This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on the steps to diagnose and repair vehicles that may have a Service Engine Soon Malfunction Indicator Lamp on at low mileage. Technician may find Diagnostic Trouble Codes P0420 and or P0430 stored. Technician should be advised that the catalytic converter efficiency Diagnostic Trouble Codes P0420 and P0430 are disabled for the first hour of engine run time to allow break-in of the catalytic converter. Technician will need to use a Tech2 to check the verify engine run time on the Engine Hour Meter in the Instrument Panel Cluster Data Display/Data 1 List in the scan tool match. If the engine run time is less tha
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2016 GMC Sierra engine problems
moderate 3 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Of the 20 model years of GMC Sierra we track for engine problems, this one has the fewest owner complaints on file (3).
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine 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 engineering informational bulletin requests information from the field from vehicles that have the condition of a Check Engine Light, delayed shifts and/or the transmission stuck in gear.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗THIS INFORMATIONAL BULLETIN PROVIDES THE TECHNICIAN WITH WHAT MAY HAPPEN TO AN ENGINE DUE TO LACK OF MAINTENANCE.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗THIS PRELIMINARY INFORMATION COMMUNICATION PROVIDES INFORMATION TO THE TECHNICIAN ABOUT VEHICLE THAT MAY HAVE BLACK SMOKE ON A COLD START. A DUAL-PULSE INJECTION STRATEGY IS UTILIZED DURING ENGINE COLD START TO REDUCE THE TIME REQUIRED TO BRING THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER UP TO OPERATING TEMPERATURE. THIS SPLIT INJECTION STRATEGY LASTS FOR ABOUT 60 SECONDS ON COLD START. THIS PROCESS MAY CAUSE THE CUSTOMER TO SEE INCREASED BLACK SMOKE DURING COLD START AND SHOULD BE CONSIDERED NORMAL.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This informational bulletin provides information on close coupled converters and there affect on newly installed engines or engines during there break in period.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2016 GMC Sierra?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 3 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Based on the 3 complaints filed, engine issues most often appear around 23,500 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine 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 engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine 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.