RoadVitals

2016 GMC Sierra 2500

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
59
Latest Jul 2, 2026
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
5
Latest Jul 1, 2021
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
1
1 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 59 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2016 GMC Sierra 2500, most frequently naming the steering, fuel system and brakes categories. 5 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 1,579 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

5 campaigns cover this model year

View all 5

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
21V504000

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR

Jul 1, 2021
410,019 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: 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.
The 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. 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.
General Motors, LLCManufacturer number N202324251View on NHTSA.gov
18V578000

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES

Aug 30, 2018
42,280 units potentially affected
The defect: 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. The brake pedal pivot nut may loosen, causing the brake pedal to be loose or inoperative.
The risk: If the brake pedal becomes loose or inoperative, the driver may be unable to stop the vehicle by using the brake pedal. Additionally, a loose pedal may also interfere with the accelerator pedal. Either condition may increase the risk of a crash.
The 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. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18278. Note: The vehicles in this recall need this additional remedy despite being covered by recall 16V069 for brake pedal loosening.
General Motors LLCManufacturer number 18278View on NHTSA.gov
17V437000

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL; AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE; SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER

Jul 10, 2017
40,683 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: 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.
The 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. 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.
General Motors LLCManufacturer number 17287View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 59
Electrical
Filed Jul 2, 2026

My HMI was "bricked" when onstar pushed an incompatible update when I changed the service plan. While driving the screen has intermittently turned off and on causing temporary unexpected loss of navigation functions, Bluetooth connectivity, and use of the back up camera. This causes a safety issue as the unexpected loss of display and connectivity has caused me to be unable to continue using hands free features during operation, and to no longer view behind the vehicle during entirety of backing. When I contacted OnStar support I was instructed to perform some troubleshooting and was then referred to the Connection Center Team. The CCT representative told me that my hardware was outdated and could not support the update. If a representative can confirm the problem retrospectivly, I think the representatives making changes to the service plan should also be able to proactively confirm incompatibility before causing the issue. There were no warnings. The issues first occured while I was driving on the day (6/25/26) my new plan began and the update was sent. I can make the HMI available for inspection upon request. I don't believe there is any actual issue with the hardware, just a negligent and incompatible software update.

NHTSA ID
11747986
Incident
Jun 25, 2026
Electrical
Filed Feb 23, 2026

The contact owns a 2016 GMC Sierra 2500. The contact stated that the horn was inoperable. The contact became aware of the failure when the horn failed to sound while locking the vehicle with the key fob. Upon investigation, the contact discovered that there were no recalls on the VIN related to the failure. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

NHTSA ID
11719983
Incident
Nov 23, 2025
Mileage
150,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Aug 2, 2025

CP4 injection pump failure while driving nearly causing vehicle collision.

NHTSA ID
11677925
Incident
Aug 1, 2025
Fuel system
Filed Jun 19, 2025

The CP4 pump failed while driving causing vehicle to stall. Upon failure, lost power to steering. Luckily we were on an access road for a rest area and not yet on the interstate. This resulted in a 14.5 thousand repair. No prior warning to pump failure. GM has recently settled a class action related to this pumps failure and has never recalled trucks with this pump to avoid failure.

NHTSA ID
11668022
Incident
Jun 5, 2025
Fuel system
Filed Jun 10, 2025

My vehicles High Pressure Fuel Pump failed causing the vehicle to shutoff while driving. In addition, due to the engine shutting down while driving, the power steering quit working causing me to not be able to steer the vehicle. Thank you

NHTSA ID
11666095
Incident
Jun 6, 2025
EngineFuel system
Filed May 14, 2025

My 2016 GMC Sierra 2500 with a 6.6-liter Duramax diesel V8 engine suffered a complete engine shutdown—an issue that is both hazardous and expensive to repair. Fortunately, mine failed in a parking lot. No warning lights or symptoms were present. Failure is instantaneous and can occur any time rendering the vehicle inoperable on high-speed highways, Intersections, etc. Failure always leaves vehicle occupants stranded, creating an unsafe and dangerous situation. My vehicle was towed to a GMC dealer. Repair costs could be as high as $15,000. The 6.6-liter Duramax diesel V8 engine is equipped with a Bosch ‘CP4’ high-pressure fuel pump. These pumps are unreasonably fragile and prone to catastrophic failure causing instant contamination of the entire fuel system with metal shavings. General Motors has agreed to pay $35 million to settle with owners following a class action lawsuit that accused the company of installing defective Bosch CP4 high-pressure fuel pumps in certain Chevrolet and GMC pickup models. This action covered only owners in California, Florida, Illinois, Iowa, New York, Pennsylvania, or Texas.

NHTSA ID
11660921
Incident
Apr 22, 2025
EngineFuel system
Filed May 3, 2025

Motor stopped dead while driving on a local Interstate Hwy. Was able to negotiate the truck out of traffic without crashing. Not an easy thing to do in speeding rush hour traffic. Had the truck towed to a reputable repair shop and discovered the CP4 fuel pump had failed and shattered throughout the fuel system. Repairs in the amount of $13,520.30 incurred to get the truck back in service. The attached invoice includes $167.87 for other maintenance not related to the CP4 fuel pump repair. This is a known problem and safely hazard. A class action suit settlement is related to the CP4 fuel pump against multiple truck manufacturers. # [XXX] and can be found at [XXX] . Minnesota is not included in the class action and GM will not address my complaint. Why has this KNOWN safety issue not resulted in a recall? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11658680
Incident
Feb 27, 2025
Fuel system
Filed Aug 24, 2024

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 ID
11610634
Incident
Aug 22, 2024

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

PIT5509N

This PI provides diagnostic tips for diagnosing electric trailer brakes issues.

PIT5099J

PI to help diagnose A/C concern

PIT5544J

This Preliminary information communicates information on a hydraulic rush type noise from the power steering gear. This noise is a characteristic of the new Active Hydraulic Assist System RPO NV8 and no repairs should be made.  The noise is most noticeable in the cab at idle, in park, with all accessories turned off.

PIT5509M

This PI provides diagnostic tips for diagnosing electric trailer brakes issues.

PIT3271Q

This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.

PIP4902V

This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

GMC Sierra 2500 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2026910—
2025250044.7
2024983052.8
2023311048.9
2022423056.1
2021516163.7
2020739160.0
2019327060.9
2018355048.5
2017376053.2
2016Viewing595046.7
2015896161.0
2014302150.9
2013463146.7
2012303150.1
2011634151.1
2010105144.9
2009315149.0
2008633358.1
2007833357.3
2006663050.1
20051154050.5
20041434047.4
20031603048.7
20021344359.3
20011345259.5
2000483158.7
1999362050.8
1998153041.2
1997144047.5
1996000—
1995000—
1994100—

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. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.