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2011 Chevrolet Silverado problems

The most common problem on the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado is body and structure, typically around 43,000 miles. It has fewer complaints than a typical Silverado model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
82/100
Owner complaints
75
Recalls
2
Service bulletins
274
Worst area
Body
Fuel economy
15-21mpg

The worst 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 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.

  • Body
    15
  • Airbags
    13
  • Brakes
    9
  • Fuel system
    9
  • Engine
    8
  • Electrical
    5
  • Acceleration
    4
  • Driver assistance
    4
  • Transmission
    4
  • Steering
    3
  • Suspension
    3
  • Seat belts
    2
  • Seats
    2
  • Visibility
    2
  • Wheels
    2

Recalls 2

Electrical system: ignitionReported December 30, 2014 · 84,192 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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 get stuck in the "Start" position.
Risk
If stuck in the "Start" position, the ignition may suddenly snap back into the "Accessory" position, causing a loss of engine, steering, and braking power, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. If the vehicle is in a crash, the air bags may not deploy, increasing the risk of occupant injury.
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.

Recall number 14V827000 · Recall details

Steering: linkagesReported June 28, 2011 · 739 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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
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.

Recall number 11V339000 · Recall details

See all 2 recalls for the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado

Technical service bulletins for the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 274

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

See all 274 bulletins for the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado

2011 Chevrolet Silverado fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
6.0L 8‑cyl HybridRWD202321
6.0L 8‑cyl Hybrid4WD202321
5.3L 8‑cylRWD1521-2217-18
4.3L 6‑cylRWD152017
5.3L 8‑cyl4WD152117
4.8L 8‑cylRWD141916
4.3L 6‑cyl4WD141816
4.8L 8‑cyl4WD131815

What 2011 Chevrolet Silverado owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Aug 20, 2024 · Airbags · CA

See attached document for complaint.

Filed Oct 10, 2023 · Engine · 260,000 miles · TN

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.

Filed Apr 20, 2016 · 64,000 miles · NJ

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

Filed Apr 4, 2016 · Airbags · NC

The dashboard is broken at the upper left corner of the air bag housing on the passenger side.

Filed Mar 1, 2016 · 50,000 miles · TX

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.

Filed Feb 13, 2016 · 50,000 miles · OK

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.

Filed Feb 11, 2016 · Body · 43,000 miles · FL

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.

Filed Feb 10, 2016 · Driver assistance · 76,000 miles · KY

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.

Filed Jan 23, 2016 · Airbags · 52,000 miles · MS

Dash is cracking around airbag and instrument panel causing serious concern about projectiles if airbag were to deploy.

Filed Jan 17, 2016 · TX

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

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 2011 Chevrolet Silverado before you buy

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Questions about the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado

Is the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado reliable?

Owners have filed 75 complaints about the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado, fewer than a typical Silverado model year.

What is the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado year score?

The 2011 Chevrolet Silverado scores 82 out of 100 (good). The score compares it with the other model years of the Chevrolet Silverado: 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?

Body and structure, with 15 complaints, typically around 43,000 miles. Next is airbags (13).

How many recalls does the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado have?

2 recalls, covering electrical system and steering.

What year does the Chevrolet Silverado have the most body problems?

The Chevrolet Silverado model years with the most body complaints are 2000 (94 complaints), 1999 (85 complaints) and 2001 (53 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado get?

Official estimates for the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado range from 15 to 21 mpg combined. The most efficient version (6.0L 8-cyl hybrid, RWD) gets 20 city and 23 highway.

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