2011 GMC Sierra 1500 Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 3%of 284 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 35,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the suspension of the 2011 GMC Sierra 1500, 3% of the 284 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 35,000 miles. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
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.
“In only 600 miles the suspension was begining to feel like a buckboard, and if a good enough sized pot hole was run over trhe sound was so loud and there was a distinct bell gong rattle. The dealer said they didn't notice anything peculiar, but for a truck with 6000 miles only and 1 year, it felt 10 years old, this problem never went away, and infact got worse, much worse”
NHTSA complaint #10882485, filed 2016-07, 5,000 miles“Ive been having this problem with my leaf springs in the back, theres a peice of my leaf spring that has broken off, I was told by GM that I could of bought it new like that, I have 7 other friends with the same kind of truck that have also had this issue, contacted GM about it and they still have failed to do anything about it. Was told that if I hit the end bad enough the truck end could fall apart. Its getting bad to the point were my leaf springs are starting to bend. Im now missing the peice on both sides of the truck.”
NHTSA complaint #10980566, filed 2017-04“The contact owns a 2011 Gmc SIERRA 1500. The contact stated that there was an abnormal sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact became aware that the rear axle cross pins failed and caused the rear tires to move. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacture was contacted and stated that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 11v007000 (suspension). The approximate failure mileage was 35,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11343766, filed 2020-08, 35,000 miles“The contact owns a 2011 Gmc SIERRA 1500. While driving various speeds, the contact heard an abnormal noise coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the shaft on the pinion gear was fractured. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that nothing could be done because the warranty was expired. The dealer was not notified. The failure mileage was approximately 126,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11131761, filed 2018-09, 126,000 miles“The main body frame is completely rusting through from under the drivers side door back past the fuel tank. It is rusting through on the passenger side as well. The large amounts of rust have caused other issues throughout the entire body of the truck as well as rusting of other components. The frame of this truck will need to be replaced as there is no way to repair it or the vehicle becomes scrap. This vehicle is available for inspection. These issues were not visible when purchased from the dealer. …”
NHTSA complaint #11505532, filed 2023-02Related recalls
- 11V007000Jan 6, 2011General motors is recalling certain model year 2011 cadillac escalade, escalade esv, escalade ext; chevrolet avalanche, colorado, express, silverado…Covers: GMC Sierra 1500 2011, Chevrolet Tahoe 2011, Silverado 1500 2011 +11 more
- 10V643000Dec 17, 2010General motors is recalling certain model year 2011 cadillac escalade ext, chevrolet avalanche, silverado ld and gmc sierra ld vehicles. The rear axle cross…Covers: GMC Sierra 1500 2011, Chevrolet Silverado 1500 2011, Avalanche 1500 2011 +1 more
Related service bulletins
- 11007936Aug 22, 2024This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel on diagnosis and replacement of shock absorber and strut due to fluid leak.
- 11007935Aug 22, 2024This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel on diagnosis and replacement of shock absorber and strut due to fluid leak.
- 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.
- 10245395Nov 6, 2023This service bulletin provides a vibration analysis worksheet the technician can use in conjunction with the appropriate Vibration Analysis-Road testing procedure when diagnosing…
- 10242061Aug 7, 2023This service bulletin provides technicians with updated information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
- 10235561Apr 4, 2023This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel which may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
Suspension: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 1% |
| 2025 | 2 | 2% |
| 2024 | 3 | 1% |
| 2023 | 3 | 1% |
| 2022 | 2 | 0% |
| 2021 | 10 | 2% |
| 2020 | 18 | 4% |
| 2019 | 10 | 2% |
| 2018 | 11 | 4% |
| 2017 | 8 | 2% |
| 2016 | 15 | 4% |
| 2015 | 17 | 2% |
| 2014 | 24 | 3% |
| 2013 | 10 | 9% |
| 2012 | 4 | 4% |
| 2011 | 9 | 3% |
| 2010 | 3 | 2% |
| 2009 | 4 | 2% |
| 2008 | 3 | 1% |
| 2007 | 9 | 3% |
| 2006 | 11 | 8% |
| 2005 | 5 | 3% |
| 2004 | 4 | 2% |
| 2003 | 2 | 1% |
| 2002 | 9 | 5% |
| 2001 | 1 | 1% |
| 2000 | 6 | 3% |
| 1999 | 7 | 4% |
| 1998 | 1 | 2% |
| 1997 | 6 | 7% |
Other parts of the 2011 GMC Sierra 1500
113 complaintsOther or unknown
73 complaintsBody and structure
45 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
24 complaintsElectrical system
17 complaintsEngine
16 complaintsFuel system
12 complaintsSteering
10 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