2011 Chevrolet Silverado Problems
Compared with other Chevrolet Silverado years
Fewer complaints than typical for this model
32/100 0.7× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.7× that of a typical Chevrolet Silverado year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 22 of its 75 complaints were filed by the end of 2013.
- Most reported problem: Dashboard cracks near passenger airbag (17 complaints, median 51,000 mi).
- 2 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 75filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 53,000miles, 62 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 2campaigns on record
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —no overall rating published
- EPA fuel economy
- 21 mpgcombined, 6.0L 8-cyl · hybrid RWD · 20 city / 23 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often report cracks in the dashboard around the passenger airbag cover, along with airbag-related concerns and brake complaints that tend to appear at low mileage. Reports also describe fuel gauge and fuel system problems, plus steering and ignition issues covered by two recalls. Complaint mileage varies widely, from a few thousand miles to well over 100,000.
- Body and structure
Dashboard cracks near passenger airbag
- 17 complaints (23%)
- median 51,000 mi at 5.0 yrs old (12 state mileage)
- filed 2014–2016
Owners report cracks developing in the dashboard, most often at the corner of the passenger airbag cover or near the defroster vent, sometimes with a loose or rattling feeling in that area. Several say the truck was garage kept and not exposed to prolonged sun or heat, and that cracks appeared with relatively low mileage. Dealers generally quoted full-cost replacement or said the condition was not covered, and some owners raised concern about how the cracked area could affect airbag deployment. Mostly reported between roughly 30,000 and 60,000 miles, with several owners noting the vehicle was garaged.
What to check: Inspect the dashboard carefully at the corners of the passenger airbag cover and along the defroster vent for hairline cracks. Ask whether any dashboard repair or replacement has been done.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10839314, filed 2016-03, 50,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10825957, filed 2016-02, 50,000 miles - Brakes
Brake pedal or stopping performance concerns
- 8 complaints (11%)
- median 34,500 mi at 2.8 yrs old (7 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2011–2015
Owners describe situations where the brake pedal felt firm but the truck did not slow as expected, sometimes requiring heavy pressure or steering to avoid a collision. Others report rear brake squeal with heavy dust buildup that returned after dealer cleaning. A separate group describes ABS and traction control warning messages in very cold weather, along with reduced anti-lock function. Stopping concerns were reported at very low mileage, several under 10,000 miles; rear brake noise from about 16,000 miles; cold-weather ABS warnings at various mileages.
What to check: Test the brakes from highway speed on a safe road and note any pulsation, noise, or long pedal travel. Ask whether the Hydro-Boost unit or ABS system has been serviced, and check for warning messages on a cold start.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Brake failure. Applied brakes rapidly due to vehicle stopping in front of me. Noticed tire squeal then brake pedal remained firm but, my vehicle failed to stop. Had to steer into opposite travel lane to avoid accident. Brakes then began to function normally. Drove to dealership to have checked. Service manager said brakes checked ok. In route to my home service brake soon light appeared on dash display.”
NHTSA complaint #10429139, filed 2011-10, 2,981 miles“In (always and only) very cold weather warning messages appear on the dashboard warning of traction control/ABS failure. On a snow covered road the rear axel sent power to the wheel with the least traction and the truck started sliding backwards. Abs brakes fail to work as anti-lock. This failure occurs whenever the temperature is below 25 degrees. The failure occurs at any speed and is preceded with difficulty shifting out of park. …”
NHTSA complaint #10706477, filed 2015-04, 34,500 miles - Air bags
Airbag warning light and wiring faults
- 10 complaints (13%)
- median 64,000 mi at 4.5 yrs old (9 state mileage, few)
- 4 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2014–2016
Owners describe the airbag warning light coming on intermittently or staying on, sometimes returning shortly after a repair. One owner reported being told the airbag wiring was corroded and that the airbag itself needed replacement at their cost. Others describe airbags not deploying in collisions, though those accounts involve crash circumstances that are hard to verify from the complaint text alone. Reported from around 40,000 to 100,000 miles, with several in the 60,000 to 80,000 mile range.
What to check: Check that the airbag warning light comes on with the ignition and goes out after start. Ask for any history of airbag sensor, wiring, or module repairs.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“We has our truck in for repairs 5 weeks prior due to the airbag light coming on. It was repaired but now the light came back on. We brought it back in and now are being told the wires are corroded propbably from moisture (we live in the desert where it does not rain, nor is it exposed to moisture). The airbag has to be replaced and is costing us over $800.”
NHTSA complaint #10732984, filed 2015-07, 83,825 miles“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 in place allowing him to hit his head on the roof of the truck cab”
NHTSA complaint #10608347, filed 2014-07, 70,000 miles - Fuel system
Fuel gauge inaccuracy and fuel leaks
- 5 complaints (7%)
- median 101,000 mi at 3.8 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
- filed 2011–2014
Owners report the fuel gauge dropping suddenly to empty or reading inaccurately after refueling, sometimes accompanied by stalling. On diesel versions, owners describe a strong fuel odor and visible fuel loss, with dealers pointing to high-pressure pump or line fittings and, in one case, a failed tank heater. Some owners were told the gauge behavior was a normal characteristic. Reported from just a few thousand miles up to about 140,000 miles, most commonly in the 40,000 to 100,000 mile range.
What to check: Fill the tank and watch whether the gauge reads correctly and holds steady. On diesel trucks, look for fuel residue or odor around the flywheel housing and under the engine, and ask about any fuel pump or line repairs.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“On oct 4th, 2014 I was traveling from san angelo, tx to san antonio, tx, in my 2011 3500 Chevrolet diesel pickup, pulling our 5th wheel camper. When I neared junction, tx I could smell an odor of fuel. On I-10 eb mile 456, I noticed that my fuel gauge was rapidly dropping. When I left junction, the gauge read half full. At mile marker 497, I pulled into a rest stop, because the fuel gauge had dropped to the empty mark. I got out of the truck and could see the diesel pouring off the bottom of the motor. …”
NHTSA complaint #10643445, filed 2014-10, 101,000 miles“I have a 2011 chevy Silverado with a fuel gauge problem. While driving downhill, my fuel gauge light just comes on and the fuel gauge goes down to empty. The vehicle then stalls losing all power and control of the vehicle (brakes, steering). As I reach the bottom of the hill, I have to place the vehicle in park and it starts right back up but the fuel gauge stays at empty. I had the vehicle serviced at a GM dealership and it was stated by the tech that vehicle is working as designed. This was also confirmed by GM engineering department. …”
NHTSA complaint #10441828, filed 2011-12, 4,105 miles
Buying note. Check the dashboard around the passenger airbag cover and confirm the airbag warning light behaves normally, since those are the most repeated reports. Ask for service records on brakes, fuel system work, and whether the ignition recall was completed, and test drive at highway speed and on a cold start.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 75 consumer complaints for the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado. 62 of the complaints include a mileage, and 45% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 53,000 miles. Of all complaints, 7 involved a crash, 2 a fire, 9 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 274 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 8 Chevrolet Silverado model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 32 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (fewer complaints than typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Body and structure15 20%
- Air bags13 17%
- Other or unknown12 16%
- Brakes9 12%
- Fuel system9 12%
- Engine7 9.3%
- Electrical system5 6.7%
- Vehicle speed control4 5.3%
Also reported: Steering (3), Suspension (3), Seat belts (2), Seats (2), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (2), Wheels (2), Engine cooling (1), Equipment (1).
Example complaints
Body and structure: “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 at time of accident.”
NHTSA complaint #10663985, filed 2014-12, 30,200 milesAir bags: “My vehicle was forced off the road by another vehicle causing my vehicle to hit a light pole head on. No air bags deployed. Driver and passenger suffered injury.”
NHTSA complaint #10607261, filed 2014-07, 54,000 milesOther or unknown: “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 be getting a better product.”
NHTSA complaint #10761417, filed 2015-09, 67,500 milesBrakes: “Since about 16,000 miles, my rear breaks have been squeaking. The chevy dealer has cleaned the breaks twice now and it has resoled the problem for a few months, but has always returned. Each time they cleaned the rear drum breaks, they stated there was excessive break dust. There clearly is an issue with this year model and the rear drum breaks.”
NHTSA complaint #10609109, filed 2014-07, 16,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
45% of the 62 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 22,000 and 71,380 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: rising. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2011 Chevrolet Silverado version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Silverado 15 Hybrid 2WD | 6.0L 8-cyl · hybrid | CVT | 20 | 23 | 21 | $3,200 |
| Silverado 15 Hybrid 4WD | 6.0L 8-cyl · hybrid | CVT | 20 | 23 | 21 | $3,200 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 14V827000Dec 30, 2014Electrical system › IgnitionCovers: Chevrolet Silverado 2011–2012, Tahoe 2011–2012, Cadillac Escalade ESV 2011–2012 +7 more
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…
- 11V339000Jun 28, 2011Steering › LinkagesCovers: Chevrolet Silverado 2011, Tahoe 2011, Cadillac Escalade ESV 2011 +5 more
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…
Recall details for the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 274 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 10108599Jul 17, 2017Suspension. This technical bulletin provides a procedure to lube the rear leaf springs on vehicles with the condition of a squeak noise originating from the rear of the vehicle.
- 10113404Feb 8, 2017Fuel system. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have a bump feel or clunk noise at a stop or on launch. Dealer should communicate to the…
- 10113364Jan 31, 2017Brakes. This Preliminary Information communication advises the technician that the Hydro-Boost is not serviceable and will need to be replaced if the brake pedal moves or applies on its own at a full turn.
- 10113329Jan 12, 2017Equipment. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that within 10 seconds after startup the radio will mute and phone icon displays on the radio for up…
- 10113889Mar 1, 2016Equipment. This Preliminary Information communication provides the technician with a list of modules to check for communication with the scan tool, if the navigation radio does not display the current Hybrid…
- 10113888Mar 1, 2016Engine. This Preliminary Information communication provides steps the technician will uses to diagnose and repair vehicles that have low oil pressure after an oil change with the engine Regular Production…
- 10113887Mar 1, 2016Electrical system, Brakes. This Preliminary Information communication provides the technician with the additional steps that are needed to help perform a successful brake bleed on the 2-Mode Hybrid with Regular Production…
- 10095901Feb 9, 2016Engine. This preliminary information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have a cold engine tick noise for 50 seconds at start up. Technician determines if the tick…
- 10095683Feb 2, 2016Equipment, Engine. This preliminary information communication provides information to the technician on vehicles that may have an intermittent high idle. If a technician has duplicated, or the customer description…
- 10112299Jan 27, 2016Equipment. This informational bulletin provides information on Part Restriction and Ordering Process Information for OnStar Vehicle Communication Interface Modules (VCIM) (GMNA Only)
Other model years of the Chevrolet Silverado
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 125 | 32,000 | 0 | — | 20 | 50 · Typical | Falling |
| 2016 | 5 | 664 | 2 | — | 20 | — | Not enough data |
| 2015 | 76 | 5,860 | 7 | — | — | 83 · More | Stable |
| 2014 | 124 | 4,913 | 13 | — | — | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2013 | 64 | 10,050 | 3 | — | 21 | 55 · Typical | Falling |
| 2012 | 68 | 20,482 | 2 | — | 21 | 53 · Typical | Falling |
| 2011 | 75 | 53,000 | 2 | — | 21 | 32 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2010 | 62 | 43,232 | 0 | — | 22 | 0 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2009 | 76 | 58,500 | 0 | — | 21 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2008 | 162 | 65,650 | 1 | — | — | 24 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2007 | 183 | 56,500 | 1 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2006 | 182 | 59,756 | 4 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 316 | 53,737 | 8 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 622 | 46,746 | 8 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 695 | 44,000 | 6 | — | 13 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2002 | 710 | 46,567 | 4 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2001 | 877 | 49,008 | 4 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2000 | 1,305 | 57,604 | 8 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1999 | 1,660 | 64,000 | 5 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1998 | 279 | 73,500 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 272 | 81,000 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 186 | 79,000 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 263 | 124,000 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 210 | 121,500 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 69 | 187,000 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 40 | 160,000 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 17 | 107,500 | 0 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1990 | 25 | 88,500 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1989 | 22 | 106,500 | 0 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1988 | 15 | — | 0 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1984 | 5 | — | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
All Chevrolet Silverado model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado?
Owners of this model year most often report cracks in the dashboard around the passenger airbag cover, along with airbag-related concerns and brake complaints that tend to appear at low mileage. The issues reported most often: Dashboard cracks near passenger airbag; Brake pedal or stopping performance concerns; Airbag warning light and wiring faults.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado have?
NHTSA recorded 75 consumer complaints for the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado is reported most often?
Body and structure is named most often, in 15 complaints (20% of the total), followed by air bags with 13.
Has the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado been recalled?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado get?
The EPA rates the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado (Silverado 15 Hybrid 2WD, 6.0L 8-cyl · hybrid) at 21 mpg combined, 20 city and 23 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,200 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado reported?
Among the 62 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 53,000 miles and the middle half falls between 22,000 and 71,380 miles; 45% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.