2011 GMC Sierra 1500UNDER FEDERAL INVESTIGATION

284 federal complaints (364 component records) · 5 recall campaigns on file · 2 federal investigations · 757 service bulletins · 8 Canadian recalls
See all 33 model years of the GMC Sierra 1500 →
Engine
4.3L 6-cyl
Fuel
Gasoline Or E85, Regular
Drive
RWD
EPA economy
15 city / 20 hwy
Federal complaints
284
Recall campaigns
5
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.

Fault profile

Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.

Air bags
113
Other
73
Body & structure
45
Power train
25
Engine & cooling
18
Electrical system
17
Fuel system
12
Steering
10
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.

When it fails

The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.

Vehicle age when the failure occurred

0 years old: 20 complaints01 years old: 6 complaints2 years old: 11 complaints3 years old: 17 complaints4 years old: 22 complaints5 years old: 66 complaints56 years old: 37 complaints7 years old: 29 complaints8 years old: 11 complaints9 years old: 12 complaints10 years old: 20 complaints1011 years old: 13 complaints12 years old: 9 complaints13 years old: 5 complaints14 years old: 4 complaints15 years old: 1 complaints1516 years old: 0 complaints17 years old: 0 complaints18 years old: 0 complaints19 years old: 0 complaints20+ years old: 0 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 283 of 284 complaints with a usable failure date.

Odometer when the failure occurred

0,000 - 20,000 miles: 25 complaints020,000 - 40,000 miles: 23 complaints40,000 - 60,000 miles: 30 complaints40k60,000 - 80,000 miles: 24 complaints80,000 - 100,000 miles: 14 complaints80k100,000 - 120,000 miles: 13 complaints120,000 - 140,000 miles: 6 complaints120k140,000 - 160,000 miles: 2 complaints160,000 - 180,000 miles: 5 complaints160k180,000 - 200,000 miles: 0 complaints200,000+ miles: 4 complaints200k+
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 146 of 284 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).

Known issues

The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.

Air bags

113 complaint records3 crash reports
"TAKATA RECALL - NHTSA-2016-0124 WHEN WILL I BE ABLE TO HAVE MY AIR BAG REPLACED. DEALERSHIP STATED NOTHING THEY CAN DO *JS..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse air bags parts in the directory →

Body & structure

45 complaint records1 crash report
"Rear shock holder rusted through cross member on frame making top of shock stay forced against bottom of the bed of the truck...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse body & structure parts in the directory →

Power train

25 complaint records1 crash report
"this vehicle was sold by a dealership with these issues the frame has a half inch wide six inch long gap needs a fuel pump control module and the engine needs lifters replaced...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse power train parts in the directory →

Federal defect investigations

Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.

InvestigationStatusComponentSubject
EA21002
opened Sep 2021
OPENAir BagsDesiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
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.
DP22005
opened Jan 2023
closed Aug 2023Electrical SystemPedestrian alert sounds - led to recall 22V063000
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.

Recall campaigns

Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.

CampaignComponentSummaryRemedy
21V054000Air BagsGeneral 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,...Normally free
21V050000Air BagsGeneral 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...Normally free
18V267000EquipmentGeneral 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...Normally free
11V007000SuspensionGENERAL 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...Normally free
10V643000SuspensionGENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 CADILLAC ESCALADE EXT, CHEVROLET AVALANCHE, SILVERADO LD AND GMC SIERRA LD VEHICLES.Normally free

Transport Canada recalls

Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.

RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2021028
2021-02-05
Airbag295,974Issue: On certain vehicles, long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, may eventually degrade the propellant contained in the passenger-front airbag.
2020591
2020-12-02
Airbag9,660Issue: Long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, may eventually degrade the propellant contained in the passenger-front airbag.
2017511
2017-10-20
Fuel System1,908On certain vehicles equipped with gasoline engines and dual fuel tanks, the fuel level sensor in the front tank could become stuck in the low level position, causing the rear tank to overfill the front tank.
2016307
2016-06-15
Airbag7,809This Safety Improvement Program was replaced by Transport Canada Recall No. 2020-591. General Motors Canada is conducting a voluntary Safety Improvement Program involving passenger airbag inflators in vehicles that were originally sold or...
2015002
2014-12-30
Electrical10,651On certain vehicles, a defect in the ignition lock cylinder could cause the key to stick in the "start" position if the vehicle interior temperature is sufficiently high.
Show 3 more Canadian recalls
RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2014277
2014-07-03
Electrical1,843On certain vehicles equipped with an optional dual batteries, the owner's manual does not specify a maximum amperage rating for the auxiliary battery to the trailer wiring harness.
2011240
2011-06-28
Steering97On certain vehicles, the intermediate steering shaft attaching bolts may not have received adequate tightening torque during vehicle assembly. This could allow the joint to separate, resulting in a loss of steering capability.
2010454
2010-12-17
Suspension3,945On certain vehicles, the rear axle cross pin was improperly heat treated (during the manufacturing process) and could fracture and become displaced within the rear differential.

Service bulletins and warranty extensions

Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
PIP4902W
Sep 2026
Unknown Or OtherThis preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
PIT3271Q
Apr 2026
Unknown Or OtherThis preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.
PIP4902V
Mar 2026
Unknown Or OtherThis preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
PIP6104
Mar 2026
Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect.
PIT6400A
Jan 2026
Unknown Or OtherThis PI Communications information on an alternative product dealers can use to perform 19-NA-255: Wax Coating on Frame Peeling, Metal Shows Corrosion/Rusting due to issue with getting product from current supplier listed in the bulletin.
Show 55 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
PIP4902U
Jan 2026
Unknown Or OtherThis preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
PIT5214G
Nov 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have had multiple repair attempts that are being performed on customer’s vehicles that exhibit vibration conditions without utilizing the support of General Motors Technical...
13598
Sep 2025
Unknown Or OtherNew Vehicle Monitoring Programs Section in IVH
PIP4902T
Aug 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
PIC5650M
Aug 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming on.
PIT5161L
Jul 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have a bump feel or clunk noise at a stop or on launch. Dealer should communicate to the customer this condition is a normal operating characteristic
PIT6400
Jun 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis PI Communications information on an alternative product dealers can use to perform 19-NA-255: Wax Coating on Frame Peeling, Metal Shows Corrosion/Rusting due to issue with getting product from current supplier listed in the bulletin.
PIP4902S
Jun 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
25-NA-156
Jun 2025
WheelsThis service bulletin provides information on Tire Sidewall Irregularities.
00-06-01-026R
Jun 2025
EngineThis service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced after severe internal engine damage.
07-08-42-006U
Jun 2025
Exterior LightingThis service bulletin provides technicians with information on available BCM calibrations to restore bulb outage detection on vehicles produced by a second stage manufacturer (Upfitter), and/or turn signals flash fast after factory box removed.
PIT5074R
May 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
23-NA-153
May 2025
EngineThe service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the customer that it is normal for the delay.
13-02-32-001H
Apr 2025
SteeringThis service bulletin provides a procedure to flush and bleed power steering system to correct a power steering noise or fluid leak concern that is caused during extremely low temperatures.
23-NA-001
Mar 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on OnStar Module 2G Sunset Information.
07-08-42-006T
Mar 2025
Exterior LightingThis service bulletin provides technicians with information on available BCM calibrations to restore bulb outage detection on vehicles produced by a second stage manufacturer (Upfitter), and/or turn signals flash fast after factory box removed.
19-NA-255
Mar 2025
StructureThis service bulletin provides frame coating repair information to correct a customer concern of wax coating on frame peeling, metal shows corrosion/rusting (U.S. and Canada Only).
PIP5358D
Feb 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get record a sound clip or take a video of the noise for assessment by engineering.
21-NA-043
Jan 2025
Electrical SystemThis bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
22-NA-074
Jan 2025
EngineThis service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system.
03-06-01-023I
Dec 2024
EngineThis service bulletin explains how to measure for oil consumption and possible reasons for loss of oil.
PIT5074Q
Dec 2024
Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
PIT5962B
Dec 2024
Electrical SystemThis Preliminary information communicates a GM part number for reflective high temperature heat or insulating tape when repairing wiring harnesses.
21-NA-043
Nov 2024
EngineThis bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
04-06-01-029K
Oct 2024
SteeringThis informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
PIP4723J
Oct 2024
Electrical SystemThis Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving...
PIP6015
Oct 2024
Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary information communicates to the dealer a process for accessing the procedure to add attachments to a GM technical assistance case using the dealer case management tool.
10-00-89-009F
Oct 2024
Unknown Or OtherThis service bulletin provides information on key code security rules and information on GM keycode look-up applications (U.S).
19-NA-255
Oct 2024
StructureThis service bulletin provides frame coating repair information to correct a customer concern of wax coating on frame peeling, metal shows corrosion/rusting (U.S. and Canada Only).
03-06-01-023H
Oct 2024
EngineThis service bulletin explains how to measure for oil consumption and possible reasons for loss of oil.
01-06-01-011Q
Oct 2024
EngineThis service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
20-NA-132
Oct 2024
Electrical SystemThis warranty administration bulletin provides policy information on the requirements for 12V battery testing and warranty replacements.
07-00-89-037T
Oct 2024
Unknown Or OtherThis warranty administration bulletin provides policy information for GM courtesy transportation and roadside assistance programs.
04-06-04-051J
Sep 2024
EngineThis service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
23-NA-219
Sep 2024
StructureThis service bulletin provides information on Concerns or Questions Regarding Installation of Dealer Installed Accessories.
20-NA-138
Sep 2024
EngineThis bulletin provides information on Policies Applicable to All U.S. Dealers for Engine and Transmission Assembly Replacement Under Warranty, Policy or Customer Enthusiasm and information on Submission of Warranty Transaction in Global Warranty Management.
08-07-30-026I
Sep 2024
Power TrainThis service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be accompanied by a clunk noise.
18-NA-146
Sep 2024
Unknown Or OtherThis warranty administration bulletin provides policy information, proper labor operation selection and causal part identification for warranty transactions (U.S. Only).
PIT5099H
Sep 2024
Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air.
02-00-89-002X
Sep 2024
Unknown Or OtherThis service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on When and How to Submit a Field Product Report (FPR) (U.S. and Canada Dealers Only).
PIC5650L
Sep 2024
Electrical SystemThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming on. Technician may find Diagnostic Trouble Codes B3055, B3060, and/or B3935.
PIT3271P
Sep 2024
Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles.
24-NA-174
Aug 2024
Unknown Or OtherThe bulletin provides direction on how to locate the Temporary Service Part (TSP) form in GlobalConnect.
General Communication
Aug 2024
SERVICE CAMPAIGNElectrical SystemVehicle 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).
05-03-08-002J
Aug 2024
SuspensionThis service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel on diagnosis and replacement of shock absorber and strut due to fluid leak.
18-NA-073
Aug 2024
EngineThis service bulletin provides graphics, information and guidelines for engine component wear to assist service personnel as a guideline to perform necessary engine repairs and prevent unnecessary engine replacement.
PIT5195H
Aug 2024
Electrical SystemThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the speedometer needle appears to be inaccurate.
19-NA-237
Aug 2024
EngineThis service bulletin explains how to identify possible DEF system contamination.
01-00-89-010S
Aug 2024
Unknown Or OtherThis service bulletin provides information on a guide to help reduce repeat visits for the same customer concern.
16-NA-244
Aug 2024
EngineThis informational bulletin provides information on Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) and the proper use of the DEF system.
16-NA-380
Aug 2024
EngineThis service bulletin provides a diagnostic aid procedure on how to perform a quick test to check if the DPF is the cause of excessive soot from the tailpipe.
07-06-01-016J
Aug 2024
EngineThis service bulletin provides information on Internal Engine Noise or Damage After Oil Filter Replacement.
00-06-01-012N
Aug 2024
EngineThis service bulletin advises about the possible issues that may occur when using a scotch brite pad or highly abrasive disk on gasket sealing surfaces or reused parts.
05-06-04-022V
Aug 2024
Fuel/Propulsion SystemThis bulletin provides information on the TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline Licensed Brands and the TOP TIER Diesel Fuel Licensed Brands that are recommended for use in all GM vehicles and the TOP TIER FUELS website URL.
16-NA-222
Aug 2024
EngineThis bulletin provides information on Engine Concerns that could result from lack of scheduled maintenance, improper service or aftermarket calibrations.

Showing 60 of 757 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.

Before you buy this vehicle

A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.

  1. Watch the airbag warning light through a full key cycle.It should light on start and go out within seconds. A light that stays on, or never lights at all, means the system needs attention. Run the VIN for inflator recalls specifically.
  2. Walk the body slowly in daylight.Panel gaps, rust at the rockers and wheel arches, and cracked trim are this vehicle's structure complaints. Open and close the liftgate or trunk and look at the latch area.
  3. Drive it from a dead stop, twice, on a hill if you can.Shudder, hesitation, or a lurch under light throttle is how this vehicle's largest complaint cluster shows itself. Then ask for the transmission service history in writing; repeat repairs are a pattern, not a fluke.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 5 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
  5. Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.

Parts search directory

The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.

Open the parts directory for this GMC Sierra 1500 →