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    GMC Sierra 1500

    EPA MPG: 18 mpg

    RECALL ALERT:
    There are 7 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

    Reliability

    Overall Reliability

    The 2016 Sierra 1500 is less reliable than other cars from the same model year.

    The 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 has been recalled 7 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
    Most Common Trouble Spots
    Common Trouble Spot
    Common Trouble Spot

    Owner Reported Trouble Spots

    The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

    Transmission Minor

    Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Other minor transmission & clutch problem

    "when new the vehicle had a recall to correct a problem with the transmission which presented as a situation where it shifted roughly and when approaching a stop it would not downshift and pulse you forward...most present on hot days (95F)...the recall fix was a transimission flush...which alleviated the issue for a short period of time, but eventually it came back and when I had the regular flush as suggested by GMC maintenance schedule it got better again for a while"

    Anonymous, NC (2016 GMC Sierra 1500 SLT 5.3-L V8)
    Rough shifting

    ""When accelerating like entering a highway, the second gear wouldn't shift into the third gear. or starting to level out after accelerating on the highway the truck wouldn't shift properly into the next gear down. When the work was done on the truck the dealership said there was metal filings in the transmission oil. the drained and flushed the transmission along with removal and installing a rebuilt torque converter.""

    Anonymous, MA (2016 GMC Sierra 1500 SLT 5.3-L V8)

    "The transmission engages and shifts hard causing the truck to jerk or lurch forward."

    Anonymous, AL (2016 GMC Sierra 1500 SLT 5.3-L V8)

    "8L90 transmission had the torque converter shudder that all 8L90s have. Accompanying were rough shifts and lurching when initiating movement."

    Anonymous A., MO (2016 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali 5.3-L V8)

    ""Have had problems w/ rough shifting since l purchased this vehicle, mainly when l would started it up & drive off to work. After 29,000 miles trouble codes PO 700/PO 711 showed up on dashboard & l had transmission fluid & filter changed along w/a replacement wiring harness that my transmission tech advised to replace while the transmission was being serviced. I still experience rough shifting from R to D on occasion, but not as often as before fluid/filter change.""

    Anonymous, AR (2016 GMC Sierra 1500 SLT 5.3-L V8)
    Transmission sensor or solenoid

    "Temperature for transmission fluid would read below 80* after driving long distance. Made service appt & had it repaired!"

    Anonymous, AR (2016 GMC Sierra 1500 SLT 5.3-L V8)

    ""$1,000 repair. Sensor. and known issue requiring double flush of fluid.""

    Anonymous, ON (2016 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali 6.2-L V8)

    In-car Electronics

    Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

    What Owners Say

    Display screen freezes up

    "Radio screen periodically locks on a mode wherin it flashes on and off a display of stations causing a loss of the digital speed display. Dealer has fixed it twice now doing it again."

    Anonymous, MI (2016 GMC Sierra 1500 SLE 5.3-L V8)
    Display screen goes blank

    "Display went blank in July 2024 & stayed blank till display & another part were replaced in fall of 2024"

    Anonymous, AR (2016 GMC Sierra 1500 SLT 5.3-L V8)

    ""The display screen is blank, and is not fixed yet. Local mechanic could not fix problem, expensive to get checked at dealership. No radio controls, no temperature, no connection with phone, etc. Very inconvenient.""

    Anonymous, NS (2016 GMC Sierra 1500 Unsure Unsure)

    "Part of Intellilink system not working at all."

    Anonymous, BC (2016 GMC Sierra 1500 SLE 5.3-L V8)
    External music device interface (e.g., smart phone, MP3 player)

    "The GMC Intellink screen jumps around without being prompted"

    Anonymous A., NC (2016 GMC Sierra 1500 SLE 5.3-L V8)
    In-dash navigation system (GPS)

    "Has not been fixed - Intellilink system is kapoot! Dealer is/was part of the problem."

    Anonymous, BC (2016 GMC Sierra 1500 SLE 5.3-L V8)
    Radio

    "Changes stations without being prompted"

    Anonymous A., NC (2016 GMC Sierra 1500 SLE 5.3-L V8)

    Transmission Major

    Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

    What Owners Say

    Torque converter

    "Rebuilt transmission came with a new torque converter."

    Anonymous, ME (2016 GMC Sierra 1500 SLT 5.3-L V8)
    Transmission rebuild or replacement

    "Hard Shifting, slipping when pulling a load. Transmission is being rebuilt right now."

    Anonymous, AR (2016 GMC Sierra 1500 SLT 6.2-L V8)

    ""Replaced transmission at 100,000 miles because torque converter was breaking down. Manufacturer would help with replacement. Bought a rebuilt!""

    Anonymous, ME (2016 GMC Sierra 1500 SLT 5.3-L V8)

    "Trans was rebuilt by an independent shop with an HD torque converter and updated valving."

    Anonymous A., MO (2016 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali 5.3-L V8)

    Climate System

    AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

    What Owners Say

    A/C compressor

    "I took it in for regular service, when I picked up AC stop working. Advised compressor went bad aboyt 2 months ago."

    Anonymous A., (2016 GMC Sierra 1500 SLT 5.3-L V8)
    Refrigerant leaks

    "Added refrigerant twice in the last year. Cooling is less than before and may need inspection."

    Anonymous, TX (2016 GMC Sierra 1500 SLT 5.3-L V8)

    Paint/Trim

    Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

    What Owners Say

    Rust

    "Rocker panels rusting on driver and passenger side. Worse on passenger side."

    Anonymous A., OH (2016 GMC Sierra 1500 Unsure 5.3-L V8)

    ""Disappointed by Premature Rust on GMC Sierra 1500 The body of my GMC Sierra 1500 is rusting throughdespite having the factory undercoating and an extended rust protection warranty purchased at the time of sale. Unfortunately, after the dealership changed ownership, I was unable to get any satisfaction from the warranty provider. The rust is concentrated beneath the doors. A highly reputable auto body shop evaluated the damage and confirmed that the design poorly allows for water drainage, making repairs difficult and ineffective in the long term. Ive consistently washed and maintained the vehicle, yet the rust continues to worsen. For context, our other vehicle an older model from a different brand shows no signs of rust whatsoever. This points to a serious design flaw rather than neglect.""

    Anonymous A., NY (2016 GMC Sierra 1500 SLE 5.3-L V8)

    Exhaust

    Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Muffler

    "Muffler has holes and now loud noise"

    Anonymous, NY (2016 GMC Sierra 1500 SLT 6.2-L V8)
    Other/unsure

    "Quarter panel rust Had to replace on both sides of truck"

    Anonymous, WV (2016 GMC Sierra 1500 SLT Unsure)

    Suspension/Steering

    Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

    What Owners Say

    Steering wheel vibration

    "Vibrates at higher speeds"

    Anonymous, OH (2016 GMC Sierra 1500 SLE 5.3-L V8)

    Drive System

    Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

    What Owners Say

    Driveline vibration

    "Car shakes when driven at higher speeds"

    Anonymous, OH (2016 GMC Sierra 1500 SLE 5.3-L V8)

    Engine Minor

    Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Engine knock or ping

    "Fuel management going from 8 cylinder mode to 4 cylinder mode. Truck running rough at times so purchased an aftermarket block to keep engine in 8 cylinder mode constantly."

    Anonymous, AR (2016 GMC Sierra 1500 SLT 6.2-L V8)

    Fuel System/Emissions

    Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

    What Owners Say

    Other emissions/fuel system problem

    ""Check engine light, was fuel injection failure, then GMC replaced under warranty""

    Anonymous, CA (2016 GMC Sierra 1500 SLE 5.3-L V8)

    Brakes

    Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

    What Owners Say

    Rotors

    ""Rotors wore quickly, only lasted a couple of years.""

    Anonymous, NS (2016 GMC Sierra 1500 Unsure Unsure)

    Body Hardware

    Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

    What Owners Say

    Other body problem

    "Rust on rocket panels"

    Anonymous A., OH (2016 GMC Sierra 1500 Unsure 5.3-L V8)

    Engine Electrical

    Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

    Noises/Leaks

    Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

    Engine Cooling

    Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

    Electrical Accessories

    Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

    Engine Major

    Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

    2016 Pickup Trucks Reliability

    This Car
    vs. Similar Cars

    GMC vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

    Reliability History
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    Overall Reliability Verdict

    POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
    Powertrain
    Engine Major
    Engine Minor
    Engine Cooling
    Engine Electrical
    Transmission Major
    Transmission Minor
    Drive System
    Fuel System/Emissions
    Exhaust
    Suspension/Steering
    Brakes
    Climate System
    Build Quality
    Electrical Accessories
    Body Hardware
    Paint/Trim
    Noises/Leaks
    In-car Electronics
    Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for about 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes, to power equipment and the electrical accessories.
    Recalls
    PROVIDED BY
    AIR BAGS
    Jul 01, 2021
    A separated inflator end cap or inflator rupture can allow compressed gas to escape, resulting in the end cap or other components being propelled into the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury or crash.
    Summary:
    General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2016 GMC Sierra 1500, 2500, 3500, and Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks. The roof-rail air bag (RRAB) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator, or the inflator sidewall may rupture.
    What should you do:
    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. Phase I owner notification letters were mailed on May 5, 2022. Phase II owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on May 31, 2022. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. This recall supersedes NHTSA recall number 20V-736. GM's number for this recall is N202324251.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 21V504000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 410019
    AIR BAGS
    Nov 25, 2020
    If the end cap separates from the inflator, the compressed gas will escape and the end cap can be propelled into the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury or a crash.
    Summary:
    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. The roof-rail air bag (RRAB) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator.
    What should you do:
    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. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. Note: GM filed a new recall, number 21V-504 that supersedes this recall. All vehicles previously recalled under 20V-736 will now be repaired under the new recall number 21V-504. GM's numbers for this recall are N202309680, N202309681, and N202309682.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 20V736000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 9279
    ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC), SERVICE BRAKES, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
    Oct 24, 2019
    Unintended activation of the driveline-protection system will cause unintended braking on the wheel on the opposite side of the failed sensor, causing the vehicle to pull to one side unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Summary:
    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. If a wheel-speed sensor fails, while the vehicle is traveling between 41 and 60 mph in four-wheel or automatic mode, the Electronic-Brake Control Module (EBCM) software may activate the driveline-protection system.
    What should you do:
    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. GM's number for this recall is N192261050.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 19V761000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 652967
    SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
    Sep 06, 2019
    As the vacuum level drops, the brake assist decreases, increasing braking effort, extending the distance required to stop the vehicle, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
    Summary:
    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.
    What should you do:
    GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Electronic Brake Control Module, free of charge. The recall began October 8, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N192268490.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 19V645000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 3456719
    AIR BAGS, SEAT BELTS
    Jul 10, 2017
    A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.
    Summary:
    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 Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Trax, Suburban and Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL vehicles, and 2015-2017 GMC Sierra HD 2500 and 3500 vehicles. While being previously remedied for recall 16V-651, the affected vehicles may not have received the complete software update necessary to remedy the recall condition. Without the update, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.
    What should you do:
    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. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 17287.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 17V437000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 40683
    AIR BAGS, SEAT BELTS
    Sep 08, 2016
    A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.
    Summary:
    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 Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500, Trax, Caprice Police Pursuit Vehicle, GMC Sierra 1500, Buick Encore, and 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse, Chevrolet Spark EV and SS vehicles. In the affected vehicles, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.
    What should you do:
    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. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 16007.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 16V651000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 3640162
    SUSPENSION
    Apr 28, 2016
    Inadequate welds may allow the control arm to separate from the bushing, compromising steering and increasing the risk of a crash.
    Summary:
    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. The front upper control arms may have inadequate welds near the control arm bushing.
    What should you do:
    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. Until the repairs have been made, owners are advised not to drive their vehicles. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 42190.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 16V256000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 3738
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