Owners have filed 81 complaints
about the 2011 GMC Sierra 2500 with NHTSA between 2011 and 2025.
The largest single group is the airbags.
Across this model's run it ranks 17 of 30 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 53
Against the median year of the GMC Sierra 2500. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 45
8.6% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 58
34% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2011 compares with every other GMC Sierra 2500
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
36.4%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
510.6%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
24.3%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
1021.3%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
817.0%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
510.6%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
48.5%
150,000+ miles
1021.3%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Mar 2011peak 5Sep 2025
NHTSA investigations into the 2011 GMC Sierra 2500
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.C...
Recalls on the 2011 GMC Sierra 2500
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
21V054000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, PR, AS, GU, the MP, and VI or "Zone A." Additionally GM is recalling certain 2011-2014 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, Yukon XL and 2011-2013 Cadillac Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of AZ, AR, DE, DC, IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, and WV or "Zone B." Additionally, GM is recalling certain 2010-2014 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL and 2010-2013 Cadillac Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI,
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
21V050000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2007-2011 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, Yukon XL, and 2009-2011 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, GMC Sierra 2500 and Sierra 3500 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, GM is recalling certain 2007-2008 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." These vehicles are equipped with non-desiccated passenger frontal inflators containing phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. These inflators
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
18V267000
EQUIPMENT
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD, 2009 GMC Topkick 5000, 6000, 7000 and 8000 Series and Isuzu F Series, and 2009-2018 Chevrolet Express, and GMC Savana vehicles, equipped with certain Plastic-Handle Fire Extinguishers or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf
Risk: In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.
14V407000
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 Chevrolet Silverado HD 2500/3500 trucks manufactured January 18, 2007, to June 22, 2011, and GMC Sierra HD 2500/3500 trucks manufactured January 22, 2007, to June 21, 2011, and equipped with an auxiliary battery. Owners may unknowingly draw too much current through the vehicle's trailer harness resulting in the melting of fusible link for the auxiliary battery.
Risk: If the fusible link melts it may come into contact with adjacent components, damage the electrical center cover, the nearby wiring harness conduit and other vehicle components, increasing the risk of a fire.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 180,000 milesStaten Island, NYFire
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
THE VEHICLE ABRUPTLY CAUGHT FIRE WHILE DRIVING ON FEBRUARY 20TH 2021. THE REASON REMAINS UNKNOWN. PLEASE SEE ATTACHED IMAGES.
NHTSA complaint #11397571 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,000 milesStaten Island, NYFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE VEHICLE ABRUPTLY CAUGHT FIRE WHILE DRIVING ON FEBRUARY 20TH 2021. THE REASON REMAINS UNKNOWN. PLEASE SEE ATTACHED IMAGES.
NHTSA complaint #11397571 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,000 milesStaten Island, NYFire
ENGINE
THE VEHICLE ABRUPTLY CAUGHT FIRE WHILE DRIVING ON FEBRUARY 20TH 2021. THE REASON REMAINS UNKNOWN. PLEASE SEE ATTACHED IMAGES.
NHTSA complaint #11397571 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 54,000 milesRedwood Valley, CACrash1 injured
SEAT BELTS
TO AVOID A HEAD ON COLLISION I HAD TO MOVE TO THE RIGHT OF MY LANE AND I HIT A MOUNTAIN HEAD ON AND NEITHER THE DRIVER OR PASSENGERS AIRBAG DEPLOYED. THE VEHICLE OVER TURNED ON ITS LEFT DRIVER SIDE AFTER SKIDDING ALONG PAVEMENT FOR A FEW YARDS IT FINALLY CAME TO A STOP. THERE WERE NO PASSENGERS. I WAS THE DRIVER AND SUSTAINED LACERATIONS TO MY HEAD BRUISING IN CHEST AREA AND A PUNCTURED LEFT LUNG. THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION GOING 35 MPH
NHTSA complaint #11377984 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 54,000 milesRedwood Valley, CACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
TO AVOID A HEAD ON COLLISION I HAD TO MOVE TO THE RIGHT OF MY LANE AND I HIT A MOUNTAIN HEAD ON AND NEITHER THE DRIVER OR PASSENGERS AIRBAG DEPLOYED. THE VEHICLE OVER TURNED ON ITS LEFT DRIVER SIDE AFTER SKIDDING ALONG PAVEMENT FOR A FEW YARDS IT FINALLY CAME TO A STOP. THERE WERE NO PASSENGERS. I WAS THE DRIVER AND SUSTAINED LACERATIONS TO MY HEAD BRUISING IN CHEST AREA AND A PUNCTURED LEFT LUNG. THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION GOING 35 MPH
NHTSA complaint #11377984 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Rockford, MN
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Vehicle is being remotely hacked and placed into regen Parts have been swapped and truck has been tampered with and continues to be tampered with
NHTSA complaint #11686769 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rockford, MN
STEERING
Vehicle is being remotely hacked and placed into regen Parts have been swapped and truck has been tampered with and continues to be tampered with
NHTSA complaint #11686769 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rockford, MN
SUSPENSION
Vehicle is being remotely hacked and placed into regen Parts have been swapped and truck has been tampered with and continues to be tampered with
NHTSA complaint #11686769 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Herriman, UT
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Dash board is cracking in various places even after being repaired. Concerned that it could disintegrate sending plastic pieces flying in an accident or air bag deployment.
NHTSA complaint #11664133 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Buffalo, MN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:CYBERSECURITY
Vehicle is remotely being hacked into by [XXX] and buddy's, there are many people connected just do your job and ypu find all the evidence for which you need INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11662227 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 265,000 milesDalton, GA
TIRES
The contact owns a 2011 GMC Sierra equipped with Nitto tires, Tire line: N/A, Tire size: 285/55r20, DOT number: 73BM, and Nitto tire Tire line: Ridge Grappler Tire size: 285/55r20 and DOT number 73 BM The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed the contact noticed the vehicle would vibrate. An independent was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the tire failed due to the lump found on the front driver's tire. The tire was replaced. The contact stated the failure recurred. The contact inspected the tire and the rear passenger tire also experienced the same failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 265, 000 and tire failure mileage was not included.
NHTSA complaint #11650441 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 29,252 milesRound Lake, IL
STRUCTURE
The contact called on behalf of a Fire Department that owns a 2011 GMC Sierra 2500. The contact stated that while the Fire Department technician was performing a routine maintenance on the vehicle, the technician became aware that the sub frame was rusted with a hole in the sub frame. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the sub frame needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to TSB Number: 19-NA-255. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 29,252.
NHTSA complaint #11608925 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lagrande, OR
POWER TRAIN
On or about [XXX], the Transmission Control Module, FAILED, on my 2011GMC Denali 2500 6.6 diesel. It was a KNOWN faulty part .General Motors was aware of the issue years ago. This part should have been deemed a Safety Recall item. Imagine, pulling a trailer down a busy Freeway, with Semi's presence. Module goes out, truck goes idle, people hurt or worse. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11544893 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lagrande, OR
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
On or about [XXX], the Transmission Control Module, FAILED, on my 2011GMC Denali 2500 6.6 diesel. It was a KNOWN faulty part .General Motors was aware of the issue years ago. This part should have been deemed a Safety Recall item. Imagine, pulling a trailer down a busy Freeway, with Semi's presence. Module goes out, truck goes idle, people hurt or worse. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11544893 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lagrande, OR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
On or about [XXX], the Transmission Control Module, FAILED, on my 2011GMC Denali 2500 6.6 diesel. It was a KNOWN faulty part .General Motors was aware of the issue years ago. This part should have been deemed a Safety Recall item. Imagine, pulling a trailer down a busy Freeway, with Semi's presence. Module goes out, truck goes idle, people hurt or worse. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11544893 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bull Shoals, AR
POWER TRAIN
When vehicle is warm and shut off, upon restart it will not go in to any gear, there was no warning lamps. An independent repair facility determined the Transmission Control Module was defective. General Motors has no parts available, and I know fro a fact it is a rather large issue.
NHTSA complaint #11542446 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Covington, GA
POWER TRAIN
TCM failed. Couldn’t find the parts required. Truck sat 700 miles away from me for four weeks. Had to have part repaired in hopes it worked. As of now I still have some issues but would not have the truck at all if I had to wait for a part
NHTSA complaint #11542474 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pulaski, WI
POWER TRAIN
Transmission control module put my truck in limp mode while drinking down the highway.
NHTSA complaint #11517195 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lake Nebagamon, WI
STRUCTURE:BODY
Dash is cracked in multiple spots making it a safety concern when airbag is deployed.
NHTSA complaint #11479602 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Anaheim, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
On 4/12/22, we were towing our 32ft trailer with putt 2011 diesel GMC Sierra truck to Big Bear Lake which is in the San Bernardino Mountains in a two way winding highway. Upon making a somewhat sharp turn up a steep uphill, our accelerator went out. We had my mother in law, our two kids and dog in the vehicle at the time. We were able to get a speed of about 5-10mph to get a turn out and turn back around. We had no reception to call for help. The accelerator gave out shortly after but we were able to ride the decline to the bottom of the mountain and as soon as we were getting to the bottom, the engine turned off on us. Although it was still a two way highway, thankfully there was an emergency lane where we were able to park and where we were able to get very limited reception to call AAA (tow truck). There were vehicle speeding past us in high rates of speed. Because we needed a specialty tow truck given the towing of the truck/trailer, we knew it would take quite a while in the mountains for a driver to get to us. Temperatures at night in this area can get to 10-20 degrees. Five hours later at 11pm we were towed home. Upon towing the truck and trailer home, we were made aware of the reason the truck broke down through a diesel mechanic, which was CP4 fuel pump failure. Upon learning this and going online, we found out this is common for this truck with the CP4 fuel pump. We also found that other companies have made recalls, eg. Dodge but GMC/Chevy has not. This is obviously a safety issue that could have been catastrophic for myself, my kids and family and am wondering why there hasn’t already been a recall through GMC. Please let me know what our recourse is or if you have any questions.
NHTSA complaint #11462106 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Grass Valley, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My ABS and traction control and stabiltrak and service trailer break system keep going on and off its the most distracting thing i have a video of the chime not stopping. My water in fuel sensor won't go off I have un plugged it and changed it and the filter and when I unplug it it stays On
NHTSA complaint #11459515 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Grass Valley, CA
SERVICE BRAKES
My ABS and traction control and stabiltrak and service trailer break system keep going on and off its the most distracting thing i have a video of the chime not stopping. My water in fuel sensor won't go off I have un plugged it and changed it and the filter and when I unplug it it stays On
NHTSA complaint #11459515 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 190,000 milesImperial, MO
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT
The contact owns a 2011 GMC Sierra 2500. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the vehicle remained in the PARK and failed to shift into DRIVE. The steering wheel was locked preventing the gear shifter from going into gear. The traction control warning light was flashing. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer but, was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 190,000. The VIN was not available.
NHTSA complaint #11448969 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 190,000 milesImperial, MO
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2011 GMC Sierra 2500. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the vehicle remained in the PARK and failed to shift into DRIVE. The steering wheel was locked preventing the gear shifter from going into gear. The traction control warning light was flashing. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer but, was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 190,000. The VIN was not available.
NHTSA complaint #11448969 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 190,000 milesImperial, MO
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:INTERLOCK/LOCKOUT
The contact owns a 2011 GMC Sierra 2500. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the vehicle remained in the PARK and failed to shift into DRIVE. The steering wheel was locked preventing the gear shifter from going into gear. The traction control warning light was flashing. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer but, was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 190,000. The VIN was not available.
NHTSA complaint #11448969 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chapel Hill, NC
TIRES:TREAD/BELT
While traveling at 65 mph the vehicle began to Vibrate and suddenly the tread separated and began banging against the side of the vehicle LT265/60R20E. I feel fortunate this was a rear tire and I was able to safely bring the vehicle to a stop. The tires were installed at 35333 miles so they only had about 26000 miles and are rated to 60000 miles.
NHTSA complaint #11431869 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tewksbury, MA
STRUCTURE:BODY
Unlocked driver door will not open from the inside and trapping the occupant.
NHTSA complaint #11424304 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
East Amherst, NY
AIR BAGS
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 GMC SIERRA 2500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 21V054000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. CAPPELLINO BUICK GMC (5411 TRANSIT RD, BUFFALO, NY 14221, (716) 650-4471) WAS CONTACTED AND 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.
NHTSA complaint #11414961 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Starr, SC
AIR BAGS
NO DEALER CAN REPAIR MY TAKATA AIR BAG DUE TO GM NOT HAVING A REPLACEMENT PART AVAILABLE. I AM CONCERNED THAT NHTSA AND GM ARE NOT CONCERNED FOR MY LIFE BY HAVING THIS ISSUE OPEN FOR SO LONG AND ANSWER TO THE MANDATED REPAIRS. I WILL FOLLOW UP WITH MY CONGRESSMAN AND SENATORS. I AM AFRAID WHEN I HAVE TO DRIVE AND DON'T HAVE OTHER OPTIONS FOR WORK.
NHTSA complaint #11413377 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Houston, TX
AIR BAGS
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 GMC SIERRA 2500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 21V050000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT SPOKE TO WEST POINT BUICK GMC (16835 KATY FWY, HOUSTON, TX 77094, (281) 406-3550) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS YET NOT 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.
NHTSA complaint #11400311 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.