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ProblemsByVin File / 2016-GMC-SIERRA
2016 · GMC

GMC Sierra problems

0 safety recalls. 41 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.

0 5 10
Reliability score
8.2 / 10

Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.

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Critical
0
Severe
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Moderate

Top trouble spots 5 categories with 3+ complaints

powertrain
10 reports · avg $2,500
moderate
brakes
6 reports · avg $450
severe
steering
6 reports · avg $700
severe
electrical
4 reports · avg $850
severe
engine
3 reports · avg $3,100
moderate
Honest Calculator
Should you buy an extended warranty on this 2016 Sierra?
We pulled the math: risk-weighted exposure, typical contract cost, and our verdict on whether coverage pencils out for this specific vehicle.
See the calculator ->

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2016 Sierra · body
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.
12/22/2025 · NHTSA ODI #11706495.0
2016 Sierra · steering
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…
12/16/2019 · NHTSA ODI #11289518.0
2016 Sierra · powertrain
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
12/14/2019 · NHTSA ODI #11289000.0
2016 Sierra · brakes
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…
12/11/2018 · NHTSA ODI #11160788.0

Estimate your repair exposure

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Common questions

Is the 2016 GMC Sierra reliable?

Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 8.2 out of 10 based on 41 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.

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. 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. 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 41 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 aren't always better value.

Related vehicles

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 22 hours ago. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with GMC. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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