2016 GMC Sierra 1500 Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2016 GMC Sierra 1500, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Brakes10726.2%
- Powertrain (other)8220.1%
- Electrical5313.0%
- Engine409.8%
- Steering379.1%
- Suspension153.7%
- Visibility143.4%
- Airbags112.7%
- Driver assistance112.7%
- Fuel system92.2%
- Interior & seats71.7%
- Body & structure71.7%
- Other / unspecified41.0%
- Exterior lighting41.0%
- Seat belts20.5%
- Heating & air conditioning20.5%
- Tires & wheels20.5%
- Transmission10.2%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
My vehicle a 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 upon lower idle speeds loses vacuum pressure. As the vacuum level drops the brake assist decreases, increasing the braking effort, extending the distance required to stop the vehicle, which increases the risk of a crash. I have had a warning light come on advising to service the brake assist system. I took my truck to a local mechanic who confirmed the codes and learned that there had been a GM recall associated with this failure at one time, with GM recall # N192268490. There is also NHTSA recall bulletin 19V645000 regarding this matter as well. Upon contacting some local GM dealers in the area, I was informed that my VIN was not listed as one of the vehicles affected by this recall, so a recall notice was never sent regarding my vehicle. I was also told that I just fell outside their 10-year window regarding this matter and that they would not repair this safety issue under warranty. I called the GM customer service who could not explain why the VIN associated to my truck was not listed and they said I should contact NHTSA and start a claim for potential reimbursement in the future after repairs are made. I feel that this is an unnecessary step as I believe GM should honor their product and repair an obvious safety issue with the truck, especially since they knew this was an issue in thousands of their trucks where it was not my fault my vehicles VIN was not included as a potential recall issue, but I am following their suggestion
1- transmission issue, it’ll occasionally slip from 1-2 gear and engine rpm’s will shoot up making it when you release the gas pedal it’ll kick into second gear it’ll also do minor kicks into other gears (8l90 transmission) 2- breaks issue, unsure of what the problem is but at very low speeds like parking or going in slow traffic the break pedal will get really hard making you have to press extra hard for it to break, releasing and pressing again doesn’t help either
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
1- transmission issue, it’ll occasionally slip from 1-2 gear and engine rpm’s will shoot up making it when you release the gas pedal it’ll kick into second gear it’ll also do minor kicks into other gears (8l90 transmission) 2- breaks issue, unsure of what the problem is but at very low speeds like parking or going in slow traffic the break pedal will get really hard making you have to press extra hard for it to break, releasing and pressing again doesn’t help either
since we have had this truck the transmission has not worked right to where no longer works plus we have paperwork from other dealship have said this truck should have never been sold to us by the other deal they told us this truck has a lot of issues and is not road safe we where told by that dealer they cant help us so we need help with this the truck don't even have 100,000 on it the truck also pulls to the light sometimes and sometimes to the right .....
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2016 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while idling in the drive-through at a pharmacy, the contact noticed smoke coming from the rear window, and the rear window shattered. The contact stated that the defroster was activated at the time of the failure. There was no injury sustained. The contact deactivated the defroster and drove to the residence, where the contact disconnected the defroster fuse. The contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program Number: N192265660 (Rear Window Defroster Thermal Events). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 139,250.
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. The vehicle warmed up for approximately 2 to 3 minutes. The contact stated that while leaving the driveway, her husband stopped the vehicle to assist with moving a lawn mower. Upon returning to the vehicle and looking through the glass her husband observed that there was smoke coming from the rear glass. The contact stated that her husband unlocked the rear doors and released the folding rear seat and saw that the defroster unit was on fire and smoking. The contact stated that her husband turned the vehicle off and the flames were self-extinguished; however, approximately 45-seconds later the driver’s side rear panel window shattered. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program Number: N192265660 - Rear Window Defroster Thermal Events (Electrical System, Visibility). The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
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. The fuel pump shreds and metal shavings are found throughout the fuel system. Requires a full fuel system replacement...quotes have been obtained from GM dealership and local diesel mechanics, ranged from $15,000-$17,000. There is a known fix and could have been solved by replacing the fuel pump with an alternative one, without putting us in a dangerous situation. There is also a settled class action lawsuit directly associated to this fuel pump and issue, however the vehicle was purchased in GA and therefore not included. Based on the VIN the truck would be included if sold within a qualifying state. GM corporate and dealers know about this problem and the safety risk, but are not even suggesting the fuel pump conversation as a repair. They are putting customers in dangerous situations and leaving them with high bills.
Catastrophic engine failure while traveling 40 mph. Dealership diagnosed as cylinder walls being scorched and rods blown through. No warning signs existed - just had a loud thud before the check engine light started flashing and grinding sound started coming from engine.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
Loose steering and sometimes steering wheel wants to return to center When this happens I loose all electrical - dash goes blank engine dies etc. the hot battery cable is very hot to the touch. I disconnected the ground cable and wait a few minutes and power returns This is going to cause a wreck if it is not corrected Local dealer says could be bad battery I had already changed it there is a place to say when this occurred it has happened several times over the last year the last 2 times were within a week
While turning steering wheel got hard and cut my turning radius causing almost to go out of the road
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2016 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact stated that the steering wheel failed to turn into the intended direction. The contact stated that the steering wheel was 15 meters from center. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle drove abnormally rough. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with upper control arms failure. The contact was informed that the upper control arms needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the contact stated that previously the lower control arms, four alignments, and all four tires were replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 59,000.
My 2016 gmc Sierra transmission going out again first time locked up and researched everyone I know that owns gmc says they have same issue replaced front drive train busted also and noticed the weld on the frame around steering box and frame has one weld pass very thin rusting away already I've done replaced engine front diff fuel pump now airbag warning keeps going off and my radio has security build in it keeps locking up so I think my entire gmc sjo I ld be recalled replaced with a better used one at least gmc make it right allow me a safe auto for what I paid for so please check transmission on all 2016 gmc trucks suv before someone gets killed over malfunction and airbags an on board computer shutting down my email [XXX] I'd be happy to allow gmc builders to take it and learn from defaults in it I know I had service dept Thornhill auto chapmanville wv service a brake recall on it and the web sites continue saying no recall please email any help thank you for everyone's time helping me INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2016 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while idling in the drive-through at a pharmacy, the contact noticed smoke coming from the rear window, and the rear window shattered. The contact stated that the defroster was activated at the time of the failure. There was no injury sustained. The contact deactivated the defroster and drove to the residence, where the contact disconnected the defroster fuse. The contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program Number: N192265660 (Rear Window Defroster Thermal Events). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 139,250.
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. The vehicle warmed up for approximately 2 to 3 minutes. The contact stated that while leaving the driveway, her husband stopped the vehicle to assist with moving a lawn mower. Upon returning to the vehicle and looking through the glass her husband observed that there was smoke coming from the rear glass. The contact stated that her husband unlocked the rear doors and released the folding rear seat and saw that the defroster unit was on fire and smoking. The contact stated that her husband turned the vehicle off and the flames were self-extinguished; however, approximately 45-seconds later the driver’s side rear panel window shattered. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program Number: N192265660 - Rear Window Defroster Thermal Events (Electrical System, Visibility). The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owned a 2016 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle crashed into a deer, causing significant damage to the front end. During the crash, no airbags deployed. The cause of the air bag's failure to deploy was not determined. The vehicle was repaired at the local collision center. Recently, while driving approximately 50 MPH, the driver pressed the brakes to decelerate before crashing into a deer. During the crash, the vehicle sustained minor damage to the front end, but all the air bags in the vehicle deployed, including the driver steering wheel air bag, the front passenger side air bag, the driver and passenger side curtain airbags and seat belt pretensioners, and the passenger side seat air bag. The driver's side seat airbag did not deploy. The contact suffered adverse effects of COPD due to the air bag powder during the deployment. No medical treatment was needed. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not contacted. The contact indicated that due to the minor damage to the vehicle during the crash, the air bag should not have deployed. The vehicle was towed to a collision center and was determined to be destroyed. The failure mileage was unknown.
My rear driver side door electric harness failed only two years after owning vehicle. This disables everything, including the side airbag putting passengers at risk. Most recently (2024), my radio harness failed causing ALL functions regarding infotainment system to be obsolete. Multiple electric issues and no recalls to be seen.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
For over a year now multiple times while I'm driving. My vehicle's power steering will jerk/shake very abruptly, dash lights, radio, a/c & heater flicker on & off, service stabilitrak, trailer brakes etc, will pop up. then once stopped and shut off the engine the battery will act like it is dead and I will have no power to the vehicle at all. I have read the recall report & over 1 million SUV/Pickup GM vehicles (Chevy/Cadillac) manufactured through October 2015 are affected with the same issues. My 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 manufacture date on the vehicle is October 2015. I was told my VIN # was not included with the recall therefore they can't do anything to help. Even though my vehicle is experiencing exactly the same problems as the vehicles that were recalled and fixed with no out of pocket expense I am basically screwed. I also have a video of my steering wheel jerking back & forth, dash lights flickering & the engine stalling. (All in the same video)
Sensor temperature transmission
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
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. The fuel pump shreds and metal shavings are found throughout the fuel system. Requires a full fuel system replacement...quotes have been obtained from GM dealership and local diesel mechanics, ranged from $15,000-$17,000. There is a known fix and could have been solved by replacing the fuel pump with an alternative one, without putting us in a dangerous situation. There is also a settled class action lawsuit directly associated to this fuel pump and issue, however the vehicle was purchased in GA and therefore not included. Based on the VIN the truck would be included if sold within a qualifying state. GM corporate and dealers know about this problem and the safety risk, but are not even suggesting the fuel pump conversation as a repair. They are putting customers in dangerous situations and leaving them with high bills.
I have not experienced a failure as of yet. But the CP4 fule pump is prone to fail. With that failure the engine is destroyed as well. So why is there no recall to get the CP4 fuel pump replaced? GM has been sued correct? A settlement of $35 million due to the failure of the CP4 fuel pump. So why is there no recall to address the issue before it happens? I have contacted GM directly and got no assistance. They just told me to fill a complaint. My Vehicle is a 2016 GMC Denali 2500 with the Duramax motor. This issue needs to have a recall! Why should owners of these vehicles with the CP4 fuel pumps have to wait until it fails and cost thousands of dollars to get assistance or reimbursement. Would appreciate any help with this matter. Thank You.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
Neither of the two rear seat head rests stay up. Also, they are too low when extended to full height to protect an adult from head injury in a crash or hard stop. Your head hits the rear glass window. I am 5'-9" tall. The head rest does not lock or remain up in any position. Applying very light pressure to the head rest causes it to drop all the way down. This occurs if you sit in the seat and lean your head back. I'm concerned that someone will be injured if these head rests aren't made to engage and stay in the extended positions. The front rests have a lock button that you must push to lower the head rest. The rear ones do not have this feature. This problem has occurred since the vehicle was new. I mentioned it to the dealer but they said that is how they are designed.
-Engine gas consumption state 21 MPG Highway, 17 MPG Combined and 15 MPG City. When I started using this vehicle during the first weeks and months the best MPG I could get at the highway is 18.5 MPG with top tier gas such Shell & Chevron during the first 2 years and now Costco brand. Every since I bought it, the gas MPG have gone down around 0.5 MPG. The vehicle feels that it has to use more gas in order to perform. -The motor oil pump at times moves down from the 40 mark to the 20 when idle at traffic light and when it starts moving, it temporarily moves to the 60 mark. -The transmission is an 8 speed automatic. It has issues shifting to first gear, second gear and times 3rd gear. When driving at slow speeds like in traffic jams, mall parking lots or when you slow down at the traffic light and then turns green and you start accelerating again it feels harsh on gearing down and up, like someone rear ended your vehicle. -This truck has the Active Fuel Management (AFM) and it turns on even slower speeds and you feel how the engine and transmission struggle to really gear up and down. Like it never gears and tries to accelerate at a higher gear. Like in manual transmissions when you accelerate on a higher gear than at correct own it takes forever to reach the needed speed. -Even if all 8 pistons are on it feels as if I am running on a smaller engine like a V6 or V4. -The driver car seat feels that move a little like an 1/8 of an inch. -It just feels that something is wrong with motor and transmission.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
Paint is failing and delaminating from both rear doors around windows and also the truck bed.
The contact owns a 2016 GMC Sierra. The contact stated that she had noticed the frame had rusted in two places. No warning lights were illuminated. The local dealer was contacted, who confirmed there were no open recalls. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was unknown.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
RECALL# 42190 UPPER CONTROL ARM BROKE ON MY GMC SIERRA 1500. I WAS DRIVING OUT OF A CHURCH PARKING LOT AND MADE A LEFT TURN ON TO A CITY STREET AND MY RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER TIRE FELL OFF. I CONTACTED GM WARRANTY DEPARTMENT AND GOT IT TOWED TO DALTON MOTORS IN MARIANNA, AR. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT I HAD BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT. THAT WASN'T TRUE. HE CALLED SUNRISE GMC IN MEMPHIS, TN OFF COVINGTON PIKE AND TOLD THEM ALL TYPES OF LIES AND TO NOT FIX IT. I TOOK IT TO SUNRISE ON NOVEMBER 20, 2017 AND THE TECHNICIAN LOOKED AT IT FOR 5 SECONDS AND SAID I HIT A POT HOLE AND THAT HE WOULD NOT FIX IT OR HONOR MY WARRANTY. A POT HOLE DIDN'T CAUSE THIS PROBLEM. I CURRENTLY HAVE A 5 YEAR 36,000 MILE WARRANTY THAT COVERS THIS PROBLEM. THERE IS ALSO A CURRENT RECALL ON THIS ISSUE AND I WAS NOT NOTIFIED WHEN I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. I HAD TO LOOK IT UP ON MY OWN.
8 SPEED TRANSMISSION BUCKS, HESITATES, LURCHES FORWARD, CLUNKS, WHILE IN DRIVE. THE CONTINENTAL TIRES ARE CUPPING, WHICH GM SAYS IS CHARACTERISTIC OF THE BRAND. THE TRUCK VIBRATES WHILE AT 25MPH, AROUND 50MPHM AND 65-75MPH. WHILE IN AWD/4WD AT 30 AND 50MPH, THE DRIVELINE MAKES A WHINING NOISE AND VIBRATES SOMETIMES.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
FAILED SEAL ON 3RD BRAKE LIGHT RESULTING IN COMPLETE REPLACEMENT OF BRAKE LIGHT REQUIRED DUE TO WATER INFILTRATION. HAPPENED IN CAR WASH AFTER OWNING 2YRS 8 MONTHS.
I WAS WAITING ON THE ONCOMING TRAFFIC SO I COULD MAKE A LEFT TURN. I HAD PLENTY OF TIME TO MAKE MY LEFT TURN IN FRONT OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC, AS I PROCEEDED TO MAKE MY TURN ALL IF A SUDDEN MY STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP, STABILITY TRAC LIGHT CAME ON, MY POWER LOCKS LOCKED AND UNLOCKED INTERMITTENTLY AND TRUCK ENGINE DIED. I HAD TO RESTART ENGINE AND IT DID IT AGAIN AS I WAS MOVING ATTEMPTING TO FINISH MY TURN. THIS HAPPENS ON A REGULAR BASIS NOW ANYTIME I HAVE TO TURN STEERING WHEEL IT LOCKS UP AND DOES THIS. SOMETIMES IT DOES EVERYTHING I STATED ABOVE BUT ENGINE DOESN'T DIE. THIS IS DANGEROUS. A COUPLE TIMES WHEN IT DOES THIS MY TRUCK DOESN'T HAVE ANY POWER TO START BUT WAIT 30 SECONDS TO A MINUTE, POWER WILL RESTORE AND YOU CAN THEN START IT UP. IT ALMOST SOUNDS EXACTLY WHAT IS HAPPENING THAT THE 2015 GMC 1500 ARE BEING RECALLED. THIS HAPPENS NOW ON A DAILY BASIS.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
Drivers side seat belt cable broke off where it connects to left side of drivers seat. It looks like a clean break I can send pictures
I HIT A DEER ON THE HIGHWAY AND THE SEATBELTS LOCKED UP ON US AS WE HAD THEM ON, WE PULLED OFF AND TOKE OUR SEATBELTS OFF TO SEE THE DAMAGE DONE AND NOW THE SEATBELTS ARE LOCKED UP COMPLETELY AND WON'T COME LOSE TO WEAR THEM.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
A/C STOPPED WORKING. GREAT ON FRIDAY, DID NOT DRIVE OVER WEEKEND, HOT ON MONDAY. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 GMC SIERRA 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR CONDITIONING WAS BLOWING OUT HOT AIR, WHICH FOGGED UP THE WINDSHIELD AND MADE IT DIFFICULT TO SEE WHILE DRIVING. THE CONTACT HAD TO ROLL DOWN THE WINDOWS IN ORDER TO SEE THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO GOLD STAR BUICK GMC (1980 N DAVIS RD, SALINAS, CA, (831) 240-4859) FOR REPAIRS. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE AND REPAIR SPECIFICS WERE UNDISCLOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,696. *TT
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
I purchased a set of Firestone Destination A/T2 tires from Firestone in Southaven, MS. I had the tires for less than 16 months. I took the tires in for inspection & was told the treat belts had separated from the tires. The tires are a hazard. the tires are 275/55R20. Driving on the interstate, I had to pull over as it felt as though the truck would overturn/rollover. They must be recalled. I contacted Firestone, they were of little to no assistance. Unable to obtain a refund or credit. I googled info on firestone tires & a plethora of information exhibited the same thing, problems with tread separation.
255/55R20 these tires only have 30k on them and are starting to dry rot on the sidewall close to the rim on all 4 tires and the tire pressure is checked every couple months I've reached out to Kenda with no response as to date
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2016 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated while responding, shuddered, and made an abnormal sound. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with torque converter clutch shudder and failure. The dealer determined that the torque converter clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and offered to partially cover the cost of the repair. The failure mileage was approximately 66,456.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .