2011 GMC Sierra 1500 Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 16about this part
- Share
- 6%of 284 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 40,688miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 16 complaints about the engine of the 2011 GMC Sierra 1500, 6% of the 284 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 40,688 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Yesterday august 20, 2017 in the late afternoon while driving, my 2011 Gmc sierra dead stopped without any notice almost causing an accident . I remained blocking the road until the police arrived to push my vehicle to the side of the road. The vehicle was unable to start even with a jump. The car is now at the auto repair shop and the auto mechanic stated that the hybrid system is not responding.”
NHTSA complaint #11018691, filed 2017-08, 136,000 miles“My truck has problems with stability control running on the freeway in the dash came stability control services and second reduce power and the stop mu truck go slow from 65 to 20 in the middle of the freeway car behind my truck”
NHTSA complaint #11372326, filed 2020-10, 65 miles“Stabilitrak off/reduced engine power came on again after 3 unsuccessful 'fixes' at Gmc dealer. I was driving 30mph over a hill when my engine completely stopped responding. Couldn't accelerate and the steering wheel locked. Went into oncoming lane but fortunately I wasn't hit. I was able to pull truck to shoulder and wait a few minutes before being able to turn on again and get it home. I have taken the truck to my local dealer every time this has happened and they only replace the throttle body sensor. It's the second time the truck has stopped responding while driving. …”
NHTSA complaint #11218524, filed 2019-06, 106,000 miles“I was accelerating on to the freeway when I heard a pop then the engine light came on. The vehicle starting knocking and lost power. I called onstar and they gave me the code p0300: the emissions system is not performing as expected. An issue has been detected in the exhaust emissions system which monitors and controls exhaust gases released into the air from the engine. If the vehicle is continually driven with this light on, the emission controls might not work as well, the vehicle fuel economy might not be as good, the engine might not run as smoothly and could lead to future repairs. …”
NHTSA complaint #11151017, filed 2018-11, 92,000 miles“Pulling out of a snow covered parking lot the engine light came on dic then the message, reduced engine power, the engine began to run very rough at a lower idle speed, as began to happen the truck lurched forward and I had to press hard on the brakes very hard like I was fighting the engine speed to slow, then the message changed to service traction control, I had no control over the gas pedal and could only move at about 5mph, then the message changed to service stabilitrak, I got to another area of the parking lot, parked and shut off the engine for a few minutes and the issue would not…”
NHTSA complaint #10692101, filed 2015-03, 41,375 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11026017Jun 5, 2025This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced after severe internal engine damage.
- 11024485May 15, 2025The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the…
- 11014230Jan 31, 2025This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
- 11014233Jan 30, 2025This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large…
- 11012907Dec 18, 2024This service bulletin explains how to measure for oil consumption and possible reasons for loss of oil.
- 11011709Nov 5, 2024This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
- 11011205Oct 28, 2024This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
- 11010544Oct 7, 2024This service bulletin explains how to measure for oil consumption and possible reasons for loss of oil.
- 11010490Oct 5, 2024This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
- 11009532Sep 27, 2024This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 101 | 69% |
| 2025 | 59 | 48% |
| 2024 | 190 | 51% |
| 2023 | 211 | 42% |
| 2022 | 239 | 40% |
| 2021 | 322 | 54% |
| 2020 | 244 | 51% |
| 2019 | 313 | 48% |
| 2018 | 67 | 22% |
| 2017 | 58 | 16% |
| 2016 | 39 | 11% |
| 2015 | 84 | 12% |
| 2014 | 69 | 9% |
| 2013 | 8 | 7% |
| 2012 | 6 | 6% |
| 2011 | 16 | 6% |
| 2010 | 11 | 7% |
| 2009 | 13 | 6% |
| 2008 | 19 | 5% |
| 2007 | 19 | 7% |
| 2006 | 5 | 3% |
| 2005 | 6 | 3% |
| 2004 | 5 | 2% |
| 2003 | 3 | 2% |
| 2001 | 2 | 1% |
| 2000 | 1 | 1% |
| 1999 | 1 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2011 GMC Sierra 1500
113 complaintsOther or unknown
73 complaintsBody and structure
45 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
24 complaintsElectrical system
17 complaintsFuel system
12 complaintsSteering
10 complaintsSuspension
9 complaintsElectronic stability control
7 complaintsVehicle speed control
7 complaintsBrakes
6 complaintsExterior lighting
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2011 GMC Sierra 1500
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