The Lemon Index2014 GMC Sierra.
The 2014 GMC Sierra is worse than average by owner complaints: 386 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 166, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about lights, it has 21 recalls, and it gets 17 to 20 mpg combined. The best GMC Sierra year is 2010.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 895 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every GMC Sierra year. 2014 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 6K to 76K miles on the car (636 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- lights complaints mostly came at 0K–20K miles
- steering complaints mostly came at 44K–85K miles
- brakes complaints mostly came at 50K–99K miles
Recalls 21
- seat belts 2021
The flexible steel cable connecting the driver's seat belt to the outboard side of the seat may be repeatedly bent over the seat side shield as the driver enters and exits the vehicle causing the cable to fatigue and sep…
- brakes 2019
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.
- brakes 2019
The amount of vacuum created by the vacuum pump may decrease over time.
Show all 21 recalls
- equipment 2018
These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher.
- airbags 2017
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.
- steering 2017
The vehicles may have a temporary loss of electric power steering (EPS) assist, especially during low-speed turning maneuvers.
- airbags 2016
In the affected vehicles, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test.
- seat belts 2016
While entering the vehicle, the seat belt tensioner cable may be positioned such that the driver slides over it.
- equipment 2015
303 "Fuel System Integrity of Compressed Natural Gas Vehicles." In the affected vehicles, the text of the CNG fuel-only label is smaller than the required size, and as a result, may be less noticeable.
- electrical 2015
In the affected vehicles, the ignition lock actuator may bind, making turning the key difficult or causing the ignition to get stuck in the "Start" position.
- electrical 2014
In the affected vehicles, the chassis electronic module may be internally contaminated, resulting in an electrical short.
- seats 2014
Due to an incomplete weld on the seat hook bracket assembly, the front seats in the affected vehicles may not stay secured in place during a high load condition such as a crash.
- transmission & drivetrain 2014
In the affected vehicles, an electrical signal short may cause the transfer case to shift to neutral without the driver's input.
- equipment 2014
The affected vehicles built with the vinyl flooring option do not have the retention features necessary to properly secure the floor mat on the driver's side.
- electrical 2014
The radios in the affected vehicles may become inoperative, and as a result, there would be no audible chime to notify the driver if the door is opened with the key in the ignition or no audible seat belt warning indicat…
- steering 2014
In the affected vehicles, the tie rod threaded attachment may not be properly tightened to the steering gear rack.
- transmission & drivetrain 2014
The subject vehicles may have a transmission oil cooler line that is not securely seated in the fitting.
- engine 2014
The overheated exhaust components may melt nearby plastic parts and may result in an engine fire.
- electrical 2013
The incorrect software may cause the transmission indicator not to display that gear position "1" has been selected.
- seats 2013
In the affected vehicles, either of the front seatbacks may have play.
- airbags 2013
Welding on the passenger airbag inflator may fracture when the airbag is deployed, allowing some gas from the air bag inflator to vent behind the instrument panel, instead of into the air bag.
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 3080 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Gmc/chevrolet: trucks with integrated trailer brake controller (itbc) may received an…
- Buick/gmc/cadillac/chevrolet: see document search button for owner letter
- Power Steering Noise or Fluid Leak from Power Steering Pump, Gear or High Pressure Pressure Hose
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
- ClosedBrake vacuum pump failure2018–2022
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GMC Sierra 1500 PU/CC 4WD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| GMC Sierra 1500 PU/CC RWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| GMC Sierra 1500 PU/EC 4WD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| GMC Sierra 1500 PU/EC RWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| GMC Sierra 1500 PU/RC 4WD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| GMC Sierra 1500 PU/RC RWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $3200–3800 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 4.3L 6-cyl, 5.3L 8-cyl, 6.2L 8-cyl.
In owners' words
Ignition steering key lock sounds like it's breaking during the tine you turn the steering wheel to unlock kit when stopped. This has happened more than once
2014 GMC Sierra owner · NHTSA complaint 10787850
More owner reports
Vehicle headlights fail to illuminate properly at night. Check with 2 different GMC dealers they say they are aware of the issue but no resolution is coming. Vehicle is not driveable at night on dark roads.
NHTSA complaint 10980791
The headlights are very dim. I can not see very far down the road and I can not see the shoulders of the roadway. It is not very safe to drive this vehicle at night with the factory installed headlights.
NHTSA complaint 10938370
Quick answers
Is the 2014 GMC Sierra reliable?
No, it is worse than average by government complaints. It drew 1.7× the average car's complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 166; 100 is average, lower is better). The best GMC Sierra year by this measure is 2010.
What are the most common 2014 GMC Sierra problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are lights (48%), steering (13%) and electrical (11%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2014 GMC Sierra have?
21 safety recalls (latest: seat belts). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2014 GMC Sierra get?
17 to 20 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2014 GMC Sierra safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2014 GMC Sierra problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 6,000 and 76,000 miles. The middle report was at 49,000 miles, from 636 complaints.
Does the 2014 GMC Sierra have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2014 GMC Sierra cost in fuel a year?
About $3200 to $3800 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2014 GMC Sierra have?
4.3L 6-cyl, 5.3L 8-cyl, 6.2L 8-cyl.
What GMC Sierra year is better than the 2014?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2010, 2012 and 2013.
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