2011 GMC SIERRA 1500

What owners reported to NHTSA, ranked by how often and how seriously.

This is complaint data, not a random sample.

It only includes owners who chose to file a federal complaint, so it over-represents dramatic and safety-related problems and under-represents minor issues an owner just had fixed without reporting. Read this as what NHTSA complainants report most, not as this vehicle's true failure rate. Full methodology.

Component ranking

  1. #1

    airbag system

    63 unsafe, 2 annoyance

    65
    incidents
    Typical range: 40,000–79,000 mi

    Median 58,000 mi, based on 62 reports (32% had no usable mileage)

    • "TAKATA RECALL - SEVERAL CRACKS HAVE FORMED ON THE TOP OF THE DASHBOARD. THE BIGGEST CRACK IS LOCATED AT THE TOP CORNER OF THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG. CRACKS APPEARED OVERTIME DESPITE THE FACT THAT THE TRUCK IS MOSTLY GARAGE KEPT."~9,000 mi, complaint #1364270
    • "A VISIBLE AND CONCERNING CRACK APPEARING IN A CORNER OF THE PASSENGER AIRBAG DASHBOARD. NO PERSONAL -WHETHER INTENTIONAL OR NOT- DAMAGE HAS BEEN MADE TO THE DASH. I HAVE BEEN THE SOLE OWNER OF THIS TRUCK SINCE IT WAS BOUGHT NEW. IT WAS FOUND ONE MORNING AS I W…"~37,000 mi, complaint #1227596
    • "DASHBOARD IS CRACKED DIRECTLY ADJACENT TO THE AIR BAG, THIS IS HAPPENING TO A LARGE NUMBER OF GMC AND CHEVY OWNERS, I AM CONCERNED THAT PLASTIC PIECES OF DASHBOARD WILL BECOME DANGEROUS FLYING OBJECTS IN THE EVENT OF AN IMPACT THAT DEPLOYS THE AIRBAG. I HAVE B…"~58,000 mi, complaint #1218051
    • "TAKATA RECALL: I RECEIVED A NOTICE FROM TK HOLDINGS IN 2016 ABOUT THIS RECALL. I'VE CHECKED THE WEBSITE SEVERAL TIMES SINCE BUT THE STATUS IS ALWAYS "RECALL INCOMPLETE. REMEDY NOT YET AVAILABLE". I CALLED GMC TODAY AND THEY SUBMITTED A REPORT TO THE NHTSA T…"~80,000 mi, complaint #1527847
    • "TAKATA RECALL I GOT REAR ENEDED AT A STOP SIGN, COMPLETELY STOPPED AND THE LADY JUST SMASHED RIGHT INTO THE BACK OF ME. NO AIR BAGS EVER EVEN DEPLOYED!"~164,000 mi, complaint #1418021
  2. #2

    interior trim

    20 unsafe, 5 broken, 13 annoyance

    38
    incidents
    Typical range: 34,000–86,000 mi

    Median 58,000 mi, based on 33 reports (25% had no usable mileage)

    • "CRACKED DASHBOARD. IN BUNCH OF PLACES FOR NO APPARENT REASON. HAD TO PURCHASE DASH BOARD SKIN OVER IT. IT ALWAYS GARAGE KEPT. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL EVERY ONE I KNOW WITH CHEVY OR GMC HAVING SAME PROBLEM"~10,000 mi, complaint #1673612
    • "MY DASHBOARD IS CRACKED IN THREE PLACES. TWICE AROUND THE PASSENGER AIR BAG AND THE OTHER IS ABOVE THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE TWO AROUND THE AIR BAG HAPPENED IN AUGUST OF 2013 AND THE ONE AROUND THE DASH JUST HAPPENED NOV 25, 2016. I HAVE KEPT A SUN VISOR COV…"~35,000 mi, complaint #1337856
    • "CRACKED DASHBOARD. CRACKED IN 2 PLACES. ONE NEAR THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG AND ONE ABOVE THE STEREO."~58,000 mi, complaint #1375656
    • "CRACKING DASH IN MANY AREAS EXPOSING ELECTRICAL WIRING."~87,259 mi, complaint #1303629
    • "DASHBOARD COVER HAS CRACKED IN SEVERAL PLACES CAUSING A $1300 REPAIR BILL FOR SOMETHING GM KNOWS IS A PROBLEM AND NEEDS TO FIX"~150,000 mi, complaint #1449895
  3. #3

    other

    1 stranded, 4 unsafe, 1 broken, 9 annoyance

    15
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=6)

    • "BROUGHT TO DEALERSHIP FOR MANY ISSUES, ONE OF WHICH WAS THE SIDE MOLDING STARTING TO COME OFF ON ALL 4 DOORS, THEY HAD TO ORDER AND PAINT THE MOLDINGS SO IU RETURN OVER A HOLIDAY WEEKEND FOR THEM TO REPAIR. WHEN I SHOWED UP, THEY HAD ONLY DONE ONE SIDE AND IT…"~6,000 mi, complaint #1295201
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 GMC SIERRA 1500. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE BUMPER FOG LIGHT ASSEMBLY WAS FRACTURED ON THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILUR…"~33,000 mi, complaint #1100665
    • "The contact owned a 2011 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked at the residence overnight, the vehicle caught on fire. The fire spread to his other vehicle, a 2000 Chevrolet Blazer, and that vehicle was also destroyed. The fire…"~201,000 mi, complaint #1798675
    • "SPARE TIRE WILL NOT LOWER AS DESCRIBED IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL, DEALERS ARE UNABLE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM, WHICH COULD LEAD TO BEING STRANDED ON THE ROAD IN ADVERSE WEATHER."~244,000 mi, complaint #1464780
  4. #4

    corrosion and rust

    13 unsafe

    13
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 GMC SIERRA 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S SUBFRAME, NEAR THE DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SIDE WERE SEVERELY RUSTED. THE CONTACT CONTACTED THE DEALER GANLEY CHEVROLET OF AURORA - ADDRESS: [REDACTED ADDRESS], AURORA, OH 4420…"~38,000 mi, complaint #1684435
  5. #5

    instrument cluster

    7 unsafe, 1 broken, 2 annoyance

    10
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=7)

    • "MY 2011 GMC SIERRA DENALI DASHBOARD HAS CRACKED FROM AIRBAG ON PASSENGER SIDE TO THE SPEEDOMETER"~44,000 mi, complaint #1302824
    • "THE DASHBOARD HAS MAJOR CRACKS AROUND THE AIRBAG AND THE CLUSTER AREAS. WHEN YOU SPEND 45,000 OR MORE ON A VEHICLE YOU EXPECT A QUALITY PRODUCT. I SOLD MY BMW 750 LI AND PURCHASED THIS GMC SIERRA 1500 DENALI 2011. I HAVE VIEWED MULTIPLE VIDEOS OF PEOPLE HAVING…"~61,500 mi, complaint #1288111
    • "THE DASH BOARD IS CRACKING AROUND THE AIR BAG."~80,000 mi, complaint #1405634
    • "Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2011 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 119…"~128,000 mi, complaint #2084198
    • "DASH CRACKED ABOVE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND BY PASSANGER AIRBAG. DEALER QUOTED $1600 REPAIR BILL. GM WONT ISSUE A RECALL AFTER I CALL AND TALKED TO CUSTOMER SERVICE"~130,000 mi, complaint #1449896
  6. #6

    driveshaft axle cv

    1 stranded, 5 unsafe

    6
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=5)

    • "THERE IS PLAY IN THE REAR AXLES THAT EMIT A CLUNKING NOISE WHEN I AM SLOWLY BACKING OVER A GRADE WITH THE STEERING WHEELS TURNED. I DEMONSTRATED PLAY IN THE REAR AXLES TO THE GMC FACTORY REP AND HE SAID THE AXLE PLAY IS WITHIN TOLERANCES. MY CONTENTION IS TH…"~11,300 mi, complaint #924979
    • "TL* 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…"~35,000 mi, complaint #1682712
    • "TL* 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.…"~126,000 mi, complaint #1501985
    • "I WAS DRIVING ON A MAIN ROUTE WHERE THE SPEED LIMIT IT 45 MPH. IT WAS ON A STRAIGHT STRETCH AND MY REAR END EXPLODED LEAVING ME AND MY YOUNG SON STUCK. I FINALLY REALIZED THAT I USE 4X4 TO GET US OFF THE ROAD WHICH THANKFULLY WORKED."~163,000 mi, complaint #1643058
  7. #7

    door latch and hinge

    3 unsafe, 2 broken

    5
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "ALL FOUR OF THE DOOR HANDLES ON MY TRUCK ARE BREAKING OFF; EVEN THOUGH GMC HAS KNOWLEDGE OF THE PROBLEM THEY REFUSE TO REPLACE THE DOOR HANDLES, BECAUSE MY TRUCK IS OUT OF WARRANTY. IT'S A WELL KNOWN PROBLEM, YOU CAN EVEN GOOGLE A SEARCH FOR THIS MATTER AND S…"~8,900 mi, complaint #1414174
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 GMC SIERRA 1500. THE CONTACT STATED UPON ENGAGING THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AND RELEASING IT, THE HOOD LATCH OPENED INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TO BE INSPECTED BY AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE…"~10,000 mi, complaint #1081853
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 GMC SIERRA 1500. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO OPEN THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE DOOR AND THE HANDLE DETACHED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE DOOR HANDLES HAD TO BE REPLACED APPROXIMATELY A…"~54,000 mi, complaint #1342016
  8. #8

    engine internal

    5 unsafe

    5
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=8)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 GMC SIERRA 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD RATTLING NOISE OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE…"~13,592 mi, complaint #973969
    • "NOTICED ONE MORNING WHEN STARTING UP MY TRUCK THE VALVES WERE TAPPING. LIKE OUT OF ADJUSTMENT. MY 5.3 IS ROLLER LIFTERS SO I WAS SURPRISED. TOOK IT TO DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT GM HAD A RECALL ON CADILLAC, CHEVY AND GMC 5.3 AND 6.2 ENGINES WITH DEFECTIVE LIFTER…"~25,000 mi, complaint #1047352
    • "WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND LOST POWER. ALSO STARTED TO HEAR TAPPING COMING FROM ENGINE. HAD IT CHECKED BY MECHANIC. FOUND CODE P0306 CYLINDER 6 MISFIRE. CHECKED GM TRUCK WEB SITE AND NOTED SERVICE BULLETIN NOTING VALVE LIFTER FAILU…"~60,000 mi, complaint #1501271
    • "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…"~92,000 mi, complaint #1514777
  9. #9

    stability and traction control

    5 unsafe

    5
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=6)

    • "OK SO I'M GOING DOWN INTERSTATE AND TRUCK ALL OF THE SUDDEN NO SIGN OR ANYTHING SAYS SERVICE STABLETRACK, SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL,,POWER REDUCED.I BARLEY GOT OVER AND HIT .THIS COULD HAVE KILLED ME AND MY KID'S...THERS OVER 100,000 TRUCKS THAT HAVE THE SAME P…"~46,000 mi, complaint #1513632
    • "ISSUE #1-WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE STABLITRAK WARNING LIGHT, TRACTION CONTROL, ENGINE POWER REDUCED, AND BRAKE LIGHT ALL CAME ON. VEHICLES ENGINE POWER WAS SUDDENLY REDUCED TO ABOUT 10 MPH WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE IN WHICH I FOUND TO BE VERY DANGEROUS!…"~100,185 mi, complaint #1538643
  10. #10

    wiring harness

    3 unsafe, 1 broken, 1 annoyance

    5
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 GMC SIERRA 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S REAR DEFROST HAD FAILED. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE FUSE LINE AND NOTICED THAT IT HAD MELTED ON THE PANEL BOX. THE DEALER (DON BROWN CHEVROLET, INC. [REDACTED ADDRESS], ST. LOU…"~140,000 mi, complaint #1710510
    • "WHEN I TURN THE TRUCK OFF THE DIM HEADLAMPS STAY ON WITH THE KEYS OUT. THE ONLY WAY TO MAKE THEM GO OFF IS TO PULL THE BATTERY"~1,300,000 mi, complaint #1709318
  11. #11

    fuel tank and lines

    3 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "The contact owns a 2011 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving 8 mph, he started to smell fuel fumes inside the vehicle. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that while inspecting under the vehicle and he noticed a…"~119,543 mi, complaint #1764473
  12. #12

    tire failure

    1 stranded, 3 unsafe

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=5)

    • "OEM TIRES HAVE EXTREMELY POOR WET PAVEMENT TRACTION. FIRST INCIDENT OCCURRED LESS THAN 30 DAYS AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE. IT HAD RAINED HEAVILY FOR AN EXTENDED TIME THAT DAY AND CONTINUING MODERATELY INTO THE EVENING. APPROACHING THE INTERSECTION WHERE…"~1,150 mi, complaint #843056
    • "WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH. WITH OUT NOTICE, THE FRONT PASSENGER TIRE EXPLODED. CHECKING THE TIRE SHOWS IN MIDDLE OF TREAD THE TIRES STEEL BELT JUST BLEW AND POPPED OUT OF THE TREAD. THO THERE IS HIGH MILEAGE ON THE TIRES THE TREAD WEAR IS STILL VERY GOOD. NO DAMAG…"~55,500 mi, complaint #1175081
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 GMC SIERRA 1500 EQUIPPED WITH BF GOODRICH ALL TERRAIN T/A KO2 TIRES, SIZE: 265/70/R17. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT WITHOUT WARNING. THERE WERE DAMAGES TO THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE CORNER PANEL. THE VEHICL…"~177,208 mi, complaint #1576802
    • "The contact owns a 2011 GMC Sierra 1500 equipped with Goodyear Tires, Tire Line: Wrangler 12th Grade Pro, Tire Size: 265/70/R17, DOT Number: PJAH35HV3518. The contact stated while her friend was driving approximately 40-45 MPH with her seated in the passenger’…"~302,984 mi, complaint #1798927
  13. #13

    transmission automatic

    4 unsafe

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=6)

    • "ON NOVEMBER 18, 2010, RETURNING FROM VACATION, DRIVING A NEW 2011 GMC SIERRA SLE PICK UP WITH LESS THAN 2,000 MILES USE, PULLING A 24' TRAVEL TRAILER. THE TRUCK WAS IN "TOW" MODE DESCENDING A 15% GRADE HILL AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH. I WAS NOT ACCELERATING WHE…"~1,500 mi, complaint #828856
    • "I WAS GOING 40MPH WHEN I WENT TO STOP QUICK TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT. I PRESSED ON BRAKES TRUCK DID NOT SLOW DOWN THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN IT DID DOWN SHIFT BUT AT THAT THE TRUCK LUNGED FORWARD CAUSING ME TO CLIP THE TRUCK IN FRONT OF ME. *TR"~3,100 mi, complaint #877452
    • "TRANSMISSION VIBRATION IN THE 1500 TO 2000 RPM RANGE. *TR"~27,000 mi, complaint #1043923
    • "I WAS DRIVING MY [REDACTED ADDRESS] IN MASSACHUSETTS WHEN THE TRANSMISSION DECIDED TO FAIL. MY REAR WHEELS LOCKED UP AND WAS CAUSED TO TURN SIDEWAYS ON A HIGHWAY. MY TRUCK WAS HIT BY FOUR OTHER VECHICLES. WELL THE TRUCK GOT FIXED. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED…"~32,000 mi, complaint #1202058
  14. #14

    engine stall or no start

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=6)

    • "STARTED TRUCK UP AND LET IDLE FOR TWO MINUTES. UPON TAKE OFF, THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT CAME ON AND WAS IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWED BY THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WITH A MESSAGE STATING ENGINE REDUCED POWER. THE TRUCK THEN BEGINS TO RUN VERY ROUGH AND WHEN THE BRAKES W…"~38,958 mi, complaint #1043920
    • "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 FORTUNAT…"~106,000 mi, complaint #1572957
  15. #15

    throttle and pedal

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=5)

    • "DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY, WHEN TRUCK STARTED RUNNING ROUGH. I MANAGED TO MAKE IT TO THE SIDE OF THE FREEWAY BEFORE THE TRUCK STOPPED WORKING. TOWED TO GMC DEALER. BROKEN THROTTLE BODY SENSOR AND BROKEN STEERING POSITION SENSOR CONNECTOR. *TR"~55,000 mi, complaint #961354
    • "THE THROTTLE BODY AND PEDAL CHIP WENT BAD CAUSING A ROUGH RUNNING ENGINE, LOSS OF POWER, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, AND LOSS OF TRACTION CONTROL. MECHANIC STATED HE'S BEEN REPLACING 5-12 A MONTH ON THE SAME ENGINE (5.3 LITER V8). OTHER MODELS ARE SUPPOSEDLY UNDER REC…"~64,000 mi, complaint #1271274
    • "TL* THE CONTACT CALLED ON BEHALF OF HER CUSTOMER WHO OWNS A 2011 GMC SIERRA 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE JERKED AND SHUDDERED WHILE DOWNSHIFTING. THE STABILITY TRAC AND TRACTION CONTROL WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE W…"~103,000 mi, complaint #1676444
  16. #16

    acceleration loss or hesitation

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2011 GMC SIERRA 1500. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 50 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE HESITATED AND WAS SLOW TO ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY ADVISED THAT THERE WERE NO FAILURES AND THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING AS DESIGNED. THE VEH…"~1,500 mi, complaint #833174
    • "WENT ABOUT A MILE WAS GETTING READY TO MAKE A LEFT ACROSS MD RT 4 WHEN I LOST POWER AND REDUCED ENGINE POWER LIGHT CAME, HAD A CLOSE CALL, ON DID SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND A TECHNICAL NOTICE ABOUT THROTTLE BODY AND INJECTOR SENSORS THEY NEED A RECALL. *TR"~78,500 mi, complaint #1030714
  17. #17

    brake hydraulics

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "I HAD A SEVERE SHUDDER WHEN BRAKING. I TOOK APART THE FRONT BRAKES AND DID NOT FIND ANYTHING. WHEN I TOOK OFF THE REAR DRUM I FOUND THAT THE WASHERS ON THE HOLD DOWN SPRINGS HAD FAILED AND ALLOWED THE PIN TO PULL THROUGH. (MAKING A CROSS IN THE WASHER WHERE TH…"~68,000 mi, complaint #1700359
  18. #18

    fuel pump

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "DUE TO A FAULTY DESIGN AND OR MATERIALS USED THE FUEL PUMP MODULE ASSEMBLY LOCATED ON THE TOP OF THE TANK HAS PREMATURELY CORRODED AND CAUSED A DANGEROUS SITUATION WITH POTENTIAL THREAT TO LIFE AS WELL AS CONTAMINATING THE ENVIRONMENT. GAS IS LEAKED OUT OF THE…"~175,000 mi, complaint #1351432
  19. #19

    glass and windshield

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "IN MY 2011 GMC SIERRA 1500, WHICH IS GARAGE KEPT, I STARTED FOR WORK ON A RAINY DAY, MY WINDSHIELD BEGAN TO FOG UP, I TURNED ON MY DEFROSTERS, HEARD A LOUD POP, AND WHEN I LOOKED AT MY DASHBOARD, RIGHT ABOVE THE INSTRUMENT PANEL, I HAD A LARGE CRACK IN MY DASH…"~35,000 mi, complaint #1423532
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 GMC SIERRA 1500. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WITH THE HEAT ACTIVATED, THE REAR WINDSHIELD EXPLODED AFTER TEN MINUTES. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THE REAR WINDS…"~170,000 mi, complaint #1533512
  20. #20

    hv system fault reduced power

    1 stranded, 1 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "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 HAR…"~41,375 mi, complaint #1162533
    • "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 U…"~136,000 mi, complaint #1402215
  21. #21

    lighting exterior

    1 unsafe, 1 broken

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "MY BRAKE LIGHT BULB HAS MELTED TO THE SOCKET AND HAD TO REPLACE THE BOLD TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY."~266,000 mi, complaint #1691686
  22. #22

    starter

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "MY STARTER OR FLY WHEEL IS CAUSING MY TRUCK TO NOT WANT TO START, ALSO THERE IS A RATTLING NOISE WHILE DRIVING AT ABOUT 1500 RPM, AND SOMETHING IS KNOCKING IN THE REAR OF MY TRUCK. ITS A 2011 WITH LESS THAN 40,000 MILES AND HAS BEEN TAKEN WELL CARE OF, NO REAS…"~39,500 mi, complaint #1037898
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 GMC SIERRA 1500. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE WOULD MOMENTARILY GET STUCK IN THE START POSITION. THE FAILURE WAS INTERMITTENT. THE CONTACT WAS MADE AWARE OF THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V827000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTE…"~120,000 mi, complaint #1208214
  23. #23

    steering column

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE TODAY, THE STEERING LOCKED IN POSITION. IT TOOK BOTH HANDS TO FORCE IT TO TURN, AT WHICH A POP WAS HEARD FROM THE STEERING COLUMN AREA. VEHICLE HAS DRIVEN NORMALLY SINCE. TRUCK ONLY HAS 1,500 MILES ON IT. NO CONSUMER DEBRI…"~1,500 mi, complaint #843309
    • "WHILE DRIVING AROUND A HIGHWAY BEND IN THE ROAD THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP AND WOULD NOT MOVE GOING 60 MILES PER HOUR. I'M A BIG GUY AND REALLY USED ALL MY FORCE TO TURN THE WHEEL AND FINAL GOT TO BREAK FREE WITH A LOUD POP FROM THE STEERING COLUM AREA. THIS…"~15,000 mi, complaint #1018983
  24. #24

    suspension arms and bushings

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "I HAVE BEEN HEARING NOISES FROM REAR OF TRUCK , AND KEPT LOOKING FOR THE PROBLEM, FINALLY GRABBED THE BED AND SHOOK IT FROM SIDE TO SIDE AND SOUNDS LIKE THE TIRE IS FIXING TO FALL OFF, TOOK IT TO HALL GMC IN TYLER TX. ON 9-03-2013 THEY GREASED THE LEAF SPR…"~19,634 mi, complaint #1013054
  25. #25

    suspension struts shocks

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "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 WIT…"~5,000 mi, complaint #1295209
  26. #26

    unintended acceleration

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=5)

    • "2011 GMC SIERRA 1500 SLE CREW CAB Z71 4X4 COMING OFF OF THE EXPRESSWAY AND COMING TO A STOP AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT I APPLIED BRAKE PRESSURE. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS UNUSALLY STIFF THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE ENGINE REVVED TO OVER 5000 RPM'S AND STARTING TO MOVE FORWARD…"~1,335 mi, complaint #837635
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 GMC SIERRA 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS POWERED ON AND IN PARK WHEN IT LUNGED FORWARD ABNORMALLY. THE CONTACT HAD TO JUMP IN THE VEHICLE AND DEPRESS THE BRAKES TO STOP IT FROM TRAVELING ANY FARTHER. THE VEHICLE WAS…"~90,000 mi, complaint #1022811
  27. #27

    abs module

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "ABS Randomly turns on with the traction control light… All windows except for driver window will not go down and sometimes it does not unlock or lock sometimes. It started the beginning of 2022 and has got worst over the years. It is available for inspection.…"complaint #2234655
  28. #28

    ac compressor and refrigerant

    1 annoyance

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "TRUCK WILL COME UP WITH AC TURNED OFF. THE FAN WILL JUST RUN BUT TRUCK DOESN'T SEEM TO START RUNNING HOT. IT WILL COME ON AND WITHIN A FEW DAYS IT WILL GO OFF. THIS HAS HAPPENED A MINIMUM OF THREE TIMES. THIS HAS HAPPENED WHEN JUST STARTING, OR DRIVING ON A RE…"~40,000 mi, complaint #1638730
  29. #29

    brake booster

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "The brake light switch located on the brake pedal failed. This disabled the cruise control, and the brake lights ."complaint #1886831
  30. #30

    cruise control conventional

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "SECOND REPORT - SUDDEN ACCELERATION. 2011 GMC SIERRA PU TRUCK. ON DECEMBER 20, 2010 I WAS TRAVELING TO VISIT FRIENDS. WHILE ON HIGHWAY I SET THE CRUISE CONTROL FOR 70 MPH. I EXITED THE FREEWAY AND TRAVELED APPROXIMATELY 5 MILES ON CITY STREETS. UPON ENTER…"~2,800 mi, complaint #833131
  31. #31

    differential

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "DIFFERENTIAL MAKES CRACKING NOISE, LUM BAR ON DRIVERS SEAT DOESN'T INFLATE,"complaint #1693485
  32. #32

    emissions aftertreatment

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "I MAY HAVE A ILLEGAL AUXILIARY EMISSION CONTROL DEVISE RESULT IN EXCESS EMISSIONS OF NITROGEN OXIDES THAT ARE SIMILAR TO THOSE MADE AGAINST VOLKSWAGEN AND 2011 GMC SIERRA DURAMAX DIESEL TRUCK. GENERAL MOTORS MAY HAVE INTENTIONALLY INSTALLED AN ELECTRICAL 'CHEA…"~100,000 mi, complaint #1430053
  33. #33

    engine oil consumption

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "NEAR 69,150 MILES THE OIL PRESSURE GAUGE FOR MY GMC SIERRA 1500 2011, ALL AT ONCE, WENT TO ZERO GIVING ME A WARNING MESSAGE TO IMMEDIATELY STOP THE ENGINE. IT TURNED OUT TO BE A FAULTY OIL PRESSURE SENSOR. IN ADDITION OIL WAS LEAKING BADLY OUT AROUND THE SENS…"~69,150 mi, complaint #1130739
  34. #34

    exhaust system

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "HEAT SHEALD ON EXHAUST MANIFOLD RUSTED AND FELL OFF ENGINE RESTING ON STEERING COLUMN LOCKING STEERING MOMENTARILY UNTILL I FORCED IT TO WORK.CAR WAS IN MOTION WHEN THIS HAPPENED."~70,000 mi, complaint #1426144
  35. #35

    fuel injector

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 GMC SIERRA 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HESITATED TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS. IN ADDITION, THE ROOF OF THE VEHICLE WAS RUSTED. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL INJECTOR WAS LEAKING AND GO…"~25,000 mi, complaint #1307353
  36. #36

    key fob and immobilizer

    1 annoyance

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "THE PROBLEM IS WITH THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: IGNITION SWITCH, WHEN I INSERT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION, IT WON'T TURN, IT BIND, ITS STOCK, VERY HARD TO TURN."complaint #1474197
  37. #37

    mirror

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "REAR VIEW MIRROR JUST FALLS OFF AND TAKES A CHUNK OF WINDSHIELD WITH IT. COULD VERY EASY STARTLED SOME ONE AND CAUSE ACCIDENT"~60,000 mi, complaint #1487269
  38. #38

    paint and clearcoat

    1 annoyance

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "AFTER HAVING THE TRUCK FOR A YEAR OR SO I NOTICED THAT THE DASH WAS STARTING TO CRACK DUE TO THE FLORIDA SUN BEAMING DOWN ON IT. I PURCHASED A SUNVISOR BUT STILL DIDN'T SEEM TO HAVE MUCH EFFECT ON THE DASH AND NOW IT HAS CRACKED ALL THE WAY ACROSS IN THREE DIF…"~40,000 mi, complaint #1636432
  39. #39

    seat mechanism

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "SEAT COLLAPSED BACKWARD AFTER REAR END COLLISION."~75,000 mi, complaint #1356274
  40. #40

    seatbelt and pretensioner

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 GMC SIERRA 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT DID NOT HOLD AFTER IT WAS LATCHED. THE SEAT BELT WAS VERY LOOSE AROUND THE CONTACT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAIL…"~1,000 mi, complaint #841176
  41. #41

    steering electric assist

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "The power steering failed while operating the vehicle. Unsafe. Local GMC dealership Haggerty in Oak Lawn, IL not able to diagnose problem after fact. My safety and others were at risk. Not confirmed, as techs are not familiar with system. No warnings prior…"complaint #1787594
  42. #42

    steering rack mechanical

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "ACCELERATING UP ON RAMP TO MA PIKE WITH WHEEL TURNED. WHILE MERGING WITH TRAFFIC AT SPEED WHEEL LOCKED IN TURNED POSITION. FORCED WHEEL BACK STRAIGHT WITH MUCH FORCE AND A LOUD POP SOUND FROM STEERING. DUE TO THE AMOUNT OF FORCE REQUIRED, MANY PEOPLE WOULD N…"~7,800 mi, complaint #864424
  43. #43

    transfer case awd

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 GMC SIERRA 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE UTILIZING THE FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE MODE, HE ATTEMPTED A LEFT TURN, BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT GO FORWARD, UNTIL HE TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL BACK TO THE RIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO…"~4,500 mi, complaint #942756
  44. #44

    transmission manual clutch

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "11/2022 shift cable separated from shift lever; preventing ability to put vehicle Into park. Retaining clip deteriorated allowing separation. Fortunately it happened when leaving parking garage and not moving fast. Was able to refasten using zip-tie until new…"complaint #1860424
  45. #45

    wiper and washer

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "WIPERS AND WASHERS COME ON BY THEMSELVES SURPRISING THE DRIVER AND PARTIALLY OBSCURING HIS VISION. IT IS NECESSARY TO PULL OVER AND SHUT OFF THE IGNITION TO GET THEM TO STOP, THEN IT HAPPENS ANGAIN EVERY SO OFTEN DURING AN OUTING."~41,600 mi, complaint #849216

NHTSA investigations

Search NHTSA's own recall and complaint database for GMC SIERRA 1500 directly.