Fourth generation (GMT K2XX)
2016 GMC Sierra 1500
The most reported problem on the 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 is brake wear, with 106 complaints, usually around 45,000 miles.
- 341owner complaints
- 8recalls
- 11involved a crash
- 50,000median miles at failure
Newest report Sep 24, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
What is your Sierra 1500 doing?
Each one opens a sheet built from the owner reports of that problem on the 2016 model year.
Is the 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 reliable?
The 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 has 341 owner complaints on file with NHTSA, close to the median of 278 for 2016 pickups on this site. Of the 13 Sierra 1500 model years since 2014, it has the 10th most complaints. Complaint counts rise with sales as well as faults, so read what owners report below before deciding.
At a glance
- Next to the 2017
- At 31 complaints for each year on the road, the 2016 runs close to the 2017 (35). That's the only adjacent model year with enough complaints to set beside it.
- Top problem
- Brake wear leads with 106 of the 341 complaints (31%), ahead of transmission shudder at 49. A quarter of the 72 owners who gave a mileage for brake wear saw it by about 37,000 miles, and half by about 45,000.
- Crash, fire and injury reports
- 24 of the 341 complaints (7%) report a crash, a fire or an injury, about the 6% typical of vehicles on this site. Counted separately (one report can carry more than one), 11 reports mention a crash, 13 mention a fire and 12 people were hurt. The most crash reports, 8 of 11, fall under brake wear.
- Recalls behind the top problems
- Brake wear has a recall on the same system (19V-645 and 19V-761). Transmission shudder has none. A recall on the same system doesn't always cover the failure owners describe, so compare its summary with the complaints.
- When owners filed
- Filings peaked in 2019 at 57 (full calendar years only). In 2025 there were 25. So far in 2026, 12 more have come in.
When each problem shows up
Each bar covers the middle half of the mileages owners reported for that problem. A quarter saw it earlier, a quarter later. The tick is the median. Most reported: brakes grind, pulse or wear early, 106 complaints.
middle half of reports, median tick. The heavier grey bars have 75 or more reports.
Behind you
Around your mileage
Ahead of you
How this compares
341 complaints is 1.3 times the median 2016 model on this site and 1.2 times the median 2016 pickup. Among the 13 Sierra 1500 model years here it ranks 10th for complaints. Counts follow sales volume as much as reliability, so a truck that sells 700,000 a year draws more reports than a sedan that sells 200,000.
Service bulletins for the 2016 GMC Sierra 1500
GMC filed 1,215 bulletins and other notices with NHTSA that list the 2016 GMC Sierra 1500. 69 of them deal with a problem owners have reported on this car. Newest first.
Federal rules make a manufacturer send NHTSA a copy of any notice about a defect that goes to more than one dealer or owner. Most of these are service bulletins, the repair instructions manufacturers send to dealers. NHTSA generally leaves safety recall bulletins out of this file, and recalls are listed separately.
Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 7 bulletins · 106 complaints
This Preliminary information communicates an issue with the Hydrastar Electric Over Hydraulic trailer brake system causing a voltage spike into the trucks electrical system which is causing DTC C1114 to set.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to diagnose and repair vehicle that may have a "Check Trailer Wiring" or "Service Trailer Brake System” message on the Driver Information Center when a trailer is ...
5 more on this problem
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about fluid leaking from the brake caliper piston area found during a service of the vehicle.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on the step needed to diagnose and repair vehicles that may have uneven brake pad wear. Technician will need to inspect and measure the brake pads thickness.
THE BRAKE PEDAL PIVOT NUT ON THESE VEHICLES MAY BECOME LOOSE, CAUSING THE BRAKE PEDAL TO BE LOOSE OR INOPERATIVE. IF THE BRAKE PEDAL BECOMES LOOSE OR INOPERATIVE, THE DRIVER MAY BE UNABLE TO SAFELY STOP THE VEHICLE THROUGH APPLICATION OF THE BRAKE PEDAL, ...
22860 - SERVICE UPDATE. THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES A SERVICE PROCEDURE TO DO AN INSPECTION AND WIRE REPAIR AS NEEDED ON CERTAIN 2016 MODEL YEAR CHEVROLET SILVERADO HD, SILVERADO LD, GMC SIERRA HD AND SIERRA LD VEHICLES.
This technical bulletin provides repair information to correct a customer concern of a Service Stabilitrak message displayed on the Driver Information Center (DIC).
Transmission shudders, slips or shifts hard 10 bulletins · 49 complaints
This service bulletin provides a diagnostic procedure to aid in correcting a customer concern of a Howling, Whining/Whirring Noise, Shudder/Vibration and/or Grinding Noise While in 4HI, 4HI Auto and/or During Parking Lot Maneuvers in Auto Mode.
This service bulletin provides service /diagnostic information to aid with a Transmission Harsh 1-2 Shift Upon First Start Up/Shift of the Day Under Light Throttle.
8 more on this problem
This Technical bulletin provides a repair to correct a condition of Shudder/Surging While Driving.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on the steps need to diagnose and repair vehicles that may have stalling shudder and/or hard shifting into 1st gear or reverse vibration on launch (with excessive crankshaft end ...
This technical bulletin provides information for new transmission oil to use and a procedure for exchanging the old fluid and adding the new fluid to correct a shake/shudder during light throttle acceleration condition.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician to refer to bulletin 16-NA-175 to aid in addressing torque converter clutch shudder concerns.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on the step to diagnose and repair the vehicles that may have a shake or shudder during light throttle acceleration, between 30 and 65 miles per hour steady state driving.
SHAKE AND/OR SHUDDER DURING LIGHT THROTTLE ACCELERATION BETWEEN 40 AND 128 KM/H (25 AND 80 MPH) AT A STEADY STATE.
THIS TECHNICAL BULLETIN PROVIDES THE PROCEDURES TO COMPLETE A TRANSSMISSION ADAPTIVE LEARN ON ALL THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF VEHICLES AND TRANSMISSIONS BASED ON RPO OPTIONS TO CORRECT A CONDITION OF HARSH SHIFTS ON HARD ACCELLERATIONS.
THIS INFORMATIONAL BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION ON TRANSMISSIONS WITH HARSH SHIFTS AFTER MILEAGE ACCUMULATION WITHOUT PREVIOUS REPAIRS AND/OR CALIBRATION UPDATES.
Brake pedal goes hard or the booster or vacuum pump fails 1 bulletin · 46 complaints
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on the steps to diagnose and repair vehicles that may have issues were the customer will need increased effort to depress the brake pedal.
Transmission jerks, lurches or bangs into gear 5 bulletins · 28 complaints
This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be accompanied by a clunk noise.
This service bulletin provides information on Driveline Clunk Noise and what is acceptable and what is considered normal operation.
3 more on this problem
This informational bulletin provides information on Driveline Clunk Noise and what is acceptable and what is considered normal operations.
This informational bulletin provides information on Some vehicles may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be accompanied by a clunk noise.
THIS ENGINEERING INFORMATIONAL BULLETIN IS ENDING THE NEED FOR INFORMATION FROM THE FIELD OF VEHICLES WITH THE CONDITION OF BANG OR LOUD NOISE WITH NO FORWARD (DRIVE) OR REVERSE RANGES.
Engine stalls or loses power while driving 11 bulletins · 23 complaints
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming on.
This service bulletin provides service information for customer concerns of an in-tank fuel pump whining noise, engine hard to start and/or stalls and Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) is illuminated that may be caused by gelling of fuel in cold temperatures.
9 more on this problem
Malfunction Indicator Lamp Illuminated (MIL) - DTC P2635 and/or P018B Set In High Ambient Temperatures With Hesitation, Surging and Stalling Condition Some customers may comment that the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is illuminated.
This Preliminary Information communicates to technicians that the Daytime Running Lamps (DRL's) or the auto headlamps will not shut off when using the daytime running lamp disable switch (Which is part of the headlamp switch), if the vehicles was built for ...
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on the steps to diagnose and repair vehicles that have remote start is inoperative, power lift gate Regular Production Option Code (TB5) is inoperative with the ignition off, ...
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician that a whine noise heard from the automatic transmission fluid pan hear with the the key on and engine off, or for up to one minute after the vehicle has been shut off should be ...
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to diagnose and repair vehicles that have a no crank or a start and then immediate stall, Service Engine Soon Malfunction Indicator lamp may not be on when the ignition ...
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have hesitation or a stalling condition while in ambient temperatures 100 degrees or higher.
THIS PRELIMINARY INFORMATION COMMUNICATION PROVIDES INFORMATION TO THE TECHNICIAN FOR A REDUCED POWER MESSAGE, STEERING ASSIST, ENGINE STALL OR THE INSTRUMENT PANEL, RADIO, AND OR HEATER-VENT-AIR CONDITIONING GO BLANK WITH MULTIPLE DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES.
THIS PRELIMINARY INFORMATION COMMUNICATION ADVISES THE TECHNICIAN TO CONTACT GM TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CENTER TO REPORT THE CONCERN AND OBTAIN A CASE NUMBER WHEN A CUSTOMER MAY COMMENT THAT THEY WILL HAVE THE RADIO SHUT OFF, AND WHEN RESTARTING THE VEHICLE THE ...
THIS PRELIMINARY INFORMATION COMMUNICATION IS TO CONTACT GM TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CENTER TO REPORT THE CONCERN AND OBTAIN A CASE NUMBER.
Power steering cuts out or goes heavy 8 bulletins · 20 complaints
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician with additional information on the functionality of Lane Keep Assist.
This technical bulletin provides a procedure to flush and bleed power steering system to correct a power steering noise or fluid leak concern that is caused during extremely low temperatures.
6 more on this problem
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles thatmay have Service Front Camera, Service Lane Departure Warning, and Service Lane Keep Assist Message.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicle with Service ABS and/or Traction control lights/message on, Service Power Steering System, Service Suspension System, and or Loss of communication with EBCM, SWPS, ...
This technical bulletin provides a procedure to reprogram the power steering control module to correct a condition of Loss of Steering Assist due to a software abnormality.
This preliminary information bulletin provides information for diagnosing a power steering fluid leak at the fluid reservoir.
THIS PRELIMINARY INFORMATION COMMUNICATION PROVIDES INFORMATION TO THE TECHNICIAN ON HOW TO DIAGNOSE AND REPAIR VEHICLES WITH ONE OF THE TWO CONCERNS.
THIS PRELIMINARY INFORMATION COMMUNICATION ADVISES THE TECHNICIAN ON THE STEPS FOR DIAGNOSING THE CONCERN, AND COMPLETING A WIRING REPAIR.
Check engine light or misfire 21 bulletins · 18 complaints
This service bulletin provides diagnostic tips/steps on testing for possible EVAP leaks in the system to correct a customer concern of an MIL Illuminated with DTCs P0442 and/or P0455 Set.
This service bulletin informs the technician to inspect for a possible electrical concern at the ECM X2 electrical connector to correct a customer concern of Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Illuminated - DTC P0333 Set.
19 more on this problem
Information bulletin explains a possible coolant leak coming from the cylinder head bolt areas.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician how to diagnose and repair a vehicle with an engine that runs with an intermittent crank no start with a Diagnostic Trouble Code P0011 or P00C6 current or history.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to diagnose and repair vehicles that may have Diagnostic Trouble Code P06DD or no or low oil pressure. Technician will replace timing chain tensioner guide.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a Service Engine Soon Malfunction Indicator Lamp on. Technician will find Diagnostic Trouble Codes P0340 and P0341 setting at times.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician for a vehicle setting both a P2635 and P018B diagnostic trouble codes.
This Preliminary information communicates Check Engine Light on and vehicle runs rough. This condidtion will occur within the first 5 minutes after the vehicle is started.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on the steps to diagnose and repair vehicles that may have a Service Engine Soon Malfunction Indicator Lamp on at low mileage.
This Preliminary information communicates P0016 setting after internal engire repair. The engine Base timing is not being set correctly. The information in this PI will be helpful in setting the timing in the vehicle.
This Preliminary information communicates to the dealer an issue where the vehicle's service engine soon light may illuminate due to trouble codes P0601-P0604, P0606, P062B, P062F, P0630, P16F3, or P262B .
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have a hard start, no start, rough running, or low fuel pressure.
Plus 9 older ones not listed here.
A/C blows warm or the compressor fails 6 bulletins · 17 complaints
PI to help diagnose A/C concern
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician how to repair vehicles that Instrument Panel Cluster, Radio, and Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning display blanks out, Bluetooth phone or Pandora connection dropped, the radio ...
4 more on this problem
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air.
THIS PRELIMINARY INFORMATION COMMUNICATION PROVIDES INFORMATION TO THE TECHNICIAN ABOUT VEHICLES THAT HAVE A POOR HEATER-VENT-AIR CONDITIONING AIR FLOW FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE FAR RIGHT DASH VENT WHEN COMPARED TO THE OTHER DASH VENTS.
THIS PRELIMINARY INFORMATION COMMUNICATION PROVIDES INFORMATION TO THE TECHNICIAN ABOUT VEHICLES THAT MAY HAVE AN OUTSIDE AIR TEMPERATURE INOPERATIVE.
THIS PRELIMINARY INFORMATION COMMUNICATION PROVIDES INFORMATION TO THE TECHNICIAN THAT SOME VEHICLES MAY HAVE INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER, RADIO, AND HEATER-VENT-AIR CONDITIONING DISPLAYS BLANKING OUT.
Complaints filed by year
57 complaints came in 2019. Owners file in waves when a problem gets press or an investigation, so a spike measures attention as much as failures.
NHTSA investigations
Brake vacuum pump failure. Closed apr 10, 2022, led to recall 19V-645.
NHTSA summary
Recalls that include the 2016 GMC Sierra 1500
Whether your car is included depends on its VIN. Check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500/3500, GMC Sierra 2500/3500 vehicles, and 2016-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles. 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.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Dealers will replace both RRAB modules, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 9, 2026. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N262569920. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on September 24, 2026.
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.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Dealers will replace the left and right side RRAB modules, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed on August 18, 2021. Owners will receive a second notice when the remedy is available. Phase I owner notification letters were mailed on May 5, 2022. Phase II owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on May 31, 2022. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. This recall supersedes NHTSA recall number 20V-736. GM's number for this recall is N202324251.
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.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the RRAB modules on the left and/or right side, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on December 22, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. Note: GM filed a new recall, number 21V-504 that supersedes this recall. All vehicles previously recalled under 20V-736 will now be repaired under the new recall number 21V-504. GM's numbers for this recall are N202309680, N202309681, and N202309682.
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.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the EBCM, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N192261050.
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.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Electronic Brake Control Module, free of charge. The recall began October 8, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N192268490.
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.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2017. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 17287.
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.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 13, 2016. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 16007.
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.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the left and right front upper control arms and realign the vehicle, free of charge. The recall began on May 18, 2016. Until the repairs have been made, owners are advised not to drive their vehicles. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 42190.
All 8 recalls on the 2016 GMC Sierra 1500, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
Guide One recall here carries a do-not-drive warning. What that means
Questions
What is the most common problem on the 2016 GMC Sierra 1500?
Brake wear, with 106 of the 341 complaints. Owners who gave a mileage for it put the median at about 45,000 miles.
At what mileage do 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 problems start?
Of the 199 complaints that give a mileage, a quarter came by about 35,000 miles and half by about 50,000.
Is the 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 better or worse than the 2017?
Counted per year on the road, the 2016 has about as many complaints as the 2017: 31 a year against 35.
How many 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 complaints involve a crash, fire or injury?
24 of them (7%). The typical vehicle on this site is at 6%.
Is there a recall for brake wear on the 2016 GMC Sierra 1500?
Yes, NHTSA lists 2 recalls on the same system: 19V-645 and 19V-761. Its summary says which failure it covers, and that isn't always the one owners describe.