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2011 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 problems

The most common problem on the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 is airbags, typically around 84,000 miles. Its complaint count is close to a typical Silverado 2500 model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
73/100
Owner complaints
104
Recalls
4
Service bulletins
1,569
Worst area
Airbags

The worst 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

Specific symptoms reported on the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 2500

Fuel pump 7Check engine light 6

Recalls 4

Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator moduleReported February 5, 2021 · 2,641,272 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.

Recall number 21V050000 · Recall details

Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator moduleReported February 5, 2021 · 1,778,128 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.

Recall number 21V054000 · Recall details

EquipmentReported April 26, 2018 · 6,154 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD, 2009 GMC Topkick 5000, 6000, 7000 and 8000 Series and Isuzu F Series, and 2009-2018 Chevrolet Express, and GMC Savana vehicles, equipped with certain Plastic-Handle Fire Extinguishers or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit:
Risk
In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, instructing them to contact Kidde to get a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began June 11, 2018. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020, GMC customer service at 1‑800‑462‑8782, and Isuzu customer service at 1‑866‑441‑9638. GM's number for this recall is 18146.

Recall number 18V267000 · Recall details

Electrical systemReported July 2, 2014 · 9,371 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 Chevrolet Silverado HD 2500/3500 trucks manufactured January 18, 2007, to June 22, 2011, and GMC Sierra HD 2500/3500 trucks manufactured January 22, 2007, to June 21, 2011, and equipped with an auxiliary battery. Owners may unknowingly draw too much current through the vehicle's trailer harness resulting in the melting of fusible link for the auxiliary battery.
Risk
If the fusible link melts it may come into contact with adjacent components, damage the electrical center cover, the nearby wiring harness conduit and other vehicle components, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy
GM will notify owners and dealers will replace the jumper harness with one that includes a 40 amp inline fuse, and provide the owner with supplemental Owner Manual information, free of charge. The recall began on August 29, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020 or GMC customer service at 1‑800‑462‑8782. GM's number for this recall is 14260.

Recall number 14V407000 · Recall details

See all 4 recalls for the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 2500

Defect investigations

Desiccated Air Bag Inflator RuptureOpened September 17, 2021, still open

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 all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

EA21002

Technical service bulletins for the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 1,569

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 1,569 bulletins for the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 2500

What 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed May 8, 2025 · Airbags · FL

as mentioned by many customers the dash on the vehicles crack and GM refuses to pay for repairs. Now there is a Airbag recall that needs to be completed and I am told by dealer that the dash will crack more and get worse during the repair and they are not responsible for the damage. This is unacceptable and unsafe as it is costing me and consumers more money for a defective product.

Filed Jan 6, 2025 · Fuel system · NV

Engine suddenly stopped running while driving and could not be restarted. It was towed to a local diesel repair shop. Diagnostics showed a catastrophic failure of the high pressure fuel pump which polluted the complete fuel system with metal.

Filed Jul 25, 2024 · Airbags · CA

The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 21V050000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed Jul 12, 2024 · Body · 110,000 miles · MA

The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The contact stated while performing a routine inspection of the vehicle, the contact became aware that the entire subframe was severely rusted. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

Filed Jun 11, 2024 · Engine · AZ

Reduction tank makes truck only go 55 when the tank is full causing truck to not go flow of traffic there is a recall 11001 but gm dealer will not repair and knew about this and still sold the truck without tell customer about this

Filed Jan 1, 2024 · Fuel system · AL

With all the known issues involving the failing CP4 fuel pumps out in the field, why hasn't there been a nationwide recall on this issue? We're being proactive in getting our LML repaired to save our engine. We want our costs reimbursed. This isn't a "small" matter. It's freakin' huge.

Filed Sep 2, 2023 · Transmission · MN

The transmission control module (TCM) began acting erratic. At times the transmission will not shift but several times it has gone into park( with no warning) when slowing down causing the wheels to lock and the truck skids to a stop. I was nearly in 2 accidents when this happened. Both time I was hauling a load and caused the traffic behind me have to swerve to not run into me. In looking into the issue I found that in 2011 GM had put out a shop notice that they had a known problem with the TCM and they thought it might be caused by a non-OEM fan belt causing electrical discharge that might impact the TCM. A second shop notice from GM stated that the issue was due to heat and since they has mounted the unit on the fan shroud it should be moved. But none of the shops I went to knew about these shop notices from GM. Thousands of TCMS have failed but no recall. GM has now greatly reduced production of replacement modules and the cost of a new TCM has gone from $400 to $5000 ( Plus programing ) and a long wait time to get one. You can get one refurbished for $1200.

Filed Aug 21, 2023 · Acceleration, Electrical · NY

It is a transmission control module wear a lobster transmission into a Garin. Will not let you speed up or speed down and it is unsafe and GM IS making us pay for the bill. The contact stated transmission control module all across the country on back order, you cannot get a dealer to get you one within six months GM should have to do something about this.

Filed Apr 27, 2023 · Transmission · MN

The vehicle started to shift on its own mostly between the upper gears even though terrain or load had not changed. At slower speeds the vehicle started to automatically shift into park and lock up the wheels. This caused a very serious risk of injury to me and the people behind me when it would lock up. After stopping the vehicle sometimes does not move when in drive. There are no warning lights Took it to a shop and they checked it over. I was informed that there is a known issue with the electronic transmission control unit (TCM) for the Allison Transmission. The issue is with the location of the TCM. GM has developed a new unit to replace the original TCM that is engineered to no be affected by this. But due to the demand GM has a back order on the new TCM. The cost to get a TCM has risen from $800 dollars to $5000 dollars if you can find one.

Filed Apr 8, 2023 · Electrical · WA

GM is aware of a known failure in their Transmission Control Modules. My part number is 24256670. My truck has 87,000 miles on it and not drivable due to this failed electronic component. There are thousands of people just like me experiencing this issue. Check engine light illuminates once unit gets hot. Multiple codes will display at this time. This happened at a stop light, causing traffic jam and congestion, unnecessary safety infringement on all i affected.

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Compare the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 2500

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Questions about the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 2500

Is the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 reliable?

Owners have filed 104 complaints about the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, close to a typical Silverado 2500 model year.

What is the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 year score?

The 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 scores 73 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Chevrolet Silverado 2500: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 2500?

Airbags, with 40 complaints, typically around 84,000 miles. Next is fuel system (12).

How many recalls does the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 have?

4 recalls, covering air bags, equipment and electrical system.

Was there a recall on the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 airbags?

Yes, 2 recalls: 21V050000, 21V054000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Chevrolet Silverado 2500 have bad airbags?

The Chevrolet Silverado 2500 model years with the most airbags complaints are 2008 (106 complaints), 2007 (87 complaints) and 2011 (40 complaints).

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