2016 GMC Sierra 2500
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of 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 PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1994 | 1 |
| 1997 | 14 |
| 1998 | 15 |
| 1999 | 36 |
| 2000 | 47 |
| 2001 | 134 |
| 2002 | 134 |
| 2003 | 160 |
| 2004 | 143 |
| 2005 | 115 |
| 2006 | 66 |
| 2007 | 83 |
| 2008 | 63 |
| 2009 | 31 |
| 2010 | 10 |
| 2011 | 63 |
| 2012 | 30 |
| 2013 | 46 |
| 2014 | 30 |
| 2015 | 89 |
| 2016 | 59 |
| 2017 | 37 |
| 2018 | 35 |
| 2019 | 31 |
| 2020 | 73 |
| 2021 | 49 |
| 2022 | 42 |
| 2023 | 28 |
| 2024 | 96 |
| 2025 | 24 |
| 2026 | 6 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
24% of complaints: steering — 14 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
STEERING IS NOT TIGHT AND HAS A LOT OF SLOP BEFORE THE TIRES ACTUALLY TURN. GM DEALER IDENTIFIED A BAD STEERING BOX AND FOLLOWED TSB PIT5501F TO DETERMINE THERE IS A DEFECT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180815
17% of complaints: service brakes — 10 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
WHILE DRIVING AT 45MPH IN THE LEFT LANE OF A MAJOR CITY THOROUGHFARE THE ENGINE QUIT RUNNING, POWER STEERING AND BRAKES DID NOT WORK. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON WHEN THE ENGINE QUIT RUNNING.
NHTSA ODI report, 20161105
17% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 10 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
My high pressure fuel pump, cp4, went out with no warning while driving causing me to lose power. Was able to bring truck to stop safely but was stuck in middle of roadway.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240824
15% of complaints: engine — 9 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
WHILE DRIVING AT 45MPH IN THE LEFT LANE OF A MAJOR CITY THOROUGHFARE THE ENGINE QUIT RUNNING, POWER STEERING AND BRAKES DID NOT WORK. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON WHEN THE ENGINE QUIT RUNNING.
NHTSA ODI report, 20161105
14% of complaints: electrical system — 8 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
2016 GMC SIERRA SHARK FIN ANTENNA GETS WATER UNDER AND DESTROYS ONSTAR, NAVIGATION, AND COMPASS OPERATION. THIS IS RECALLED IN 2015 BUT DOES NOT INCLUDE 2016 THAT HAVE THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240223
SAFETY TIMELINE
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, and 3500 heavy duty trucks manufactured October 1, 2013, to February 1, 2016, 2015-2016 Chevrolet Tahoe Police Pursuit Vehicles (PPV) manufactured...
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will add adhesive to the brake pedal pivot nut and reinstall with an increased torque, free of charge. The recall began on March 14, 2016.
Campaign 16V069000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 16V651000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 17V437000 — check if this car was fixed
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, 1500 Crew Cab Special Service, Tahoe Police Pursuit/Special Service, GMC Sierra 2500, and 3500 vehicles.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will add adhesive to the nut and reinstall the nut with increased tightness, free of charge. The recall began October 3, 2018.
Campaign 18V578000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 21V504000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2016 GMC Sierra 2500 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for steering issues (14 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (10 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (10 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 16V069000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16V651000 (air bags, seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 17V437000 (air bags, seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 18V578000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V504000 (air bags) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
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WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2016 GMC Sierra 2500 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2016 GMC Sierra 2500 is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2016 GMC Sierra 2500?
The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 24% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2016 GMC Sierra 2500 have?
5 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.