2016 GMC Sierra Denali problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 42 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.8 times the median Sierra Denali year — the 2016 model ranks #2 of 18 Sierra Denali years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 15 injuries in total across these filings.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across transmission (9), brakes (8), and steering (6), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
42
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
2
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
15
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2016 compare to other Sierra Denali years?
What are the most common 2016 GMC Sierra Denali problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission | 9 | 21% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 8 | 19% | — flat |
| Steering | 6 | 14% | ▲ up |
| Visibility & Wipers | 3 | 7% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 3 | 7% | — flat |
| Engine | 3 | 7% | ▲ up |
| Tires & Wheels | 2 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Other | 2 | 5% | — flat |
| Lighting | 2 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Seats | 1 | 2% | — flat |
| Suspension | 1 | 2% | — flat |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 2% | — flat |
| Body & Structure | 1 | 2% | — flat |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“TRUCK SHIFTS REALLY HARD AND IS UNPREDICTABLE. I ALMOST DROVE THROUGH MY GARAGE DOOR THE OTHER DAY SHIFTING TO DRIVE FROM REVERSE. TRUCK WILL LUNGE FORWARD OR DELAY IN SHIFTING. THERE HAVE BEEN A FEW TIMES I'VE HAD TO SLAM ON THE BRAKES BEFORE I BACKED INTO SOMETHING. I HAVE BROUGHT IT IN 3-4 TIMES…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 GMC SIERRA DENALI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING REVERSED AT UNDER 5 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT FAILED TO OPERATE AS INTENDED. THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A TREE WHICH CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE PASSENGER'S SIDE DOOR, FENDER AND SIDE MIRROR.…”
“1) REAR DRIVER SIDE SEATBELT WOULD NOT RETRACT WHEN UNBUCKLED. SEATBELT HAD TO BE MANUALLY FED BACK IN SO THAT THE BELT DIDN'T DANGLE OR GET SHUT IN THE DOOR. REPAIRED AT DEALERSHIP ON JUNE 18, 2020 AT ROUGHLY 55-56,000 MILES. 2) TRUCK IS CURRENTLY SHAKING WHEN DRIVING AND HAS TENDENCIES TO SHAKE…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 GMC SIERRA DENALI. THE CONTACT STATED AFTER PLACING THE VEHICLE INTO REVERSE, WITHIN APPROXIMATE 2 FEET THE VEHICLE MADE AN ABNORMAL LOUD NOISE. THE CONTACT LOOKED INTO THE BACKUP CAMERA AND NOTICED SMOKE. THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE HE NOTICE SHATTERED GLASS. THE…”
“A FEW MINUTES AFTER STARTING TRUCK WITH REMOTE STARTER (DEFROSTER ON), A PORTION OF THE REAR WINDOW SHATTERED. SEEMS LIKE SEVERAL PEOPLE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM, APPARENTLY CAUSED BY THE DEFROSTER OVERHEATING THE GLASS.”
2016 GMC Sierra Denali — common questions
Is the 2016 GMC Sierra Denali reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 42 complaints put the 2016 model at #2 of 18 Sierra Denali years. It is one of the Sierra Denali years to avoid.
What are the most common 2016 Sierra Denali problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (9 complaints), brakes (8 complaints), steering (6 complaints).
Does the 2016 GMC Sierra Denali have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2016 GMC Sierra Denali.
Which GMC Sierra Denali years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Sierra Denali years to avoid are 2019, 2016, 2011, 2015, 2014. The cleanest record among Sierra Denali years belongs to 2007.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.