This informational bulletin provides information on removing paint stains on the under side of protective shipping film
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2010 GMC Sierra body problems
severe 32 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $1,500 · see body across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
32
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$1,500
2injuries
What stands out
Owners have filed 32 body complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering body on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have Diagnostic Trouble Code B2555 may be found in a Driver and/or Passenger Door Module. Technician should ignore the Diagnostic Trouble Code if set in a DDM and/or PDM on a vehicles not equipped with front door panel courtesy lights.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have tailgate may not lower slowly like the New 2014 Silverado 1500 / Sierra 1500 models. Dealer should communicate to the customer this condition is a normal operating characteristic of their vehicle.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗GENERAL MOTORS: THE WINDOWS, FRONT AND REAR, WOULD BIND, POOR FIT, MISALIGNMENT, MAKES RATTLE OR SQUEAKING NOISES, MOVES SLOWLY AND IS INOPERATIVE. MODEL 2008-2014 VEHICLES AND TRUCKS.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about customers that are unable to override the automatic door locking feature. Technician will update the Body Control Module on 2006 to 2007 model years. On 2010 to 2014 model years technician will need to contact Techline Customer Support for calibrations.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Dashboard cracking is the most common complaint across these 32 reports. Cracks typically appear around the passenger airbag and steering column, sometimes while the vehicle sits in a garage. Several owners mention cracks spreading and getting worse over time, and at least one reports a replacement dash cracking again in the same spot. Owners are concerned that if an airbag deploys, the cracked dashboard will fragment into sharp projectiles. Replacement costs run $1,000–$1,200, and many owners report being denied warranty coverage even on relatively new vehicles.
Exterior door handles fracture repeatedly—multiple instances on the same truck, sometimes all four handles eventually breaking. When a handle breaks, the door doesn't latch properly, which owners worry could result in the door opening while driving. Replacement costs $200+ per handle out of warranty.
Frame and subframe rust is severe on many of these trucks. Undercoating detaches early; subframes corrode; frames develop holes and rot spreads to wheel wells and bed. One owner reports the frame was so rusted the vehicle couldn't be safely lifted. Dealers say corrosion is normal and offer no help. Minor issues include interior door handle chrome peeling sharp enough to cut skin, broken tailgate latches, running board cracks, and seat heating/cooling failures.
Rear seat headrests are inadequately designed—short posts that slide freely and won't protect rear passengers in a collision.
Same GMC Sierra body reports on nearby years: 2007 · 2008 · 2009 · 2011 · 2013
Failure modes owners describe
Dashboard cracking
Cracks appear spontaneously on the dashboard, primarily around the passenger airbag area and steering column. Owners report cracks developing early in ownership and spreading over time. Multiple owners mention fear that airbag deployment could cause cracked dashboard pieces to become projectiles. One owner reports replacement dashes cracking again in the same spot.
When: Between 3,000 and 64,500 miles; some within 3 years of ownership; can occur while vehicle is stationary in garage
Symptoms owners cite: Single cracks appearing around passenger airbag; Secondary cracks spreading into 'Y' shapes; Cracks near steering column; Sections of dashboard material falling out; Rattling from cracked dash; Cracks recurring on replacement dashboards
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership dash replacement costs $1,000–$1,200. One owner had replacement covered under warranty; others were denied warranty coverage or charged out-of-pocket. Some owners report dealers offering reduced pricing.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM stated vehicle was designed to pass federal safety standards and declined to modify. Manufacturer offered no assistance to multiple owners reporting the issue. Some dealers replaced dashboards under warranty while still under the bumper-to-bumper period.
Exterior door handles breaking/fracturing
Plastic exterior door handles on driver and passenger doors fracture and come off. Multiple instances occur on the same vehicle, with some handles breaking and being replaced under warranty while others fail after replacement. Door handles failing causes difficulty latching doors properly, which could result in doors opening while vehicle is in motion.
When: Starting December 2013; multiple failures between 2013 and 2014; recurrence at 54,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Door handles breaking off or coming loose; Door handle fracturing; Door not latching properly after handle failure; All four door handles failing on same vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership replacement cost $200+ per handle. Two handles replaced under warranty on one vehicle; remaining two charged at customer expense. Service personnel indicated widespread occurrences with GMC Sierra handles.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer did not offer assistance. Dealers replaced handles under warranty while in warranty period; out-of-warranty repairs charged to owner.
Interior door handle chrome peeling
Chrome plating on interior door handles deteriorates and peels, creating sharp edges. Owner reports the exposed metal became sharp enough to cut skin when touching or pulling the handle.
When: By 53,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Chrome peeling from interior door handle; Sharp metal edges exposed; Handle surface becoming sharp enough to cause lacerations
Repairs/costs cited: No repair costs mentioned; issue noted but not addressed by owner.
Subframe and frame corrosion/rust
Subframe, frame, and undercoating deteriorate and rust excessively. Owners report undercoating detaching from subframe, rust spreading from inside out to wheel wells and bed, crossmembers developing holes, and complete frame rust requiring replacement. One owner reports frame rust so severe vehicle could not be safely lifted for service.
When: 15,000 miles (undercoating detachment); 104,000–178,118 miles (frame/subframe corrosion)
Symptoms owners cite: Undercoating detaching from subframe in small portions; Subframe corrosion detected on inspection; Frame rusted through with holes forming; Rust spreading to wheel wells and bed; Vehicle unable to be lifted due to frame rot; Abnormal vehicle sway when driving over bumps or bridges
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs completed by any owner. Dealers offered no assistance, stating corrosion was normal wear. Subframe replacement would be required but cost not provided.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer offered no assistance when contacted. Dealers stated subframe corrosion was normal and not covered.
Receiver hitch and spare tire hanger rust
Receiver hitch and spare tire hanger develop severe corrosion with rust holes forming. Problem identified during vehicle inspection.
When: By 104,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Receiver hitch rusted; Multiple holes caused by rust; Spare tire hanger severely rusted
Rear seat headrest design inadequacy
Rear seat head restraints are mounted on short posts that do not extend high enough to protect passengers of typical height. Posts do not lock in place and slide freely. Owner concerns that in a rear-end collision, passengers' heads would strike the rear window rather than being supported by the headrest.
When: Present at purchase (used vehicle)
Symptoms owners cite: Headrest posts too short; Headrests slide freely without locking; Inadequate neck and head protection in crash event
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GMC refused modification or replacement, stating vehicle was designed to pass all federal safety standards.
Tailgate not staying closed
Tailgate will not remain closed unless locked, indicating potential latch or hinge wear.
When: By 53,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Tailgate opening when not locked
Running board steps cracking
Running board/step assembly on both sides develops cracks.
When: By 53,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Cracks appearing on running board steps both sides
HVAC control button wear
A/C control buttons wear off, making controls unusable.
When: By 53,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: A/C control buttons worn off
Front heated and cooled seat malfunction
Both front heated and cooled seat functions stop working on the same vehicle.
When: By 53,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Front heated seats stopped working; Front cooled seats stopped working
Synthesized from 32 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had body trouble with your 2010 GMC Sierra?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the body problem on the 2010 GMC Sierra?
It's a meaningful issue. 32 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $1,500.
At what mileage does the body typically fail?
Across the 25 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most body failures cluster between 38,000 and 97,000 miles, with the median around 60,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 38,000; a quarter make it past 97,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $1,500 for body repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to body?
No active recalls currently cover body issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2010/GMC/Sierra.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.