CHEVROLET SILVERADO 2500 · model year

2011 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 2500

128 NHTSA complaints, 3 crash reports, and 4 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2011CHEVROLETSILVERADO 2500 carries 128 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 3 crashes, 3 fires, 7 injuries, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall Not Rated/5 rating, with Not Rated/5 front crash, Not Rated/5 side crash, and 4/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2011 SILVERADO 2500 is air bags with 40 filings, followed by unknown or other (11) and power train (9). 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 4 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 2500, 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.

128
Complaints
3
Crashes
3
Fires
7
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

128 filings

Crashes Reported

3 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

NHTSA NCAP overall: Not Rated/5 - Not rated · Front: Not Rated/5 · Side: Not Rated/5 · Rollover: 4/5

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
AIR BAGS40
UNKNOWN OR OTHER11
POWER TRAIN9
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM9
ENGINE9
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM8
WHEELS5
STRUCTURE:BODY5
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL5
STEERING4
TIRES3
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)3
SEAT BELTS3
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM2
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL2

Recalls (4)

18V26700026/04/2018

EQUIPMENT

General 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 vehicles, equipped with certain Plastic-Handle Fire Extinguishers or Push Button 'Pin

21V05400005/02/2021

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

General 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, or ever registered, in the states of AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, PR, AS,

21V05000005/02/2021

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

General 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 Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, GMC Sierra 2500 and Sierra 3500 vehicles originally s

14V40700002/07/2014

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 Chevrolet Silverado HD 2500/3500 trucks manufactured January 18, 2007, to June 22, 2011, and GMC Sierra HD 2500/3500 trucks manufactured January 22, 2007, to June 21, 2011, and equipped with an auxiliary battery. Owners may unknowing

Recent Complaints

20250508AIR BAGS

as mentioned by many customers the dash on the vehicles crack and GM refuses to pay for repairs. Now there is a Airbag recall that needs to be completed and I am told by dealer that the dash will crack more and get worse during the repair and they are not responsible for the damage. This is unacceptable and unsafe as it is costing me and consumers more money for a defective product.

20250508UNKNOWN OR OTHER

as mentioned by many customers the dash on the vehicles crack and GM refuses to pay for repairs. Now there is a Airbag recall that needs to be completed and I am told by dealer that the dash will crack more and get worse during the repair and they are not responsible for the damage. This is unacceptable and unsafe as it is costing me and consumers more money for a defective product.

20250106FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Engine suddenly stopped running while driving and could not be restarted. It was towed to a local diesel repair shop. Diagnostics showed a catastrophic failure of the high pressure fuel pump which polluted the complete fuel system with metal.

20240725AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V050000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

20240712STRUCTURE

The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The contact stated while performing a routine inspection of the vehicle, the contact became aware that the entire subframe was severely rusted. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

Mileage: 110,000

20240611ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:UREA INJECTION SYSTEM (DEF)

Reduction tank makes truck only go 55 when the tank is full causing truck to not go flow of traffic there is a recall 11001 but gm dealer will not repair and knew about this and still sold the truck without tell customer about this

20240101FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:DELIVERY

With all the known issues involving the failing CP4 fuel pumps out in the field, why hasn't there been a nationwide recall on this issue? We're being proactive in getting our LML repaired to save our engine. We want our costs reimbursed. This isn't a "small" matter. It's freakin' huge.

20230902POWER TRAIN

The transmission control module (TCM) began acting erratic. At times the transmission will not shift but several times it has gone into park( with no warning) when slowing down causing the wheels to lock and the truck skids to a stop. I was nearly in 2 accidents when this happened. Both time I was hauling a load and caused the traffic behind me have to swerve to not run into me. In looking into the issue I found that in 2011 GM had put out a shop notice that they had a known problem with the TCM and they thought it might be caused by a non-OEM fan belt causing electrical discharge that might impact the TCM. A second shop notice from GM stated that the issue was due to heat and since they has mounted the unit on the fan shroud it should be moved. But none of the shops I went to knew about these shop notices from GM. Thousands of TCMS have failed but no recall. GM has now greatly reduced production of replacement modules and the cost of a new TCM has gone from $400 to $5000 ( Plus

20230821ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

It is a transmission control module wear a lobster transmission into a Garin. Will not let you speed up or speed down and it is unsafe and GM IS making us pay for the bill. The contact stated transmission control module all across the country on back order, you cannot get a dealer to get you one within six months GM should have to do something about this.

20230821VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

It is a transmission control module wear a lobster transmission into a Garin. Will not let you speed up or speed down and it is unsafe and GM IS making us pay for the bill. The contact stated transmission control module all across the country on back order, you cannot get a dealer to get you one within six months GM should have to do something about this.

20230821POWER TRAIN

It is a transmission control module wear a lobster transmission into a Garin. Will not let you speed up or speed down and it is unsafe and GM IS making us pay for the bill. The contact stated transmission control module all across the country on back order, you cannot get a dealer to get you one within six months GM should have to do something about this.

20230427POWER TRAIN

The vehicle started to shift on its own mostly between the upper gears even though terrain or load had not changed. At slower speeds the vehicle started to automatically shift into park and lock up the wheels. This caused a very serious risk of injury to me and the people behind me when it would lock up. After stopping the vehicle sometimes does not move when in drive. There are no warning lights Took it to a shop and they checked it over. I was informed that there is a known issue with the electronic transmission control unit (TCM) for the Allison Transmission. The issue is with the location of the TCM. GM has developed a new unit to replace the original TCM that is engineered to no be affected by this. But due to the demand GM has a back order on the new TCM. The cost to get a TCM has risen from $800 dollars to $5000 dollars if you can find one.

20230408ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

GM is aware of a known failure in their Transmission Control Modules. My part number is 24256670. My truck has 87,000 miles on it and not drivable due to this failed electronic component. There are thousands of people just like me experiencing this issue. Check engine light illuminates once unit gets hot. Multiple codes will display at this time. This happened at a stop light, causing traffic jam and congestion, unnecessary safety infringement on all i affected.

20221124POWER TRAIN

My truck has been at a dealership since May 31st , 2022. It needs a TCM. While researching , plus calling aftermarket parts suppliers(Auto zone and others) , and also calling auto recycling/salvages yards , there are Zero TCM's available unless you get lucky at a auto salvage yard minutes after a wrecked truck shows up. There is a huge issue with the TCM's failing on these 10 year old trucks , and GM refuses to allow their supplier to make replacement TCM's. I have lost the use of my truck for almost 6 months at this point. I would also like to know how many other customers are waiting for a TCM.

20221005POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, she made a mid-left turn and heard a low sound coming from the engine. The contact then stated that as his wife depressed the accelerator pedal, the engine revved but the vehicle failed to respond. The service stabilitrak, ABS, and check engine warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the transmission control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the parts to do the repair were on back order. The manufacture was notified of the failure and the contact was provided a case number but no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 61,000.

Mileage: 61,000

20220825AIR BAGS

Takata recall. The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V050000 (Air Bags) and the vehicle was taken to the dealer for recall repair. However, after damaging the passenger's side dashboard where the front passenger's side air bag was located, the dealer informed the contact that they had ordered the wrong part and he should bring the vehicle back another time for the recall repair. Additionally, the dealer informed the contact that the dashboard would be replaced. The contact stated upon taking the vehicle back to the dealer for recall repair, the dealer stated that the recall repair would not be completed unless he signed a waiver certifying that they were not liable for damage to the dashboard. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 161,000

Mileage: 161,000

20211229ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Fuel pump fuse socket has melted in addition to fuse being blown. Fuel pump had been replaced twice with OEM fuel pump. Entire fuse box must be replaced. Occasionally, a no start condition can be traced to fuse contacts losing conductivity which can be resolved by removing them reinstalling fuse. Has potential of causing electrical fire

20211229FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Fuel pump fuse socket has melted in addition to fuse being blown. Fuel pump had been replaced twice with OEM fuel pump. Entire fuse box must be replaced. Occasionally, a no start condition can be traced to fuse contacts losing conductivity which can be resolved by removing them reinstalling fuse. Has potential of causing electrical fire

20210925AIR BAGS

Vehicle had a recall for airbag. After the vehicle was taken for the recall the dashboard is cracked. This dashboard issue needs to be fixed. It's outrageous if GM is not held accountable.

20210914ENGINE

The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle shut-off with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact was able to pull over and restart the vehicle; however, the failure persisted. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was able to drive the vehicle to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not yet diagnosed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 203,000.

Mileage: 203,000

Compare 2011CHEVROLETSILVERADO 2500 to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations 2 Open

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2011 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 2500 have?
The 2011 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 2500 has 128 NHTSA complaints, 3 crashes, 3 fires, 7 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2011 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 2500?
The 2011 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 2500 received an overall NHTSA safety rating of Not Rated/5, front crash rating of Not Rated/5, side crash rating of Not Rated/5, and rollover rating of 4/5.
Are there any recalls for the 2011 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 2500?
Yes, the 2011 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 2500 has 4 recall(s). The most common affected component is EQUIPMENT. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2011 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 2500?
The most-complained component for the 2011 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 2500 is AIR BAGS with 40 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include UNKNOWN OR OTHER and POWER TRAIN.
Is the 2011 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 2500 safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. The 2011 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 2500 has an NHTSA safety rating of Not Rated/5. 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.