The Lemon Index2016 GMC Sierra.
The 2016 GMC Sierra is better than average by owner complaints: 173 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 78, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about brakes, it has 10 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 457 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every GMC Sierra year. 2016 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 27K to 70K miles on the car (256 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- brakes complaints mostly came at 34K–61K miles
- transmission & drivetrain complaints mostly came at 10K–77K miles
- electrical complaints mostly came at 26K–84K miles
Recalls 10
- airbags 2026
The left-side or right-side roof rail air bag (RRAB) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator or the inflator sidewall may rupture.
- airbags 2021
The roof-rail air bag (RRAB) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator, or the inflator sidewall may rupture.
- airbags 2020
The roof-rail air bag (RRAB) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator.
Show all 10 recalls
- 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.
- brakes 2018
The brake pedal pivot nut may loosen, causing the brake pedal to be loose or inoperative.
- 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.
- 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.
- suspension 2016
The front upper control arms may have inadequate welds near the control arm bushing.
- brakes 2016
On the affected vehicles, the brake pedal pivot nut may loosen, causing the brake pedal to be loose or inoperative.
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 2200 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Information on Transmission Adaptive Functions and Correcting Low Mileage Harsh Shifts, Slips,…
- 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
- 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 Hybrid PU/CC RWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| GMC Sierra 1500 PU/EC RWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| GMC Sierra 1500 PU/CC RWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| GMC Sierra 1500 PU/EC 4WD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| GMC Sierra 1500 PU/CC 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.
In owners' words
The brakes did not work at slow speed going forward or in reverse
2016 GMC Sierra owner · NHTSA complaint 11205791
More owner reports
Vehicle would not brake effectively under normal driving conditions. Serviced at dealer and vacuum pump was found to be defective.
NHTSA complaint 11192755
Brake pedal becomes hard to push making stopping a problem. Huge safety issue. While in motion at low rpm brake pedal becomes hard limiting the stopping of the truck
NHTSA complaint 11160547
Quick answers
Is the 2016 GMC Sierra reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew 1.3× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 78; 100 is average, lower is better). The best GMC Sierra year by this measure is 2010.
What are the most common 2016 GMC Sierra problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are brakes (36%), transmission & drivetrain (18%) and steering (14%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2016 GMC Sierra have?
10 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 2016 GMC Sierra get?
17 to 20 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2016 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 2016 GMC Sierra problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 27,500 and 70,000 miles. The middle report was at 45,000 miles, from 256 complaints.
Does the 2016 GMC Sierra have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 18% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2016 GMC Sierra cost in fuel a year?
About $3200 to $3800 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2016 GMC Sierra have?
4.3L 6-cyl, 5.3L 8-cyl.
What GMC Sierra year is better than the 2016?
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