The 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 has 5 recalls, the most serious being a Takata airbag inflator that can explode and send metal fragments into the cabin, posing a risk of serious injury or death.
The airbag concern applies to the front passenger side and is linked to high-humidity climates; prior repair attempts did not fully resolve the issue for all affected vehicles, which is why multiple recall campaigns exist for the same defect. On the fuel system side, trucks equipped with dual fuel tanks have a low-fuel sensor in the front tank that can stick, causing the rear tank to pump too much fuel forward. If the front tank overfills, pressure can cause it to expand and contact the driveshaft, potentially puncturing the tank. There is also a recall covering certain fire extinguishers installed in the vehicle from the factory: the extinguisher may fail to discharge properly, leaving occupants without a working tool if a fire breaks out.
At a glance
What can fail
The front passenger air bag inflator may explode due to propellant breakdown after prolonged exposure to high humidity, high heat, and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with a different one at no cost to you.
Looking to upgrade?
Find accessories for your 2011 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 3500 at Amazon.
We may earn a commission for purchases made through these links.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front passenger air bag inflator may fail to deploy or deploy incorrectly in a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front passenger air bag inflator contains a propellant that can degrade and rupture after prolonged exposure to high heat, humidity, and temperature swings.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with a different one at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fire extinguisher may clog and fail to discharge, or require excessive force to use. In some models, the nozzle may detach forcefully, potentially causing injury and making the extinguisher inoperable.
What the fix does
GM will provide a free replacement fire extinguisher from Kidde. Contact your vehicle manufacturer's customer service to arrange the replacement.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front tank's low fuel level sensor can stick, causing the rear tank to overfill the front tank beyond its capacity.
What the fix does
The dealer will replace the rear tank fuel pump or update the fuel-level sensor software, and inspect and replace the front tank if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
