Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2011 GMC Sierra owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
We were driving on the interstate in houston at approximately 60-65 MPH approaching a hill. When reaching the top of the hill, there was a parked car in the middle of the highway and we slammed into the back end of it. Both vehicles were totaled. Fortunately, we were wearing seat belts and were not terribly injured. Just real jarred up.the air bags never deployed. With a hit that hard they should have.
The dashboard in my 2011 GMC Sierra denali 1500 has multiple cracks in the dashboard, they have appeared significantly within in the last year and gotten much larger to the point where a "hole" has opened up due to a piece of the dashboard breaking loose and falling inside of the dash console. The cracks and loose debris have caused me concern because if the airbags were to deploy during a motor vehicle accident the occupants of the vehicle would be subjected to flying debris/ shrapnel from the dashboard. I contacted my local dealership and they stated that it is an aesthetic issue which would not be covered under any kind of warranty. This is a known issue with its own facebook page and plenty of documented cases online. GM has acknowledged there was a problem and has offered to replace some dash boards on a case by case basis at a reduced cost. …
First off would be my dashboard air bag, the dashboard plastic is cracking with the concern on flying debris I brought my GMC 1500 into my local service/sales center and he told me with out a recall there is nothing he could do for me. Second I have been dealing with what seems to either the power train or brakes from day one I purchased my truck. What it does is when I come to a complete stop, release the brake, and then apply the accelerator I get a big cur plunk sound and feeling of the truck jerk. This is coming for the rear end of my truck I would assume the rear axial. I have brought this up to my local service/sales center , multiple times. He has not stopped the problem and tells me there is not much more he can do without the manufacturer posting a bulletin out.
Dashboard on my GMC Sierra denali has 2 major cracks. This is a known defect with these vehicles dashboards. First crack is over the gauges on the dash, and the second is right over top of the air bag. This is a serious issue with no recalls or assistance from vehicle manufacturers. The cracks are either started via driving and cracking due to vibration of the road, or they crack from premature wear via the sun fading the materials. It is a very serious safety concern, seeing how if the air bag were to deploy it will send many sharp pieces of dashboard plastic into the passenger or myself the driver. This issue needs to be addressed, it is a very expensive fix, and a safety issue that needs an immediate recall or address.
The dash cracked near the passenger side airbag. The dealership said they know all about this and said it is safe to drive. Fearing plastic pieces flying in the event of an airbag deployment, I paid to have the dash replaced. Later, I drove into a pothole at a very low rate of speed. The second dash cracked in the same spot. The dealer says it is my fault and that there are no safety concerns. GM is aware of this and is unwilling to pay for a new dash. They are jeopardizing the lives of my passengers so that they do not lose profits. This is a recurring problem that should be repaired by GM so that lives are not unnecessary lost.
Takata recall my vehicle is affected by this recall I have called numerous dealerships and they all tell me GM don't have a fix yet so because of this issue does this mean my vehicle falls under lemon law since it's 8 years old and the problem can't be fixed thanks Takata I love my denali
A fews ago, I notice a crack on the front dashboard, near the air bag, in the passenger side. Im concern due to the safety on my vehicle with my kids and my wife. I don't know if the air bag will deploy at anytime or an any impact. Very concern with this safety issue
Hit a deer while driving, airbags did not deploy but made a noise and sounds liked gas was released. Like the airbags tried to deploy but didn't. Now my airbag light is on and says to check airbag system or something to that effect.
Large and noticeable crack by my passenger side airbag on my dashboard. Could see this becoming shrapnel in the event of the airbag deploying. GM will not issue a recall, nor take any sort of responsibility for their error.
Cracked dashboard started at left corner of passenger side airbag then cracked above instrument panel afraid of flying debris and puncture of airbag. Constantly hear popping in the dash my p/u had approx 57000 mi at time of incident
Airbag complaints in other Sierra years
Frequently asked questions
How common are airbag problems on the 2011 GMC Sierra?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the air bags of the 2011 GMC Sierra, 28% of the model year's 71 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2011 GMC Sierra airbag problems?
No. NHTSA lists no air bags recall for the 2011 GMC Sierra, though it has 2 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2011 GMC Sierra airbag problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 58,000 miles, and 13% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to air bags problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.