CHEVROLET SILVERADO · model year

2011 CHEVROLET SILVERADO

99 NHTSA complaints, 15 crash reports, and 2 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2011CHEVROLETSILVERADO carries 99 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 15 crashes, 4 fires, 20 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2011 SILVERADO is air bags with 13 filings, followed by unknown or other (12) and structure:body (11). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 2 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle, the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 57 investigation files overlapping the 2011 SILVERADO, and 2 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page, a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

99
Complaints
15
Crashes
4
Fires
20
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

99 filings

Crashes Reported

15 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
AIR BAGS13
UNKNOWN OR OTHER12
STRUCTURE:BODY11
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM8
ENGINE7
SERVICE BRAKES5
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM5
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC4
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL4
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)4
SUSPENSION3
STEERING3
POWER TRAIN3
STRUCTURE3
WHEELS2

Recalls (2)

14V82700030/12/2014

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

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, m

11V33900028/06/2011

STEERING:LINKAGES

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.

Recent Complaints

20240820AIR BAGS

See attached document for complaint.

20231010ENGINE

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.

Mileage: 260,000

20160420UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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

Mileage: 64,000

20160404AIR BAGS

THE DASHBOARD IS BROKEN AT THE UPPER LEFT CORNER OF THE AIR BAG HOUSING ON THE PASSENGER SIDE.

20160301UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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.

Mileage: 50,000

20160213UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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.

Mileage: 50,000

20160211STRUCTURE:BODY

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.

Mileage: 43,000

20160210ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

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.

Mileage: 76,000

20160123AIR BAGS

DASH IS CRACKING AROUND AIRBAG AND INSTRUMENT PANEL CAUSING SERIOUS CONCERN ABOUT PROJECTILES IF AIRBAG WERE TO DEPLOY.

Mileage: 52,000

20160117UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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

20160105AIR BAGS

DASHBOARD CRACK NEAR PASSENGER AIRBAG. SAFETY ISSUE IN MY OPINION. NUMEROUS OTHER COMPLAINTS NOT VEHICLE SPECIFIC. MANY CHEVROLET DASHBOARD ISSUES. FACEBOOK PAGE DEDICATED TO GM CRACK DASH ISSUES

20160105STRUCTURE:BODY

DASHBOARD CRACK NEAR PASSENGER AIRBAG. SAFETY ISSUE IN MY OPINION. NUMEROUS OTHER COMPLAINTS NOT VEHICLE SPECIFIC. MANY CHEVROLET DASHBOARD ISSUES. FACEBOOK PAGE DEDICATED TO GM CRACK DASH ISSUES

20160105UNKNOWN OR OTHER

DASHBOARD CRACK NEAR PASSENGER AIRBAG. SAFETY ISSUE IN MY OPINION. NUMEROUS OTHER COMPLAINTS NOT VEHICLE SPECIFIC. MANY CHEVROLET DASHBOARD ISSUES. FACEBOOK PAGE DEDICATED TO GM CRACK DASH ISSUES

20160105UNKNOWN OR OTHER

STARTED HEARING NOISE FROM DASH ON HIGHWAY UPON FURTHER INSPECTION NOTICE CRACKS ON DASHBOARD ON PASSENGER SIDE AROUND AIR BAG

Mileage: 70,000

20160105UNKNOWN OR OTHER

TAKATA RECALL THE DASH IN MY 2011 CHEVROLET PICKUP SUDDENLY CRACKED. IT IS CRACKED IN THE CORNER OF THE PASSENGER AIRBAG I ASK MY CHEVROLET DEALER AND THEY SAID IT WASN'T COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY. I HAVE HEARD OF SEVERAL GM OWNERS THAT HAVE THW SAME PROBLEM . THE VENICLE WAS NOT IN MOTION. THIS VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN EXPOSED TO EXTENDED PEROIDS OF SUNSHINE OR HOT WEATHER. THE VHICLE IS NORMALLY KEPT IN MY GARAGE WHEN NOT IN USE. PHOTOS COULD BE PRIVIDED BUT I DO NOT KNOW HOW TO DO IT.

Mileage: 41,000

20160104UNKNOWN OR OTHER

CRACKED DASHBOARD

Mileage: 70,000

20151216ENGINE

MY DASH IS CRACKING AROUND THE PASSENGER AIRBAG AND ABOVE THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. I AM CONCERNED THAT THE CRACKED AREAS COULD COME LOOSE AND BECOME A PROJECTILE. THE ENGINE IS ALSO BURNING OIL BADLY AND COULD SHUT DOWN WHILE DRIVING

20151216UNKNOWN OR OTHER

MY DASH IS CRACKING AROUND THE PASSENGER AIRBAG AND ABOVE THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. I AM CONCERNED THAT THE CRACKED AREAS COULD COME LOOSE AND BECOME A PROJECTILE. THE ENGINE IS ALSO BURNING OIL BADLY AND COULD SHUT DOWN WHILE DRIVING

20151213AIR BAGS

DASH CRACKED RIGHT ABOVE AIRBAG ONLY 40 THOUSAND MILES ON TRUCK. IT'S KNOWN TO BE A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM WITH THESE VEHICLES AND COULD CAUSE A SAFETY CONCERN BEING BY AIRBAG

20151203STRUCTURE:BODY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET SILVERADO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, IT WAS NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A FRACTURE ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW ABOVE THE AIR BAG AREA. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO, DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRIM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 55,000.

Mileage: 55,000

Compare 2011CHEVROLETSILVERADO to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations 2 Open

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2011 CHEVROLET SILVERADO have?
The 2011 CHEVROLET SILVERADO has 99 NHTSA complaints, 15 crashes, 4 fires, 20 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2011 CHEVROLET SILVERADO?
Yes, the 2011 CHEVROLET SILVERADO has 2 recall(s). The most common affected component is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2011 CHEVROLET SILVERADO?
The most-complained component for the 2011 CHEVROLET SILVERADO is AIR BAGS with 13 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include UNKNOWN OR OTHER and STRUCTURE:BODY.
Is the 2011 CHEVROLET SILVERADO safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.