2016 GMC SIERRA 1500 — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

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5/5

★★★★★

Safety Rating

435

Owner Complaints

14 Crashes 18 Fires

7

Recalls

ACTIVE RECALL

56

Service Bulletins

0

Investigations

Overview of the 2016 GMC SIERRA 1500

The 2016 GMC SIERRA 1500 has received a total of 435 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It earned an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program crash tests. There have been 13 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR, SERVICE BRAKES, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:WHEEL SPEED SENSOR/TONE RING. 56 technical service bulletins have been issued by General Motors, LLC for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Service Brakes (98 complaints), Power Train (80 complaints), and Electrical System (51 complaints).

Recalls for the 2016 GMC SIERRA 1500

NHTSA has recorded 13 recalls for the 2016 GMC SIERRA 1500, potentially affecting up to 16,881,191 vehicles.

Recall 21V504000 — AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR

| 410,019 vehicles affected

Defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2016 GMC Sierra 1500, 2500, 3500, and Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks. The roof-rail air bag (RRAB) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator, or the inflator sidewall may rupture.

Consequence: A separated inflator end cap or inflator rupture can allow compressed gas to escape, resulting in the end cap or other components being propelled into the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury or crash.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the left and right side RRAB modules, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed on August 18, 2021. Owners will receive a second notice when the remedy is available....

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Recall 19V761000 — SERVICE BRAKES

| 652,967 vehicles affected

Defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, and GMC Yukon, and 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles equipped with a 5.3-liter engine, a 3.08-ratio rear axle and four-wheel drive. If a wheel-speed sensor fails, while the vehicle is traveling between 41 and 60 mph in four-wheel or automatic mode, the Electronic-Brake Control Module...

Consequence: Unintended activation of the driveline-protection system will cause unintended braking on the wheel on the opposite side of the failed sensor, causing the vehicle to pull to one side unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the EBCM, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N192261050.

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Recall 19V761000 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:WHEEL SPEED SENSOR/TONE RING

| 652,967 vehicles affected

Defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, and GMC Yukon, and 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles equipped with a 5.3-liter engine, a 3.08-ratio rear axle and four-wheel drive. If a wheel-speed sensor fails, while the vehicle is traveling between 41 and 60 mph in four-wheel or automatic mode, the Electronic-Brake Control Module...

Consequence: Unintended activation of the driveline-protection system will cause unintended braking on the wheel on the opposite side of the failed sensor, causing the vehicle to pull to one side unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the EBCM, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N192261050.

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Recall 19V761000 — ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

| 652,967 vehicles affected

Defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, and GMC Yukon, and 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles equipped with a 5.3-liter engine, a 3.08-ratio rear axle and four-wheel drive. If a wheel-speed sensor fails, while the vehicle is traveling between 41 and 60 mph in four-wheel or automatic mode, the Electronic-Brake Control Module...

Consequence: Unintended activation of the driveline-protection system will cause unintended braking on the wheel on the opposite side of the failed sensor, causing the vehicle to pull to one side unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the EBCM, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N192261050.

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Recall 19V645000 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM

| 3,456,719 vehicles affected

Defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Cadillac Escalade, 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, 2015-2018 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon vehicles. The amount of vacuum created by the vacuum pump may decrease over time.

Consequence: As the vacuum level drops, the brake assist decreases, increasing braking effort, extending the distance required to stop the vehicle, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Electronic Brake Control Module, free of charge. The recall began October 8, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 or GMC customer service at...

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Recall 17V437000 — SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER

| 40,683 vehicles affected

Defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse and Chevrolet Spark EV, Caprice PPV and SS vehicles, 2014-2017 Buick Encore and Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles, 2015-2016 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Trax, Suburban and Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL vehicles, and 2015-2017 GMC Sierra...

Consequence: A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2017....

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Recall 17V437000 — AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE

| 40,683 vehicles affected

Defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse and Chevrolet Spark EV, Caprice PPV and SS vehicles, 2014-2017 Buick Encore and Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles, 2015-2016 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Trax, Suburban and Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL vehicles, and 2015-2017 GMC Sierra...

Consequence: A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2017....

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Recall 17V437000 — AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

| 40,683 vehicles affected

Defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse and Chevrolet Spark EV, Caprice PPV and SS vehicles, 2014-2017 Buick Encore and Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles, 2015-2016 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Trax, Suburban and Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL vehicles, and 2015-2017 GMC Sierra...

Consequence: A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2017....

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Recall 16V651000 — SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER

| 3,640,162 vehicles affected

Defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD, 3500 HD, Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Sierra 2500 HD and 3500 HD, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles and 2014-2017 Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500, Trax, Caprice Police Pursuit Vehicle, GMC Sierra 1500, Buick Encore, and 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse, Chevrolet Spark EV...

Consequence: A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 13, 2016....

View full details →

Recall 16V651000 — AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE

| 3,640,162 vehicles affected

Defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD, 3500 HD, Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Sierra 2500 HD and 3500 HD, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles and 2014-2017 Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500, Trax, Caprice Police Pursuit Vehicle, GMC Sierra 1500, Buick Encore, and 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse, Chevrolet Spark EV...

Consequence: A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 13, 2016....

View full details →

Recall 16V651000 — AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

| 3,640,162 vehicles affected

Defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD, 3500 HD, Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Sierra 2500 HD and 3500 HD, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles and 2014-2017 Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500, Trax, Caprice Police Pursuit Vehicle, GMC Sierra 1500, Buick Encore, and 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse, Chevrolet Spark EV...

Consequence: A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 13, 2016....

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Recall 16V256000 — SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM

| 3,738 vehicles affected

Defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and 2016 Cadillac Escalade, Cadillac Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Sierra, GMC Yukon and GMC Yukon XL vehicles. The front upper control arms may have inadequate welds near the control arm bushing.

Consequence: Inadequate welds may allow the control arm to separate from the bushing, compromising steering and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the left and right front upper control arms and realign the vehicle, free of charge. The recall began on May 18, 2016. Until the repairs have been made, owners are advised not...

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Recall 20V736000 — AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR

| 9,279 vehicles affected

Defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2016 GMC Sierra 1500 and Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and 2015 GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500, and Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 trucks. The roof-rail air bag (RRAB) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator.

Consequence: If the end cap separates from the inflator, the compressed gas will escape and the end cap can be propelled into the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury or a crash.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the RRAB modules on the left and/or right side, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on December 22, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267 or Chevrolet...

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Owner Complaints for the 2016 GMC SIERRA 1500

435 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2016 GMC SIERRA 1500. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Service Brakes
Complaints: 98 8 Crashes 9 Injuries
Power Train
Complaints: 80
Electrical System
Complaints: 51 8 Fires
Steering
Complaints: 37
Engine
Complaints: 36 1 Crash 1 Fire
Unknown Or Other
Complaints: 34 4 Fires
Suspension
Complaints: 15
Air Bags
Complaints: 10 3 Crashes 3 Injuries
Fuelpropulsion System
Complaints: 8
Visibilitywiper
Complaints: 8 2 Fires
Seats
Complaints: 7
Electronic Stability Control Esc
Complaints: 6 1 Crash 2 Injuries
Structurebody
Complaints: 5 1 Crash 2 Injuries
Exterior Lighting
Complaints: 4
Service Brakes Hydraulic
Complaints: 4
Vehicle Speed Control
Complaints: 4
Visibility
Complaints: 4 1 Fire
Wheels
Complaints: 4
Equipmentapplianceair Conditioner
Complaints: 2
Seat Belts
Complaints: 2
Service Brakes Hydraulicpower Assistvacuum
Complaints: 2
Tires
Complaints: 2
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac System
Complaints: 2
Air Bagssidewindowcurtain
Complaints: 1
Back Over Prevention Warnings
Complaints: 1
Electrical System Integrated Trailer Brake Control
Complaints: 1
Electrical System12v24v48v Batterycables
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemalternatorgeneratorregulator
Complaints: 1 1 Fire
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling Systemradiator Assembly
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingengineengine Control Module Ecuecm
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Controlcatalytic Convertor
Complaints: 1
Power Trainautomatic Transmissiontorque Converter
Complaints: 1
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac Systemrear Window
Complaints: 1 1 Fire

Most Recent Complaints

#11715267 | AIR BAGS | | N/A miles Crash 1 Injury
The contact owned a 2016 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle crashed into a deer, causing significant damage to the front end. During the crash, no airbags deployed. The cause of the air bag's failure to deploy was not determined. The vehicle was repaired at the local collision center. Recently, while driving approximately 50 MPH, the driver pressed the brakes to decelerate before crashing into a deer. During the crash, the vehicle sustained minor damage to the front end, but all the air bags in the vehicle deployed, including the driver steering wheel air bag, the front passenger side air bag, the driver and passenger side curtain airbags and seat belt pretensioners, and the passenger side seat air bag. The driver's side seat airbag did not deploy. The contact suffered adverse effects of COPD due to the air bag powder during the deployment. No medical treatment was needed. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not contacted. The contact indicated that due to the minor damage to the vehicle during the crash, the air bag should not have deployed. The vehicle was towed to a collision center and was determined to be destroyed. The failure mileage was unknown.
#11712198 | ENGINE | | N/A miles
Engine has developed a serious lifter / cam issue. dealer identified it as a result of Displacement on Demand design. Total engine replacement recommended by dealer but since the mileage on that vehicle is over 100,000 warranty, the repair is not covered. Known issue, should have been pointed out by dealer / manufacturer before warranty expiration. FYI _ I do all repair work at dealer. Vehicle looses power intermittently is is not drivable at any distance. Manufacturing / design issue known over different versions of this engine since 2010, I believe.
#11710305 | SERVICE BRAKES | | N/A miles
While traveling at low speeds in parking lots and in the operation of parking, my 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 gets a hard brake pedal that goes to the floor but I have no brakes. I almost hit a person in a local grocery store parking lot, at the bank driving up to the ATM, and I almost lost my truck over a bank because the brakes failed. This has happened multiple times at low speeds but it is getting more consistent recently. It has endangered myself and others. It is only a matter of time until damage occurs or someone gets hurt.
#11706495 | STRUCTURE:BODY | | N/A miles
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.
#11702181 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | | 139,250 miles
The contact owns a 2016 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while idling in the drive-through at a pharmacy, the contact noticed smoke coming from the rear window, and the rear window shattered. The contact stated that the defroster was activated at the time of the failure. There was no injury sustained. The contact deactivated the defroster and drove to the residence, where the contact disconnected the defroster fuse. The contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program Number: N192265660 (Rear Window Defroster Thermal Events). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 139,250.

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Safety Rating for the 2016 GMC SIERRA 1500

The 2016 GMC SIERRA 1500 received an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).

Test Category Rating
Overall Rating ★★★★★ (5/5)
Frontal Crash ★★★★★ (5/5)
Side Crash ★★★★★ (5/5)
Rollover ★★★★ (4/5)

Safety ratings are based on controlled crash tests conducted by NHTSA. A 5-star rating indicates the highest level of occupant protection.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 2016 GMC SIERRA 1500

General Motors, LLC has issued 56 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2016 GMC SIERRA 1500. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

PIT5984A — UNKNOWN OR OTHER

This Preliminary information communicates a diagnostic tip for an issue where the starter stays engaged after the engine starts. Dealers are to suspect/monitor the crankshaft position sensor.

PIT5387P — UNKNOWN OR OTHER

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician how to repair vehicles that Instrument Panel Cluster, Radio, and Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning display blanks out, Bluetooth phone or Pandora connection dropped, the radio station or volume changes when operating the snow plow. Please advise the customer that engineering is aware of...

PIP5960B — UNKNOWN OR OTHER

This Preliminary information communicates a restricted part due to stock limitation.

PI3541J — WHEELS

This preliminary bulletin provides additional guidance for diagnosing vibrations or disturbances that may occur on full size pickups and how to correct and repair.

00-06-01-012L — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

This service bulletin advises about the possible issues that may occur when using a scotch brite pad or highly abrasive disk on gasket sealing surfaces or reused parts.

PIT5404G — EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on the steps to diagnose and repair vehicles that may have a buffeting vibration and/or drone type noise, exhaust tone change, and/or body pressure booming.  Replace or repair any of the issue that was found in the inspection. If the vehicle is...

PIT5576C — STRUCTURE

This Preliminary information communicates and issue with the hood ajar message being displayed when the hood is not ajar.   Inspect the body ground strap to insure it is connected in the proper locations and the strap eyelets are tight and do not rotate.

PIT5546E — STRUCTURE

This Preliminary information communicates that water leaking into the headlamp assembly or headlamp assembly connections can cause an electrical short which will keep modules from shutting down causing a dead battery and a no crank condition, a crank no start, or unable to program the engine control module. Engine control module...

PIT5386E — BACK OVER PREVENTION

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that are found to have a back-up alarm inoperative during the Pre-Delivery Inspection. On trucks equipped with the Back Up Alarm (RPO 8S3), the alarm will be intentionally left disconnected from the assembly plant. Technician will reroute the harness...

PIT5553B — EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL

This Preliminary information communicates Operational Tips/Support For GM Accessory Three Camera Trailering System Package By EchoMaster.

Showing 10 of 56 technical service bulletins.

NHTSA Investigations for the 2016 GMC SIERRA 1500

There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.

Other Model Years of the GMC SIERRA 1500

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Check any vehicle history by VIN - Free vehicle history report