2016 GMC Sierra 2500 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 2500, 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
- Steering1420.0%
- Fuel system1217.1%
- Brakes1014.3%
- Engine912.9%
- Electrical912.9%
- Driver assistance34.3%
- Airbags34.3%
- Tires & wheels34.3%
- Exterior lighting22.9%
- Seat belts22.9%
- Powertrain (other)11.4%
- Other / unspecified11.4%
- Visibility11.4%
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
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
2016 Denali 2500 Diesel - Loose steering, like many of the others complaining. I only have 13,000 miles on the truck since I don't drive it during Ohio winters (salt) and use it to tow my 6500 lb boat. Doesn't feel safe at all when towing. The dealer explained both the pitman and idler arm were worn. $1500 repair bill. Very frustrating that GM doesn't cover this potential safety related issue regarding vehicle control/stability. Several versions of Technical Service Bulletin's exist #PIT5501D as an example.
The contact owns a 2016 GMC Sierra 2500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed four years ago, the steering wheel became significantly loose, causing the contact to lose control of the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact depressed the brake pedal and veered to the side of the road. The contact then continued to drive at slower speed and away from other vehicles. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was repaired under Technical Service Bulletin Number: PIT 5501F; however, after the repair, the front-end of the vehicle and the steering wheel would wobble while depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, the contact stated that the steering wheel failure reoccurred several months ago while driving. Upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact removed the driver's side wheel cover and discovered that the brake fluid had been leaking inside the wheel well and underneath the floorboard under the steering column. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 4,450.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
CP4 injection pump failure while driving nearly causing vehicle collision.
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.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
Trailer brake system continues to pop up “service.”
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.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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)
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
While driving down the road pulling a trailer The steering wheel started to get sloppy it got up to 3 to 4 inches of play in the steering wheel before the wheels return either way The adjustment screw locking nut and clip all came loose and backed out and caused a slap in the steering gearbox The truck became unsafe to drive I had to park the truck until the parts were ordered and the whole gearbox had to be replaced at a cost of over $1500. GM has service bulletins out there on this problem they all came from one assembly factory but they said they would not repair the truck it was under my expense
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
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 GMC SIERRA 2500. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE HER HUSBAND WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, A DEER RAN IN FRONT OF THE VEHICLE CAUSING EXTREME FRONT END DAMAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEER ENDED UP UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY HOWEVER, SMOKE OR POWDER WAS SEEN COMING FROM THE FRONT FLOOR BOARD AREA. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TOWED. THE CONTACT STATED AS THE FRONT SEAT PASSENGER SHE HIT THE DASHBOARD AND SUSTAINED INJURIES TO HER LEFT SIDE, SPECIFICALLY LEFT ARM, SHOULDER, AND JAW AREA. NO MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NEEDED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT SEAT BELTS NO LONGER LATCHES DUE TO THE COLLISION. THE DEALERSHIP WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A COLLISION CENTER. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED OR FAILURE DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND OPENED A CASE REGARDING THE MATTER. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.
CEILING AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. WITH OUT TRUCK BEING COMPROMISED. ALSO SURGING DOESN'T WANT TO STOP REVS AT 1000 RPM AND PUSHES EVEN WHEN BRAKED LEEPS FORWARD.
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
LT265/60R20 Belt separated from tire, second failure on truck in 2 weeks
belt separation at highway speed Left Front tire
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
HEADLIGHT BEAM SHAKES CONSTANTLY WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT. DEALER ADDRESSED ISSUE SEVERAL TIMES WITH NOTHING BEING ACCOMPLISHED AS THE LIGHTS HAVE CONTINUED TO SHAKE. HEADLIGHT BEAMS SHAKING IS VERY DISTRACTING DURING NIGHT DRIVING AND THE SHAKING IS QUITE UNSAFE AS YOU CANNOT MAINTAIN A CONSISTENT, UNDISTURBED BEAM OF LIGHT IN FRONT OF THE VEHICLE AT TIMES WHEN SAME IS ABSOLUTELY MANDATORY.
THESE HEADLIGHTS ARE HORRIBLE. VERY HARD TO SEE ON A WET DARK NIGHT, COMPARED TO THE 2009 GMC SIERRA 2500. COMPLAINED TO THE DEALER, FOUND A TSB FOR COMPUTER REFLASH TO TURN UP THE VOLTAGE TO THE BULB. MILD DIFFERENCE, BUT STILL NOT VERY GOOD FOR A $50K VEHICLE.
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
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 GMC SIERRA 2500. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE HER HUSBAND WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, A DEER RAN IN FRONT OF THE VEHICLE CAUSING EXTREME FRONT END DAMAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEER ENDED UP UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY HOWEVER, SMOKE OR POWDER WAS SEEN COMING FROM THE FRONT FLOOR BOARD AREA. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TOWED. THE CONTACT STATED AS THE FRONT SEAT PASSENGER SHE HIT THE DASHBOARD AND SUSTAINED INJURIES TO HER LEFT SIDE, SPECIFICALLY LEFT ARM, SHOULDER, AND JAW AREA. NO MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NEEDED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT SEAT BELTS NO LONGER LATCHES DUE TO THE COLLISION. THE DEALERSHIP WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A COLLISION CENTER. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED OR FAILURE DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND OPENED A CASE REGARDING THE MATTER. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.
REAR SEAT BELT RETRACTOR HAS STOPPED RETRACTING
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
As I was backing into my parking spot I heard a bag then the engine light came on, after that it wasn’t shifting correctly, had it checked out and was told the transmission has to be replaced the mechanic said that this transmission is known to be defective it’s only a 2016 I feel there should be a recall could have been a disaster on the road.
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
The contact owns a 2016 GMC Sierra 2500. The contact stated that while refueling, he became aware that the front passenger's side wheel bearing was missing the nut and washers. Additionally, the vehicle made an abnormal jingling sound while driving at approximately 20-30 MPH. The contact, an independent mechanic, replaced one nut and three washers on the front passenger's side wheel bearing. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 71,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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 .