VehicleVerdict

2011 Chevrolet Silverado problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2011 Chevrolet Silverado sits mid-pack among Silverado years: 99 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 111, with 2 recalls and no defect investigations. Complainants reported 20 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across body & structure (15), other (13), and airbags (13), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

99

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

15

Crash-involved

4

Fires reported

20

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2011 compare to other Silverado years?

Silverado NHTSA complaints by model year, 2011 highlighted2,104 complaints1980: 2 complaints1982: 2 complaints1984: 5 complaints1985: 3 complaints1987: 2 complaints1988: 18 complaints1989: 24 complaints1990: 37 complaints1991: 18 complaints1992: 51 complaints1993: 77 complaints1994: 235 complaints1995: 331 complaints1996: 230 complaints1997: 365 complaints1998: 335 complaints1999: 2,104 complaints2000: 1,614 complaints2001: 1,048 complaints2002: 853 complaints2003: 852 complaints2004: 723 complaints2005: 361 complaints2006: 223 complaints2007: 253 complaints2008: 221 complaints2009: 103 complaints2010: 91 complaints2011: 99 complaints2012: 91 complaints2013: 87 complaints2014: 195 complaints2015: 111 complaints2016: 8 complaints2017: 156 complaints
Silverado NHTSA complaints by model year, 2011 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Silverado years to avoid →

What are the most common 2011 Chevrolet Silverado problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Body & Structure1515%
Other1313%
Airbags1313%
Fuel System1010%
Brakes99%
Electrical System99%
Engine88%
Speed Control44%
Transmission44%
Suspension33%
Steering33%
Visibility & Wipers22%
Seat Belts22%
Seats22%
Tires & Wheels22%

Does the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

14V827000Electrical SystemDecember 30, 2014 · 84,192 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

11V339000SteeringJune 28, 2011 · 739 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

THIS COULD ALLOW THE JOINTS TO SEPARATE, AND THE DRIVER COULD EXPERIENCE LOSS OF STEERING INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“I WAS DRIVING INTO THE PARKING GARAGE AT WORK TO A PARKING SPOT. AS I BRAKED AND SLOWED TURNING INTO THE PARKING SPOT THE TRUCK ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO A CONCRETE SUPPORT BEAM. AIRBAGS DEPLOYED AND THE TRUCK SUFFERED QUITE A BIT OF DAMAGES TO THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT END. I AM UNSURE OF SPEED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · December 10, 2014 · crash

“ THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR HANDLE COMPLETELY BROKE AND NOW MY DOOR WILL NOT OPEN. THIS IS A REAL PROBLEM WITH SEVERAL CHEVROLET MODELS MY WIFE ALSO HAS A 08 TAHOE AND ALL FOUR HANDLES HAVE BEEN REPLACED AND THE DRIVER SIDE HAS PULLED LOOSE AGAIN. FOR THE PRICE WE HAVE TO PAY FOR OUR VEHICLES WE SHOULD…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · September 1, 2015

“CAR PULLED OUT FROM GAS STATION INTO PATH OF MY VEHICLE STRIKING IT IN LEFT REAR QUARTER PANEL AND LEFT REAR WHEEL. MY TRUCK SPUN TO THE LEFT STRIKING A SEMI TRUCK TOTALED MY TRUCK HEAVY FRONT END DAMAGE. INJURY TO MY STEPSON WHO WAS THE DRIVER. AIR BAGS NEVER DEPLOYED NOR DID SEAT BELTS KEEP HIM…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · May 7, 2014 · crash

“FIRST OF THREE VEHICLE COLLISIONS THIS YEAR INVOLVING CHEVROLET SILVERADOS THAT HAVE CAUGHT FIRE AFTER INVOLVED IN FRONTAL IMPACTS. VEHICLE TRAVELING WESTBOUND ON SR 58 IN LANE COUNTY, OREGON. INVOLVED IN SECONDARY COLLISION WITH A TOYOTA PICKUP TRUCK THAT HAD BEEN STRUCK BY A LOOSE TRUCK TRACTOR…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · February 26, 2015 · crash · fire

“ACCELERATING FROM A STOPPED POSITION AT TRAFFIC LIGHT APPROX 1.5 VEHICLE LENGTHS BEHIND ANOTHER VEHICLE. VEHICLE IN FRONT OF MINE DID NOT MOVE. PRESSED BRAKE PEDAL WITH MAX PRESSURE. BRAKES DID NOT FULLY ENGAGE CAUSING CONTACT TO BE MADE WITH OTHER VEHICLE. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · December 12, 2011 · crash

2011 Chevrolet Silverado — common questions

Is the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado reliable?

It is close to typical for the Silverado: 99 NHTSA complaints, 2 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2011 Silverado problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are body & structure (15 complaints), other (13 complaints), airbags (13 complaints).

Does the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Chevrolet Silverado years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Silverado years to avoid are 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 1997, 2005, 1998, 1995, 2007, 1994, 1996, 2006, 2008, 2014. The cleanest record among Silverado years belongs to 1987.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.