Worst 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Brakes
Transmission / Drivetrain
Electrical Faults
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All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2016 GMC Sierra 1500.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 99 | 8 | — | 49,820 mi | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 82 | — | — | 46,202 mi | |
| Electrical Faults | 51 | — | 8 | 57,971 mi | |
| Steering Defects | 37 | — | — | 55,279 mi | |
| Engine Problems | 36 | 1 | 1 | 70,508 mi | |
| Suspension Failures | 15 | — | — | 32,636 mi | |
| Airbags | 10 | 3 | — | 30,948 mi | |
| Fuel System | 8 | — | — | 40,567 mi | |
| Wipers & Visibility | 8 | — | 2 | 73,572 mi | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 7 | — | — | 16,866 mi | |
| Electronic Stability Control | 6 | 1 | — | 60,883 mi | |
| Body Structure | 5 | 1 | — | 55,067 mi | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic Brakes | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 4 | — | 1 | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment:Appliance:Air Conditioner | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Power Assist:Vacuum | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Defects | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility:Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Air Bags:Side/Window:Curtain | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention: Warnings | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical System: Integrated Trailer Brake Control | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery:Cables | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical System:Alternator/Generator/Regulator | 1 | — | 1 | — | |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System:Radiator Assembly | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Engine Control Module (Ecu/Ecm) | 1 | — | — | — |
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2016 GMC Sierra 1500. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Recalls for 2016 GMC Sierra 1500
7 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~8,213,567 vehicles.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2016 GMC Sierra 1500, 2500, 3500, and Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks. The roof-rail air bag (RRAB) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator, or the inflator sidewall may rupture.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2016 GMC Sierra 1500 and Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and 2015 GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500, and Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 trucks. The roof-rail air bag (RRAB) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, and GMC Yukon, and 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles equipped with a 5.3-liter engine, a 3.08-ratio rear axle and four-wheel drive. If a wheel-speed sensor fails, while the vehicle is traveling between 41 and 60 mph in four-wheel or automatic mode, the Electronic-Brake Control Module (EBCM) software may activate the driveline-protection system.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Cadillac Escalade, 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, 2015-2018 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon vehicles. The amount of vacuum created by the vacuum pump may decrease over time.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse and Chevrolet Spark EV, Caprice PPV and SS vehicles, 2014-2017 Buick Encore and Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles, 2015-2016 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Trax, Suburban and Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL vehicles, and 2015-2017 GMC Sierra HD 2500 and 3500 vehicles. While being previously remedied for recall 16V-651, the affected vehicles may not have received the complete software update necessary to remedy the recall condition. Without the update, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD, 3500 HD, Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Sierra 2500 HD and 3500 HD, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles and 2014-2017 Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500, Trax, Caprice Police Pursuit Vehicle, GMC Sierra 1500, Buick Encore, and 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse, Chevrolet Spark EV and SS vehicles. In the affected vehicles, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and 2016 Cadillac Escalade, Cadillac Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Sierra, GMC Yukon and GMC Yukon XL vehicles. The front upper control arms may have inadequate welds near the control arm bushing.
Other GMC Sierra 1500 Years
2016 GMC Sierra 1500 — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 reliable?
What are common problems with the 2016 GMC Sierra 1500?
At what mileage do problems start on the 2016 GMC Sierra 1500?
How safe is the 2016 GMC Sierra 1500?
Does the 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 have any recalls?
Should I buy a 2016 GMC Sierra 1500?
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.
Wider context: See the full GMC Sierra 1500 reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.
Check Your Specific 2016 GMC Sierra 1500
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud.
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