VehicleVerdict

2016 GMC Sierra problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 8 complaints on file for the 2016 GMC Sierra — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

8

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2016 compare to other Sierra years?

Sierra NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted721 complaints1976: 2 complaints1977: 4 complaints1979: 0 complaints1982: 1 complaints1983: 5 complaints1987: 2 complaints1988: 6 complaints1989: 22 complaints1990: 30 complaints1991: 12 complaints1992: 33 complaints1993: 109 complaints1994: 221 complaints1995: 327 complaints1996: 310 complaints1997: 302 complaints1998: 230 complaints1999: 721 complaints2000: 557 complaints2001: 333 complaints2002: 291 complaints2003: 248 complaints2004: 224 complaints2005: 152 complaints2006: 65 complaints2007: 71 complaints2008: 84 complaints2009: 48 complaints2010: 43 complaints2011: 67 complaints2012: 46 complaints2013: 46 complaints2014: 132 complaints2015: 67 complaints2016: 8 complaints2017: 77 complaints
Sierra NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Sierra years to avoid →

What are the most common 2016 GMC Sierra problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Airbags225%
Electrical System225%
Other113%
Steering113%
Suspension113%
Visibility & Wipers113%

Does the 2016 GMC Sierra have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

16V084000Electrical SystemFebruary 11, 2016 · 139 units

Defect

Genera Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chevrolet Camaro, Malibu, Silverado and GMC Sierra vehicles. The radio may intermittently fail to provide an audio warning when the key has been left in the ignition and the door is opened or when the driver does not fasten their seat belt. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection", and/or 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Consequence

An unbelted driver is at a greater risk of injury in a crash.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The recall began on March 14, 2016. 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 15808.

15V830000AirbagsDecember 10, 2015 · 90 units

Defect

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pick up trucks manufactured October 13, 2015, to October 14, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the mounting stud used to secure the air bag sensing and diagnostic Module (SDM) may be incorrectly positioned, and as a result, the SDM housing could fracture.

Consequence

If the SDM housing fractures, water may get into SDM causing it to malfunction and hinder the proper deployment of the air bags in the event of a crash, thereby increasing the risk of occupant injury.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will have the mounting stud repositioned and the SDM replaced, free of charge. The recall began December 2, 2015. 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 15794.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“The contact owned a 2016 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would lose automotive power. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the negative battery was replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · October 25, 2024 · crash

“The contact owns a 2016 GMC Sierra 2500 HD. The contact stated that while driving at 64 MPH, he crashed head-on with a 350-pound deer. The deer went underneath the vehicle, and the driver ran over it with the passenger front tire. The driver's side air bag did not deploy. The air bag warning light…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · May 2, 2024 · crash

“WHILE DRIVING MY TRUCK, IT HAS HAD 3 ALERTS ON DASH FOR "SERVICE STABILITRAK, POWER STEERING USE CAUTION AND TRAILER BRAKE." VEHICLE GAUGES ALL DROP TO ZERO WHILE OPERATING VEHICLE AND GO ON AND OFF. THE VEHICLE WHEN THIS OCCURS ALSO DISENGAGES FROM GEAR, VEHICLE IS AN AUTOMATIC. THEN ENGINE REVS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · March 20, 2016

“The contact owns a 2016 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at 20 MPH with the defroster engaged, she noticed smoke on the rear electric sliding glass window and smelled a burning odor. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · January 24, 2022 · fire

2016 GMC Sierra — common questions

Is the 2016 GMC Sierra reliable?

The record is thin — 8 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2016 GMC Sierra have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2016 GMC Sierra. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which GMC Sierra years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Sierra years to avoid are 1999, 2000, 2001, 1995, 1996, 1997, 2002, 2003, 1998, 2004, 1994, 2005, 2014, 1993. The cleanest record among Sierra years belongs to 1979.

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.