45 of the 364 complaints about the 2011 GMC Sierra 1500 are about the body and structure — 12% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 49,000 miles.
45
Complaints
1
Crashes
0
Fires
1
Injuries
Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.
STRUCTURE:BODY
The door handle broke off on the driver side the passenger side door handle will not open the door the outside handles are loose and the rear back driver and passenger side will not open their doors.
NHTSA complaint #11686729 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
2011 GMC Sierra Frame Failed Pennsylvania State Inspection due to Driver Side Frame Rust/hole. The section of the frame must be replaced due to rust(Improper coating... The truck has only 69700 miles on the odometer.
NHTSA complaint #11672122 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
Vehicle is up for inspection in February of 2025 and due to the frame rust it will not pass.
NHTSA complaint #11638839 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
My GMC which is well cared for and only has 121,000 miles has a rusted through frame (mid-vehicle, left side) which has made the truck unsafe to drive. The steel used is inferior, my neighbor across the street also has this truck, 2 years newer, and is doing the same thing. As I have researched this issue I have found out that this is a critical failure of the GMC Sierra for several model years due to a failure to protect the steel used in northern states which compromises structural integrity. When Toyota had this issue, they stepped up and replaced the frames. General Motors, please tell me what you intend to do with this. It is a 5.3 Litre with 121,000 miles on it, in other words, still a baby for such a fine engine. This is not right. I am seriously discouraged. For my family, this is devastating. I still owe $2000 on this vehicle. Thank you, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11614743 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
Rear shock holder rusted through cross member on frame making top of shock stay forced against bottom of the bed of the truck.
NHTSA complaint #11551912 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE
The contact owns a 2011 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed a separation of the rear sub frame of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to be diagnosed by an independent mechanic. The contact was informed that the rear sub frame was extremely rusted. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to a dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 112,000.
NHTSA complaint #11545447 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
I own a 2011 GMC Sierra 1/2 ton pickup truck. It currently has 98 k miles. The crossmember for the frame rusted out and fell off last month. Yesterday the frame broke in two. I see from looking online that GMC failed to add rust inhibitor to the steel for the frame. This is a safety issue and could have been catastrophic. Is anything being done about this failure? Online forums show this happening throughout the US.
NHTSA complaint #11541930 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
Body damage when I bought the truck
NHTSA complaint #11527317 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
Hit a pot hole in a parking lot and the gas tank fell onto the ground. Upon further inspection, it was discovered that the frame cross members and fuel tank straps are rusted/rotted and cannot support the tank.
NHTSA complaint #11527456 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
Vehicle is 12 years old with 105,000 miles and frame has multiple cracks/ holes. I was told by the dealer that the truck is basically junk.
NHTSA complaint #11524894 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
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. This issue gradually became visible after the rust and undercoating wore away that had been applied previous to our purchase from a known dealership.
NHTSA complaint #11505532 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
I have a 2011 GMC Sierra Standard Cab pickup truck. I’m a disabled veteran and have this as my primary vehicle. The frame has a huge hole that developed and will need repair. The frame is rotted and soon will not pass inspection. The truck looks brand new but Engin compartment, frame and tow parts have rotted. I had the leaf spring separated from rotted frame on the highway. I swerved and almost died. GMC must replace the frame to make this right. Soon I will have no truck after giving GMC so much money. It’s criminal what they have done.
NHTSA complaint #11499443 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
The contact owns a 2011 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while having routine maintenance performed on the vehicle, she was informed that the sub-frame was rusted. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who took photos. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.
NHTSA complaint #11431107 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
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: 310 W GARFIELD RD, AURORA, OH 44202; PHONE: (330) 964-2128) TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE VEHICLE DIAGNOSED WHICH WAS STILL PENDING. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND OPENED A CASE REGARDING THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 38,000. *LN
NHTSA complaint #11349024 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE
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
NHTSA complaint #11331956 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
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 DIFFERENT SPOTS
NHTSA complaint #11298593 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
THE TOP SIDE OF MY INTERIOR DASH IS CRACKED ON THE DRIVER SIDE. THIS WAS NOT DUE TO ANY KIND OF IMPACT OR ANYTHING ELSE. I AM THE ONLY DRIVER OF THIS VEHICLE AND TAKE VERY GOOD CARE OF IT.
NHTSA complaint #11296988 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
DASH CRACK ALONGSIDE AIRPAG PASSENGER SIDE
NHTSA complaint #11289374 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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THE OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLES KEEP COMING OFF. IT APPEARS THAT THE MATERIAL USED IS CHEAP PLASTIC. THIS CAUSES THE MECHANISM INSIDE TO EASILY BREAK WITH THE NATURAL CONSTANT OPENING AND CLOSING OF THE DOORS FORM THE OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. YOU CAN SEE CLEAR CHEAP GLUS IS USED TO ADHERE THE PLASTIC AND THIS JUST MAKES NO SENSE CONSIDERING HOW MUCH THEY WANT US TO PAY FOR THE VEHICLE TO HAVE CHEAP DOOR HANDLES ALMOST AS DURABLE AS THOS OF MATTEL RACE CARS SOLD AT WALMART.
NHTSA complaint #11218522 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
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 DASHBOARD. I HAVE SEEN REPORTS ABOUT HOW THERE ARE MANY COMPLAINTS ON GM INVOLVING THE SAME PROBLEM. IT IS MY CONCERN THAT WHEN AIRBAGS DEPLOY ( HOPEFULLY NEVER NEEDED) THAT IT WILL INCREASE THE AMOUNT OF SHRAPNEL IN THE VEHICLE. I AM VERY UPSET THAT I HAVE HEARD STORIES STATING THAT GM CONSIDERS THIS A COSMETIC FLAW AND NOT AN ACTUAL SAFETY ISSUE. ARE YOU KIDDING ME? I WORK HARD FOR MY MONEY, I AM FORCED ON A DAILY BASIS TO STAND BEHIND THE PRODUCT OR SERVICES THAT I PROVIDE. ITS TIME GM DOES THE SAME.
NHTSA complaint #11044818 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
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!
NHTSA complaint #11039891 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
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 SEE OTHER CONSUMERS THAT HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. IT'S A SAFETY PROBLEM, IF SOMEONE, IN NEED OF HELP, IS UNCONSCIOUS IN A VEHICLE WITH THE SAME BROKEN DOOR HANDLE PROBLEM, HOW WOULD THEY GET HELP FAST, IF THE DOOR HANDLES ARE BROKEN.
NHTSA complaint #11033269 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
PURCHASED 2.5 MONTHS FROM LOCAL DEALERSHIP. SPOTLESS INTERIOR. PARKED TRUCK IN PARKING LOT FOR ABOUT AN HOUR FOR CHURCH AND NOTICED CRACK ABOVE PASSENGERS AIRBAG TO THE LEFT SPLITTING THE DASH COMPLETELY. ALSO BOWING TO DASH BRANCHING LEFT OF CRACK. WEATHER WAS AROUND 90 DEGREES AND I USE A SUNVISOR AND TYPICALLY CRACK MY WINDOWS. HAVE NOT CLEANED OR TOUCHED DASH IN THE TIME OF OWNERSHIP, OTHER THAN SLIDDING THE SUNVISOR TO WINDSHIELD. DEALERSHIP TODAY CLAIMED THEY CANNOT AND WILL NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT UNTIL GMC ISSUES RECALL. AFTER RESEARCHING THIS IS APPARENTLY A COMMON COMPLAINT IN ALL GMC TRUCK MODELS FROM 07-13. CONCERNED WITH SAFETY OF AIRBAG PROJECTILING SHARDS OF DASH IF DEPLOYED.
NHTSA complaint #11010733 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 GMC SIERRA 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT, OVER TIME, THE DASHBOARD BEGAN TO CRACK IN VARIOUS PLACES, BEGINNING ON THE UPPER DRIVER SIDE CORNER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THEY WOULD NOT REPLACE THE DASHBOARD AS THERE WAS NO RECALL, BUT COULD POTENTIALLY PROVIDE SOME FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000.
NHTSA complaint #11006333 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
DASH CRACK ABOVE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
NHTSA complaint #11006107 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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CRACKED DASHBOARD. CRACKED IN 2 PLACES. ONE NEAR THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG AND ONE ABOVE THE STEREO.
NHTSA complaint #10983519 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
DASH CRACKED AROUND PASSENGER AIR BAG UNIT. SAFETY HAZARD IF DEPLOYED.
NHTSA complaint #10969272 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 GMC SIERRA 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD BEGAN TO CRACK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 48,000.
NHTSA complaint #10960383 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 GMC SIERRA 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S DASHBOARD WAS CRACKED IN THREE DIFFERENT AREAS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE DASHBOARD WAS CRACKED; HOWEVER, THE REPAIR WAS NOT COMPLETED DUE TO THE DEALER'S REFUSAL TO REPAIR THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V381000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART FOR THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER DID NOT CONSIDER THE RECALL VALID AND WAS TRYING TO GET THE RECALL OVERTURNED IN COURT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 93,308. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10956524 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 GMC SIERRA 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD WAS CRACKED FROM THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER TO THE DRIVER SIDE WINDSHIELD. THERE WAS AN ADDITIONAL CRACK THAT EXTENDED TO THE FAR LEFT CORNER OF THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER AND THE DASHBOARD WAS REPLACED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,000.
NHTSA complaint #10949111 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.