Chevrolet Silverado Complaints (2011)

773 consumer complaints on file.

#11542326September 2, 2023
POWER TRAIN
The transmission control module (TCM) began acting erratic. At times the transmission will not shift but several times it has gone into park( with no warning) when slowing down causing the wheels to lock and the truck skids to a stop. I was nearly in 2 accidents when this happened. Both time I was hauling a load and caused the traffic behind me have to swerve to not run into me. In looking into the issue I found that in 2011 GM had put out a shop notice that they had a known problem with the TCM and they thought it might be caused by a non-OEM fan belt causing electrical discharge that might impact the TCM. A second shop notice from GM stated that the issue was due to heat and since they has mounted the unit on the fan shroud it should be moved. But none of the shops I went to knew about these shop notices from GM. Thousands of TCMS have failed but no recall. GM has now greatly reduced production of replacement modules and the cost of a new TCM has gone from $400 to $5000 ( Plus programing ) and a long wait time to get one. You can get one refurbished for $1200.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11541633August 30, 2023
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 3500. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 MPH and slowing for a traffic signal, the vehicle downshifted very hard. The contact stated that there was an audible clunking sound while the transmission was downshifting. The contact stated that at approximately 1 MPH, the rear wheels locked up and the vehicle came to a sudden stop. The contact stated that the failure had recurred and was unpredictable. The contact stated that the "Shift Inhibited" message was displayed. The contact stated that the rough shifting occurred at various speeds while upshifting or downshifting. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the Transmission Control Module (TCM) needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the TCM module was on a national back order. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 220,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11540764August 25, 2023
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS, POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled without warning. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence and then towed to a transmission specialist to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced; however, the contact was informed by the technician that the vehicle could not be repaired due to a rusted subframe that needed to first be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was provided information on how to independently repair a subframe, but no further assistance was provided. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 112,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11539753August 21, 2023
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Fuel leak at the fuel tank. Pulled tank from the truck, found the fuel pump housing was completely rusted out. Upon inspection of the pump housing, the high pressure line was rusted out and almost off the pump, causing gasoline to pump out and all over. After replacing this fuel pump I inspected the frame and found the frame looks like a frame off a truck that is 40 years old, not a truck that is only 12 years old. The frame has heavy levels of rust down thru from the drivetrain back. There are spots that are rusted completely thru the frame where it looks like a crack down the frame. Most of the rust is on the bottom side or inside area of the frame. This area with the rust crack will have to be repaired very soon for safety of the vehicle, because if the frame would happen to fail where this crack is, the truck would fold in half, and if it is being driven on the interstate it would cause a major accident for sure. The rusting is so extensive that instead of repairing the spots, it would be more feasible to just go ahead and replace the whole back half of the truck frame. This is unacceptable for Chevrolet to use material that craps out so fast on trucks that are supposed to last many years, instead of falling apart long before they are even paid off. A 12 year old truck shouldn't have this extensive amount of rust damage to the frame. I would just fix the frame if this was commonplace for trucks, but my 2000 Dodge Ram has a frame far better then what is under my 2011 Chevy Silverado as far as rust goes. 2000 Dodge surface rust in spots, 2011 Chevy completely rusted thru in spots. My next inspection on this Chevy will more then likely remove it off the road unless the frame is repaired. Unacceptable from Chevrolet and for only a 12 year old truck. I added pics of the frame right in front of the fuel tank, which the frame shows that long rusted crack down it. Can send more pictures of the frame in other places if needed.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11539801August 21, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, POWER TRAIN
It is a transmission control module wear a lobster transmission into a Garin. Will not let you speed up or speed down and it is unsafe and GM IS making us pay for the bill. The contact stated transmission control module all across the country on back order, you cannot get a dealer to get you one within six months GM should have to do something about this.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11528430June 22, 2023
AIR BAGS, SUSPENSION, STEERING
The truck brakes or something locked up and cause me to crash the truck. Police report was filed and insurance company has appraised the truck. No warning lights or anything came on.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11522916May 19, 2023
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
The contact's father owns a 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated the vehicle was taken to emission inspection, but the vehicle failed the examination due to extended corrosion on the subframe. The vehicle was deemed not safe to drive by the mechanic. The contact drove the vehicle back to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 94,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11520149May 2, 2023
STRUCTURE:BODY
GM has a defective wax coating on the vehicle frames of nearly a dozen models of their vehicles, spanning at least 2011-19, which they knew can lead to premature rust and corrosion, causing the frames to fail much earlier than expected. The evidence I have gathered includes the detailed internal service bulletin where GM describes the defect, as well as texts and e-mails with GM, and a transcript of my conversation with the Chevrolet dealership. All of which suggests GM knew about this defect and is actively working to keep it from being communicated to owners, some of which would still be covered by the six-year frame warranty. All that evidence is included as part of the attached pdf document. In it's bulletin GM instructs dealers to fix this issue under warranty only if customers brought it up to the dealer, and then, only if it was brought up during the vehicle frame warranty period. However, for those customers that trusted their dealership to take care of their vehicle and to notify them of any major safety issues like premature corrosion or rust on the frames likely to cause failure, those dealerships remained silent, despite being aware this was an issue with these models and model years. I suspect those dealerships remained silent because GM’s internal service bulletin clearly states that the bulletin only applies to customers who comment about rust or corrosion on their frame. I fortunately found out about this issue from a third party before my frame failed on the road. I've reached out to GM expressing my concerns I continue to get bounced between the dealer and GM, each saying the other is responsible. GM also failed to even acknowledge my greater concerns about the safety risk this creates. I've written a more detailed account of this story and have shared it out with several national news outlets in hope that someone will investigate further and determine if this issue has merit. Just hoping I can start sleeping again at night.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11519715April 30, 2023
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The oil pump has been replaced and is still not working how it is supposed to.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11519283April 27, 2023
POWER TRAIN
The vehicle started to shift on its own mostly between the upper gears even though terrain or load had not changed. At slower speeds the vehicle started to automatically shift into park and lock up the wheels. This caused a very serious risk of injury to me and the people behind me when it would lock up. After stopping the vehicle sometimes does not move when in drive. There are no warning lights Took it to a shop and they checked it over. I was informed that there is a known issue with the electronic transmission control unit (TCM) for the Allison Transmission. The issue is with the location of the TCM. GM has developed a new unit to replace the original TCM that is engineered to no be affected by this. But due to the demand GM has a back order on the new TCM. The cost to get a TCM has risen from $800 dollars to $5000 dollars if you can find one.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11518341April 21, 2023
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The chassis on my truck is rusting apart.The truck has never been on the beach. I recently Had shocks replaced and this was pointed out by the mechanic. I went on line and found that this is a common problem. I .am the original owner. .
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11516101April 8, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
GM is aware of a known failure in their Transmission Control Modules. My part number is 24256670. My truck has 87,000 miles on it and not drivable due to this failed electronic component. There are thousands of people just like me experiencing this issue. Check engine light illuminates once unit gets hot. Multiple codes will display at this time. This happened at a stop light, causing traffic jam and congestion, unnecessary safety infringement on all i affected.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11512218March 16, 2023
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at an independent mechanic for State Inspection, the vehicle fell off the lift due to frame corrosion. There were no injuries due to the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 46,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11512025March 15, 2023
ENGINE
Hybrid system failed while driving resulting vehicle becoming disabled on the road. Took to GM shop, they informed that the Hybrid System failed. Parts are unavailable because GM discontinued them. GM shop is not willing to replace with used battery due to the lack of reliability “we would have the same problem just a few miles down the road”. GM shop bipassed hybrid system resulting in the vehicle only working if it is on a trickle battery charger. Filed complaint with GM and GM told us they cannot help because the part is discontinued. This vehicle cannot operate without being on a trickle charge which is a hazard to all people on the road. GM discontinued a part that is vital to the vehicle’s safety and usability. GM provided no resolution, therefore putting all 2011 Chevy Silverado Hybrid vehicles at risk for immediate and unforeseen vehicle failure.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11507224February 14, 2023
SERVICE BRAKES
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brakes seized. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The failure mileage was approximately 76,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11506838February 12, 2023
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Frame has excess rust due to inferior undercoating. This was pointed out to me at the last 2 oil changes at the dealer. Truck is currently available to be inspected.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11499697January 1, 2023
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The frame and cross member that holds fuel tank have rusted to the point of failure. It is available for inspection. Safety hazard exist when the the vehicle become uncontrollable and also when fuel tank comes loose possible ignition if fuel. Have not reproduced or been inspected. Frame rusting to failure is a known issue with these trucks.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11497089December 12, 2022
SUSPENSION
Frame started rusting almost immediately dealer did not want to address it
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11494996November 26, 2022
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, ENGINE
The worst problem I have with this vehicle is that it will cut power to propulsion without any warning. I was driving down a suburban roadway, not on the freeway, thank God. When the truck's automatic gear shift wouldn't engage, I went from going 30 mph to 5 mph in seconds. The accelerator pedal wouldn't respond, I managed to coax my truck into a parking lot and restart the engine. Other times the head lights will not come on. Just today, I turned on the left turn signal and the Stabilitrack warning light came on, plus the radio made a brief noise of static. This particular issue appeared and disappeared in one second. I'm concerned that these problems are a manufacturer's mistake, and I want it fixed as soon as possible. My mechanic has tried repeatedly to find the cause but has been unsuccessful.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11494817November 24, 2022
POWER TRAIN
My truck has been at a dealership since May 31st , 2022. It needs a TCM. While researching , plus calling aftermarket parts suppliers(Auto zone and others) , and also calling auto recycling/salvages yards , there are Zero TCM's available unless you get lucky at a auto salvage yard minutes after a wrecked truck shows up. There is a huge issue with the TCM's failing on these 10 year old trucks , and GM refuses to allow their supplier to make replacement TCM's. I have lost the use of my truck for almost 6 months at this point. I would also like to know how many other customers are waiting for a TCM.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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