2016 GMC Sierra problems
What owners report to NHTSA, grouped by component, with the recalls that cover them.
NHTSA has 48 owner complaints on file for the 2016 GMC Sierra, filed between 2017-03-31 and 2026-09-09. The most common problem areas are the power train (11, 23%), service brakes (11, 23%) and engine (6, 13%). Owners reported 3 crashes, 1 fire and 6 injuries in these complaints. NHTSA lists 10 recalls for this model year.
Last updated: · Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases
2016 GMC Sierra complaints by component
| Component | Complaints | Share | Crashes | Fires | Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power train | 11 | 23% | 0 | 0 | 5 |
| Service brakes | 11 | 23% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine | 6 | 13% | 0 | 0 | 5 |
| Steering | 6 | 13% | 0 | 0 | 5 |
| Electrical system | 4 | 8% | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Structure | 4 | 8% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Unknown or other | 4 | 8% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility | 3 | 6% | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Air bags | 2 | 4% | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Exterior lighting | 2 | 4% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Tires | 2 | 4% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Wheels | 2 | 4% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Electronic stability control (esc) | 1 | 2% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 1 | 2% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Lane departure | 1 | 2% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint can name several components, so shares can add up to more than 100%. Crashes, fires and injuries are as reported by owners.
The top problem areas, in plain English
Each summary is built from the complaint counts and NHTSA recall notices, not from individual owner stories.
Power train: 11 complaints
- 11 complaints of 48 (23%) name the power train — the transmission, transfer case, driveshafts and axles.
- 4 of them also name the service brakes; owners reported 5 injuries in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 GMC Sierra covers this system.
Service brakes: 11 complaints
- 11 complaints of 48 (23%) name the service brakes — the foot-brake system: pads, rotors, calipers, lines and ABS.
- 4 of them also name the power train; owners reported 1 crash in these complaints.
- 2 NHTSA recalls cover this system on the 2016 GMC Sierra; the latest, campaign 19V761000, says: “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…”
Engine: 6 complaints
- 6 complaints of 48 (13%) name the engine.
- Owners reported 5 injuries in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 GMC Sierra covers this system.
Steering: 6 complaints
- 6 complaints of 48 (13%) name the steering — the steering wheel, column, gear and power-steering assist.
- Owners reported 5 injuries in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 GMC Sierra covers this system.
Electrical system: 4 complaints
- 4 complaints of 48 (8%) name the electrical system — wiring, battery and charging, fuses, control modules and in-car electronics.
- 2 of them also name the visibility; owners reported 1 fire in these complaints.
- One NHTSA recall covers this system on the 2016 GMC Sierra; the recall, campaign 16V084000, says: “The radio may intermittently fail to provide an audio warning when the key has been left in the ignition and the door is opened or when the driver does not fasten their seat belt.”
Structure: 4 complaints
- 4 complaints of 48 (8%) name the structure — the body and frame structure.
- None of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 GMC Sierra covers this system.
When the complaints were filed
| Year filed | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2017 | 2 |
| 2018 | 6 |
| 2019 | 11 |
| 2020 | 8 |
| 2021 | 2 |
| 2025 | 7 |
| 2026 | 12 |
What is counted
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the model names SIERRA, SIERRA 1500, model year 2016. Complaints are unverified owner reports; a recall is NHTSA's confirmed safety defect. See the 2016 GMC Sierra recalls.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2016 GMC Sierra?
By NHTSA owner complaints, the 2016 GMC Sierra's most common problem areas are the power train (11 of 48 complaints), service brakes (11 of 48 complaints) and engine (6 of 48 complaints).
How many complaints does the 2016 GMC Sierra have?
NHTSA has 48 owner complaints on file for the 2016 GMC Sierra, including 3 reported crashes and 1 reported fire.
Is there a recall for the 2016 GMC Sierra's problems?
NHTSA lists 10 recalls for the 2016 GMC Sierra; 2 of the top 6 complaint areas have a matching recall. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN for open recalls.