NHTSA Owner Complaint Log
This page lists owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado. Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA and do not by themselves prove a defect or defect rate.
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at an independent mechanic for State Inspection, the vehicle fell off the lift due to frame corrosion. There were no injuries due to the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 46,000.
GM has a defective wax coating on the vehicle frames of nearly a dozen models of their vehicles, spanning at least 2011-19, which they knew can lead to premature rust and corrosion, causing the frames to fail much earlier than expected. The evidence I have gathered includes the detailed internal service bulletin where GM describes the defect, as well as texts and e-mails with GM, and a transcript of my conversation with the Chevrolet dealership. All of which suggests GM knew about this defect and is actively working to keep it from being communicated to owners, some of which would still be covered by the six-year frame warranty. All that evidence is included as part of the attached pdf document. In it's bulletin GM instructs dealers to fix this issue under warranty only if customers brought it up to the dealer, and then, only if it was brought up during the vehicle frame warranty period. However, for those customers that trusted their dealership to take care of their vehicle and to notify them of any major safety issues like premature corrosion or rust on the frames likely to cause failure, those dealerships remained silent, despite being aware this was an issue with these models and model years. I suspect those dealerships remained silent because GM’s internal service bulletin clearly states that the bulletin only applies to customers who comment about rust or corrosion on their frame. I fortunately found out about this issue from a third party before my frame failed on the road. I've reached out to GM expressing my concerns I continue to get bounced between the dealer and GM, each saying the other is responsible. GM also failed to even acknowledge my greater concerns about the safety risk this creates. I've written a more detailed account of this story and have shared it out with several national news outlets in hope that someone will investigate further and determine if this issue has merit. Just hoping I can start sleeping again at night.
The oil pump has been replaced and is still not working how it is supposed to.
Frame has excess rust due to inferior undercoating. This was pointed out to me at the last 2 oil changes at the dealer. Truck is currently available to be inspected.
Hybrid system failed while driving resulting vehicle becoming disabled on the road. Took to GM shop, they informed that the Hybrid System failed. Parts are unavailable because GM discontinued them. GM shop is not willing to replace with used battery due to the lack of reliability “we would have the same problem just a few miles down the road”. GM shop bipassed hybrid system resulting in the vehicle only working if it is on a trickle battery charger. Filed complaint with GM and GM told us they cannot help because the part is discontinued. This vehicle cannot operate without being on a trickle charge which is a hazard to all people on the road. GM discontinued a part that is vital to the vehicle’s safety and usability. GM provided no resolution, therefore putting all 2011 Chevy Silverado Hybrid vehicles at risk for immediate and unforeseen vehicle failure.
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brakes seized. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The failure mileage was approximately 76,000.
The worst problem I have with this vehicle is that it will cut power to propulsion without any warning. I was driving down a suburban roadway, not on the freeway, thank God. When the truck's automatic gear shift wouldn't engage, I went from going 30 mph to 5 mph in seconds. The accelerator pedal wouldn't respond, I managed to coax my truck into a parking lot and restart the engine. Other times the head lights will not come on. Just today, I turned on the left turn signal and the Stabilitrack warning light came on, plus the radio made a brief noise of static. This particular issue appeared and disappeared in one second. I'm concerned that these problems are a manufacturer's mistake, and I want it fixed as soon as possible. My mechanic has tried repeatedly to find the cause but has been unsuccessful.
The frame and cross member that holds fuel tank have rusted to the point of failure. It is available for inspection. Safety hazard exist when the the vehicle become uncontrollable and also when fuel tank comes loose possible ignition if fuel. Have not reproduced or been inspected. Frame rusting to failure is a known issue with these trucks.
2011 Chevrolet Silverado Frame is disintegrating, cross member rusted apart from shock bracket. Truck is deemed dangerous to drive. Will have to get another vehicle.
While driving, all the sudden my check engine light came on (flashing), and my stabilitrack light came on. The engine started running really rough, and lost power. It is like major misfire. Upon reading up on this, it is a problem with this type engine. I saw about 2000 people with the same issue. Nothing works to resolve this problem. Coils, plugs, and wires were replaced, and still the same.
Rear fenders completely rotted through. Was told by certified auto technician that the amount of corrosion will not pass Massachusetts Vehicle Inspection. This is a massive problem for 2011 Chevrolet Silverado. The manufacturer used poor quality material in the rear quarter panels and should be held responsible.
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that he purchased the vehicle aware that the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V054000 (Air Bags) however, the front passenger’s side air bag, traction control, and stabilizer control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that following a state safety inspection, the vehicle was failed due to the frame being severely rusted. The contact stated that there was a hole on the subframe on the driver’s side large enough for a hand to go through the hole. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 105,482. The contact stated that they welded up the frame of the vehicle themselves and had the vehicle inspected.
Today I rear ended a car with the 2011 Silverado. The drivers airbag in the steering wheel did deploy but not fully, never made contact with me at all. I have kept the truck updated with any recalls done.
Vehicle door locks activate lock and unlock while simultaneously downshifting the transmission, the engine dies, the dash cluster stops working, engine starts again, dash cluster begins working again. After this occurs, when the vehicle is shut off, there is a loud "pop" sound heard over the speakers and no interior lights. The vehicle may or may not have any cab power. Cycling the ignition provides little to no help. After the vehicle sits for a while, it may or may not start again. The vehicle stereo will randomly change from FM to aux. The a/c panel will flicker and the blower motor will fluctuate. This can also be seen while watching the battery gage on the instrument cluster. It will go from around 14 volts DC to around 9 volts DC and back up again.
Can poke through frame with a screw driver- frame is severely compromised. Afraid truck will buckle or if hit lightly will collapse. Truck has been well maintained with only 100,000 miles. Power train and parts all in excellent condition.
While pulling into a parking spot the steering stopped working almost causing me to crash into another car. I shut the car off and restarted and the power steering was still out.. thank god i wasn’t on the highway
Rust through the frame. It appears that this is directly related to TSB PI0564K. The rust proofing failure of the vehicle has lead to rust causing holes in the frame of the truck. I have followed the Owners Manuel regarding cleaning of the frame during winter time. There is additional rust on the body rocker panels that are not structural. Repairs will be extensive in scope and cost.
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the brakes. The contact stated that the dashboard was also cracked. There was a dollar-sized hole in the dashboard. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where they informed the contact there was a hairline fracture on the dashboard. The vehicle was not repaired. The air bag was previously replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 28,000.
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while the vehicle was being inspected, he was notified that the subframe was fractured. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that the subframe needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Frame is rusted out with only 102,000 original miles. Drivers side frame- can poke holes with a hand held screw driver going completely through frame. Frame is compromised. Personal note- mechanic by profession (18 years experience) in household has NEVER seen 10 year old vehicle no matter the care with rust this bad. This is a safety risk if an accident were to happen.
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated upon taking the vehicle to an independent mechanic for servicing, he was informed that the subframe was severely corroded. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.
Frame is completely rusted on both sides, big holes. I use the truck for light duty use not a daily driver. Bought used with some known rust on the wheel wells. Had no idea rust would be this bad on frame. Have only had the truck for 3 years. Still owe on it and it seems unfit to drive.
The frame is rusted very bad. I took it to a shop to see if it could be repaired and was told that it can't be repaired it will have to be replaced. This is a 10 year old truck the frame should not be rusted. I have additional photos. It is rusted down both sides of the frame
The contact's daughter owns a 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the rear-end of the vehicle would bounce while driving over speed bumps or potholes. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the sub-frame was improperly coated. The contact was informed that the sub-frame needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 122,000. The VIN was unavailable.
There is a crack in the dashboard at the top left hand corner of the passenger air bag.
2011 CHEVROLET SILVERADO. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO PASSENGER SIDE FRONTAL AIRBAG INFLATOR SAFETY RECALL. THE CONSUMER STATED THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME COMPLETING THE RECALL THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE REMEDY WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE.
My brother was putting a trailer onto my hitch and noticed that it was unstable. The factory hitch was rusted out thru the metal. Him being a mechanic he decided to put the truck up on the rack. My FRAME IS RUSTED COMPLETELY THRU!!! BECAUSE they did not rust proof it right to start. I could have been killed along with my GRANDSON whom I have custody of. No one knew my truck frame was rusted out. It's a beautifully kept truck in great condition. I was not aware of this issue of them not recalling a rustproofing error!!!! Omg. A 20k truck is worthless now. Who has to die to fix this!! There is no reason a truck frame should rust through in 10 years!!
I purchased a 2011 chevy silverado on 3/16/20 from a car dealership. 69k miles when purchased.88k now.I recently went to have a fuel pump repaired that happened out of the blue and was told that the frame is completely rusted out. I looked online only to discover that this is a ongoing problem for these trucks. Makes no sense how I have a truck I owe 14k on and now find out my frame is rusted to the point I could have a accident.
Takata Recall. The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V054000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was not notified of the issue. The manufacturer was notified of the issue and informed the contact that the part was not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Takata recall. The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 21V050000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who stated that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
I brought my truck into a certified Chevrolet repair facility for routine maintenence and to have a repair done on my gas tank. Upon pickup of my vehicle, I noticed that my airbag alert light/ indicator was illuminated on my dashboard. I quickly re-entered the repair facility, and asked them why is my airbag light now illuminated, as it was NOT illuminated prior to this visit. The service manager told me there was a recall on my passenger airbag, so they took it upon themselves to install a new one, causing me to now have a "Service Airbag System"message on my dashboard, along with the illuminated Airbag indicator. My vehicle is equipped with "Onstar", which is a very useful tool that gives me real time diagnostics on my vehicle. Through documentation, I can prove the airbag system did NOT have any issues prior to them installing the new one. They did not notify me that they were going to do this recalled airbag. They are refusing to take accountability and liability for what happened to my vehicle. Please help.
**randomly at any given speed ** First the radio system will randomly turn off then moments later… stabiliTrak off flashes followed by abs and traction control lights on dash then suddenly my Chevrolet Silverado has a mind of its own ! The door locks will flicker uncontrollably , and the vehicle just suddenly has a loss of power while rpms and gauges are continuously moving while you are unable to even move the vehicle .. this is a ongoing problem since 2019 , that no one seems to have an answer too .. I’ve taken it to 3 different mechanics and still no answers … when it first started happening it was super random and would happen a few times a day but then not happen for months on end then all of the sudden now it is happening several days a week .. I’m currently scared to even drive it which is horrible considering the amount of money I’ve put into this truck .. it has only 100k miles but somehow I am stuck using my dads old truck with 330k miles on it which seems to be more reliable and is 12 years older … sucks to pay over 500$ a month for “ your dream vehicle “ that you can’t even drive or get any real answers to what or where the problem is coming from … seems that thousands of people online have the same problem but yet no one has any solution .. Now that I’ve almost been in 3 serious accidents I decided I have to say something, 2 of these times were over 70 mph on a California freeway !!! Something must be done !
The possible failure of a faulty passenger side airbag has put the safety of my family at risk of possible injury or death. I recieved this recall notice going on five months ago now. What is Takata doing about this? Is anything being done? I think this criminal. Who is supposed to have answers to these questions? How long does something like this usually take to get resolved? Recall notice N212328800.
The dashboard on the vehicle is cracked around the area where the passengers side airbag is. The crack originated early on and was minimal and I was advised by the dealership that this was due to warping and not an issue with GMC pickups. I've come to find out from chat boards and other friend, coworkers and family that they have similar issues with their GMC dashboards on both pickup trucks and SUV vehicles.
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that the vehicle was in process of being serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V050000 (AIRBAGS)but the dealer advised the contact that the repair might cause further damage to the dashboard. The contact felt that the recall should have included a replacement dashboard for any additional damage caused by the replacement of passenger-side air bag inflator. The recall was not completed in order to avoid damages. The contact had not experienced a failure.
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it diagnosed with the air bag module needing to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact stated that the failure was due to having NHTSA Campaign number 21V054000 (Air Bags) completed. The failure mileage was 197,271.
2011 Chevrolet Silverado. Consumer writes in regard to Takata Airbag Safety Recall. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE DEALER ADVISED THE DASHBOARD COULD BE DAMAGED DURING THE SAFETY RECALL REPAIR PROCESS. THE CONSUMER WOULD HAVE TO INCUR THE COST FOR THE REPAIRS TO THE DASHBOARD SHOULD IT BECOME DAMAGED. THE CONSUMER DECLINED TO HAVE THE RECALL COMPLETED.
I BOUGHT TRUCK IN OCT2021 AND IT WAS NOT SOLD TO ME IN WORKING ORDER AS WAD TOLD TO ME THEY TOOK MY MONEY AND THEY WERE DONE.
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 21V050000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT RYAN CHEVROLET LOCATED AT 11101 OLIVER RD, MONROE, LA 71201, (318) 390-1765, EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE PART WAS AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REPAIR HOWEVER, THE CONTACT DECLINED THE REPAIR DUE TO A POSSIBILITY THAT THE DASHBOARD MIGHT BE DAMAGED DURING THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 21V050000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT CALLED MIKE HOVART CHEVROLET (5010 OLD EASLEY BRIDGE RD, EASLEY, SC 29642, (864) 385-7000) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
THIS HAS BEEN AN OPEN RECALL FOR YEARS AND SANDY SANSING CHEVY IN PENSACOLA FLORIDA HAS CONTINUED TO SAY THEY CAN'T FIX IT. WITH THE UPDATE TO THE RECALL INFORMATION IN EARLY FEBRUARY I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY STATED THEY ORDERED THE PART BUT IT'S BACK ORDERED FOR TWO WEEKS. IT'S BEEN OVER TWO WEEKS AND NOW THEY HAVEN'T RETURNED MY CALL. I WANT MY TRUCK FIXED OR I WANT IT PURCHASED BACK. IT IS NOT SAFE FOR ANYONE TO RIDE IN MY FRONT SEAT.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET SILVERADO. THE CONTACT'S SON WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, WHEN THE FRONT DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS SON CALLED HIM AT THE TIME OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED HIM THAT THE AIR BAGS HIT HIM ON THE SIDE OF HIS HEAD WHEN THEY INADVERTENTLY DEPLOYED, HOWEVER MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NOT RECEIVED. THE CONTACT'S SON DIED THE DAY AFTER THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE CONTACT WAS STILL AWAITING AN AUTOPSY REPORT FOR THE CAUSE OF HIS SON'S DEATH. THE CONTACT STATED HE RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 21V050000 (AIR BAGS) AFTER THE FAILURE HAD OCCURRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 145,282.
GOOD MORNING MY HEAD LIGHT KEEPS GOING OUT. WHEN I TOUCH THE WIRE IT GOES BACK ON TILL I HIT A BUMP. I'VE BEEN ONLINE AND MANY PEOPLE TALK ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. CAN YOU HELP. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
I received a letter in March 2021 stating my 2011 Chevy Silverado 1500 informing me of a safety recall for the passenger airbags. I called when receiving the letter and was told I was put on a waiting list. It’s been 6 months now and I haven’t heard anything. I also have a check engine light on constantly with no codes coming back after being connected to a code reader.
2011 CHEVROLET SILVERADO C1500. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO REPLACEMENT OF FRONTAL AIRBAGS. THE CONSUMER STATED THE AIRBAG COMPARTMENT HAD HAIRLINE CRACKS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. *JS
Takata Recall. The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V054000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Takata recall. The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V054000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer had been notified about the recall; however, the contact was informed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer had been notified of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Takata Recall. The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V054000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving 50 - 60 MPH, the air bag warning light illuminated. The dealer was made aware of the recall but informed the contact that parts were not available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 134,500. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE WHEN I PULLED THE AUTO CHECK VIN REPORT FOR MY TRUCK. CALLED AUTONATION CHEVROLET - WACO TO SCHEDULE SERVICE REPAIR AND HAD IT SCHEDULED. DUE TO A SCHEDULING CONFLICT I HAD TO RESCHEDULE MY APPOINTMENT AT WHICH POINT I WAS TOLD THAT GM HAS NOT RELEASED THE INFORMATION TO FIX THIS RECALL. SO MY AIRBAG CAN EXPLODE AND KILL ME BUT GM HAS NOT REMEDY YET AND I WAS GIVEN NO TIMELINE AS TO WHEN A REMEDY WILL BE OR WILL EVER BE AVAILABLE.
Data synced from NHTSA on May 4, 2026