Home · 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 · Complaints

What 179 owners told NHTSA about the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 2500

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (179)Crash / fire / injury (14)Airbags (53)Body & structure (21)Fuel system (18)Engine (16)Electrical system (14)Transmission & drivetrain (14)Brakes (9)Speed control (9)Electronic Stability Control (esc) (7)Steering (7)

Newest first · 179 complaints · page 1 of 8

May 8, 2025Airbags

as mentioned by many customers the dash on the vehicles crack and GM refuses to pay for repairs. Now there is a Airbag recall that needs to be completed and I am told by dealer that the dash will crack more and get worse during the repair and they are not responsible for the damage. This is unacceptable and unsafe as it is costing me and consumers more money for a defective product.

NHTSA ODI 11659794

Jan 6, 2025Fuel system

Engine suddenly stopped running while driving and could not be restarted. It was towed to a local diesel repair shop. Diagnostics showed a catastrophic failure of the high pressure fuel pump which polluted the complete fuel system with metal.

NHTSA ODI 11634401

Aug 20, 2024Airbags

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA ODI 11609767

Jul 25, 2024Airbags

The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V050000 (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 made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ODI 11604511

Jul 12, 2024Body & structure

The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The contact stated while performing a routine inspection of the vehicle, the contact became aware that the entire subframe was severely rusted. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

NHTSA ODI 11601581

Jun 11, 2024Engine & cooling

Reduction tank makes truck only go 55 when the tank is full causing truck to not go flow of traffic there is a recall 11001 but gm dealer will not repair and knew about this and still sold the truck without tell customer about this

NHTSA ODI 11593777

Jan 1, 2024Fuel System, Diesel

With all the known issues involving the failing CP4 fuel pumps out in the field, why hasn't there been a nationwide recall on this issue? We're being proactive in getting our LML repaired to save our engine. We want our costs reimbursed. This isn't a "small" matter. It's freakin' huge.

NHTSA ODI 11562901

Oct 10, 2023Engine

The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Silverado. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she heard a loud abnormal tapping sound at the hood of the vehicle. The contact then stated that upon inspection, she noticed that the tapping sound was coming from the lifter and lifter arm when the piston dropped down. The traction control warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the pistons, rocker arm, head valve seals, and lifter arm needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The contact then stated that upon research she was informed that the engine may need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 260,000.

NHTSA ODI 11549261

Sep 2, 2023Transmission & drivetrain

The transmission control module (TCM) began acting erratic. At times the transmission will not shift but several times it has gone into park( with no warning) when slowing down causing the wheels to lock and the truck skids to a stop. I was nearly in 2 accidents when this happened. Both time I was hauling a load and caused the traffic behind me have to swerve to not run into me. In looking into the issue I found that in 2011 GM had put out a shop notice that they had a known problem with the TCM and they thought it might be caused by a non-OEM fan belt causing electrical discharge that might impact the TCM. A second shop notice from GM stated that the issue was due to heat and since they has mounted the unit on the fan shroud it should be moved. But none of the shops I went to knew about these shop notices from GM. Thousands of TCMS have failed but no recall. GM has now greatly reduced production of replacement modules and the cost of a new TCM has gone from $400 to $5000 ( Plus programing ) and a long wait time to get one. You can get one refurbished for $1200.

NHTSA ODI 11542326

Aug 21, 2023Transmission & drivetrainElectrical systemSpeed control

It is a transmission control module wear a lobster transmission into a Garin. Will not let you speed up or speed down and it is unsafe and GM IS making us pay for the bill. The contact stated transmission control module all across the country on back order, you cannot get a dealer to get you one within six months GM should have to do something about this.

NHTSA ODI 11539801

Apr 27, 2023Transmission & drivetrain

The vehicle started to shift on its own mostly between the upper gears even though terrain or load had not changed. At slower speeds the vehicle started to automatically shift into park and lock up the wheels. This caused a very serious risk of injury to me and the people behind me when it would lock up. After stopping the vehicle sometimes does not move when in drive. There are no warning lights Took it to a shop and they checked it over. I was informed that there is a known issue with the electronic transmission control unit (TCM) for the Allison Transmission. The issue is with the location of the TCM. GM has developed a new unit to replace the original TCM that is engineered to no be affected by this. But due to the demand GM has a back order on the new TCM. The cost to get a TCM has risen from $800 dollars to $5000 dollars if you can find one.

NHTSA ODI 11519283

Apr 8, 2023Electrical system

GM is aware of a known failure in their Transmission Control Modules. My part number is 24256670. My truck has 87,000 miles on it and not drivable due to this failed electronic component. There are thousands of people just like me experiencing this issue. Check engine light illuminates once unit gets hot. Multiple codes will display at this time. This happened at a stop light, causing traffic jam and congestion, unnecessary safety infringement on all i affected.

NHTSA ODI 11516101

Nov 24, 2022Transmission & drivetrain

My truck has been at a dealership since May 31st , 2022. It needs a TCM. While researching , plus calling aftermarket parts suppliers(Auto zone and others) , and also calling auto recycling/salvages yards , there are Zero TCM's available unless you get lucky at a auto salvage yard minutes after a wrecked truck shows up. There is a huge issue with the TCM's failing on these 10 year old trucks , and GM refuses to allow their supplier to make replacement TCM's. I have lost the use of my truck for almost 6 months at this point. I would also like to know how many other customers are waiting for a TCM.

NHTSA ODI 11494817

Oct 5, 2022Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, she made a mid-left turn and heard a low sound coming from the engine. The contact then stated that as his wife depressed the accelerator pedal, the engine revved but the vehicle failed to respond. The service stabilitrak, ABS, and check engine warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the transmission control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the parts to do the repair were on back order. The manufacture was notified of the failure and the contact was provided a case number but no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 61,000.

NHTSA ODI 11488042

Aug 25, 2022Airbags

Takata recall. The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V050000 (Air Bags) and the vehicle was taken to the dealer for recall repair. However, after damaging the passenger's side dashboard where the front passenger's side air bag was located, the dealer informed the contact that they had ordered the wrong part and he should bring the vehicle back another time for the recall repair. Additionally, the dealer informed the contact that the dashboard would be replaced. The contact stated upon taking the vehicle back to the dealer for recall repair, the dealer stated that the recall repair would not be completed unless he signed a waiver certifying that they were not liable for damage to the dashboard. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 161,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ODI 11481261

Dec 29, 2021Electrical systemFuel system

Fuel pump fuse socket has melted in addition to fuse being blown. Fuel pump had been replaced twice with OEM fuel pump. Entire fuse box must be replaced. Occasionally, a no start condition can be traced to fuse contacts losing conductivity which can be resolved by removing them reinstalling fuse. Has potential of causing electrical fire

NHTSA ODI 11445389

Sep 25, 2021Airbags

Vehicle had a recall for airbag. After the vehicle was taken for the recall the dashboard is cracked. This dashboard issue needs to be fixed. It's outrageous if GM is not held accountable.

NHTSA ODI 11434313

Sep 14, 2021Engine

The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle shut-off with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact was able to pull over and restart the vehicle; however, the failure persisted. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was able to drive the vehicle to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not yet diagnosed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 203,000.

NHTSA ODI 11432880

Jul 28, 2021Airbags

Takata recall. The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. 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 dealer was made aware of the recall and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11426816

Mar 31, 2021Airbags

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 2500. 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 LAWRENCE HALL CHEVROLET BUICK GMC (2120 COMMERCIAL AVE, ANSON, TX 79501) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI 11405743

Mar 6, 2021Airbags

I HAVE HAD 2 SAFETY RECALL NOTICES ON THE PASSENGER AIR BAGS, THAT COULD BE FATAL. 1ST WAS IN 2016, 2ND 2021. LAST ONE STILL SAYS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. SHOULDN'T DISABLE THE PASSENGER AIRBAG OR FIX IT?

NHTSA ODI 11399533

Feb 9, 2021Fuel system

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH AND TOWING A 36 FEET LONG CAMPER, THE MESSAGES INDICATING A FUEL SYSTEM FAILURE WAS DISPLAYED BEFORE THE VEHICLE LOSS MOTIVE POWER AND STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE LOCAL DEALER SOLOMON CHEVROLET LOCATED AT 4886 MONTGOMERY HWY, DOTHAN, AL 36303 WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL SYSTEM WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO REPLACED THE FUEL SYSTEM WHICH INCLUDED THE INSTALLATION OF A CP3 PUMP INJECTOR AND THE FAILURE WAS REMEDIED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,779.*DT

NHTSA ODI 11395404

Nov 24, 2020Airbags

MANUFACTURER RECALL NUMBER2049151 NHTSA RECALL NUMBER16V381 BEEN WAITING FOR YEARS TO FIX THIS MY DASHBOARD IS CRACKING I'M VERY ANGRY CAUSE I TAKE CARE MY TRUCK A LOT AND GM CAN'T FIX IT I TOOK MY TRUCK SEVERAL TIME TO THE DEALERSHIP DIDN'T HELP THEY JUST TOLD ME IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO ONE TOLD ME TRADE MY TRUCK FOR A NEW ONE IS NOT THE WAY TO SELL NEW CARS

NHTSA ODI 11376245

Nov 9, 2020Airbags

4TH COMPLAINT ON THIS RECALL, STILL NO REMEDY FOR THIS BUT GM HAS MADE 10 MORE YEARS OF TRUCKS AND SELL REPLACEMENT AIR BAGS FOR THIS MODEL, NOT A GOOD SAFETY RECALL IF THEY ARE WAITING FOR SOMEONE TO DIE BEFORE DECIDING THIS VEHICLE IS TRULY AFFECTED BY THE AIRBAG THEY INSTALLED. WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER GM VEHICLE AGAIN. STILL NO RESPONSE FROM LAST COMPLAINT. NHTSA SHOULD BE DEFUNDED.

NHTSA ODI 11373803

Oct 28, 20201 injury

POOR QUALITY, SHARP PIECES OF BROKEN DASH AROUND PASSENGER AIRBAG. CRACK EXTENDS TO RADIO. CHEAP PLASTIC PARTS SHAME ON GM FOR NOT RECALLING THIS. MY 09 F-150 HAS NO CRACKS OR POOR QC. THIS TRUCK IS NOT SAFE IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION ANYONE DRIVING IT SHOULD WEAR OSHA RATED SAFETY GLASSES.

NHTSA ODI 11366862

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Working with the data? Download all 179 complaints as CSV · fetched from NHTSA July 10, 2026

How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 verdict →