2016 GMC Sierra 1500
This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 342
- Recalls
- 8
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Service brakes
Campaigns on file for 2016
Opened by NHTSA
31% of complaints
Complaints per year
2016: 342 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1994 | 13 |
| 1995 | 3 |
| 1996 | 5 |
| 1997 | 83 |
| 1998 | 59 |
| 1999 | 158 |
| 2000 | 181 |
| 2001 | 140 |
| 2002 | 166 |
| 2003 | 180 |
| 2004 | 212 |
| 2005 | 177 |
| 2006 | 145 |
| 2007 | 262 |
| 2008 | 380 |
| 2009 | 234 |
| 2010 | 167 |
| 2011 | 284 |
| 2012 | 107 |
| 2013 | 115 |
| 2014 | 738 |
| 2015 | 719 |
| 2016 | 342 |
| 2017 | 353 |
| 2018 | 302 |
| 2019 | 643 |
| 2020 | 469 |
| 2021 | 570 |
| 2022 | 575 |
| 2023 | 470 |
| 2024 | 366 |
| 2025 | 111 |
| 2026 | 125 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Service brakes
31% · 106 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
In March of 2018, I bought my 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 Z71 4X4 used with 36,000 miles on it from crain Kia of conway, ar.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-09-12
When the peddles are raised and you step on the brake you could be pushing the gas and brake at the same time. When the peddles are lowered this does not happen. A lot of people step on the side of the brake and it happens only when raised.
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-02-27
My vehicle a 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 upon lower idle speeds loses vacuum pressure.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-22
Power train
24% · 83 reportsMost commonly citing torque converter.
Show complaint excerpts
Vehicle shakes & vibrates at speed I & other owners are reporting that condition leads to headaches, dizziness, and nausea. This truck is a replacement for a 2014 that exhibited same issues.
NHTSA ODI report, 2016-03-08
Electrical system
16% · 54 reportsMost commonly citing alternator/generator/regulator and cables.
Show complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2016 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that her husband remote started the vehicle. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the defrosters automatically activated.
NHTSA ODI report, 2025-11-24
Also filed under Visibility
I bought a new 2015 GMC sierra 4X4 from bob king auto in wilmington nc with 0 mile's on it very expensive truck. You can't see at night to drive the headlight's the headlight's have no distance to them maybe 25 ft.
NHTSA ODI report, 2016-07-07
Steering
11% · 38 reportsEngine
11% · 38 reportsShow complaint excerpts
The vehicle stopped dead in traffic and would not restart. No warning lights. This is a huge safety hazard. Had to be towed to a dealership. The dealership and other diesel shops said the issue is a known catastrophic CP4 fuel pump failure.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-11
Also filed under Fuel/propulsion system
Safety timeline
8 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2016Complaint volume 342 complaints filed for this model year.
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2016-05-18Suspension16V256000 General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and 2016 Cadillac Escalade, Cadillac Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Sierra, GMC Yukon and GMC Yukon XL vehicles.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the left and right front upper control arms and realign the vehicle, free of charge. The recall began on May 18, 2016.
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2016-10-13Air bags, seat belts16V651000 General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD, 3500 HD, Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Sierra 2500 HD and 3500 HD, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles and 2014-2017...
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 13, 2016.
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2017-08-04Air bags, seat belts17V437000 General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse and Chevrolet Spark EV, Caprice PPV and SS vehicles, 2014-2017 Buick Encore and Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles, 2015-2016 Cadillac...
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2017.
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2018-11-20Preliminary evaluationClosed 2022-04-10 Brake Vacuum Pump Failure
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2019-10-08Service brakes, hydraulic19V645000 General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Cadillac Escalade, 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, 2015-2018 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon vehicles. The amount of vacuum created by the vacuum pump may decrease over time.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Electronic Brake Control Module, free of charge. The recall began October 8, 2019.
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2019-12-11Electronic stability control (esc), service brakes, service brakes, hydraulic19V761000 General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, and GMC Yukon, and 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles equipped with a 5.3-liter engine, a 3.08-ratio rear axle and four-wheel drive.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the EBCM, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782.
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2022-05-05Air bags21V504000 General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2016 GMC Sierra 1500, 2500, 3500, and Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the left and right side RRAB modules, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed on August 18, 2021. Owners will receive a second notice when the remedy is available.
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Date not on fileAir bags20V736000 General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2016 GMC Sierra 1500 and Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and 2015 GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500, and Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 trucks.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the RRAB modules on the left and/or right side, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on December 22, 2020.
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Date not on fileAir bags26V611000 General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500/3500, GMC Sierra 2500/3500 vehicles, and 2016-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles.
Remedy: Dealers will replace both RRAB modules, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 9, 2026. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020.
Buy-smart checklist
2016 GMC Sierra 1500 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Service brakes: 106 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 83 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 54 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 20V736000 · Air bags
- Recall 26V611000 · Air bags
- Recall 16V256000 · Suspension
- Recall 16V651000 · Air bags, seat belts
- Recall 17V437000 · Air bags, seat belts
- Recall 19V645000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
- Recall 19V761000 · Electronic stability control (esc), service brakes, service brakes, hydraulic
- Recall 21V504000 · Air bags
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 is rated "worse than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2016 GMC Sierra 1500?
- The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 31% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 have?
- 8 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.