GMC Sierra Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data
Comparing used GMC Sierra options? We analyzed 10 model years (2017–2026) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.
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- Accident & damage history
- Odometer rollback records
- Open recalls & title brands
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the GMC Sierra has 1,377 owner complaints and 90 safety recalls across model years 2017–2026. The most reported issue area is ENGINE. 2021 drew the most complaints; 2024 drew the fewest.
- Make
- GMC
- Model
- Sierra
- Model years analyzed
- 2017–2026 (10 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 1,377
- Safety recall campaigns
- 90
- Crash-related complaints
- 32
- Fire-related complaints
- 18
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2021 (602 complaints)
- Best model year (fewest complaints)
- 2024 (0 complaints)
- Top reported issue area
- ENGINE
- Reliability signal
- Poor
By model year
GMC Sierra: which years to avoid & which to buy
Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used — lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.
These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.
These years have the fewest owner complaints on record — lower risk starting points.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA NCAP crash test ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.
NCAP crash test ratings for this model are not yet loaded or this vehicle was not tested in the years analyzed. NHTSA tests a subset of new vehicles each year. Check nhtsa.gov/ratings directly for the latest results.
What the complaint data suggests
PoorThe GMC SIERRA has 1,377 NHTSA complaints and 90 recalls on record. 32 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- 1,377 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 90 federal recall campaigns
- 32 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Problems by model year (best vs. worst)
Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Sep 2026
Safety recalls
NHTSA safety recalls
90 recalls foundSafety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP:CONTROL/DRIVE MODULE
STRUCTURE:BODY:BUMPERS:ACTIVE SHUTTERS/GRILL
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:WHEEL SPEED SENSOR/TONE RING
AIR BAGS
AIR BAGS
AIR BAGS
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
ENGINE
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL
Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2017–2026. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
Common problems
What goes wrong most often
The vehicle systems owners complain about most, ranked from all 1,377 NHTSA complaints — these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.
Owner complaints
NHTSA complaint reports
1,377 totalThese are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.
The vehicle was delivered from the factory with a severe size mismatch between its primary rolling stock and its emergency spare tire. The truck features factory-installed 20-inch wheels and tires but was manufactured and shipped with an undersized 18-inch spare tire assembly secured underneath the bed. On a heavy-duty 3500-series truck built for heavy towing and hauling, utilizing a drastically different tire diameter during an emergency road event forces the rear differential and transfer case to spin at mismatched speeds. This creates an immediate risk of sudden mechanical drivetrain failure, loss of vehicle control, or compromised braking stability while operating under load on public highways. Consumers relying on factory equipment during emergency roadside scenarios should not be exposed to hidden mechanical hazards due to factory assembly omissions. Upon discovering the factory defect, the local dealership attempted remediation by supplying a shop take-off wheel and an aged, three-year-old tire (DOT 2223). This highlights that while individual dealerships scramble to fix these factory omissions with makeshift inventory, consumers purchasing new heavy-duty vehicles are still absorbing compromised, aged safety equipment due to lack of manufacturing quality control. I have also filed a complaint with GM and have requested immediate remediation with a correct new tire and wheel and am waiting for a response.
The vehicle was delivered from the factory with a severe size mismatch between its primary rolling stock and its emergency spare tire. The truck features factory-installed 20-inch wheels and tires but was manufactured and shipped with an undersized 18-inch spare tire assembly secured underneath the bed. On a heavy-duty 3500-series truck built for heavy towing and hauling, utilizing a drastically different tire diameter during an emergency road event forces the rear differential and transfer case to spin at mismatched speeds. This creates an immediate risk of sudden mechanical drivetrain failure, loss of vehicle control, or compromised braking stability while operating under load on public highways. Consumers relying on factory equipment during emergency roadside scenarios should not be exposed to hidden mechanical hazards due to factory assembly omissions. Upon discovering the factory defect, the local dealership attempted remediation by supplying a shop take-off wheel and an aged, three-year-old tire (DOT 2223). This highlights that while individual dealerships scramble to fix these factory omissions with makeshift inventory, consumers purchasing new heavy-duty vehicles are still absorbing compromised, aged safety equipment due to lack of manufacturing quality control. I have also filed a complaint with GM and have requested immediate remediation with a correct new tire and wheel and am waiting for a response.
The contact owns a 2026 GMC Sierra 3500. The contact stated that while driving at 35-40 MPH on the interstate and towing a loaded trailer, the vehicle experienced reduced braking performance. No warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was contacted and informed that the brakes performed differently. Additionally, the dealer stated that the transmission was not downshifting. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 500.
Have been driving it on four separate occasions and the engine will start running rough and shut off leaving me with no power brakes or power steering. Once when I was going about 30 miles an hour the other three times when I was coming to a stop with a trailer on just took it in Kendall Chevrolet for the first time they are still working on it but unable to duplicate the problem this is a very serious safety concern for myself and possibly for others that have the same issue
XXX Pulling into Mason Park - Truck Shot down while driving. Went into Park (immediate stop) 2 of my Kids were in the truck at the time. Restarted truck and loud Noises. Immediately backed into parking space shut down and towed. Sent to dealership XXX Called spoke co/ Mark. [XXX] had tech. look at truck. expressed My concerns and Should Never occurred @ 6788 miles. Expressed Something Needs done. Recommend contact GMc. - Call GMC, Crated a Case #XXX. Engine replaced after 2 months. No one checked the transmission or had explained why it went into park while in operation.Refused to look at any other concerns. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
We were told when we purchased our 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 that all the engine problems have been remedied. Purchased our new truck January 3, 2026 put 2001 miles on the truck went on June 29. The engine suddenly just stopped while driving on the highway. We were able to pull over unable to ever get it to start forced to have it towed to a nearby GMC dealer where it has been ever since were told it had to have a complete new engine put in we have corresponded with General motors on three different occasions we still sit with no offer as we did apply for a lemon law buyback but General Motors continues to sell these vehicles which is very deceptive and misleading as this situation was not remedied in any 25 or 26 models.
Read 14 more owner reports
Took ownership of this vehicle on XXX. 6.2 motor build date XXX at Tonawanda plant. Currently have 10,600 miles on vehicle. First and second oil changes at GMC facility T&T Coast Buick, GMC located in [XXX] First at 4,441 miles, oil part number 19420077. Second oil change at 8,379 miles, oil part number 19420077 This oil part number is for 5W-30. ACDelco bulk engine oil (Dexos1 Gen2 Full Synthetic 5W-30). The correct oil was not used. From what I have read this is a GM "oil trap" so if there is a problem with the motor GM can deny warranty coverage because the wrong oil was used. I have not adressed this with the dealership yet. If there is a 6.2 motor problem with my vehicle in the future am I going to be denied coverage? I am worried. I also have the extended warranty. Thank you. [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
While driving through city traffic at approximately 35 mph the truck engine made a quick loud noise and then immediately shutoff. The power steering went out and then I was unable to pull off the road completely as the engine would not start back up. This truck is a 2026 with 9,000 miles, 6.2L motor. After being towed to a GM Service facility it was determined that the motor had blown up on the truck. A vehicle shutting off while driving down the road is an extreme safety concern in my opinion.
Learned that GMC engines may have an issue. We haven't had one as yet.
This truck has the GM L87 6.2L engine that is currently on recall for 2021- 2024 model years, but recently the NHTSA is looking into post engine replacement failures and 2025-26 model year issues. My engine at 7,000 miles failed for rod bearings. Same issues reported years ago and 100k engines ago. GM has not fixed the problem, its still happening.
The contact owns a 2026 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted and the vehicle decelerated to 10 MPH. No warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled over to the shoulder of the road, and the vehicle was towed to a local dealer. The vehicle remained with the dealer for additional diagnostic tests and unknown recurring failure codes. In addition, the contact stated that the failure worsened and occurred while his wife, sister-in-law, niece, and child were present inside the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 7,500.
Bought the vehicle brand new at the end of april. 2 weeks later and at 557 miles, the engine had a lifter failure and needed to be replaced. One day after picking it up after the engine replacement, a fuel injector went bad and needed to be replaced. About 2 days ago, the check engine light lit up, and the GMC app said it was a code for the transmission system (popped on after attempting to remote start the vehicle, although the light did shut off on its own the next day after a software update on the vehicle)
I bought the vehicle brand new in april 2026. On May 3rd, approximately 2 weeks after I bought it, I experienced a lifter failure that caused metal to get into the oil pan/engine and the engine needed to be replaced. About a month later after repairs were complete, I picked up my vehicle on a Friday night, and the very next morning, had issues again. Took it back to the dealer and a fuel injector went bad and needed to be replaced. I recently attempted to use the remote start feature and as soon as it fired up, the engine cut out. I went to start it again and the check engine light came on. My GMC app said the code was transmission related, although it cleared on its on the next morning after a software update.
rocker arms replacement at 5,000 miles on my truck. Palm Harbor Tasca GMC
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The truck has lost power unexpectedly while driving, and lately I've also noticed some lag when I accelerate. The truck is available to be inspected. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The truck suddenly lost power while I was driving and told me to restart the vehicle. Losing power unexpectedly almost caused me to get stuck in an intersection and could have caused an accident in a busy shopping center. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? No. I took it to the GMC dealership after the second time it happened, but they couldn't get it to do it again and said there were no codes showing. They told me to bring it back if it happens a third time. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Yes. I took it to the GMC dealership to have it checked after the second power-loss issue happened. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? When it lost power, the truck prompted me to restart the vehicle. I have also recently started noticing some lag when accelerating and starting the vehicle. There was no warning before it happened.
Truck milage at the time of engine failure was 9,101. Well past the break in period for towing. We were towing a car trailer 2,000 pounds less the max towing capacity for the truck and going less than the posted speed limit. The truck was also in tow haul mode. The truck dash flashed oiled heating hot. We tried to pull over on the highway then the truck lost all power and overheated. Our trailer was not all the way off the highway, so a WY State Trooper pulled behind us and kept his lights flashing for 3 hours until a tow truck came. Truck could not be placed in neutral, so it had to be dragged onto the flat bed ramp of the tow truck. Truck was towed to the Gillette WY GMC dealership that same day. On Monday we were informed that the engine failed and needed to be totally replaced. The GM dealer cannot tell us how long it will take to get the new engine or how long we will be without the truck. This is the 6.2 V8 which GM assured buyer's of 2026 vehicles that the engine failures reported on previous year vehicles had been rectified on the new models. Less than 10,000 and the engine failed.
Engine completely failed and had to be replaced
The contact owns a 2026 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that intermittently there was no sound while the turn signals were activated, and the radio and incoming calls failed to be audible. The issue often lasted all day or for an hour or two before returning to normal. The contact associated the failure GM Technical Service Bulletin: PIT6406 (or PIT6406F), but the dealer stated the vehicle was not included in the bulletin and refused further diagnostic tests. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to reprogram the Audio Control Module (ACM) because the software was outdated, despite the vehicle being brand new. The reprogramming was completed; however, the failure was not resolved. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The failure mileage was 3,657.
This engine has used more than 2 quarts of oil since purchased in November of 2025. It has 12,000 miles on it. The exhaust pipes are covered in black soot from oil burn. It scares me to drive it, $87,000 retail vehicle worth about nothing with a bad engine. Terrible
Catastrophic failure of engine while exiting the interstate.
Showing 20 of 1,377 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Check the exact car
Before you buy, check the exact GMC Sierra
These pages show model-year patterns across 10 years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.
The basics
How to read this data
Complaints, recalls, investigations — here’s what each number actually tells you about a used GMC Sierra, in plain English.
What is an NHTSA Complaint?
An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The GMC Sierra has 1,377 complaints on record across 10 model years.
What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The GMC Sierra has 90 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 32 of the GMC Sierra's 1,377 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?
The reliability verdict (Poor) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.
Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?
Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all GMC Sierra vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two GMC Sierra vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.
What Are NHTSA Investigations?
When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The GMC Sierra has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.
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How does the GMC Sierra stack up? Compare complaint history with similar vehicles.
By state
Check a GMC Sierra by state
Title-branding rules, flood-damage exposure, and salvage laws vary by state. Run a free VIN check or explore state-specific vehicle history guidance before buying a used GMC Sierra.
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
GMC Sierra reliability — frequently asked questions
Is the GMC Sierra reliable?
Poor. The GMC Sierra has 1,377 NHTSA owner complaints and 90 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is ENGINE. Use year-level data as a pattern guide, then verify the exact car with a VIN check before purchase.
Which GMC Sierra years to avoid?
Years with the most NHTSA complaints: 2021 (602 complaints), 2020 (583 complaints), 2025 (144 complaints). Use these years as a shortlist for deeper inspection, and always run a VIN check on the exact vehicle before purchase.
What are the most common GMC Sierra problems?
Top reported issues: ENGINE (623 complaints); POWER TRAIN (315 complaints); ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (211 complaints).
Does the GMC Sierra have recalls?
Yes — 90 NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the GMC Sierra. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.