2011 GMC Sierra Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 16%of 43 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 59,980miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the engine of the 2011 GMC Sierra, 16% of the 43 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 59,980 miles.
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.
“Dashboard has cracked at the air bag. Lifters had to be replaced and now the camshaft is making noises. My traction control keeps shutting itself off and telling me to service it. Really bad wind noise coming from the passenger pillar.”
NHTSA complaint #10818548, filed 2016-01, 60,000 miles“While driving down the interstate at 70 MPH my service traction control message, service stabilitrak message, check engine light, and reduced engine power message came on. The vehicle started running very rough it would not go above 50 MPH. I drove approximately 3 miles to get off the interstate into the gas station parking lot. I turned it off for about 10 minutes when I turned it back on only the check engine light was on I took it to the shop and they ran tests and said it was the battery. …”
NHTSA complaint #10852316, filed 2016-03, 59,980 miles“I own a 2011 Gmc Sierra 3500 6.6 duramax diesel truck. When the truck is regen-ing the DPF , raw fuel leaks from an exhaust coupling located at the turbo and down-pipe saturating the hot exhaust pipe with fuel. When you come to a stop while it is in this regen mode white smoke boils out from under the hood and enters the cabin inducing a coughing fit and burning eyes. I took the truck to a Gmc dealer in san angelo tx and told them about the problem. Was told that they couldn't replicate the problem that I was describing and that I should rest assured because diesel won't burn anyway .”
NHTSA complaint #10504865, filed 2013-03, 13,800 miles“After applying brake to slow down to < 5 MPH (not coming to a halt) and then trying to accelerate, vehicle becomes unresponsive for 1 to 2 seconds; it feels like the transmission goes into neutral during the braking period and when gas pedal is applied, there is a 1 - 2 second time period where vehicle is trying to figure out something and prevents any acceleration. Why is this dangerous? …”
NHTSA complaint #10598600, filed 2014-06, 10,000 miles“The tbs goes out. Putting the truck into reduced power. I was going 65 MPH and the truck slowed down to 15 MPH on the freeway. Lose all breaks control , ABS goes out to. Almost have been due to GM”
NHTSA complaint #10817766, filed 2016-01, 100,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10113325Jan 12, 2017This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on the steps to diagnose and repair vehicles that may have a Service Engine Soon Malfunction…
- 10100822Jul 11, 2016This informational bulletin provides the technician with what may happen to an engine due to lack of maintenance.
- 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…
- 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…
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 4 | 7% |
| 2015 | 2 | 4% |
| 2014 | 8 | 8% |
| 2013 | 3 | 8% |
| 2012 | 5 | 17% |
| 2011 | 7 | 16% |
| 2010 | 2 | 6% |
| 2009 | 3 | 8% |
| 2008 | 1 | 1% |
| 2007 | 2 | 3% |
| 2005 | 8 | 7% |
| 2004 | 5 | 3% |
| 2003 | 3 | 1% |
| 2002 | 3 | 1% |
| 2001 | 1 | 0% |
| 2000 | 1 | 0% |
| 1997 | 1 | 0% |
Other parts of the 2011 GMC Sierra
11 complaintsAir bags
10 complaintsBody and structure
8 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
6 complaintsBrakes
4 complaintsElectronic stability control
4 complaintsVehicle speed control
4 complaintsElectrical system
3 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsEngine cooling
1 complaintsEquipment
1 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2011 GMC Sierra
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