2011 GMC Sierra recalls and problems

The 2011 GMC Sierra has 2 safety recalls and 43 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any GMC dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
43
Crashes / fires
1 / 0
Injuries / deaths
1 / 0

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

2011 GMC Sierra 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 GMC Sierra problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Unknown or Other11
Air Bags10
Structure8
Engine7
Power Train6
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)4
Vehicle Speed Control4
Electrical System3
Service Brakes3
Exterior Lighting1
Service Brakes, Hydraulic1
Fuel System, Diesel1

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 4
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 1
  • Equipment › Mechanical › Accessory Scissor/Screw/Bottle Jack/Lift — 1
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Lever and Linkage › Column Shift — 1
  • Structure › Frame and Members › Underbody Shields — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 45,000 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 GMC Sierra complaints

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

Air Bags · reported Mar 11, 2022
2011 gmc sierra. Consumer writes in regards to passenger side frontal airbag safety recall. The consumer stated the dealer has not been provided the necessary parts to repair the vehicle.
Structure · at 50,000 miles · reported Apr 8, 2016
The contact owns a 2011 gmc sierra. While the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed multiple fractures on the dashboard around where the front passenger side air bag was located. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 50,000.
Engine · at 59,980 miles · reported Mar 29, 2016
While driving down the interstate at 70 MPH my service traction control message, service stabilitrak message, check engine light, and reduced engine power message came on. The vehicle started running very rough it would not go above 50 MPH. I drove approximately 3 miles to get off the interstate into the gas station parking lot. I turned it off for about 10 minutes when I turned it back on only the check engine light was on I took it to the shop and they ran tests and said it was the battery. Two weeks later it happened again same thing when I turned it off it worked fine after sitting for 10…
Air Bags · at 65,000 miles · reported Mar 3, 2016
Dash board crack at corner of passenger side air bag and 2 more cracks at drivers side instrument panel. Concern that the crack at air bag could be a safety concern if ever deployed.
Unknown or Other · at 89,000 miles · reported Feb 17, 2016
When my 2011 gmc denali pickup was nearly 4 years old, the dash started cracking. The first crack was at the forward, left corner of the passenger air bag. Other cracks have since appeared on the driver's side, over the instrument cluster area. The cracks are continuing to grow. The plastic material of the dash is becoming more brittle with time. I AM concerned that in the event the air bags deploy, the broken, brittle plastic dash parts around the airbag area could become dangerous projectiles.

Other GMC Sierra years

Compare all GMC Sierra years · All GMC models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2011 GMC Sierra have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2011 GMC Sierra: 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 GMC Sierra?

Owners report unknown or other problems most often (11 reports), followed by air bags (10). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 45,000 miles.

Are GMC recall repairs free?

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