2011 Chevrolet Silverado Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 9%of 75 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 83,918miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the engine of the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado, 9% of the 75 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 83,918 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“We were making a stop at the light , when a 18-wheeler didn't stop and hit us in the back ,pushing us towards the bus that was in front of us , making the glass of the back break and throwing all the crystals in our body and clothes ,the air bags never open , the front seats were broken and 3 of the 4 doors couldn't close anymore, the driver tried to make a move to the left or right , but he could not , because we were stuck, when we realize there were no major injury, we stayed until the red cross came to check our condition,but there were crystals everywhere so we couldn't move without…”
NHTSA complaint #10704219, filed 2015-04, 120,000 miles“Check engine light is displayed and the motor is hesitating. This issue is a second occurrence due to the valve cover leaking and causing the spark plugs to go bad. First time the vehicle was under warranty at approximately 29000 miles and now the vehicle has 39000 miles and the issue has recurred. This appears to be a continually recurring problem for 2011 Chevrolet Silverado trucks.”
NHTSA complaint #10513028, filed 2013-05, 39,010 miles“At 36000 miles the engine burns oil. So far as of 46000 miles pistons burned have been replaced pvc filter and valve were replaced along with valve cover. At present 54000 miles engine still burns oil.”
NHTSA complaint #10549719, filed 2013-10, 39,000 miles“My dash is cracking around the passenger airbag and above the instrument cluster. I am concerned that the cracked areas could come loose and become a projectile. The engine is also burning oil badly and could shut down while driving”
NHTSA complaint #10810819, filed 2015-12“The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Silverado. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she heard a loud abnormal tapping sound at the hood of the vehicle. The contact then stated that upon inspection, she noticed that the tapping sound was coming from the lifter and lifter arm when the piston dropped down. The traction control warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the pistons, rocker arm, head valve seals, and lifter arm needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. …”
NHTSA complaint #11549261, filed 2023-10, 260,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10113888Mar 1, 2016This 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…
- 10095901Feb 9, 2016This 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…
- 10095683Feb 2, 2016This preliminary information communication provides information to the technician on vehicles that may have an intermittent high idle. If a technician has duplicated, or the…
- 10112272Jan 14, 2016This informational bulletin provides information on close coupled converters and there affect on newly installed engines or engines during there break in period.
- 10059078Aug 1, 2015Cadillac/chevrolet/gmc: on some vehicles and/or trucks, instrument cluster will illuminate, after an oil change, indicating low oil pressure and/or ses lamp will illuminate…
- 10059076Jun 1, 2015Chevrolet/gmc: when ambient temperature reaches 103f or greater and accelerating from a stop, there is a lack of power from engine. Model 2010-14 avalanche, silverado, suburban…
- 10056354Sep 1, 2014Gmc/chevrolet: engines, with egr system, has leakage from egr cooler engine coolant into the combustion chamber. Model 2002-15 silverado, sierra, 2004-09 kodiak c4500-c5500…
- 10112167Aug 15, 2014This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on vehicles that may have an intermittent high idle. If a technician has duplicated, or the…
- 10112115Jul 16, 2014This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have a Service Engine Soon Malfunction Indicator Lamp on or reduced…
- 10112069May 14, 2014This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on the steps to diagnose and repair vehicles that may have a Service Engine Soon Malfunction…
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 16 | 13% |
| 2015 | 15 | 20% |
| 2014 | 16 | 13% |
| 2013 | 7 | 11% |
| 2012 | 6 | 9% |
| 2011 | 7 | 9% |
| 2010 | 10 | 16% |
| 2009 | 6 | 8% |
| 2008 | 11 | 7% |
| 2007 | 12 | 7% |
| 2006 | 3 | 2% |
| 2005 | 4 | 1% |
| 2004 | 7 | 1% |
| 2003 | 7 | 1% |
| 2002 | 4 | 1% |
| 2001 | 4 | 0% |
| 2000 | 3 | 0% |
| 1999 | 2 | 0% |
| 1997 | 1 | 0% |
| 1994 | 2 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado
15 complaintsAir bags
13 complaintsOther or unknown
12 complaintsBrakes
9 complaintsFuel system
9 complaintsElectrical system
5 complaintsElectronic stability control
4 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
4 complaintsVehicle speed control
4 complaintsSteering
3 complaintsSuspension
3 complaintsSeat belts
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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