2016 GMC Sierra 2500 Electrical Problems

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 The CCT representative told me that my hardware was outdated and could not support the update.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

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

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 ID

11573594

Incident

Dec 1, 2022

I remote started my truck yesterday morning to get it warmed up before loading my family. They all then got into the truck, my 5 year old and 8 year old in the back seat in booster seats. I threw in some more bags into the back of the truck and started to climb into the truck. As I did that my kids were starting to get nervous and my wife was pointing and stating that the rear window slider was smoking. I put the key into the ignition and turned the key on. Upon doing that the smoke stopped but a few seconds later there was a loud bang, similar to a gun shot, and the rear passenger side window shattered. My 8 year old had glass hit her and my 5 year old was hysterical. Needless to say, the 5 hour drive home was not much fun for anyone after that occured.

NHTSA ID

11503149

Incident

Jan 22, 2023

I am receiving an on-and-off “Service Trailer Brake System” when towing and sometimes when not towing. Checked every component and alert does not stop. When this happens while I’m towing, trailer brakes stop working momentarily.

NHTSA ID

11500519

Incident

Jan 6, 2023

I keep getting a warning message "service trailer brake system". The warning may come on for a second or it may stay on for 10 to 15 minutes. It may do it once a month or 10 times in a 2 minute period. Whenever this happens I lose the electrical braking system on what I am towing. There is no set pattern or circumstance for when or how long it will happen. I was told if the alert is not on there is not a way to diagnose the problem and since I never know when it will happen I cannot schedule any type of diagnostic service. It does seem to happen more often when it is raining but has happened in perfect weather too. The warning has occurred both when I am towing and when I am not. I've done searches for possible causes and it seems to be a common problem. I regularly tow a 12,000 lb. fifth wheel RV with my family. I cannot afford to lose my ability to stop in a reasonable amount of time. I simply cannot do it when I lose my trailer braking system. The date below is the last incident.

NHTSA ID

11436876

Incident

Oct 12, 2021

MY VEHICLE SHUT DOWN AND I HAD THE ABS LIGHT STABILITY CONTROL LIGHT AND THE AIRBAG LIGHT AS WELL AS MORE THAT CAME ON. THE TRUCK WAS PICKED UP FROM THE DEALER AFTER THEY SAID IT WAS A WIRING ISSUE AND WAS. IT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. THIS HAS HAPPEND 4 TIMES ALREADY AND BEEN AT THE DEALER 3 TIMES I HAD IT HAPPEN ON THE HIGHWAY. MOST OF THE TIME IT RESTARTS BUT NOW IT DON'T

NHTSA ID

11182586

Incident

Feb 21, 2019

Mileage

35,000 mi

ON 5 DIFFERENT OCCASIONS THE POWER TO THE TRUCK CUTS OFF AND THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKS UP WHILE DRIVING. ON THE DASH THE STABILILOCK LIGHT FLASHES. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME WHILE TURNING TO GET ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY, WHILE DRIVING DOWN MAIN ROADS TRYING TO CHANGE LANES, AND THE LAST TIME I WAS TURNING INTO MY BANKS DRIVE THROUGH AND HAD TO SLAM ON BREAKS IN ORDER TO AVOID CRASHING INTO THE MEDIAN. I TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP PATRIOT IN KILLEEN TEXAS AND THEY SAID THEY UPDATED THE SYSTEM AND FOUND NO ISSUES AND COULD NOT RECREATE THE ISSUE I SAID I WAS HAVING. THIS MORNING ON MY WAY TO WORK, IT HAPPENED AGAIN. THIS COULD BE DEADLY IF IT HAPPENS AGAIN.

NHTSA ID

11176487

Incident

Feb 12, 2019

Mileage

25,000 mi

THE 7 WAY TRAILER PLUG ON THIS VEHICLE WILL NOT HOLD THE TRAILER PLUG FIRMLY, RESULTING IN THE PLUG COMING LOOSE DURING NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS. ONE OBVIOUS ISSUE IS THAT THE FLAP HOLDING THE PLUG IN IS UPSIDE DOWN FROM ANY OTHER CONFIGURATION I'VE SEEN, ALLOWING THE PLUG TO SAG. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY RISK AS I HAVE HAD SEVERAL INSTANCES WHERE LIGHTS AND EVEN THE TRAILER BRAKES HAVE STOPPED OPERATING WHILE IN TRANSIT , AFTER I GAVE VERIFIED THAT THEY WORKED WHEN I STARTED OUT. I THEN AM A HAZARD TO MY FELLOW MOTORISTS AND MY FAMILY. THIS TRAILER PLUG WORKED FLAWLESSLY WITH MY PREVIOUS TRUCK. GMS SOLUTIONS BLAME THE TRAILER OR PLUG, BUT GIVEN THE ORIENTATION OF THE PLUG AND THE NUMBER OF OWNERS THAT SEEM TO HAVE THIS ISSUE, I BELIEVE A BETTER SOLUTION SHOULD COME FROM THEM.

NHTSA ID

10993347

Incident

Jun 2, 2017

Mileage

1,000 mi