Loss of power, shuddering, hesitation upon attempt to accelerate. 8-speed automatic transmission failure, known to GMC at the time of purchase (2017). GM Service Bulletin 39370 dated April 2016.
The worst 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Brakes106
- Transmission85
- Electrical54
- Engine41
- Steering38
- Suspension15
- Visibility14
- Airbags12
- Fuel system9
- Driver assistance8
- Body7
- Seats7
- Acceleration4
- Lights4
- Wheels4
- Seat belts2
- Tires2
Specific symptoms reported on the 2016 GMC Sierra 1500
Jerking 32Check engine light 20Harsh shifting 18Brake failure 16Shudder 14Fire or smoke 13Loss of power 13Hesitation 12Stalling 11Engine failure 9Power steering loss 9ABS 7Misfire 7Transmission failure 7Knocking 6Spongy pedal 5
Trouble codes owners of the 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 mention
P0700 4P0711 3P050D 2
Recalls 8
Air bags: side/window: curtain: inflator
- What is wrong
- General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500/3500, GMC Sierra 2500/3500 vehicles, and 2016-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles. The left-side or right-side roof rail air bag (RRAB) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator or the inflator sidewall may rupture.
- Risk
- A detached end cap or inflator rupture can allow compressed gas to escape and project the end cap or fragments of the inflator into the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace both RRAB modules, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 21, 2026. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1‑888‑988‑7267 or Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020. GM's number for this recall is N262569920. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on on September 24, 2026.
Recall number 26V611000 · Recall details
Air bags: side/window: curtain: inflator
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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. Phase I owner notification letters were mailed on May 5, 2022. Phase II owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on May 31, 2022. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1‑888‑988‑7267 or Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020. This recall supersedes the federal safety agency recall number 20V‑736. GM's number for this recall is N202324251.
Recall number 21V504000 · Recall details
Air bags: side/window: curtain: inflator
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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 customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020. Note: GM filed a new recall, number 21V‑504 that supersedes this recall. All vehicles previously recalled under 20V‑736 will now be repaired under the new recall number 21V‑504. GM's numbers for this recall are N202309680, N202309681, and N202309682.
Recall number 20V736000 · Recall details
Electronic stability control (ESC)
- What is wrong
- 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 (EBCM) software may activate the driveline-protection system.
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 19V761000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: vacuum
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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 1‑800‑462‑8782. GM's number for this recall is N192268490.
Recall number 19V645000 · Recall details
Seat belts: pretensioner
- What is wrong
- 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 HD 2500 and 3500 vehicles. While being previously remedied for recall 16V‑651, the affected vehicles may not have received the complete software update necessary to remedy the recall condition. Without the update, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.
- Risk
- 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. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1‑800‑521‑7300, Cadillac customer service at 1‑800‑458‑8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020, or GMC customer service at 1‑800‑462‑8782. GM's number for this recall is 17287.
Recall number 17V437000 · Recall details
Seat belts: pretensioner
- What is wrong
- 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 and SS vehicles. In the affected vehicles, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.
- Risk
- 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. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1‑800‑521‑7300, Cadillac customer service at 1‑800‑458‑8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020, or GMC customer service at 1‑800‑462‑8782. GM's number for this recall is 16007.
Recall number 16V651000 · Recall details
Suspension: front: control arm
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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 to drive their vehicles. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020, Cadillac customer service at 1‑800‑458‑8006, or GMC customer service at 1‑800‑462‑8782. GM's number for this recall is 42190.
Recall number 16V256000 · Recall details
See all 8 recalls for the 2016 GMC Sierra 1500
Defect investigations
Brake Vacuum Pump Failure
On November 20, 2018, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened PE18-012 to investigate instances of sudden onset of a hard brake pedal that could result in extended stopping distance due to an issue with the brake assist vacuum pump in model year (MY) 2014 through 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 and Chevrolet Silverado 1500 series pickup trucks and MY 2015 through 2016 Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, and GMC Yukon SUVs.If the brake assist vacuum pump fails to operate as intended, the amount of brake power assist supplied to the driver can be significantly reduced, extending the subject vehicle stopping distance. GM stated that the root cause of pump failures was due to foreign debris such as oil sludge in the engine oil. GM stated that this debris can become trapped by the oil inlet filter screen. Under normal operation, this screen allows a small amount of oil into the brake vacuum pump. The foreign debris can, over time, clog the pump which can cause a loss of lubrication and a reduction in the amount of vacuum produced leading to a hard pedal and extended stopping distance.On December 13, 2018, GM issued a Special Coverage (N182202780) for the brake vacuum pump issue in MY 2014-2017 trucks and 2015-2017 SUVs on the K2XX platform for 6 years or 72,000 miles. Special Coverage repair includes the replacement of the vacuum pump and vacuum pump belt. Consumers received notification of the coverage via mail. On September 6, 2019, GM notified the federal safety agency that it was conducting safety recall 19V‑645 which reprograms the electronic brake control module (EBCM) and included approximately 3.5 million trucks and SUVs. In October 2019, GM extended the terms of special coverage N182202780 to 10 years or 150,000 miles as well as now including the entire scope of recall 19V‑645. In October 2020, GM expanded the scope of coverage N182202780 to include the MY 2018 Escalade and 2019 Tahoe.The remedy implemented in GM recall 19V‑645 appears to be sufficient in addressing the safety-related concerns of this issue. Loss of vacuum assist now occurs at a progressive rate as well as there being a more timely warning of a brake problem to the driver through the driver information center (DIC). In view of the recall action and revision to the special coverage, this Preliminary Evaluation is closed. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by new circumstances. The ODI reports cited above are available for review online at under the identification numbers in the attached document.
PE18012
Technical service bulletins for the 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 1,215
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Unknown or other
- This PI provides Diagnostics tips on how the LIN bus works and how to diagnosis it.
- This PI communicates the proper part numbers for transmission connectors and internal harness to prevent...
- Unknown or other
- This PI provides diagnostic tips for diagnosing electric trailer brakes issues.
- PI to help diagnose A/C concern
- Unknown or other
- Unknown or other
- Unknown or other
- This PI Communications information on an alternative product dealers can use to perform 19-NA-255: Wax...
2016 GMC Sierra 1500 fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.3L 6‑cyl | RWD | 18 | 23 | 20 |
| 5.3L 8‑cyl Hybrid | RWD | 18 | 24 | 20 |
| 5.3L 8‑cyl | RWD | 15-16 | 20-23 | 17-19 |
| 4.3L 6‑cyl | 4WD | 17 | 22 | 19 |
| 5.3L 8‑cyl | 4WD | 15-16 | 19-22 | 17-18 |
| 5.3L 8‑cyl Hybrid | 4WD | 16 | 21 | 18 |
| 6.2L 8‑cyl | RWD | 15 | 21 | 17 |
| 6.2L 8‑cyl | 4WD | 15 | 21 | 17 |
What 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Transmission was replaced about 13 months or so after purchasing and was already out of warranty.
Steering tried returning to center loss of electrical power service stabilitrack message service brake assist message engine tried to die had to disconnect battery to reset.
air bags on my truck still dont work and i was not told by sales person that the safety features didnt work on truck before purchase. Dealership has worked on it twice and the last tech airbags were working and they are not still same symbol saying airbag not working
Paint is failing and delaminating from both rear doors around windows and also the truck bed.
The vehicle stopped dead in traffic and would not restart. No warning lights. This is a huge safety hazard. Had to be towed to a dealership. The dealership and other diesel shops said the issue is a known catastrophic CP4 fuel pump failure. The fuel pump shreds and metal shavings are found throughout the fuel system. Requires a full fuel system replacement...quotes have been obtained from GM dealership and local diesel mechanics, ranged from $15,000-$17,000. There is a known fix and could have been solved by replacing the fuel pump with an alternative one, without putting us in a dangerous situation. There is also a settled class action lawsuit directly associated to this fuel pump and issue, however the vehicle was purchased in GA and therefore not included. Based on the VIN the truck would be included if sold within a qualifying state. GM corporate and dealers know about this problem and the safety risk, but are not even suggesting the fuel pump conversation as a repair. They are putting customers in dangerous situations and leaving them with high bills.
My vehicle a 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 upon lower idle speeds loses vacuum pressure. As the vacuum level drops the brake assist decreases, increasing the braking effort, extending the distance required to stop the vehicle, which increases the risk of a crash. I have had a warning light come on advising to service the brake assist system. I took my truck to a local mechanic who confirmed the codes and learned that there had been a GM recall associated with this failure at one time, with GM recall # N192268490. There is also the federal safety agency recall bulletin 19V645000 regarding this matter as well. Upon contacting some local GM dealers in the area, I was informed that my VIN was not listed as one of the vehicles affected by this recall, so a recall notice was never sent regarding my vehicle. I was also told that I just fell outside their 10-year window regarding this matter and that they would not repair this safety issue under warranty. I called the GM customer service who could not explain why the VIN associated to my truck was not listed and they said I should contact the federal safety agency and start a claim for potential reimbursement in the future after repairs are made. I feel that this is an unnecessary step as I believe GM should honor their product and repair an obvious safety issue with the truck, especially since they knew this was an issue in thousands of their trucks where it was not my fault my vehicles VIN was not included as a potential recall issue, but I am following their suggestion
Catastrophic engine failure while traveling 40 mph. Dealership diagnosed as cylinder walls being scorched and rods blown through. No warning signs existed - just had a loud thud before the check engine light started flashing and grinding sound started coming from engine.
I noticed a "ticking" noise a few years ago, it wasn't that bad and while taking my truck to the dealer for an oil change I ask about it and the representative told me that in this models that was normal. Since it wasn't that bad and the truck didn't show any problems at that time, I just decide to let it be. This weekend I took my family out of state for a fun trip, and while going in the highway around 55-65 miles per hour, the truck suddenly lose power, it felt like it the truck "sits" the cars behind me had to dodge me and I lost control of the truck and had to steer to the right getting out of the highway and almost go into a ditch, thankfully nothing scaleted to a big and disastrous accident. The engine light started to flash. And suddenly stopped, I turn off the truck checked back for my family and after a few minutes, I started the truck again, the truck started right away and but I noticed the "ticking" got a little louder, talking to my neighbor about this he told me he had the same issue and hes motor went bad and they said it was a bad AFM system causing this, I started searching on line for it and see there been the same issues with the AFM with other drivers, and seen that the have the same issues Im confident that it is an AFM problem. Truck is been running and is my daily work car and I notice is loosing power, I contacted the dealer but haven't had any answer yet. I cant take it to a mechanic shop because they would charge me in between 2,500 to 5k to fixed, money that I dont have, while in the call with one shop he told me about this place to put a claim and notify about how dangerous this can be if in a highway.
The contact owns a 2016 GMC Sierra. The contact stated that she had noticed the frame had rusted in two places. No warning lights were illuminated. The local dealer was contacted, who confirmed there were no open recalls. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was unknown.
Compare the 2016 GMC Sierra 1500
Sierra 1500 vs Ford F-150Sierra 1500 vs Chevrolet Silverado 1500Sierra 1500 vs Ram 1500Sierra 1500 vs Toyota TundraSierra 1500 vs Nissan Titan
Other model years
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Questions about the 2016 GMC Sierra 1500
Is the 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 reliable?
Owners have filed 344 complaints about the 2016 GMC Sierra 1500, 1.2 times a typical Sierra 1500 model year.
What is the 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 year score?
The 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 scores 59 out of 100 (below average). The score compares it with the other model years of the GMC Sierra 1500: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2016 GMC Sierra 1500?
Brakes, with 106 complaints, typically around 45,000 miles. Next is transmission (85).
How many recalls does the 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 have?
8 recalls, covering air bags, electronic stability control (esc) and service brakes, hydraulic.
Was there a recall on the 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 brakes?
Yes, 1 recall: 19V645000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the GMC Sierra 1500 have bad brakes?
The GMC Sierra 1500 model years with the most brakes complaints are 2015 (229 complaints), 2014 (144 complaints) and 2000 (131 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 get?
Official estimates for the 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 range from 17 to 20 mpg combined. The most efficient version (4.3L 6-cyl, RWD) gets 18 city and 23 highway.
VIN decoder
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Buying a used 2016 GMC Sierra 1500?
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Check its historyGMC Sierra 1500 in the news
- Safety regulators investigate 2022-2024 GMC Sierra 1500 for upper grille deflector detachment
- Chevrolet recalls 2016-2017 Silverado 1500, 2016-2017 Sierra 1500 and 2016 Silverado 2500 and other models over air bags inflator problem (1,559 vehicles)
- Safety regulators investigate 2021-2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2021-2026 Chevrolet Tahoe and 2021-2026 GMC Sierra 1500 and other models for loss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedy