2011 Chevrolet Silverado
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2011 models.

- Class
- Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD
- Body styles
- 1500 Crew Cab S/Box 2WD, 1500 Crew Cab S/Box 4X4, 1500 Ext Cab L/Box 2WD, 1500 Ext Cab L/Box 4X4
- Engines
- 6.0L 8-cyl, 5.3L 8-cyl, 4.3L 6-cyl, 4.8L 8-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Hybrid, FFV, Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 21 combined · 20 city / 23 hwy
- Length
- 224.4–243.3 in
- Curb weight
- 5,068–5,503 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 9 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 21 MPG combined — 24% better than the average 2011 standard pickup truck (16.9 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
- Many owner complaints676 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 149 for similar models — most often about the air bags.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 5 similar 2011 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2011 Chevrolet Silverado is a standard pickup truck offered with 4 engines (6.0L 8-cyl, 5.3L 8-cyl, 4.3L 6-cyl and 4.8L 8-cyl), including a hybrid version and rear-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive.
It measures about 224 inches long and 80 inches wide on a 144-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 5,154 lb (1500 Crew Cab S/Box 2WD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 21 MPG combined (20 city / 23 highway), 24% better than the 2011 standard pickup truck average of 16.9 MPG, for an estimated $3,200 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 9 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 676 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.
What changed for 2011
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2010 Silverado — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2010; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2010 Silverado →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Built in: Silao, Guanajuato · Fort Wayne, Indiana
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2011 Silverado configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1500 Crew Cab S/Box 2WD | 224.4 in | 79.9 in | 74 in | 143.7 in | 68.5 / 67.3 in | 5,154 lb | 58/42 |
| 1500 Crew Cab S/Box 4X4 | 224.4 in | 79.9 in | 74 in | 143.7 in | 68.5 / 67.3 in | 5,285 lb | 58/42 |
| 1500 Ext Cab L/Box 2WD | 243.3 in | 79.9 in | 74 in | 157.5 in | 68.5 / 67.3 in | 5,243 lb | 59/41 |
| 1500 Ext Cab L/Box 4X4 | 243.3 in | 79.9 in | 74 in | 157.5 in | 68.5 / 67.3 in | 5,503 lb | 60/40 |
| 1500 Ext Cab M/Box 2WD | 224.4 in | 79.9 in | 74 in | 143.7 in | 68.5 / 67.3 in | 5,068 lb | 58/42 |
| 1500 Ext Cab M/Box 4X4 | 224.4 in | 79.9 in | 74 in | 143.7 in | 68.5 / 67.3 in | 5,309 lb | 59/41 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Silverado 15 Hybrid 2WD Hybrid | 6.0L 8-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 / 23 / 21 | +24% | $3,200 | 423 |
| Silverado 15 Hybrid 4WD Hybrid | 6.0L 8-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 4-Wheel Drive | 20 / 23 / 21 | +32% | $3,200 | 423 |
| Silverado C15 XFE 2WD FFV | 5.3L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 22 / 18 | +7% | $3,700 | 494 |
| Silverado C15 2WD | 4.3L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 20 / 17 | +1% | $3,950 | 523 |
| Silverado C15 2WD FFV | 5.3L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 21 / 17 | +1% | $3,950 | 523 |
| Silverado K15 4WD FFV | 5.3L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 15 / 21 / 17 | +7% | $3,950 | 523 |
| Silverado C15 2WD FFV | 4.8L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 19 / 16 | -5% | $4,200 | 555 |
| Silverado K15 4WD | 4.3L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 14 / 18 / 16 | +1% | $4,200 | 555 |
| Silverado K15 4WD FFV | 4.8L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 13 / 18 / 15 | -6% | $4,450 | 592 |
| Silverado C15 2WD FFV | 6.2L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 12 / 18 / 14 | -17% | $4,800 | 635 |
| Silverado K15 4WD FFV | 6.2L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 12 / 18 / 14 | -12% | $4,800 | 635 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2011 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado.
Similar 2011 standard pickup trucks
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 Chevrolet Silverado (this car) | 21 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
| 2011 Toyota Tacoma | 22 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
| 2011 Toyota Tundra | 18 MPG | Not rated | 10 |
| 2011 Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup | 16 MPG | Not rated | 8 |
| 2011 GMC Sierra | 21 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
| 2011 Dodge Dakota Pickup | 17 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
Recalls (9)
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module · Feb 5, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V050000 · 2,641,272 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2007-2011 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, Yukon XL, and 2009-2011 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, GMC Sierra 2500 and Sierra 3500 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, GM is recalling certain 2007-2008 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." These vehicles are equipped with non-desiccated passenger frontal inflators containing phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
- Risk
- An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on February 22, 2021. Second notification letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 1, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212328760.
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module · Feb 5, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V054000 · 1,778,128 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, PR, AS, GU, the MP, and VI or "Zone A." Additionally GM is recalling certain 2011-2014 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, Yukon XL and 2011-2013 Cadillac Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of AZ, AR, DE, DC, IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, and WV or "Zone B." Additionally, GM is recalling certain 2010-2014 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL and 2010-2013 Cadillac Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with non-desiccated passenger frontal inflators containing phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
- Risk
- An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on February 25, 2021. Second notification letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owner notification letters were mailed to 40 VIN owners on May 11, 2021. A second owner notification letter was mailed to all other owners on January 24, 2022. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212328800.
Equipment · Apr 26, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V267000 · 6,154 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD, 2009 GMC Topkick 5000, 6000, 7000 and 8000 Series and Isuzu F Series, and 2009-2018 Chevrolet Express, and GMC Savana vehicles, equipped with certain Plastic-Handle Fire Extinguishers or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf
- Risk
- In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, instructing them to contact Kidde to get a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began June 11, 2018. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, and Isuzu customer service at 1-866-441-9638. GM's number for this recall is 18146.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Auxillary Tank · Oct 19, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V664000 · 35,292 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 and GMC Sierra 3500 trucks equipped with dual fuel tanks. The low fuel level sensor for the front tank may stick causing the rear tank to overfill the front tank.
- Risk
- If the front tank overfills, the excess pressure may cause the front tank to expand and contact the driveshaft, possibly resulting in a hole in the tank. The hole will leak fuel, which in the presence of an ignition source, can increase the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- GM has notified owners, and dealers will replace the rear tank fuel pump or update the fuel-level sensor software, as well as inspect the front tank, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2017. Owners may contact GM customer service for Chevrolet 1-800-222-1020 or for GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 17399.
Electrical System › Ignition · Dec 30, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V827000 · 84,192 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado HD, Silverado LD, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra LD, Sierra HD, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. 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.
- Risk
- 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.
- 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. 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.
Electrical System · Jul 2, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V407000 · 9,371 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 Chevrolet Silverado HD 2500/3500 trucks manufactured January 18, 2007, to June 22, 2011, and GMC Sierra HD 2500/3500 trucks manufactured January 22, 2007, to June 21, 2011, and equipped with an auxiliary battery. Owners may unknowingly draw too much current through the vehicle's trailer harness resulting in the melting of fusible link for the auxiliary battery.
- Risk
- If the fusible link melts it may come into contact with adjacent components, damage the electrical center cover, the nearby wiring harness conduit and other vehicle components, increasing the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners and dealers will replace the jumper harness with one that includes a 40 amp inline fuse, and provide the owner with supplemental Owner Manual information, free of charge. The recall began on August 29, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 14260.
Steering › Linkages · Jun 28, 2011
NHTSA campaign 11V339000 · 739 vehicles
- Problem
- GM IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011CADILLAC ESCALADE, ESCALADE ESV; CHEVROLET SILVERADO HD, SILVERADO LD, SUBURBAN, TAHOE; AND GMC SIERRA HD, SIERRA LD, YUKON, AND YUKON XL VEHICLES. THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT ATTACHING BOLTS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN TIGHTENED TO THE PROPER SPECIFICATION.
- Risk
- THIS COULD ALLOW THE JOINTS TO SEPARATE, AND THE DRIVER COULD EXPERIENCE LOSS OF STEERING INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- 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. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-800-458-8006, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 AND GMC AT 1-866-996-9463.
Suspension › Rear › Axle › Spindle · Jan 6, 2011
NHTSA campaign 11V007000 · 30,566 vehicles
- Problem
- GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 CADILLAC ESCALADE, ESCALADE ESV, ESCALADE EXT; CHEVROLET AVALANCHE, COLORADO, EXPRESS, SILVERADO, SUBURBAN, TAHOE; AND GMC CANYON, SIERRA, SAVANA, YUKON AND YUKON XL VEHICLES. THE REAR AXLE CROSS PINS WERE NOT PROPERLY HEAT TREATED AND COULD FRACTURE AND BECOME DISPLACED WITHIN THE REAR AXLE. SHOULD THE PIN SHIFT OUT OF POSITION, IT COULD CREATE AN INTERFERENCE CONDITION AND CAUSE THE REAR AXLE TO LOCK.
- Risk
- THE DRIVER MAY NOT BE ABLE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND A CRASH COULD OCCUR WITHOUT WARNING.
- Fix
- DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW REAR AXLE CROSS PIN FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 11, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463 AND AT THE OWNER CENTER AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.
Suspension › Rear › Axle › Spindle · Dec 17, 2010
NHTSA campaign 10V643000 · 1,262 vehicles
- Problem
- GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 CADILLAC ESCALADE EXT, CHEVROLET AVALANCHE, SILVERADO LD AND GMC SIERRA LD VEHICLES. THE REAR AXLE CROSS PINS WERE NOT PROPERLY HEAT TREATED AND COULD FRACTURE AND BECOME DISPLACED WITHIN THE REAR AXLE. SHOULD THE PIN SHIFT OUT OF POSITION, IT COULD CREATE AN INTERFERENCE CONDITION AND CAUSE THE REAR AXLE TO LOCK.
- Risk
- THE DRIVER MAY NOT BE ABLE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND A CRASH COULD OCCUR WITHOUT WARNING.
- Fix
- DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW REAR AXLE CROSS PIN FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 11, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463 AND AT THE OWNER CENTER AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.
Not every 2011 Chevrolet Silverado is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2011 Chevrolet Silverado buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 9 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Air Bags — 358 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Structure › Body — 66 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
- Engine — 54 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 78,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Silverado years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Silverado | 25 | 241.3 in | Not rated | 7 | 147 |
| 2025 Silverado | 26 | 233.1 in | Not rated | 4 | 164 |
| 2024 Silverado | 26 | 229.5 in | Not rated | 12 | 542 |
| 2023 Silverado | 26 | 229.5 in | Not rated | 5 | 458 |
| 2022 Silverado | 26 | 241.3 in | Not rated | 9 | 778 |
| 2021 Silverado | 27 | 241.3 in | Not rated | 12 | 984 |
| 2020 Silverado | 27 | 241.3 in | ★★★★★ | 18 | 902 |
| 2019 Silverado | 21 | 241.3 in | ★★★★★ | 20 | 1,196 |
| 2018 Silverado | 20 | 235.4 in | ★★★★★ | 12 | 598 |
| 2017 Silverado | 20 | 235.4 in | ★★★★★ | 12 | 906 |
| 2016 Silverado | 20 | 235.4 in | ★★★★★ | 15 | 979 |
| 2015 Silverado | 20 | 235.4 in | ★★★★★ | 24 | 1,418 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Chevrolet. How we calculate this →