dealership and they replaced the fuel pump and the fuel light came came on the very same day we picked it up. Now over a week after getting it back it has stranded us again,this time with our 3 children with us. This is on a Friday evening during rush hour. We manage to pull to a side road and off to the side a bit,but not fully. People are driving by very fast now as we wait for a tow.
Air Bags
Filed Mar 27, 2025171,000 milesTN
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while the vehicle was at the dealer for the recall repair of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V050000 (Air Bags); the contact was informed that the SDM module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 171,000.
Air Bags
Filed Mar 21, 2025115,000 milesIN
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, unoccupied, and turned off, the front passenger's side air bag deployed. Prior to the failure, the air bag warning light had intermittently illuminated. The contact stated that there was no impact to the vehicle that would have caused the air bag to deploy. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.
Unknown or Other
Filed Mar 16, 2025NJ
Na
Unknown or Other
Filed Feb 25, 2025NY
Unknown
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jan 31, 2025TX
The software that makes the truck work as a 4 cylinder truck has caused the engine light to come on and causing a code P0300 various engine misfire. The misfire is caused by the lifter spring causing the lifter to remain in the down position. The down position is against the can rod and as the cam rod rotates, this causes the lifter to break at the bottom and causing the can rod to also break which will cause an engine failure while drinking and the motor will freeze . All GMC and Chevrolet vehicles with this installed should be recalled. Everyone has been fixing it themselves by replacing the part(s) once a pinging noise is heard at 50,000 miles. Basically every 50,000 this will need to be fixed. Some people are turning off the 4 cylinder software to avoid the problem which in both cases, uses more gas and also idles higher.
Unknown or Other
Filed Jan 28, 2025OK
Stalking, harassment, identity thief, stealing of snap benefits and tampering
Unknown or Other
Filed Dec 20, 2024MA
2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 severe frame rot drivers side front left from cab to rear wheel potential for snapping with holes of rot throughout also right side starting have had truck for 1.5 years which cost 11,000 dollars GM should be held accountable as I have read hundreds if not thousands of other Chevrolet truck owners with this issue, there was a recall for failure to add some type of rust prevention which issue would have been way past that stage GM is aware of this and fails to do anything about it, this is going to cost about 2500.00 to repair frames should not rot out like this what will it take before something is done about it 100,s of deaths due to fatal accidents the average person may not know about this as they may never go under their truck Thank You [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power Train
Filed Dec 18, 2024NY
My transmission failed and my truck wouldn’t move. I’ve replaced it with a rebuilt one which is already shifting hard and shuddering. These 6l80e transmissions are no good
Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Nov 14, 2024130,000 milesMI
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that there was rust on the frame of the vehicle. The contact stated that while having a routine oil change at an independent mechanic, it was determined that the subframe was extremely rusted. The mechanic was unable to put the vehicle on the lift. There were unknown warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.
Suspension
Filed Nov 10, 2024NY
Large sections of vehicle frame have completely rusted,rotted tĥrough.
Unknown or Other
Filed Oct 4, 2024MA
Afm Lifters are starting to fail and my frame is completely rotted and needs to be totally swapped out.
Engine
Filed Oct 3, 2024173,000 milesTX
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine. The vehicle was taken to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the lifters and engine were damaged and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was in the process of being repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 173,000.
Structure › Body
Filed Oct 3, 2024MI
This vehicle is an immaculate condition and the frame is completely rusted out of this. How can they not be a recall?
Air Bags
Filed Sep 26, 2024TX
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V050000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated the air bag warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. Parts distribution disconnect.
Structure
Filed Sep 19, 2024144,230 milesMD
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that the driver’s side rear sub frame was rusted and had collapsed, and the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that sub the frame needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 144,230.
Air Bags
Filed Aug 15, 2024168,044 milesTX
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the battery needed to be replaced and was causing the air bag warning light to illuminate inadvertently. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact was concerned that the air bags would deploy without the vehicle being involved in a crash. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 168,044.
Unknown or Other
Filed Aug 9, 2024PA
Frame and fuel cross member rotted out.
Structure › Body
Filed Jul 30, 2024WI
Unknown. I doubt this will qualify but it seems to be a very common issue so I feel it is worth bringing attention to. I recently bought a truck from a state action that was a prior police vehicle as stated by the title. Once I purchased it and drove it home I was inspecting it and found a rust spot on the frame. As I cleaned dirt and debris off of it I discovered that the frame from just before the drivers side door all the way to where it bends up at the gas tank was completely rotted out. Specifically the bottom of the frame is fully gone. Doing research into repairs it seems that this generation and brand of vehicle had this problem seemingly universally. Which leads me to think it may have been a defect in manufacturing. Due to the bottom rusting out it’s hard to spot unless you crawl underneath. I’m sure I don’t have to go into detail as to why a compromised frame that people could be unaware of could be dangerous.
Unknown or Other
Filed Jul 22, 2024NJ
I am the original owner of a 2011Chevy Silverado 1500. At this time, the frame of the vehicle is badly rusted, and i was made aware after conducting research that General Motors had failed to properly apply anti corrosion material to the frame, which caused the frame to rust prematurely. The rear crossmember its totally rusted and could pose a problem in the very near future. By failing to apply anti corrosion material to the frame, it caused the acceleration and decay of the entire structure of the frame. This was visibly observed by both a NJ approved autobody shop as well as an independent repair shop where suspension work had just been completed.
Unknown or Other
Filed Jul 12, 2024WI
I put my truck up on a 2 post lift to change the brakes. But once the full truck weight was on the lift the frame started to crack i instantly put it on the ground and took a look and found that there was a crack through the middle of my frame on the side facing me Spanning from the back part where it starts to go up all the way to about the part of the frame under the middle of the drivers door. Then I took a look under it and saw a large hole in the frame where the lift was placed. I proceeded to feel in the previously mentioned hole and found some of the frame was paper thin other parts where about half the thickness of a good part of the frame. After this I took it into my local GM dealer to take a look at it they said that the frame is definitely in a very bad shape but it will hold but it will be an issue in the future. I feel i could be put at risk because I could hit a bad part of road at some point in the future and it could damage the frame more or completely brake.
Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Jun 25, 202497,000 milesMA
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that after a visual inspection of the vehicle, he observed excessive frame corrosion under the driver’s side of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 97,000.
Structure › Body
Filed Jun 24, 2024PA
This is the 3rd year in a row that i have to have the frame welded due to corrosion. I finally did an internet search and found this to be a severe problem for owners of Chevy Silverados. In my opinion, a truck frame should last longer than 100K miles. Why did the U.S. hold Toyota accountable when their truck frames rotted out a few years ago, but won't hold GM to the same standard? The dealership said there is nothing they can do about it, i'm hoping out government can. There are too many of these trucks driving around with frames on the verge of cracking or rear shocks falling off. Thank you
Structure › Body
Filed May 29, 2024OH
The frame is rusted and flaking to pieces. Have replaced tailgate latches twice due to rust.
Structure › Body
Filed May 29, 2024MI
This GM vehicle presents a safety risk to the public. The frame of the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 has prematutely rusted and corroded. GM fully understands and acknowledges this public safety risk only through a "Technical Service Bullitin" (service bulletin number 19-NA-255) which states that GM is aware of the lack of application of protective coating on this year and model. This "technical" concern urgently must be upgraded to a recall. The truck in its entirety and the public are at risk. The premature frame corrosion caused by the failure to apply protective coating which GM acknowledges, can, and presumably has, result in DEATH. The structural integrity of the entire vehicle should not be categorized as a safety bulletin. An incident due to faulty manufacturing resulting in death, is by definition a recall. Above mentioned vehicle does not meet minimum safety standards or poses an unreasonable safety risk due to defects that could harm consumers, hinder performance, or cause legal issues for the manufacturer.
Unknown or Other
Filed Apr 18, 2024SC
No. Plastic broke on my dash and from the sun or cheap plastic and popped and hit my child in the head which left a scratch on his head. The whole dashboard has cracked.
Unknown or Other
Filed Apr 16, 2024MA
Frame is completely rotted out at 104,000 miles. Why are all Chevy Silverado 1500s from 09-14 all rotting out extremely fast. There needs to be a recall ASAP.
Unknown or Other
Filed Apr 13, 2024NY
I recently had my vehicle inspected and the garage personnel told me it would pass inspection this time because there is a lot of rust on it.
Suspension
Filed Apr 12, 2024NJ
My frame is rotting out there is a section missing by gas tank. i checked on line with other people and a lot of people have same problem i know totyota had problem and had to replace frames .gm should have too. please help. thank you
Unknown or Other
Filed Mar 17, 2024MI
Complete structural failure of chassis (Frame). Upon inspection on a mechanics lift the frame is cracked in several places and due to the undersized structural components and type of steel resulted in extensive corrosion. All components of vehicle depend on structural integrity of support frame. The frame has been inspected by several mechanics. All suspension components attached to vehicle frame are in serious jeopardy of failure. Several other Chevrolet truck owners have total losses of vehicle value to to undersized structural frame and extensive corrosion. This is a manufacturer's defect, its similar to building a house on a weak foundation.
Structure › Body
Filed Mar 4, 2024PA
FRAME IS SEVERELY RUSTED THROUGH. NEEDS TO REPLACED, TRUCK HAS BEEN GARAGE KEPT. WITH LESS THE 100,000 MILES ON IT.
Air Bags
Filed Mar 4, 2024FL
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V050000 (Air Bags). The dealer was made aware of the issue but denied the recall repair due to the vehicle having a Salvage Title. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and a case was opened. The contact was informed to have the DMV remove the branded title from the vehicle. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Unknown or Other
Filed Feb 22, 2024VA
The frame is completely rusted on this truck it has approximately 133k miles on it. In my research on this year truck there are many complaints for the same issue some through this site and others through forums. There needs to be a frame recall issued on this truck the approximate date below is when it was noticed during an inspection
Air BagsCrash
Filed Jan 18, 2024WA
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND THE AIRBAG WENT OFF AND CAUSED ME TO CRASH INTO A POLE
Unknown or Other
Filed Jan 13, 2024KY
Frame of truck rotted. Went to change shocks and it fell right off. Removed the bottom bolt on the shock and the 15 lbs shock fell to the ground with the top bolt still attached to the frame.2 years ago had to replace the the hitch due to rusted out Glad I was not pulling my 6000 lbs camper down the highway. The frame is so badly rotted it is unsafe to drive down the road. Not surface rust holes the inside of frame is rotted both sides. Unsafe to drive. Owned this truck for 9 years.
Structure › Body
Filed Jan 2, 2024MD
This vehicle has a frame that is rusted far beyond what you would normally expect. The same problem is listed in other complaints here and elsewhere online. The passenger side running board fell off because the frame it was attached to was so badly rusted.
Unknown or Other
Filed Dec 4, 2023WI
I was told when I had my oil changed that my frame is rusted and has cracks
Unknown or Other
Filed Nov 5, 2023MI
TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER TO GET AN ALINGMENT, THE DEALER SAID COULD NOT DO THE ALINGMENT BECAUSE FRAME WAS BROKEN, UNDER CLOSER INSPECTION FOUND OUT THAT FRAME IS RUSTED AND DETERATING IN MANY SPOT INCLUEDING REAR LEFT SECTION AND REAR RIGHT SECTIONS, ON LEFT NEAR FUEL TANK, CROSS RAIL FOR FUEL TANK, THAT ATTACH FUEL TANK TO VEHICLE, ALSO CROSS MEMBER THAT ATTCH SHOCKS ON REAR TO TO FRAME.
Suspension
Filed Oct 25, 2023IA
My 2011 Silverado has a very clean body, but the frame is completley rusted out. If you Google frame issues on these trucks you will see that many people are having the same issue and GM is doing nothing about it. I think GM should have to buy back these trucks as my truck went from being worth $12000 to being worth nothing
Unknown or Other
Filed Sep 11, 2023MI
I had my truck in my shop after a lot of clunking started to come from the rear suspension. I had the truck up on the lift to check out the cause, and found very disappointing news. This truck has approximately 107,000 miles on it, and should not have this much compromised structure. The body is in near perfect condition. The vehicle has always been garage kept and clean. The entire rear frame of the truck has rust scale/perforation. Multiple areas are flaking badly and have holes that are 1/2" and larger. The rearmost cross member that attaches the upper shock is rotted out and missing. The other crossmembers are in poor condition. The areas of the frame where the leaf springs attach are thin. The only solution that seems feasible is a complete stripping, reinforcement, and/or replacement of the rear frame section. I own and operate my own shop, and have the ability to do this work for myself but there is no reason I should have to fix a truck that is 12 years old. Sadly, this is not the only GM product I have seen with this type of rot. It's just unfortunate that my personal vehicle has one of the worst frames that I have encountered.
Unknown or Other
Filed Sep 9, 2023PA
On August 24, 2023 I took my 2011 Silverado WT extended cab 4X4 to a local independent service facility for a required annual safety inspection. It has failed an annual vehicle safety inspection due to frame rust through. I am scheduled with the repair shop to repair this new rust section September 12, 2023. This is the second year in a row that it has failed due to frame rust through after having been repaired last year. The truck has 141,846 mile on it and should not be experiencing a frame issue requiring welding repairs. If I lived in a state that did not require annual safety inspections this could easily become a major safety hazard resulting in a crash with severe personal injury or death. GM should be notified and held accountable to provide necessary repairs and or compensation very similar to the Toyota Tacoma frame recall a few years back.
Structure › Body
Filed Sep 5, 2023PA
Truck has excessive rust and holes on frame, back wheel wells completely rotted out and bed is completely rusted out. Had to get covers for the wheel wells because it failed inspection due to the fact if someone bumped it they could be cut by the jagged edges. Have had over $6000 worth of frame work done in approximately 2021 and needs more. I will find receipts and send pictures. Chevy needs to be held responsible. Currently at dealer for airbag recall and inspection. There is no way it will pass. Huge safety issue and this is certainly not the only truck like this. How can Chevrolet get away with this? Toyota did right by frame issues. Why is Chevrolet not being held responsible? I've been to Mavis, Pocono Metal Craft and numerous other garages who all say the truck is so rusted it's worthless. When brought to the dealer where purchased, I was told there was nothing they could do. But when looking on line there is a recall put out in 2020 regarding Chevrolet frames and spraying the frame to prevent further damage. I was told it's due to the winters and what is sprayed on the road. That's not why this happened to thousands and thousands of people. I took great care of this truck.
Complaints 1-50 of 565, newest first, reproduced as filed.
2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500: questions buyers ask
Is the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 a good car?
It is not among the Silverado 1500 years to avoid. Owners filed 565 complaints, against about 576 for a typical Silverado 1500 year. The most common complaint is about the airbags (53%). In NHTSA crash tests it scored 4 stars overall.
What is the most common problem with the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500?
The airbags: 300 of the 565 complaints (53%) are about it. Owners most often say it shows an airbag warning light (7%), sets off warning lights on the dash (5%) and did not deploy its airbags in a crash (3%). The typical report comes at 70,000 miles.
How many recalls does the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 have?
4 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed Feb 5, 2021. The largest, 21V050000, covered 2,641,272 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.
At what mileage do 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 problems start?
Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 70,000 miles.
Has NHTSA investigated the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500?
Yes, 2 times. The latest, DP22005 ("Pedestrian alert sounds"), was opened Jan 27, 2023 and closed Aug 7, 2023.
Are there service bulletins for the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500?
The manufacturer filed 1,837 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the engine (304), the electrical system (289) and the transmission (113). They include a service campaign, General Communication, filed Aug 26, 2024. A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.
Reading this record
1 death reported in complaints filed with NHTSA.
Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.
Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.
Most recent recall on file: Feb 5, 2021. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.