2011 GMC SIERRA 1500 Structurebody Problems

38 NHTSA complaints on file

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Structurebody Issues in the 2011 GMC SIERRA 1500

38 structurebody complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2011 GMC SIERRA 1500. Of these, 1 involved a crash, 0 involved a fire, and 1 resulted in injury.

38
Complaints
1
Crashes
0
Fires
1
Injuries
0
Deaths

All Structurebody Complaints

#11686729 |
The door handle broke off on the driver side the passenger side door handle will not open the door the outside handles are loose and the rear back driver and passenger side will not open their doors.
#11672122 |
2011 GMC Sierra Frame Failed Pennsylvania State Inspection due to Driver Side Frame Rust/hole. The section of the frame must be replaced due to rust(Improper coating... The truck has only 69700 miles on the odometer.
#11638839 |
Vehicle is up for inspection in February of 2025 and due to the frame rust it will not pass.
#11614743 |
My GMC which is well cared for and only has 121,000 miles has a rusted through frame (mid-vehicle, left side) which has made the truck unsafe to drive. The steel used is inferior, my neighbor across the street also has this truck, 2 years newer, and is doing the same thing. As I have researched this issue I have found out that this is a critical failure of the GMC Sierra for several model years due to a failure to protect the steel used in northern states which compromises structural integrity. When Toyota had this issue, they stepped up and replaced the frames. General Motors, please tell me what you intend to do with this. It is a 5.3 Litre with 121,000 miles on it, in other words, still a baby for such a fine engine. This is not right. I am seriously discouraged. For my family, this is devastating....
#11551912 |
Rear shock holder rusted through cross member on frame making top of shock stay forced against bottom of the bed of the truck.
#11541930 |
I own a 2011 GMC Sierra 1/2 ton pickup truck. It currently has 98 k miles. The crossmember for the frame rusted out and fell off last month. Yesterday the frame broke in two. I see from looking online that GMC failed to add rust inhibitor to the steel for the frame. This is a safety issue and could have been catastrophic. Is anything being done about this failure? Online forums show this happening throughout the US.
#11527317 |
Body damage when I bought the truck
#11527456 |
Hit a pot hole in a parking lot and the gas tank fell onto the ground. Upon further inspection, it was discovered that the frame cross members and fuel tank straps are rusted/rotted and cannot support the tank.
#11524894 |
Vehicle is 12 years old with 105,000 miles and frame has multiple cracks/ holes. I was told by the dealer that the truck is basically junk.
#11505532 |
The main body frame is completely rusting through from under the drivers side door back past the fuel tank. It is rusting through on the passenger side as well. The large amounts of rust have caused other issues throughout the entire body of the truck as well as rusting of other components. The frame of this truck will need to be replaced as there is no way to repair it or the vehicle becomes scrap. This vehicle is available for inspection. These issues were not visible when purchased from the dealer. This issue gradually became visible after the rust and undercoating wore away that had been applied previous to our purchase from a known dealership.
#11499443 |
I have a 2011 GMC Sierra Standard Cab pickup truck. I’m a disabled veteran and have this as my primary vehicle. The frame has a huge hole that developed and will need repair. The frame is rotted and soon will not pass inspection. The truck looks brand new but Engin compartment, frame and tow parts have rotted. I had the leaf spring separated from rotted frame on the highway. I swerved and almost died. GMC must replace the frame to make this right. Soon I will have no truck after giving GMC so much money. It’s criminal what they have done.
#11431107 |
The contact owns a 2011 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while having routine maintenance performed on the vehicle, she was informed that the sub-frame was rusted. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who took photos. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.
#11298593 |
AFTER HAVING THE TRUCK FOR A YEAR OR SO I NOTICED THAT THE DASH WAS STARTING TO CRACK DUE TO THE FLORIDA SUN BEAMING DOWN ON IT. I PURCHASED A SUNVISOR BUT STILL DIDN'T SEEM TO HAVE MUCH EFFECT ON THE DASH AND NOW IT HAS CRACKED ALL THE WAY ACROSS IN THREE DIFFERENT SPOTS
#11296988 |
THE TOP SIDE OF MY INTERIOR DASH IS CRACKED ON THE DRIVER SIDE. THIS WAS NOT DUE TO ANY KIND OF IMPACT OR ANYTHING ELSE. I AM THE ONLY DRIVER OF THIS VEHICLE AND TAKE VERY GOOD CARE OF IT.
#11289374 |
DASH CRACK ALONGSIDE AIRPAG PASSENGER SIDE
#11218522 |
THE OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLES KEEP COMING OFF. IT APPEARS THAT THE MATERIAL USED IS CHEAP PLASTIC. THIS CAUSES THE MECHANISM INSIDE TO EASILY BREAK WITH THE NATURAL CONSTANT OPENING AND CLOSING OF THE DOORS FORM THE OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. YOU CAN SEE CLEAR CHEAP GLUS IS USED TO ADHERE THE PLASTIC AND THIS JUST MAKES NO SENSE CONSIDERING HOW MUCH THEY WANT US TO PAY FOR THE VEHICLE TO HAVE CHEAP DOOR HANDLES ALMOST AS DURABLE AS THOS OF MATTEL RACE CARS SOLD AT WALMART.
#11044818 |
IN MY 2011 GMC SIERRA 1500, WHICH IS GARAGE KEPT, I STARTED FOR WORK ON A RAINY DAY, MY WINDSHIELD BEGAN TO FOG UP, I TURNED ON MY DEFROSTERS, HEARD A LOUD POP, AND WHEN I LOOKED AT MY DASHBOARD, RIGHT ABOVE THE INSTRUMENT PANEL, I HAD A LARGE CRACK IN MY DASHBOARD. I HAVE SEEN REPORTS ABOUT HOW THERE ARE MANY COMPLAINTS ON GM INVOLVING THE SAME PROBLEM. IT IS MY CONCERN THAT WHEN AIRBAGS DEPLOY ( HOPEFULLY NEVER NEEDED) THAT IT WILL INCREASE THE AMOUNT OF SHRAPNEL IN THE VEHICLE. I AM VERY UPSET THAT I HAVE HEARD STORIES STATING THAT GM CONSIDERS THIS A COSMETIC FLAW AND NOT AN ACTUAL SAFETY ISSUE. ARE YOU KIDDING ME? I WORK HARD FOR MY MONEY, I AM FORCED ON A DAILY BASIS TO STAND BEHIND THE PRODUCT OR SERVICES THAT I PROVIDE. ITS TIME GM DOES THE SAME.
#11039891 | Crash
TAKATA RECALL I GOT REAR ENEDED AT A STOP SIGN, COMPLETELY STOPPED AND THE LADY JUST SMASHED RIGHT INTO THE BACK OF ME. NO AIR BAGS EVER EVEN DEPLOYED!
#11033269 |
ALL FOUR OF THE DOOR HANDLES ON MY TRUCK ARE BREAKING OFF; EVEN THOUGH GMC HAS KNOWLEDGE OF THE PROBLEM THEY REFUSE TO REPLACE THE DOOR HANDLES, BECAUSE MY TRUCK IS OUT OF WARRANTY. IT'S A WELL KNOWN PROBLEM, YOU CAN EVEN GOOGLE A SEARCH FOR THIS MATTER AND SEE OTHER CONSUMERS THAT HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. IT'S A SAFETY PROBLEM, IF SOMEONE, IN NEED OF HELP, IS UNCONSCIOUS IN A VEHICLE WITH THE SAME BROKEN DOOR HANDLE PROBLEM, HOW WOULD THEY GET HELP FAST, IF THE DOOR HANDLES ARE BROKEN.
#11010733 |
PURCHASED 2.5 MONTHS FROM LOCAL DEALERSHIP. SPOTLESS INTERIOR. PARKED TRUCK IN PARKING LOT FOR ABOUT AN HOUR FOR CHURCH AND NOTICED CRACK ABOVE PASSENGERS AIRBAG TO THE LEFT SPLITTING THE DASH COMPLETELY. ALSO BOWING TO DASH BRANCHING LEFT OF CRACK. WEATHER WAS AROUND 90 DEGREES AND I USE A SUNVISOR AND TYPICALLY CRACK MY WINDOWS. HAVE NOT CLEANED OR TOUCHED DASH IN THE TIME OF OWNERSHIP, OTHER THAN SLIDDING THE SUNVISOR TO WINDSHIELD. DEALERSHIP TODAY CLAIMED THEY CANNOT AND WILL NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT UNTIL GMC ISSUES RECALL. AFTER RESEARCHING THIS IS APPARENTLY A COMMON COMPLAINT IN ALL GMC TRUCK MODELS FROM 07-13. CONCERNED WITH SAFETY OF AIRBAG PROJECTILING SHARDS OF DASH IF DEPLOYED.
#11006333 |
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 GMC SIERRA 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT, OVER TIME, THE DASHBOARD BEGAN TO CRACK IN VARIOUS PLACES, BEGINNING ON THE UPPER DRIVER SIDE CORNER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THEY WOULD NOT REPLACE THE DASHBOARD AS THERE WAS NO RECALL, BUT COULD POTENTIALLY PROVIDE SOME FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000.
#11006107 |
DASH CRACK ABOVE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
#10983519 |
CRACKED DASHBOARD. CRACKED IN 2 PLACES. ONE NEAR THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG AND ONE ABOVE THE STEREO.
#10969272 |
DASH CRACKED AROUND PASSENGER AIR BAG UNIT. SAFETY HAZARD IF DEPLOYED.
#10960383 |
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 GMC SIERRA 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD BEGAN TO CRACK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 48,000.
#10949111 |
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 GMC SIERRA 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD WAS CRACKED FROM THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER TO THE DRIVER SIDE WINDSHIELD. THERE WAS AN ADDITIONAL CRACK THAT EXTENDED TO THE FAR LEFT CORNER OF THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER AND THE DASHBOARD WAS REPLACED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,000.
#10936157 |
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 GMC SIERRA 1500. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO OPEN THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE DOOR AND THE HANDLE DETACHED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE DOOR HANDLES HAD TO BE REPLACED APPROXIMATELY A YEAR AGO. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 54,000.
#10926198 |
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 GMC SIERRA 1500. THE CONTACT OBSERVED A CRACK ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE DASHBOARD NEAR THE AIR BAG OPENING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURED WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000.
#10920131 |
DASH BOARD CRACKING AROUND PASSENGER AIRBAG, WORRIED THAT PLASTIC PIECES WOULD DAMAGE THE INTEGRITY OF THE AIRBAG THUS INJURING PASSENGER AND DRIVER.
#10911082 |
I PURCHASED A 2011 GMC SIERRA 1500 IN NON. OF 2014. THE DASH BOARD IS NOW CRACKING. IT INITIALLY STARTED BY THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG AND NOW THERE IS A CRACK OVER THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AS WELL AS ONE STARTING OVER THE GAUGES. I HAVE SEEN SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS AND IT IS A DEFINITE SAFETY HAZARD DUE TO AN ACCIDENT WOULD DEPLOY THE AIRBAGS SENDING SHARDS OF THE DASH BOARD FLYING DIRECTLY INTO THE PASSENGERS OF THE VEHICLE.
#10895498 |
THERE IS A 4" STRESS CRACK IN THE DASHBOARD JUST HEAD OF THE GAUGE CLUSTER WHICH DEVELOPED A WEEK AGO. MY CONCERN IS TWO FOLD 1) THE CRACK WILL INCREASE IN SIZE REDUCING THE VALUE OF THE VEHICLE, 2) IN A IMPACT SITUATION, THE STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF THE DASH MAY BE COMPROMISED ALLOWING PIECES OF PLASTIC TO BECOME PROJECTILES, POSSIBLY DAMAGING OCCUPANTS OR DEFLATING THE AIRBAGS THEREBY REDUCING THERE EFFECTIVENESS IN A CRASH.
#10887976 |
DASHBOARD IS CRACKED DIRECTLY ADJACENT TO THE AIR BAG, I AM CONCERNED THAT PLASTIC PIECES OF DASHBOARD WILL BECOME DANGEROUS FLYING OBJECTS IN THE EVENT OF AN IMPACT THAT DEPLOYS THE AIRBAG. I HAVE BEEN TALKING WITH GM AND THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP FOR MONTHS NOW AND THEY WILL NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY. THIS IS A CONTINUING SAFETY ISSUE EXPERIENCED BY GMC SIERRA OWNERS
#10882483 |
BROUGHT TO DEALERSHIP FOR MANY ISSUES, ONE OF WHICH WAS THE SIDE MOLDING STARTING TO COME OFF ON ALL 4 DOORS, THEY HAD TO ORDER AND PAINT THE MOLDINGS SO IU RETURN OVER A HOLIDAY WEEKEND FOR THEM TO REPAIR. WHEN I SHOWED UP, THEY HAD ONLY DONE ONE SIDE AND IT WAS CROOKED, AND NOT THE SIDE THAT WAS WORSE. THAT WAS 2012 AFTER ONE YEAR, THEY SOON CAME OFF IN 2014 CURLING OFF THE TRUCK, THE REPLACED ONES, I TOOK CARE OF THE OTHER TWO AND THEY LOOKED GREAT.
#10882278 |
DASHBOARD CRACKING ABOVE THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER AS WELL AS ALONG THE PASSENGER AIRBAG. THE CRACKS GROW WITH EVERY CRACK IN THE ROADWAY AND ARE SEEMINGLY NOT ABLE TO BE PATCHED AS THEY GLUE THEY USE JUST WEARS OFF FROM THE DEALERSHIP.
#10870939 |
MY TRUCK HAS DEVELOPED A CRACK ON THE DASH, STARTING AT THE TOP LEFT-HAND CORNER OF THE FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG. IT HAS CRACKED ENTIRELY THROUGH TO THE DASH TRIM PIECE ROUGHLY 3-4 INCHES AWAY. NOT ONLY IS IT A TREMENDOUS EYE-SORE, THAT MOST OF MY PASSENGERS NOTICE AND COMMENT ON... BUT HAS ME EXTREMELY WORRIED ABOUT SAFETY. IF THIS VEHICLE WERE TO BE IN A COLLISION AND THE AIRBAG IS DEPLOYED, I AM SURE THAT FRAGMENTS OF PLASTIC WOULD BE PROPELLED THROUGH THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE AS THE AIRBAG FIRED. I HAVE CONTACTED MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP, AND THEY STATE IT IS NOT COVERED, AND HAVE QUOTED ME A REPAIR COST OF JUST OVER $1,000. THIS DEFECT IN THE DASH PIECE SEEMS TO BE A RECURRING INCIDENT IN A LOT OF 2007-2013 GM TRUCKS. MY DASH POPS AND CREAKS WHILE DRIVING, AND I CAN'T AFFORD THE INSANE REPLACEMENT COSTS ASSOCIATED...
#10863139 |
THE DASH BOARD HAS A CRACK BY THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG AND A RACK ON THE DRIVER SIDE. IT ALSO SEEMS TO BE CAVING IN. I AM AFRAID THAT THE AIRBAG WILL GO OFF AT ANYTIME OR WILL NOT GO OFF AT ALL.
#10762472 |
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE AT 65 MPH AND HEARD A POP. I LOOKED OVER AND MY DASHBOARD HAD CRACKED RIGHT NEXT TO THE AIRBAG. ON A NON RELATED INSTANCE MY ENGINE IS NOW MAKING A TICKING NOISE THAT I WILL BE TAKING TO A DEALER TO CHECK OUT.
#10607517 |
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 GMC SIERRA 1500. THE CONTACT STATED UPON ENGAGING THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AND RELEASING IT, THE HOOD LATCH OPENED INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TO BE INSPECTED BY AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000.
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