RoadVitals

2010 GMC Sierra

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.
34
Latest Apr 22, 2025
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.
1
Latest Sep 3, 2010
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.
5
10 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 34 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2010 GMC Sierra, most frequently naming the airbags, body & structure and electrical categories. 1 safety recall has been issued covering this model year; and 280 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

  • Airbags822.2%
  • Body & structure719.4%
  • Electrical411.1%
  • Brakes411.1%
  • Visibility38.3%
  • Engine38.3%
  • Fuel system12.8%
  • Interior & seats12.8%

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

1 campaign cover this model year

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

EQUIPMENT

Sep 3, 2010
294 units potentially affected
The defect: MARATHON IS RECALLING CERTAIN SEAT COVERS, BRAND SUPERHIDES WITH PART NUMBERS 593, 594, 578, 960, 228, 228-09, 267-08, 333, 625, AND 630, SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE SEAT COVERS ARE MADE OF HEAVIER THREAD AND ARE NOT COMPATIBLE WITH SEATS CONTAINING SIDE AIRBAGS. THE HEAVIER SEAT COVER COULD INTERFERE WITH FULL DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAG IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
The risk: AN IMPROPERLY DEPLOYED AIRBAG COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY.
The remedy: MARATHON WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF RECORD AND REPLACE THE SEAT COVER FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 14, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MARATHON AT 1-800-735-2769.
MARATHON SEAT COVERS, INC.View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

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

Airbags
Filed Apr 22, 2025
Crash reported3 injuries reported

The contact owns a 2010 GMC Sierra. The contact stated that while driving at 15 MPH going into an intersection, another vehicle going at approximately 5 MPH, crossed in front of the contact. There were no warning lights illuminated. As a result, the vehicle impacted the other driver on the driver-side front and back door, where it came to a stop. None of the air bags deployed. The contact suffered injuries to his lower back, legs, and a bump on the head with a bruise. The contact's aunt suffered injuries to her back and hip. The contact's uncle's back suffered injuries to his right or left arm; the contact was unsure. The contact and his family member had to have physical therapy due to injuries suffered by a chiropractor. It was unknown if the other passengers in the other vehicle sustained any injuries. There was no property damage. A police report was filed however, the contact does not remember the police report information. The vehicle was towed to a body shop and was repaired. The contact stated he then received an unknown NHTSA notification for the air bags. The contact stated that after the accident sensors on the vehicle malfunctioned, and it has the air bag warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where recall repairs were completed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 110,000.

NHTSA ID
11656176
Incident
Mar 15, 2021
Mileage
110,000 mi
Airbags
Filed Aug 13, 2021

2010GMC SIERRA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO TAKATA AIRBAG SAFETY RECALL. THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER ADVISED THE DASHBOARD WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED AT THE EXPENSE OF THE OWNER, DUE TO A CRACK. THE DEALER ADVISED THE DASHBOARD WOULD MORE THAN LIKELY DISINTERGRATE WHILE REPAIRING THE AIRBAG. THE CONSUMER STATED UPON RECIEVING THE INITIAL LETTER ABOUT THE AIRBAG, THERE WAS NO CRACK, BUT THE PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE TO COMPLETE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONSUMER STATED IF THE RECALL HAD BEEN COMPLETED IN A TIMELY MANNER THE CRACK WOULD NOT HAVE YET FORMED. THE CONSUMER STATED THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIR IN IT ENTIRETY.

NHTSA ID
11428962
Incident
Aug 13, 2021
Airbags
Filed Jun 21, 2021
1 injury reported

The contact owns a 2010 GMC Sierra. The contact stated that while the son was driving approximately 75 mph, the driver and passenger side curtain airbags erroneously deployed and the vehicle shut off. During the incident, no crash had occurred to cause the failure. The contact stated that her son sustained bruising to the right side of his face however, no medical attention was required. The vehicle would not restart and was towed to the local dealer. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 125,000.

NHTSA ID
11421610
Incident
Jun 20, 2021
Mileage
125,000 mi
Filed Apr 1, 2016

CRACKED DASH BETWEEN PASSENGER AIR BAG AND DEFROSTER, CREATED A RATTLE SERVICE MANGER AT GAY GMC SAID THEY ALL CRACK $800 BUT THEY WOULD REPLACE FOR $400 I HAVE EXTENDED COVERAGE $100 DEDUCTIBLE GMC HAS A BIG PROBLEM OF PRODUCT DEFECT NOT FROM WEAR. I WANT IT REPLACED AT NO COST

NHTSA ID
10853014
Incident
Jan 28, 2016
Mileage
72,212 mi
Filed Apr 1, 2016

THE DOOR CABLE

NHTSA ID
10852899
Incident
Mar 23, 2016
Airbags
Filed Feb 15, 2016

THE TRUCK WAS PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY WHEN I GOT IN AND STARTED THE IGNITION. AS SOON AS I DID, THE PLASTIC DASHBOARD CRACKED AT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG. ONE WEEK LATER, SAME SITUATION, AS I STARTED THE IGNITION, THE DASH CRACKED ABOVE THE DRIVER'S SIDE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CRACKS HAVE CONTINUED TO GROW SINCE INITIALLY APPEARING. I HAVE A SAFETY CONCERN THAT THE PASSENGER AIR BAG WILL NOT DEPLOY AS INTENDED SINCE THE INTEGRITY OF THE DASHBOARD HAS FAILED, AND FURTHER CONCERN THAT IF THE AIR BAGS DO DEPLOY, THAT THE DASH HAS BECOME SO BRITTLE THAT THERE WILL BE SHARP CHARDS OF PLASTIC IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT AS THE DASH IS SHATTERED INTO PIECES FROM THE IMPACT OF A CRASH.

NHTSA ID
10826142
Incident
Sep 15, 2015
Mileage
86,000 mi
Filed Feb 8, 2016
1 injury reported

DRIVERS SIDE INSIDE DOOR HANDLE - CHROME IS PEELING EDGES ARE SHARP CUT HAND OPENING DOOR

NHTSA ID
10824959
Incident
Jul 1, 2015
Mileage
65,000 mi
Engine
Filed Dec 22, 2015

ENGINE LIFTER ISSUE/LOW OIL PRESSURE PROBLEM RELATES TO HAVING THE LIFTERS REPLACED. THE 5.3 VORTEC ENGINE HAS AFM (ACTIVE FUEL MANAGEMENT). DEALER WANTS $5800 TO FIX THE LIFTER ISSUE, WHILE ESTIMATES TO REPLACE THE ENGINE WITH NECESSARY PARTS RUNS BETWEEN $6900 AND $7200. IS THIS A MANUFACTURER PROBLEM? TRUCK HAS 52,000 MILES AND HAS BEEN SERVICED AT REGULAR INTERVALS. TRUCK WAS PARKED WHEN THE ISSUE BECAME EVIDENT DURING THE STARTUP. TRUCK IS NOW AT THE DEALER (TOWED) AWAITING REPAIR.

NHTSA ID
10811698
Incident
Dec 18, 2015
Mileage
51,900 mi

Manufacturer communications

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

06-03-09-004H

SUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS:LEAF SPRING ASSEMBLY

This technical bulletin provides a procedure to lube the rear leaf springs on vehicles with the condition of a squeak noise originating from the rear of the vehicle.

GCUS-3-854

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

14648A - Customer Satisfaction. Certain vehicles have a performance issue with their OnStar modules that could impact the vehicle?s battery life. If the vehicle?s OnStar module contains this condition, the OnStar green telltale light will be illuminated even when the vehicle is off. This condition can drain the vehicle?s battery if the vehicle is not started for approximately four days. The condition may also render the OnStar system inoperative, which would disable all OnStar services, including automatic crash response and emergency roadside services. This condition can occur even if the vehicle is not actively subscribed to OnStar. Dealers are to remove the fuse for the OnStar module to reset it.

PIT5161E

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have a bump feel or clunk noise at a stop or on launch. Dealer should communicate to the customer this condition is a normal operating characteristic of their vehicle. The bump clunk issue may be due to fuel movement in the fuel tank when not completely full. The condition is eliminated after completely filling the fuel tank.

PIT3665E

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES

This Preliminary Information communication advises the technician that the Hydro-Boost is not serviceable and will need to be replaced if the brake pedal moves or applies on its own at a full turn.

16-NA-222

ENGINE

THIS INFORMATIONAL BULLETIN PROVIDES THE TECHNICIAN WITH WHAT MAY HAPPEN TO AN ENGINE DUE TO LACK OF MAINTENANCE.

PIT4597E

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY; SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

This Preliminary Information communication provides the technician with the additional steps that are needed to help perform a successful brake bleed on the 2-Mode Hybrid with Regular Production Option Code HP2. With a battery maintainer installed on the vehicle use brake pressure bleeder that maintains 30 psi for the entire bleed procedure.

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 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2017610037.8
2016620
2015536050.3
201410112053.9
2013393051.4
2012292051.1
2011432042.2
2010Viewing341045.6
2009371041.7
2008682250.8
2007592050.2
2006536052.7
200511711048.1
200418810051.8
20032069558.4
20022497865.4
20012647966.2
200044312965.4
199960091065.3
19981900246.8
19972380034.6
19962462358.9
19952616360.6
19941903048.9
1993723051.6
1992304052.6
1991122039.9
1990182051.4
1989162154.7
1988621
1987100
1983200
1982100
1979001
1977200
1976200

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.