2011 Chevrolet Silverado recalls and problems

The 2011 Chevrolet Silverado has 2 safety recalls and 75 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Chevrolet dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
75
Crashes / fires
7 / 2
Injuries / deaths
9 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2011 Chevrolet Silverado vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2011 Chevrolet Silverado recalls

Recall 14V-827: Electrical System

Reported Dec 30, 2014 · 84,192 vehicles affected · General Motors LLC

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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 11V-339: Steering

Reported Jun 28, 2011 · 739 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS LLC

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

2011 Chevrolet Silverado problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Structure15
Air Bags13
Unknown or Other12
Fuel/Propulsion System8
Engine7
Service Brakes5
Electrical System5
Service Brakes, Hydraulic4
Vehicle Speed Control4
Power Train4
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)4
Suspension3

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 11
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 1
  • Seats › Front Assembly › Head Restraint — 1
  • Structure › Body › Bumpers — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 54,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2011 Chevrolet Silverado complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Engine · at 260,000 miles · reported Oct 10, 2023
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…
Unknown or Other · at 64,000 miles · reported Apr 20, 2016
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
Unknown or Other · at 50,000 miles · reported Mar 1, 2016
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.
Unknown or Other · at 50,000 miles · reported Feb 13, 2016
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.
Structure · at 43,000 miles · reported Feb 11, 2016
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.

Other Chevrolet Silverado years

Compare all Chevrolet Silverado years · All Chevrolet models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado: 14V-827 (electrical system), 11V-339 (steering). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

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

Owners report structure problems most often (15 reports), followed by air bags (13). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 54,000 miles.

Are Chevrolet recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Chevrolet dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.