The Lemon Index2010 GMC Sierra.
The 2010 GMC Sierra is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 21 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 15, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about engine, it has 5 recalls, and it gets 14 to 22 mpg combined. It's the best GMC Sierra year we track.
One of the most reliable. 6.7× fewer complaints than average.
Worst year 2015
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 224 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every GMC Sierra year. 2010 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 39K to 90K miles on the car (145 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- airbags complaints mostly came at 47K–105K miles
- body structure complaints mostly came at 37K–96K miles
Recalls 5
- airbags 2021
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
- airbags 2021
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
- airbags 2021
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Show all 5 recalls
- equipment 2018
These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher.
- equipment 2010
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.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems GMC told dealers about
GMC sent dealers 1097 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Engineering information-chemical damage on inner surfaces of fuel tank
- This informational bulletin provides information internal engine noise or damage after oil…
- This informational bulletin provides information on how to inspect the upper valve body to…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- OpenDesiccated air bag inflator rupture2021
- ClosedPedestrian alert sounds2023
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash stars (older test): front ★★★★★ · side — · rollover ★★★★☆
Fuel cost and engines
About $2900–4600 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 4.3L 6-cyl, 4.8L 8-cyl, 5.3L 8-cyl, 6.0L 8-cyl, 6.2L 8-cyl.
Quick answers
Is the 2010 GMC Sierra reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 6.7× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 15; 100 is average, lower is better).
What are the most common 2010 GMC Sierra problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (19%), brakes (14%) and body structure (14%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2010 GMC Sierra have?
5 safety recalls (latest: airbags). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2010 GMC Sierra get?
14 to 22 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2010 GMC Sierra problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 39,500 and 90,000 miles. The middle report was at 60,000 miles, from 145 complaints.
Does the 2010 GMC Sierra have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2010 GMC Sierra cost in fuel a year?
About $2900 to $4600 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2010 GMC Sierra have?
4.3L 6-cyl, 4.8L 8-cyl, 5.3L 8-cyl, 6.0L 8-cyl, 6.2L 8-cyl.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works