Ask the seller for proof the repair was completed, or run the free VIN check. Recall repairs are done at no cost by a dealer.
Recalls
Safety issues the manufacturer must repair for free. A recall means confirm the fix was done, not walk away.
Electrical system recall
If stuck in the "Start" position, the ignition may suddenly snap back into the "Accessory" position, causing a loss of engine, steering, and braking power, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. If the vehicle is in a crash, the air bags may not deploy, increasing the risk of occupant injury.
- Remedy
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the ignition lock housing, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on February 12, 2015. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-458-8006 (Cadillac), 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), or 1-800-462-8782 (GMC). GM's number for this recall is 14696 for the original equipment, and 14912 for the service replacement parts.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Steering recall
THIS COULD ALLOW THE JOINTS TO SEPARATE, AND THE DRIVER COULD EXPERIENCE LOSS OF STEERING INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Remedy
- GM DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND ENSURE THAT THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT BOLTS ARE TIGHTENED TO THE PROPER SPECIFICATION. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT JULY 13, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-800-458-8006, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 AND GMC AT 1-866-996-9463.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Owner complaints by system
Unverified reports owners filed with NHTSA, grouped by the part of the car. Useful for spotting patterns. Open a group to read recent examples.
Engine & powertrain
9
Most reports here involve fluid leaks. Of these, 1 mention an injury.
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 GMC SIERRA. WHILE AT A STOP LIGHT, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT TWO SPARK PLUGS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND THAT THE VEHICLE CONSUMED EXCESS ENGINE OIL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE PCV VALVE, VALVE COVER, AND TWO SPARK PLUGS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 31,500.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #10782507 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Electrical & infotainment
5
Most reports here involve software faults.
Read full complaint
WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE AT 70 MPH MY SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL MESSAGE, SERVICE STABILITRAK MESSAGE, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, AND REDUCED ENGINE POWER MESSAGE CAME ON. THE VEHICLE STARTED RUNNING VERY ROUGH IT WOULD NOT GO ABOVE 50 MPH. I DROVE APPROXIMATELY 3 MILES TO GET OFF THE INTERSTATE INTO THE GAS STATION PARKING LOT. I TURNED IT OFF FOR ABOUT 10 MINUTES WHEN I TURNED IT BACK ON ONLY THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON I TOOK IT TO THE SHOP AND THEY RAN TESTS AND SAID IT WAS THE BATTERY. TWO WEEKS LATER IT HAPPENED AGAIN SAME THING WHEN I TURNED IT OFF IT WORKED FINE AFTER SITTING FOR 10 MINUTES I GOT HOME AND WHEN I GOT A CHANCE TO LOOK AT IT TO DAYS LATER THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS OFF. I HAVE READ A LOT AND FORUMS ABOUT PEOPLE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE BUT NO RESOLUTION TRULY BEING FOUND. THIS IS A 2011 GMC SIERRA 1500 WITH THE ALL-TERRAIN PACKAGE AND ONLY HAS ABOUT 60,000 MILES ON IT IT GETS OIL CHANGES REGULARLY. THIS REALLY MAKES ME THINK THIS IS SOMETHING GM SHOULD LOOK INTO.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #10852316 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Brakes
2
Most reports here involve premature wear.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #10817766 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Steering, suspension & tires
4
Most reports here involve sudden stalling.
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 GMC SIERRA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND VEERED TO THE LEFT INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 54,000.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #10732951 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Airbags & seat belts
16
Most reports here involve airbags not deploying. Of these, 1 mention a crash.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11456285 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Structure & body
5
Most reports here involve premature wear.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #10850327 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Other systems
2
Most reports here involve other issues.
Read full complaint
NOTICED FRONT DASH WAS CRACKED IN AUGUST 2014. DEALER WILL NOT REPAIR. MY WIFE HAD A 2007 TAHOE WHICH HAD THE SAME PROBLEM IN DASH. MY 2 SON-IN-LAW HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM NOW, ONE HAS A 2011 SIERRA AND THE OTHER HAS A 2010 SILVERADO.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #10670425 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
How does it compare with other years? The 2011 has 43 complaints on file, more than the 2010 (34) and more than the 2012 (29). Of the 7 model years of the GMC Sierra we cover, the 2014 has the most (101). Older model years have had longer to collect complaints.