GMC Sierra problems
Light NHTSA footprint — 42 owner complaints. Either a clean record or thin data; we'll show what's there.
Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.
Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally.
- No systemic severe-failure pattern in the complaint record
- Reliability score 8.2/10 — above the segment average
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
Buying a used 2016 GMC Sierra? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
- powertrain — 10 owner reports · tends to show around 33,571 mi · ~$2,500 to fix
- brakes — 6 owner reports · tends to show around 55,734 mi · ~$450 to fix
- steering — 6 owner reports · tends to show around 52,726 mi · ~$700 to fix
- electrical — 4 owner reports · tends to show around 80,813 mi · ~$850 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: brakes is flagged severe on this model , showing up around 55,734 mi. Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — no active recalls on this model right now, but confirm none were opened after this car was built.
Verdict for buyers: 8.2/10 model. The priciest documented failure is engine (~$3,100) — get the seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
See the full pre-purchase inspection checklist →Ask anything about your 2016 GMC Sierra
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
Top trouble spots 6 categories with 3+ complaints
What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
The other night, I was backing into a parking spot at the market. As I slowed I noticed the brake pedal was getting harder to depress and it felt as though I was going to back into the car behind me. It took more effort to stop the truck.
Purchased the 2016 duramax denali with less than 39,000 miles after my previous GMC truck turned out to be a safety hazard and a money pit. Sales rep had me drive the vehicle around the block and the vehicle was what I wanted. After driving the truck at highway speed I started…
The truck has a horrible vibration from around 45 MPH and up. Have test drove other 2016 GMC sierras with same issue. Have taken it back to the Dodge dealership we bought it from and they said it should be a recall
On several occasions I have had difficulty with the braking system. The braking system becomes unresponsive after pumping the brakes a few times. On several occasions I've had the brake peddle pushed to the floor in an attempt to stop the vehicle. This seems to happen mostly at…
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Common questions
Is the 2016 GMC Sierra reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 8.2 out of 10 based on 42 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2016 GMC Sierra is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.
Should you avoid the 2016 GMC Sierra?
On the NHTSA data, the 2016 GMC Sierra does not need avoiding. Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally. The record behind that call: No systemic severe-failure pattern in the complaint record; Reliability score 8.2/10 — above the segment average. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2016 GMC Sierra?
Inspect the powertrain first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 10 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 33,571 miles. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2016 GMC Sierra a good used car to buy?
It scores 8.2 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 42 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is powertrain. Typical failure occurs around 33,571 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2016 GMC Sierra?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is powertrain, with 10 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 33,571 miles. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The powertrain is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 33,571 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my GMC Sierra has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2016 GMC Sierra?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 42 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $2,500, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.