GMC Sierra Reliability by Year
Best & 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.
Model-year trends show patterns. Run a VIN check for the exact GMC Sierra you plan to buy.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the GMC Sierra has 5,299 owner complaints and 89 safety recalls across model years 2017–2026. The most reported issue area is ENGINE. 2022 drew the most complaints; 2026 drew the fewest.
- Make
- GMC
- Model
- Sierra
- Model years analyzed
- 2017–2026 (10 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 5,299
- Safety recall campaigns
- 89
- Crash-related complaints
- 136
- Fire-related complaints
- 57
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2022 (1,110 complaints)
- Best model year (fewest complaints)
- 2026 (59 complaints)
- Top reported issue area
- ENGINE
- Reliability signal
- Poor
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.
⭐ 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 5,299 NHTSA complaints and 89 recalls on record. 136 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- 5,299 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 89 federal recall campaigns
- 136 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
🔔 NHTSA Safety Recalls
89 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.
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
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Safety Recall
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Safety Recall
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.
🔧 Most-Reported Problem Areas
Based on component keywords extracted from all 5,299 NHTSA complaints.
📋 NHTSA Complaint Reports
5,299 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.
Total engine failure on 5/31/26. Truck lost engine power while on highway and had to be towed to dealership where they found the lower end of the engine failed. Engine and radiator replacement needed, both are backordered with no eta.
I bought a brand new 2026 1500 GMC sierra AT4X and after 1,800 miles the engine seized and failed.
While driving approximately 45 MPH, I slowed to make a right turn into a parking lot. The engine suddenly stalled and lost all propulsion. The vehicle retained electrical power but automatically shifted into NEUTRAL, and would not shift back into DRIVE. I braked to a stop, temporarily stranding the vehicle and blocking traffic in the parking area. Attempting to turn the vehicle off via the START/STOP button actually restarted the engine, confirming the stall. The truck then shifted into DRIVE and operated normally. A subsequent OnStar diagnostic scan found no active trouble codes.
Heard clanging noise under hood as I was driving and truck just stopped. Tried to restart and nothing! Towed to dealership where they found the engine has to be replaced.
Traveling home the day I purchased vehicle going through [XXX] with cruise set on 35,negotiating a right handed curve in the road and a vehicle was stopped in center lane turning left and my vehicle abruptly braked causing the vehicles behind me to take evasive action to keep from hitting me from behind INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
While driving on the highway, the steering became much more stiff, and then I heard metallic clanging sounds for a few seconds. The dashboard said press start to start Vehicle. I pressed start while going 30 miles an hour and all lights and instrument clusters went black. I pulled into the grass median where the truck would not start or shift gears. Truck was towed to a GMC dealership
The contact owns a 2026 GMC SIERRA 1500. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle independently engaged into limp mode. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified on the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 10,000.
Transmission Cooler line blew out
On or about 12/14/25 at approximately 2,000 miles my engine began smoking to the point that it was pushing in to the interior of the cabin and created a cloud like atmosphere that smelled of burning oil. There were no warning messages in the vehicle or in the mobile diagnostic application associated with the vehicle. Once parked, I popped the engine and observed visible smoke from the engine and a distinct crackling noise coming from the area of the engine. I checked underneath the vehicle and was able to see oil dripping and, subsequently, feel oil running down a majority of the undercarriage of the truck. Ultimately, I had the vehicle towed the dealership and they diagnosed a front cover seal for the engine was leaking and repaired the issue. On 3/20/26 I had to take my vehicle in for an early oil change due to the above issue and low oil life. Since the above repair, I had continued to smell intermittent burning oil in the cabin of the truck. During the oil change I asked the GM service provider to check to ensure the same issue had not recurred and, following the oil change, I was informed they did not see any issue. On 5/8/26, at approximately 7,000 miles, the same issue regarding visible smoke in the cabin occurred and, upon opening the hood, I was able to see visible smoke from the engine and hear the same crackling noise. I checked underneath the vehicle and, again, was able to see oil dripping and feel it on a majority of the underside of the truck. There were no warnings, in the vehicle or in the GM app for the vehicle, associated with the failure. Again, I took the vehicle to the GM dealer service center. The diagnosis was a leaking rear cover seal. Upon repairing this issue, GM service discovered "flakes" in the oil in the engine and diagnoses a failing thrust bearing that indicated engine failure. I have documentation of the diagnosis and attempted repairs but, am not currently in a location that I can scan and upload them. I can provide them.
The tailgate intermittently opens while driving or parked
The engine started having knocking and I took it to the dealership and now I have been waiting 45 days with no engine replacement in site after they told me the engine failed completely. It had 3,900 miles on the engine!
6.2 ENGINE BLEW UP 3000 MILES
I bought the truck brand new from Gregg Young in Atlantic, IA. While an hour into the drive home, the truck began shuttering as if the transmission was having problems finding the gear. I immediately made an appt with their parent dealership of Gregg Young in Plattsmouth, NE. They had the truck for a week and couldn’t duplicate the transmission issues after I reported several occurrences and symptoms, they also didn’t provide a service invoice of the work performed while I found was unusual. As I was driving the truck home from repairs it started hesitating and having difficulty finding gears. I didn’t think much of it since the dealer claimed there was nothing wrong. This past weekend while going 65 mph down the freeway the transmission started shuttering as well as the truck and the tires began to lock up to the point of almost losing control, there was also metal on metal noises. I had to pull over and luckily driving real slow I made it home. The Gregg Young dealership were I bought it will take no responsibility and provided falsification since no service was provided nor upon checking app gps there was no indications it left the dealership while in there possession for a week, will contact GMC in the AM since this has now become a safety issue and there was metal on metal contact noises and the serious risk of a crash.
Vehicle keeps displaying a warning message to service drivers assistance system. Taken the vehicle to the dealership multiple time and the condition still persists. Dealership contacts GM tech support and are being told that GM is aware of the problem, programing issue, but they have no solution after several months. Multiple vehicles at many dealerships have the same problem. I don't feel safe driving the vehicle. Drivers assistance system includes multiple cameras and sensors. This condition could cause severe accidents of even death if the system gives false or wrong information
ENGINE LOCK UP WITH 5018 MILES ON, IT IS A THE 6.2 MOTOR ROD AND CRANK BAD
Driving on the PA turnpike at speed with traffic and the engine lost power and started squealing. No lights came on, I was able to get to the side of the road and the truck shut off. When I restarted it, it sounded terrible. Had it towed to dealer and dealer stated that the engine had a terminal failure with the crank bearings and needs replaced. I was fortunate at the time of the issue that I was able to get off the road since the truck lost all power.
Complete engine failure at 1838 miles. Need complete engine replacement. Estimated time unknown for replacement parts.
Driving approximately 30mph, the engine shut down. Vehicle shifted into neutral until stopped and shifted to park. Unable to place in neutral to pull off the road. Check engine stated transmission needed service. Dealership states seized engine. Engines are on back order. Vehicle has 2980 miles on the odometer. I'm active duty Navy and have a permanent change of station this summer and no vehicle to move in and I also haven't gotten a rental.
The motor on my 2026 GMC Sierra stalled 2 weeks ago with a p0016(crankshaft position sensor issue). Was able to clear code and limp home. Vehicle did stall on a busy road and stop abruptly. Scheduled service and was advised to drive it in. Was experiencing irregular idle when warmed up, and a slight hesitation in the pedal. Service advisor started the vehicle and claimed no codes, and everything appear OK. Later in the afternoon the service advisor called to inform me that the vehicle had a siezed engine and had siezed during a test drive on the highway. Currently waiting on warranty information, and engine replacement information but i've been informed it will require a whole new engine. This is the same 6.2l L87 V8 that has been in near constant recalls from GMC over the last 6 years.
Engine Failure at 18,000. Knocking noise started immediately followed by vehicle going into low power mode. Dangerous to drive in traffic in low power mode. No other warning lamps or indications that something was wrong. Dealer inspected and found a bearing went out in the engine.
Showing 20 of 5,299 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Before You Buy, Check the Exact GMC Sierra
These pages show model-year patterns across 10years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.
📖 Understanding This Data
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 5,299 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 89 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. 136 of the GMC Sierra's 5,299 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.
Buyers Also Compare
How does the GMC Sierra stack up? Compare complaint history with similar vehicles.
📍 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.
GMC Sierra reliability — frequently asked questions
Is the GMC Sierra reliable?
Poor. The GMC Sierra has 5,299 NHTSA owner complaints and 89 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: 2022 (1,110 complaints), 2019 (1,068 complaints), 2017 (597 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 (1,881 complaints); POWER TRAIN (1,251 complaints); ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (834 complaints).
Does the GMC Sierra have recalls?
Yes — 89 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.