2011 GMC Sierra problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2011 GMC Sierra sits mid-pack among Sierra years: 67 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 67, with 2 recalls and no defect investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across other (13), airbags (10), and engine (8), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2011 compare to other Sierra years?

Sierra NHTSA complaints by model year, 2011 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Sierra years to avoid →

What are the most common 2011 GMC Sierra problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Other	13	19%	▲ up
Airbags	10	15%	— flat
Body & Structure	8	12%	— flat
Engine	8	12%	▲ up
Electrical System	7	10%	▲ up
Transmission	6	9%	▲ up
Speed Control	4	6%	▲ up
Brakes	4	6%	— flat
Tires & Wheels	2	3%	▲ up
Fuel System	2	3%	▲ up
Lighting	1	1%	— flat
Steering	1	1%	▼ down
Suspension	1	1%	— flat

Does the 2011 GMC Sierra 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.

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 GMC SIERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE REPLACING A FLAT TIRE, HE NOTICED THAT THE JACK DID NOT EXTEND HIGH ENOUGH TO LIFT THE VEHICLE AND REPLACE THE TIRE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE JACK WAS NOT REPLACED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · June 16, 2013

“WE WERE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE IN HOUSTON AT APPROXIMATELY 60-65 MPH APPROACHING A HILL. WHEN REACHING THE TOP OF THE HILL, THERE WAS A PARKED CAR IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY AND WE SLAMMED INTO THE BACK END OF IT. BOTH VEHICLES WERE TOTALED. FORTUNATELY, WE WERE WEARING SEAT BELTS AND WERE NOT…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · April 12, 2015 · crash

“TL* 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…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · January 7, 2015

“DASHBOARD HAS CRACKED AT THE AIR BAG. LIFTERS HAD TO BE REPLACED AND NOW THE CAMSHAFT IS MAKING NOISES. MY TRACTION CONTROL KEEPS SHUTTING ITSELF OFF AND TELLING ME TO SERVICE IT. REALLY BAD WIND NOISE COMING FROM THE PASSENGER PILLAR.”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · September 14, 2015

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 GMC SIERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE IGNITION LOCK ACTUATOR MADE IT DIFFICULT TO TURN THE KEY, WHICH CAUSED THE IGNITION TO BECOME STUCK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V827000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM), BUT THE…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · June 1, 2013

2011 GMC Sierra — common questions

Is the 2011 GMC Sierra reliable?

It is close to typical for the Sierra: 67 NHTSA complaints, 2 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2011 Sierra problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are other (13 complaints), airbags (10 complaints), engine (8 complaints).

Does the 2011 GMC Sierra have recalls?

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

Which GMC Sierra years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Sierra years to avoid are 1999, 2000, 2001, 1995, 1996, 1997, 2002, 2003, 1998, 2004, 1994, 2005, 2014, 1993. The cleanest record among Sierra years belongs to 1979.

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.

How does 2011 compare to other Sierra years?

What are the most common 2011 GMC Sierra problems?

Does the 2011 GMC Sierra have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

2011 GMC Sierra — common questions

Is the 2011 GMC Sierra reliable?

What are the most common 2011 Sierra problems?

Does the 2011 GMC Sierra have recalls?

Which GMC Sierra years should you avoid?

Related