2011 GMC Sierra: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2011 GMC Sierra: 2 recalls, 43 owner complaints and up to 21 mpg combined.
Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Steering Vehicle recall #11V339000 · 2011 · 739 vehicles
What's wrong: The intermediate steering shaft attaching bolts May not have been tightened to the proper specification.
Why it matters: This could allow the joints to separate, and the driver could experience loss of steering increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: 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.
Electrical Vehicle recall #14V827000 · 2014 · 84,192 vehicles
What's wrong: In the affected vehicles, the ignition lock actuator May bind, making turning the key difficult or causing the ignition to get stuck in the "start" position.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: 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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 1 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Other / unknown (11): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Airbags (10): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Body & structure (8): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Engine (7): the most common themes are warning light on (2).
The 2011 GMC Sierra has 43 owner complaints, ranking #20 of 28 Sierra model years for complaints (well below the 140 average). Complaints peaked in 2016 (14 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 45,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2010 (34 complaints, 0 recalls), 2012 (29 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6.0 L 8-cyl hybrid | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 | 23 | 21 | Regular |
| 6.0 L 8-cyl hybrid | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 4-Wheel Drive | 20 | 23 | 21 | Regular |
| 5.3 L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 22 | 18 | Gasoline or E85 |
| 4.3 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 20 | 17 | Regular |
| 5.3 L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 21 | 17 | Gasoline or E85 |
| 5.3 L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 15 | 21 | 17 | Gasoline or E85 |
| 4.8 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 19 | 16 | Gasoline or E85 |
| 4.3 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 14 | 18 | 16 | Regular |
| 4.8 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 13 | 18 | 15 | Gasoline or E85 |
| 6.2 L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 12 | 18 | 14 | Gasoline or E85 |
| 6.2 L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 12 | 18 | 14 | Gasoline or E85 |
| 6.2 L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 12 | 18 | 14 | Gasoline or E85 |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2011 GMC Sierra.
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FAQ
Does the 2011 GMC Sierra have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2011 GMC Sierra. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2011 GMC Sierra problems?
Owners have filed 43 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are other / unknown (11), airbags (10), body & structure (8).
What gas mileage does the 2011 GMC Sierra get?
EPA ratings run up to 21 mpg combined (6.0 L, Automatic (variable gear ratios)), across 12 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2011 GMC Sierra repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.