2011 GMC Sierra 2500: what breaks, and at what mileage
What breaks on the 2011 GMC Sierra 2500
On the 2011 GMC Sierra 2500, the failure owners report most often is airbag inflator rupture, with 14 reports on file. Across every failure mode on this year, half the dated reports were filed before 57,500 miles. Overall it scores 68 out of 100, high risk for a 2011.
High risk for a 2011 — 208th riskiest of the 283 2011 vehicles we can rate. 81 owner reports; fleet size estimated from this year's own recall paperwork.
What breaks on the 2011 GMC Sierra 2500
Owners have reported 20 named failure modes on the 2011 GMC Sierra 2500, and the three most-reported carry 36% of everything filed.
Airbag inflator rupture leads with 14 reports and about 0.5 per 1,000 vehicles.
Other body or interior problem follows with 9 reports, median 45,000 miles.
Other electrical problem follows with 6 reports, median 95,000 miles. 1 of those report mention a fire.
By system, the reports fall mostly into airbag (14), electrical (12) and body (10).
When these failures get reported
47 of the reports on the 2011 GMC Sierra 2500 came with an odometer reading, and half of those were filed before 57,500 miles.
Cumulatively, 43% by 50,000 miles, 70% by 100,000 miles and 79% by 150,000 miles of the dated reports had been filed, with 3 filed above the top of the chart.
The busiest stretch is between 0 and 10,000 miles, which alone holds 17% of the dated reports.
34% of the dated reports were filed below 36,000 miles.
Tick median reported mileage Solid middle half of reports Faint 10th to 90th percentile Colour how bad the failure is when it happens
Showing the 12 most-reported failure modes of 20. The full list is in the table below.
How reports accumulate
Every report with an odometer reading, cumulative, from 0 to 200,000 miles. A further 3 reports came in above that, which is why the line stops short of the top. A curve that climbs early is a car with early problems, whatever its total.
- Line share of reports filed by that mileage
- Dashed the median reported mileage
Severity, and what it costs
Across the named modes, 3 a fire. Those are the words owners used in their own complaints, and NHTSA does not verify them, but they are the closest thing in this data to a measure of what a failure actually did.
The average severity weight across every report on this year is 4.37, where a stalled engine or a failed airbag weighs many times more than a rattling trim panel, and a figure this high means the reports are dominated by failures with safety consequences rather than annoyances. The weighting is set out in full on the methodology page.
What the top failures cost to put right, as editorial estimates for an independent US shop rather than figures from NHTSA: airbag inflator rupture at $0–$0, other body or interior problem at $200–$2,000, other electrical problem at $250–$2,000 and control module (ECM/PCM/BCM) failure at $700–$3,000. Dealer labour, a seized bolt or a part that is no longer made can push any of these past the top of its range.
9% of the reports on this year sit in the engine, transmission, drivetrain or cooling systems — the four where a repair bill is usually four figures.
Every reported failure mode
| Failure mode | System | Reports | With reading | 25th | Median | 75th | Per 1,000 | Typical repair | Severity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airbag inflator rupture | airbag | 14 | 4 | — | 56k | — | 0.5 | $0–$0 | Critical |
| Other body or interior problem | body | 9 | 7 | — | 46k | — | 0.3 | $200–$2,000 | Moderate |
| Other electrical problem | electrical | 6 | 4 | — | 93k | — | 0.2 | $250–$2,000 | Moderate |
| Control module (ECM/PCM/BCM) failure | electrical | 5 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.2 | $700–$3,000 | High |
| Other wheel or tire problem | wheels | 4 | 3 | — | 32k | — | 0.1 | $200–$1,500 | High |
| Fuel pump failure | fuel | 3 | 2 | — | 220k | — | 0.1 | $600–$2,600 | High |
| Other steering problem | steering | 3 | 2 | — | 20k | — | 0.1 | $350–$2,400 | High |
| Head gasket failure | engine | 2 | 2 | — | 15k | — | 0.1 | $1,400–$4,000 | Critical |
| Fuel tank, filler or EVAP failure | fuel | 2 | 2 | — | 28k | — | 0.1 | $250–$1,800 | Moderate |
| Tire blowout or tread separation | wheels | 2 | 2 | — | 161k | — | 0.1 | $200–$1,500 | Critical |
| DPF, EGR or DEF system failure | emissions | 2 | 2 | — | 137k | — | 0.1 | $800–$5,000 | High |
| Other engine problem | engine | 2 | 1 | — | 180k | — | 0.1 | $300–$4,000 | High |
| Other powertrain problem | transmission | 2 | 1 | — | 190k | — | 0.1 | $400–$4,500 | High |
| Other speed control problem | adas | 2 | 1 | — | 8k | — | 0.1 | $250–$2,000 | Critical |
| Overheating | cooling | 1 | 1 | — | 2k | — | 0.0 | $400–$3,500 | High |
| Wiring harness or short circuit | electrical | 1 | 1 | — | 106k | — | 0.0 | $400–$3,500 | High |
| Door latch or handle failure | body | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $250–$1,200 | High |
| Other brake problem | brakes | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $300–$1,800 | High |
| Other lighting problem | lighting | 1 | 1 | — | 180k | — | 0.0 | $120–$1,200 | Moderate |
| Other visibility problem | glass | 1 | 1 | — | 88k | — | 0.0 | $150–$1,400 | Moderate |
| Unclassified problem | other | 17 | 10 | 54k | 64k | 86k | 0.6 | — | Moderate |
Rate per 1,000 uses a fleet-size estimate derived from recall paperwork for this exact model year. It is a lower bound. Repair costs are typical independent-shop ranges for the failure, not figures from these reports.
How often, against how many were built
Scaled by an estimate of how many of these cars exist, the 2011 GMC Sierra 2500 draws about 2.7 per 1,000 vehicles, which puts it in the 83rd percentile of complaint rates among 2011 vehicles we can rate.
That denominator is the weakest number on the page and it is fair to say so plainly. Rate per 1,000 uses a fleet-size estimate derived from recall paperwork for this exact model year. It is a lower bound.
The working figure is 30,014 vehicles. If the true number is twice that, every rate on this page is half what it says; the ranking against other 2011 vehicles, which is what the risk score uses, is far more robust than the rate itself.
What owners wrote
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint narratives, trimmed for length. The odometer reading is the one the owner gave.
Airbag inflator rupture
Takata recall, I have a letter from gm. Concerning the air bag recall dated 07/2016 informing me of said recall and stating that I would be notified when parts are available for repairs. That has been over a year ago and now I have a crack in the corner of the dash panel where the air-bag is located. After doing some research it appears that gm. Has issues with gm trucks, SUV's etc. From year 2007 until at least 2013 concerning this issue. I have contacted gm. Dealers and gm their self concerning repairs and or replacement of the airbags and stated my concerns with the dash being cracked in this location. These airbags have been documented to kill or injure people and as a concerned owner of one of these vehicles I feel gm. Is not moving fast enough to rectify this situation. There are millions of these vehicles affected by this recall on the road every day and that leads to greater risk of death or injury. I should not have to get rid of my vehicle because of safety concerns by the manufacturer. Thanks in advance for any assistance in this matter.
Takata recall, I have a letter from gm. Concerning the air bag recall dated 07/2016 informing me of said recall and stating that I would be notified when parts are available for repairs. That has been over a year ago and now I have a crack in the corner of the dash panel where the air-bag is located. After doing some research it appears that gm. Has issues with gm trucks, SUV's etc. From year 2007 until at least 2013 concerning this issue. I have contacted gm. Dealers and gm their self concerning repairs and or replacement of the airbags and stated my concerns with the dash being cracked in this location. These airbags have been documented to kill or injure people and as a concerned owner of one of these vehicles I feel gm. Is not moving fast enough to rectify this situation. There are millions of these vehicles affected by this recall on the road every day and that leads to greater risk of death or injury. I should not have to get rid of my vehicle because of safety concerns by the manufacturer. Thanks in advance for any assistance in this matter.
Other body or interior problem
I got in my truck yesterday and noticed a crack in the dash at the passenger side air bag. The crack was not there before. I am concerned that if the bag deploys, the crack in the dash could become a projectile or cut the air bag resulting in a serious or fatal injury. My truck is garage kept and is not exposed to extreme temperatures.
Other electrical problem
Vehicle sporadically spontaneously locks all 4 doors within 10 seconds after closing the door. No touching of remote, no accidentally hitting a door switch while exiting the vehicle. It happens when I'm at the back of the truck, or 10 feet away. Always within 10 to 15 seconds after exiting. It may sound strange, but it happens more often toward the end of the onstar yearly contract. Safety concern - I have a 3-year old grandson who likes to go with me. What happens if I forget to take the keys with me while I'm refueling on a hot summer day and I haven't extended the onstar contract? Obviously, I'd break a window if necessary, but then I'd have to buy another window. It appears my vehicle is not the only one having this problem. Of course, no trouble codes therefore dealer can't repair, but my dealer's service rep admits it happens very often and not limited to gmc trucks. *tr
Fuse for left turn trailer burns out repeatedly. No warning or indication it is out until someone pulls me over or tells me when stopped or I check. I have three different trails and all are involved. The fuse will at times, be blown without trailer attached. Dealer can't find issue (intermittent problem). Never know when fuse blows unless I check it or hook up trailer. Always left turn trailer fuse. Truck does have two batteries and is diesel. Has happened many times, ever since truck was new. Last time, jan3, 2017. Sounds similar to recall 14v407000. My truck was manufactured during time period given but never received notice of any kind.
Recalls on the 2011 model year
NHTSA has issued 4 recall campaigns covering the 2011 GMC Sierra 2500, affecting an estimated 49,325 vehicles. A recall is a different kind of evidence from a complaint: it is the regulator and the manufacturer agreeing that something has to be fixed, and the fix is free for as long as the car exists.
The campaigns cover air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator module, equipment and electrical system. Whether the work was actually done on the car in front of you is a question only the VIN can answer, and the manufacturer or NHTSA will answer it free.
One caution about reading these together: a recall usually raises the complaint count for the same part, because owners who read about it go and file. The mileages stay informative; the counts get noisy.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
1,778,128 vehicles 2021-02-05- Defect
- 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…
- Consequence
- An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on February 25, 2021. Second notification letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owner notification letters were mailed to 40 VIN owners on May 11, 2021. A second owner notification letter was mailed to all other owners on January 24, 2022. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; and GMC customer service…
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
2,641,272 vehicles 2021-02-05- Defect
- 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…
- Consequence
- An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on February 22, 2021. Second notification letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 1, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212328760.
EQUIPMENT
6,154 vehicles 2018-04-26- Defect
- 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…
- Consequence
- In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- GM will notify owners, instructing them to contact Kidde to get a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began June 11, 2018. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, and Isuzu customer service at 1-866-441-9638. GM's number for this recall is 18146.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
9,371 vehicles 2014-07-02- Defect
- 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.
- Consequence
- 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.
- Remedy
- GM will notify owners and dealers will replace the jumper harness with one that includes a 40 amp inline fuse, and provide the owner with supplemental Owner Manual information, free of charge. The recall began on August 29, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 14260.
Recall work is free at a franchised dealer regardless of the car's age. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls before assuming it was done.
How it ranks in the 2011 field
The score at the top of the page, placed among its peers. The zones are the same thresholds the scorer applies, read out of the scorer itself, so the picture and the band word cannot disagree.
Scores are ranked within the model year, never across years, because an older car has had longer to accumulate reports.
- Left fewer and less serious reports
- Right more, or worse
- Marker this vehicle
Better and worse years of the same car
High risk for a 2011 — 208th riskiest of the 283 2011 vehicles we can rate. Because the ranking is against the same model year only, age cancels out of it.
Across the 27 model years of this car that carry enough reports to score, 2007 comes out best at 63 and 2025 worst at 81, with 2011 itself at 68.
If the model year is negotiable, 2007, 2013, 2012 and 2009 score lower than 2011 by a margin worth acting on. Same body, same engines, different luck — usually a supplier change or a mid-cycle fix, which the complaint data can show but never explain.
Within the 2011–2016 generation specifically, 2013 is the strongest year at 64 and 2016 the weakest at 71.
Scores compare each year against other cars of the same model year, so a low number on an older car is a real result and not an artefact of age.
Shorter is better. Years with too few reports to score are shown without a bar rather than as a zero, because no data is not good news.
Within the 2011-2016 generation, 2013 GMC Sierra 2500 scores best at 64 and 2016 GMC Sierra 2500 worst at 71.
The limits of complaint data
81 owner reports; fleet size estimated from this year's own recall paperwork. Every count on this page is therefore a floor: it is the number of owners who went to the trouble of filing with a federal agency, which is a small and self-selected fraction of the owners who had the fault.
Of those 81 reports, 47 carried an odometer reading, so the mileages here describe 58% of the sample rather than all of it. Owners also round: readings pile up on multiples of ten thousand, which is why this site publishes "about 90,000 miles" and not "91,438".
The failure modes are assigned by software reading the owner's own words, which is accurate in bulk and wrong in individual cases. A mode with a handful of reports may contain a misfiled one.
And nothing here predicts what one car will do. These are other people's complaints, filed years apart, on cars maintained by strangers. Read the page as a map of where this model year has previously gone wrong, then have the specific car in front of you inspected.
Questions this page answers
What are the most common problems with the 2011 GMC Sierra 2500?
The most-reported failures are airbag inflator rupture (14 reports, median 55,000 miles), other body or interior problem (9 reports, median 45,000 miles) and other electrical problem (6 reports, median 95,000 miles). Counts come from owner complaints filed with NHTSA, which are voluntary, so they show what owners bothered to report rather than every fault that occurred.
Is the 2011 GMC Sierra 2500 reliable?
It scores 68 out of 100 on our risk index, which is high — 208th riskiest of the 283 2011 vehicles we can rate. The score is a comparison against other 2011 vehicles, not a prediction about any individual car, and it is built from complaint rates, severity and how early failures appear.
Which year of the GMC Sierra 2500 is best?
Within the 2011–2016 generation, 2013 scores best at 64 out of 100 and 2016 worst at 71. Same body, same engines, different luck.
Where this comes from. Every figure above is computed from NHTSA owner complaints and recall records for this exact make, model and year. Complaints are voluntary and self-selected, so treat counts as a floor. The methodology page writes out each formula, and the same numbers are available as JSON.
What breaks at my mileage Compare with another car
Source Owner complaints and recall records published by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, model years 1996–2027 Figures rebuilt Published by AtWhatMileage How every figure is computed