The 2011 Chevy Silverado has a reputation for ruggedness and versatility. But even this best-selling truck comes with a few problems, like a V8 with excessive oil consumption and a faulty ignition that can get stuck in Start.
Key Points
- The 2011 Chevrolet Silverado gathered over 550 consumer complaints and six National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recalls, mostly about the airbags.
- One recent airbag recall pertains to the long-term degradation of its propellant that could cause it to detonate, which is an issue that has reportedly resulted in at least one death.
- Chevy’s 2011 Silverado also has a reputation for dashboard cracks. While the automaker insists it’s a cosmetic issue, multiple class-action lawsuits declare it could lead to injuries in a collision.
- Other less pervasive problems include excessive oil consumption associated with the 5.3L Vortec V8 engine, and a recurring traction control light.
- No, it’s not perfect, but yes, we do find the 2011 Silverado to be a reliable, good used truck overall that should last 150,000 to 300,000 miles or more with proper maintenance.
2011 Chevy Silverado’s Six Recalls Cover Faulty Airbags, Sticky Ignition, and Bad Rear Axle Pin
The NHTSA launched six recalls for the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado. The big-ticket recall launched in Feb. 2021 and applies to millions of trucks. It requires the replacement of the passenger-side airbag inflators, because the original propellant could have degraded over time. This could lead to an unexpected explosion, which has resulted in at least one death.
An open investigation remains on the books as they continue testing on all types of airbag inflators using different propellants. Airbag problems are responsible for over 300 of more than 550 complaints logged with the NHTSA for this model year.
A second concerning recall requires the inspection and replacement of the ignition lock actuator in over 84,000 Silverado trucks, including the 2017 model year. The part could corrode and bind, resulting in the ignition jamming in the Start position, or the key sticking.
Launched in late December 2010, there was also a recall for 30,000 trucks may have a bad rear axle cross pin that could fracture and cause the truck to lock up.
Other Problems for the 2011 Silverado Include Cracking Dashboards, an Oil-hungry V8, and a Troubling Traction Control Light
The second-highest number of complaints logged for the 2011 Silverado 1500 concern cracking dashboards. The cracks reportedly begin after the first 40,000 miles or later, appearing around the steering cowl or the panel for the passenger-side airbag. While no recall or federal investigations exist, many drivers see the cracks as a potential safety hazard.
However, the manufacturer has resisted paying for repairs or replacements. One driver claims to have had his dash replaced only to have it crack again.
At least two class-action lawsuits have been filed for deceptive business practices, including one that had claimants from over 22 states. One suit was dismissed because there was no evidence to prove that Chevrolet knew that the defective dashboards posed a safety risk.
5.3L Vortec Engine Guzzles Oil at an Alarming Rate
In 2011, the 5.3L Vortec engine with Active Fuel Management was one of the five engines offered in the Chevrolet Silverado. Drivers noticed that the truck ran a little rough, or the engine warning light appeared on the digital display. It turned out that their truck was down two quarts of oil. In some instances, low oil levels damaged the interior of the engine.
Chevy did release a technical bulletin in January 2013 to try to mitigate the problem. They changed the valve cover, installed an AFM shield, cleaned the pistons, and added a new oil pan gasket.
But that did not satisfy everyone. Again, disgruntled owners launched a class-action suit declaring that GM knew of the design flaw and still sold a faulty engine. A judge dismissed the suit in September 2021, because the plaintiff failed to present enough evidence. So, is it a bad engine? It is certainly one to watch carefully.
Service Warning Lights are Persistent but Not Necessarily Problematic for the 2011 Silverado
StabiliTrak is GM’s version of traction control, and it is included on every truck they manufacture. On the NHTSA website, consumer complaints about the StabiliTrak’s service light appear under a variety of categories for the 2011 Chevy Silverado. When the system detects a problem, it shuts off traction control and places the engine in limp mode.
However, there is no single cause for the issue. It could be a bad speed sensor, tire pressure sensor, steering, throttle control, or a fault in the electronic control module. There is no indication that there is a faulty traction control design, only that the system will need service for wear and tear.
Putting the Problems into Perspective Leaves the 2011 Chevy Silverado as a Solid Used Truck
While the airbags and dashboards are issues that pertain to many of the decade-old trucks, other problems simply do not apply to the majority of the rides on the road. The 5.3L Vortec engine was an option, not standard equipment. Sensors will need replacing to maintain the traction control. And the other recalls should have been addressed in years past.
While you ought to put any used truck up on a lift for a thorough inspection before buying, the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado is a smart choice for your shortlist.
Photos: Chevrolet
