GMC Sierra 1500 owners filed 4,913 complaints with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for model years 2015–2025 (see the Car Problem Index for all 60 models), and NHTSA lists 39 recall campaigns for the same years. The 2015 GMC Sierra 1500 drew the most complaints (717); across all years, owners complain most about engine (36% of complaints).
Key findings
- Worst model year: 2015, with 717 complaints, led by brakes (219) and 9 recalls.
- Complaints vs recalls: Engine drew 1,754 complaints but one recall, so for most of these owners the repair falls to warranty or their own pocket, not a free recall fix.
- Stop-driving recalls: One recall told owners to stop driving until repaired (16V256000).
- Over-the-air fixes: recalls 24V674000, 22V903000 can be repaired by a software update, without a dealer visit (2 of 39).
- Spike years, compared with a typical model year: 2015 (1.5 times as many complaints).
- Earliest-failing area: fuel system complaints came at a median 16k mi.
- Fire and crash reports: 48 complaints mention a fire and 110 a crash, with 73 injuries reported.
GMC Sierra 1500 complaints and recalls by model year
| Model year | Complaints | Top problem areas |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 9 recalls | 717 | Brakes (219), Transmission / powertrain (97), Electrical system (96) median 47k mi · 23 crashes · 9 fires |
| 2016 7 recalls | 341 | Brakes (100), Transmission / powertrain (83), Electrical system (54) median 47k mi · 11 crashes · 13 fires |
| 2017 5 recalls | 353 | Transmission / powertrain (117), Brakes (100), Engine (58) median 39k mi · 14 crashes · 4 fires |
| 2018 7 recalls | 302 | Transmission / powertrain (130), Engine (65), Electrical system (43) median 34k mi · 10 crashes · 1 fire |
| 2019 10 recalls | 640 | Engine (300), Transmission / powertrain (136), Brakes (107) median 13k mi · 13 crashes · 3 fires |
| 2020 12 recalls | 465 | Engine (232), Transmission / powertrain (96), Electrical system (79) median 32k mi · 12 crashes · 5 fires |
| 2021 7 recalls | 567 | Engine (301), Transmission / powertrain (134), Electrical system (73) median 50k mi · 5 crashes · 6 fires |
| 2022 6 recalls | 584 | Engine (236), Transmission / powertrain (108), Body structure (101) median 39k mi · 9 crashes · 5 fires |
| 2023 3 recalls | 470 | Engine (205), Transmission / powertrain (91), Body structure (79) median 28k mi · 5 crashes · 2 fires |
| 2024 1 recall | 358 | Engine (183), Transmission / powertrain (68), Electrical system (41) median 16k mi · 5 crashes |
| 2025 1 recall | 116 | Engine (53), Transmission / powertrain (25), Electrical system (25) median 17k mi · 3 crashes |
One recall campaign often covers several model years, so the recall column adds up to 68, more than the 39 separate campaigns. Newer years have had less time to collect reports.
Most-reported GMC Sierra 1500 problems, and what they cost to fix
| Problem area | Complaints | Share | Recalls | Median mileage | Estimate the repair |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1,754 | 36% | 1 | 50k mi | Engine overhaul cost |
| Transmission / powertrain | 1,085 | 22% | 3 | 35k mi | Transmission repair cost |
| Electrical system | 703 | 14% | 1 | 35k mi | Alternator / electrical repair cost |
| Brakes | 696 | 14% | 7 | 41k mi | Brake repair cost |
| Steering | 319 | 6% | 1 | 36k mi | Power steering repair cost |
| Body structure | 298 | 6% | 1 | 30k mi | — |
| Fuel system | 207 | 4% | 1 | 16k mi | Fuel pump repair cost |
| Engine and cooling | 188 | 4% | 1 | 63k mi | Engine overhaul cost |
Top problem areas only; one complaint can count twice.
What GMC Sierra 1500 owners report
Owners’ own words; dollar figures are what they reported.
Engine
The engine failed and started burning oil at a rate of 3 quarts every two weeks. The vehicle is currently at the Gmc dealership having the engine rebuilt at a cost of over $15,000. The vehicle has approx. 116,000 miles at time of failure, so it is outside of the manufacturers warranty. The Gmc dealership (fred anderson greer) has photos.
2020 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11700312
I just surpassed my extended warranty (5 YEAR/100,000 miles) by a couple of thousand miles and my coolant control valve has gone out. The problem is so common that the part is on back order for months at a time. Gm says that they issued special coverage for 2020-2022 models, but my dealer is telling me that my VIN is not covered. They want to charge me $2,400 to replace it. This is insane.
2021 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11700705
Related recalls: 25V274000 (2021–2024): Engine failure increases the risk of a crash.
1,754 owners reported engine problems; the engine overhaul cost calculator shows what the fix costs where you live.
Transmission / powertrain
Truck has 67,000 miles and has been in the dealer 3 times for transmission issues. First was the shutter. Then harsh jerking downshifts. They flushed transmission and filled with new fluid under warranty and after 1,000 miles light on again for transmission fluid temperature sensor. And now they want $800 to replace this issue. There was a recall on the 16 Model for the same issue with the wiring.
2017 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11491029
Bearing in transmission failed at 75000 miles. Took to dealership and they said truck needs new transmission. Truck makes rattling noise in transmission pan. Dealer said that oil was full of metal shavings. Dealer also said that this was second truck in 2 weeks with same issue. No warning lights or check engine lights came on.
2020 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11520791
Related recalls: 26V083000 (2020–2022): Rear wheel lock up increases the risk of a crash. 24V797000 (2020–2022): Rear wheel lock-up can increase the risk of a crash. 20V650000 (2019–2020): If the driveshaft separates, there may be a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of crash.
1,085 owners reported transmission / powertrain problems; the transmission repair cost calculator shows what the fix costs where you live.
Electrical system
Just purchased this vehicle, at 84000 miles had engine failure and electrical issues while traveling down interstate with my family. Lost power steering and all warning lights popped up. Safely exited busy interstate -- avoided major accident. This engine should have been included in the recent Gmc recall - after a diagnostic $7000.00 plus to fix. Unsafe engine issue!! Please help the consumer!!
2019 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11658622
The truck displayed warning lights for ABS, traction control, trailer brakes, and front park assist. Additionally speed control (cruise) did not function. This presented a safety issue. I took to dealer asap. They repaired by replacing left rear wheel speed sensor. Cost about $216. Appears to work correctly at this time.
2018 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11441201
Related recalls: 19V888000 (2019–2020): An intermittent electrical connection between the B+ battery cable and the alternator could cause the vehicle to stall, increasing the risk of a crash. The intermittent connection could also lead to electrical arcing, which could generate sufficient heat to damage surrounding material, increasing the risk of a fire.
703 owners reported electrical system problems; the alternator / electrical repair cost calculator shows what the fix costs where you live.
GMC Sierra 1500 recalls
Check these first: 16V256000 (2016, suspension: do not drive).
Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for your car’s open recalls.
| Campaign | Announced | Model years | System | Risk (NHTSA's wording) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26V325000 | 2026-05-21 | 2018 | Air bags | 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. |
| 26V166000 | 2026-03-19 | 2018 | Air bags | 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. |
| 26V083000 | 2026-02-12 | 2020–2022 | Transmission / powertrain | Rear wheel lock up increases the risk of a crash. |
| 25V876000 | 2025-12-17 | 2025 | Equipment Adaptive/mobility | An unsecured wheelchair can move during transit, increasing the risk of injury. |
| 25V432000 | 2025-06-26 | 2018 | Air bags | 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, increases the risk of injury or crash. |
| 25V274000 | 2025-04-24 | 2021–2024 | Engine and cooling | Engine failure increases the risk of a crash. |
| 25V060000 | 2025-02-06 | 2022 | Body structure | A detached front grille deflector may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 24V797000 | 2024-10-24 | 2020–2022 | Transmission / powertrain | Rear wheel lock-up can increase the risk of a crash. |
| 24V756000 | 2024-10-10 | 2018 | Air bags | 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. |
| 24V674000 (OTA) | 2024-09-12 | 2023 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | Without a warning light, the vehicle may be driven with low brake fluid, which can reduce braking performance and increase the risk of a crash. |
| 22V903000 (OTA) | 2022-12-08 | 2022–2023 | Exterior lights | DRLs that do not deactivate as intended may result in a glare, reducing visibility, and increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 22V463000 | 2022-06-30 | 2022 | Exterior lights | An inoperative high-mounted brake light can reduce visibility to other drivers and increase the risk of a crash. |
| 21V985000 | 2021-12-16 | 2019–2021 | Tires | An ABS system that does not function properly can increase the risk of a crash. |
| 21V504000 | 2021-07-01 | 2015–2016 | Air bags | 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. |
| 21V423000 | 2021-06-03 | 2019 | Tires | Over cured tires may develop a break in the sidewall resulting in sudden air loss or a belt edge separation which could lead to a tread/belt loss. Either condition can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 21V245000 | 2021-04-08 | 2015 | Seat belts | A broken pretensioner cable reduces the effectiveness of the driver's seat belt, increasing the risk of injury. |
| 21V115000 | 2021-02-25 | 2019–2020 | Tires | Over cured tires may develop a break in the sidewall resulting in sudden air loss or a belt edge separation which could lead to a tread/belt loss. Either condition can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 20V811000 | 2020-12-23 | 2021 | Seat belts | If a seat belt assembly is not properly attached to the vehicle, the seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury. |
| 20V792000 | 2020-12-17 | 2019–2021 | Seat belts | If a seat-belt bracket is not secured, the seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant in the front-row center seat position, increasing the risk of injury in a crash. |
| 20V736000 | 2020-11-25 | 2015–2016 | Air bags | 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. |
| 20V684000 | 2020-11-05 | 2020–2021 | Tires | Overcured tires may experience a carcass break in the sidewall resulting in a sudden air loss or could develop a belt edge separation which could lead to partial or full tread/belt loss. Either condition increases the risk of a crash. |
| 20V650000 | 2020-10-22 | 2019–2020 | Transmission / powertrain | If the driveshaft separates, there may be a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of crash. |
| 20V603000 | 2020-10-01 | 2018 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | A decrease in brake assist can increase the brake pedal effort and distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 20V446000 | 2020-07-30 | 2020 | Air bags | If the diffuser separates from the inflator during deployment, RRAB performance may be degraded, increasing the risk of injury in a crash. |
| 20V116000 | 2020-02-27 | 2020 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | Broken caliper bolts can reduce brake performance or interfere with wheel rotation and increase the risk of a crash. |
| 20V055000 | 2020-01-30 | 2019 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | A loss of electronic brake assist can increase the risk of a crash. |
| 19V889000 | 2019-12-12 | 2019 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | If the driver operates the vehicle unaware that ESC and ABS are not functioning, there is an increased risk of a crash. |
| 19V888000 | 2019-12-12 | 2019–2020 | Electrical system | An intermittent electrical connection between the B+ battery cable and the alternator could cause the vehicle to stall, increasing the risk of a crash. The intermittent connection could also lead to electrical arcing, which could generate sufficient heat to damage surrounding material, increasing the risk of a fire. |
| 19V837000 | 2019-11-21 | 2020 | Fuel System, Gasoline | Over-pressurization can crack the fuel pump and cause leaks, increasing the risk of a fire in the presence of an ignition source. |
| 19V814000 | 2019-11-14 | 2019–2020 | Seat belts | A vehicle fire could result if materials ignite inside the vehicle. |
| 19V761000 | 2019-10-24 | 2015–2018 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 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. |
| 19V645000 | 2019-09-06 | 2015–2018 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 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. |
| 18V868000 | 2018-12-06 | 2019 | Air bags | In the event of a crash, an air bag that does not inflate properly can increase the risk of injury. |
| 18V586000 | 2018-09-07 | 2015 | Steering | If EPS assist is lost and then suddenly returns, the driver may have difficulty steering the vehicle, especially at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 17V487000 | 2017-08-03 | 2017 | Child Seat | If the instructions are missing from the owner's manual, the child seat may be installed incorrectly and not be properly secured, increasing the risk of injury in a crash. |
| 17V437000 | 2017-07-10 | 2015–2017 | Air bags | 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. |
| 16V651000 | 2016-09-08 | 2015–2017 | Air bags | 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. |
| 16V256000 | 2016-04-28 | 2016 | Suspension | Inadequate welds may allow the control arm to separate from the bushing, compromising steering and increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 16V209000 | 2016-04-12 | 2015 | Seat belts | If the tensioner cable separates, the driver may not be properly restrained in the event of a crash, increasing their risk of injury. |
What this data can and can't tell you
4,913 unverified owner reports, not adjusted for sales. Method.
Other GMC models in the index
- GMC Acadia (2,423)
- GMC Yukon (2,040)
Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation consumer complaint files (nhtsa.gov), retrieved 2026-09-25; NHTSA recalls database (nhtsa.gov/recalls), retrieved 2026-09-23. Model years 2015–2025. Free to cite with a link to this page.