2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 18about this part
- Share
- 3%of 565 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 33,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 18 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 3% of the 565 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 33,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“These vehicles have an issue with the cam. I'm on my second 5.3 engine and I'm being told by a GM certified tech that it's normal for these engines to have cam issues after 100k.”
NHTSA complaint #11378563, filed 2020-12, 200,000 miles“I purchased vehicle use, with 384 miles. Vehicle transmission became very loud, whining, growling, making clunking noise when shifting; downshifting at times produced runaway shifting, clunking and slipping. Took it to one chev. Dealer and service writer said he had a chev p.u. Just like mine and it didn't make those noises. Went back again and dealer found a service bulletin that applied to my transmission. They ordered parts, installed them, but no change. …”
NHTSA complaint #10460704, filed 2012-06, 400 miles“Air bag light is on. This is prompting me to think that this is related to the takata recall. My 2011 silverado has less than 100,00 miles. The transmission started making noises, then it stopped. Prior to that nothing was indicated as going wrong. One month later, the transmission will not move into gears. I have spent thousands of dollars to purchase this vehicle brand new and I am so disappointed in the service that I am getting out of it.also the interior is deteriorating. My radio dials and heat/air control buttons are faded. The steering wheel is peeling. I even bought extended warranty. …”
NHTSA complaint #11170096, filed 2019-01, 100,000 miles“When slowing for a red light or stop sign there is a noise like bad break pads swooshing as though intermittent contact is being made. Brakes ,pads,hubs ,seals and rotors inspected by cert. Mech. Sound appears to come from under center of undercarriage in vicinity of transmission tail shaft. I have had 3 or 4 incidents when putting truck in gear it jerks backwards enough to feel it. This truck has only 80,000 mi and I love to drive it however these noises make me feel like I might be facing serious trouble and great expense down the road.I have an appt. …”
NHTSA complaint #10884990, filed 2016-07, 80,000 miles“On 2/23/11 I purchased a 2011 Chevrolet SILVERADO 1500 and drove 40 miles home when I activated onstar 2/24/11 I was informed the vehicle had a dangerous rear axle condition and not to drive the vehicle.why is national highway allowing general motors to sell a vehicle having this defect to a customer without repairing the vehicle before the sale or delivery. If anyone is hurt the liability will go to general motors but also to national highway for allowing this to happen. …”
NHTSA complaint #10384414, filed 2011-02, 44 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11011205Oct 28, 2024This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
- 11009756Sep 17, 2024This bulletin provides information on Policies Applicable to All U.S. Dealers for Engine and Transmission Assembly Replacement Under Warranty, Policy or Customer Enthusiasm and…
- 11009088Sep 16, 2024This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be…
- 11006421Jul 24, 2024GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or…
- 11005311Jul 9, 2024This service bulletin provides information on Driveline Clunk Noise and what is acceptable and what is considered normal operation.
- 11001321May 16, 2024This bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of water or ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 11000119Apr 26, 2024This service bulletin provides technicians with information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
- 10250347Feb 2, 2024This Warranty Admin service bulletin provides guidelines for Dealers Not Required and for Dealers Required to Contact the PQC for engine or transmission assembly replacement and…
- 10249579Jan 12, 2024This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10248721Dec 18, 2023This bulletin advises the technician that the 6L50 (MYB), 6L80 (MYC) and 6L90 (MYD) Transmission Oil Filter and Seal Kit part number 24236933 is currently transitioning from a…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 26 | 20% |
| 2025 | 21 | 19% |
| 2024 | 96 | 30% |
| 2023 | 108 | 28% |
| 2022 | 190 | 29% |
| 2021 | 243 | 28% |
| 2020 | 235 | 31% |
| 2019 | 330 | 30% |
| 2018 | 171 | 33% |
| 2017 | 191 | 27% |
| 2016 | 194 | 24% |
| 2015 | 138 | 12% |
| 2014 | 154 | 11% |
| 2013 | 13 | 4% |
| 2012 | 10 | 5% |
| 2011 | 18 | 3% |
| 2010 | 24 | 7% |
| 2009 | 12 | 3% |
| 2008 | 25 | 3% |
| 2007 | 35 | 4% |
| 2006 | 28 | 8% |
| 2005 | 36 | 7% |
| 2004 | 27 | 3% |
| 2003 | 26 | 3% |
| 2002 | 26 | 5% |
| 2001 | 19 | 4% |
| 2000 | 16 | 3% |
| 1999 | 26 | 4% |
| 1998 | 26 | 7% |
| 1997 | 57 | 10% |
Other parts of the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
306 complaintsOther or unknown
118 complaintsBody and structure
72 complaintsEngine
40 complaintsElectrical system
27 complaintsElectronic stability control
18 complaintsSuspension
18 complaintsBrakes
17 complaintsFuel system
11 complaintsVehicle speed control
11 complaintsSteering
9 complaintsSeat belts
8 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology