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Your vehicleHome›GMC›Sierra› 2016
Active NHTSA advisory: do not drive. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and see the recall details below.
GMC · Large Pickup truck

2016 GMC Sierra

Hybrid Gas
Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD
14 EPA-rated configurations
Data refreshed 2026-10-26
F
Safety Signal
51 / 100 from the NHTSA recall record
Counts recalls, not crash safety — this vehicle earned 5 of 5 stars from NHTSA. A much-recalled best-seller scores low here; see the methodology.
Recalls1 critical 10
Complaints15 crash · 14 fire · 17 injured reported 379
Crash ratingNHTSA overall 5★
Fuel economybest combined, EPA 20 mpg
20262025202420232022202120202019201820172016

The 2016 GMC Sierra is sold in the U.S. as a hybrid and gas large pickup truck with 14 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the Sierra 15 Hybrid 2WD, is EPA-rated at 20 mpg combined. NHTSA lists 10 recall campaigns for this model year, 1 rated critical, which gives it a Safety Signal grade of F. Owners have filed 379 complaints, most often about the service brakes. NHTSA crash-tested it at 5 stars overall.

GMC Sierra — photograph via Wikimedia Commons
GMC Sierra · Photo: Ethan Llamas · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Specs & fuel economy

Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov
ConfigurationPowertrainDriveEngine / motorCityHwyCombAnnual fuel*
Sierra 15 Hybrid 2WDHybridRWD5.3L 8-cyl + 86V Li-Ion182420$3,350
Sierra 15 Hybrid 4WDHybrid4WD5.3L 8-cyl + 86V Li-Ion162118$3,700
Sierra C15 2WDGasRWD4.3L 6-cyl182320$3,350
Sierra C15 2WDGasRWD5.3L 8-cyl162319$3,550
Sierra C15 2WDGasRWD5.3L 8-cyl162319$3,550
Sierra K15 4WDGas4WD4.3L 6-cyl172219$3,550
Sierra C15 2WDGasRWD5.3L 8-cyl162218$3,700
Sierra K15 4WDGas4WD5.3L 8-cyl162218$3,700
Sierra K15 4WDGas4WD5.3L 8-cyl162218$3,700
Sierra C15 2WDGasRWD6.2L 8-cyl152117$3,950
Sierra C15 Cab Chassis 2WDGasRWD5.3L 8-cyl152017$3,950
Sierra K15 4WDGas4WD5.3L 8-cyl152117$3,950
Sierra K15 4WDGas4WD6.2L 8-cyl152117$3,950
Sierra K15 Cab Chassis 4WDGas4WD5.3L 8-cyl151917$3,950

*EPA estimate at 15,000 miles/year at EPA reference fuel and electricity prices. fueleconomy.gov record ids: 37371, 37373, 37010, 37009, 37011, 37019, 37012, 37018, 37021, 37013.

Emissions & certification

Source: EPA emission certificates
ConfigurationSmog ratingEmission standardWhere it can be sold newSmartWay
Sierra 15 Hybrid 2WD, Sierra 15 Hybrid 4WD, Sierra C15 2WD, Sierra C15 Cab Chassis 2WD, Sierra K15 4WD, Sierra K15 Cab Chassis 4WD5–6 / 10Bin 5 / LEV-III ULEV125All 50 states (federal, all altitudes); California and states following California standards—
Sierra C15 2WD, Sierra K15 4WD6 / 10Bin 4All 50 states (federal, all altitudes); California and states following California standards—

Certified for all fifty states, so it can be registered new anywhere in the U.S.

The smog rating scores tailpipe pollutants other than greenhouse gases, 1 (worst) to 10 (best), and is comparable only within a model year. The standard is the federal bin or California tier the configuration was certified to. Both come from the EPA certificate behind the window sticker.

Specifications filed with NHTSA

Source: NHTSA vPIC

Dimensions Exterior

Body stylePickup
Doors4
GVWR classClass 2H: 9,001 - 10,000 lb (4,082 - 4,536 kg)

Engine Basics

Cylinders8
Displacement6.6 L
Engine configurationV-Shaped

Fuel Economy

FuelDiesel

Transmission

Drivetrain4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4

Filed by the manufacturer with NHTSA under the federal vehicle-identification rule and decoded from the VIN pattern — not a manufacturer press kit, so it describes the configurations we could identify rather than every trim (seen: Denali, Fleet/Base, SLE, SLT). Figures for the trim you are looking at may differ.

Dimensions & weight

Source: Transport Canada
Length201.2–235.4 in
Width (body, without mirrors)79.9 in
Height73.6–74.0 in
Wheelbase118.9–153.1 in
Track, front68.9 in
Track, rear67.7 in
Curb weight4,522–5,359 lb
Weight distribution, front/rear56/44 to 60/40

Measured by Transport Canada for its Canadian Vehicle Specifications database, which covers the North American versions of each model — here 12 configurations: 1500 Crew Cab M/Box 2WD, 1500 Crew Cab M/Box 4X4, 1500 Crew Cab M/Box Denali, 1500 Crew Cab S/Box 2WD, 1500 Crew Cab S/Box 4X4, 1500 Crew Cab S/Box Denali …. Where a range is shown, those versions differ. Width is the body without mirrors, which is why it can read narrower than a brochure figure. Before we used it we checked it against the US manufacturer press kits we hold (27 Sep 2026): wheelbase agreed within 1% on every vehicle we could compare, length on 98%, and the curb weight fell inside the manufacturer's range on 96%. Source dataset. Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada. Licence.

Also on file Beside the 2016 Sierra
Other years The 2025 Sierra Recalls GMC recalls
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Factory warranty running out?

The 2016 GMC Sierra is in the years where transmission, electronics and drivetrain repairs land on the owner. What an extended plan does and does not cover is worth reading before a dealer quotes you one.

What to check before you buy →

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Recalls (10)

Source: NHTSA recall database
▲high

Air Bags

N262569920
1,559 vehicles built Apr 30, 2016 – May 4, 2016
Problem 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. Fix Dealers will replace both RRAB modules, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 9, 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 NHTSA.gov on September 24, 2026.
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFRemedy instructions PDFDealer notice PDF
NHTSA campaign 26V611000 reported Sep 24, 2026 General Motors, LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Air Bags

N202324251
410,019 vehicles 60% reported repaired
Problem 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. Fix 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. T
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 21V504000 reported Jul 1, 2021 General Motors, LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Air Bags

N202309680
9,279 vehicles
Problem 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. Fix 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
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDF
NHTSA campaign 20V736000 reported Nov 25, 2020 General Motors LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Electronic Stability Control (Esc)

N192261050
652,967 vehicles 80% reported repaired built Jan 29, 2013 – Dec 5, 2018
Problem 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. Fix 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 19V761000 reported Oct 24, 2019 General Motors LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Service Brakes, Hydraulic

N192268490
3,456,719 vehicles 75% reported repaired built Jan 29, 2013 – Aug 31, 2017
Problem 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. Fix 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 19V645000 reported Sep 6, 2019 General Motors LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Air Bags

17287
40,683 vehicles 84% reported repaired built Mar 25, 2013 – Aug 15, 2016
Problem 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) softw 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. Fix 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.
NHTSA campaign 17V437000 reported Jul 10, 2017 General Motors LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Air Bags

16007
3,640,162 vehicles 90% reported repaired built Jan 29, 2013 – Aug 15, 2016
Problem 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. Fix 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 16V651000 reported Sep 8, 2016 General Motors LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
!critical

Suspension

42190
Do not drive 3,738 vehicles 99% reported repaired built Feb 11, 2016 – Apr 5, 2016
Problem 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. Fix 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.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 16V256000 reported Apr 28, 2016 General Motors LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
●moderate

Electrical System

15808
139 vehicles 98% reported repaired built Jul 8, 2015 – Oct 13, 2015
Problem Genera Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chevrolet Camaro, Malibu, Silverado and GMC Sierra vehicles. 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. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection", and/or 208, "Occupant Crash Protection." Risk An unbelted driver is at a greater risk of injury in a crash. Fix GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The recall began on March 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 15808.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 16V084000 reported Feb 11, 2016 General Motors LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Air Bags

15794
90 vehicles 100% reported repaired built Oct 13, 2015 – Oct 14, 2015
Problem General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pick up trucks manufactured October 13, 2015, to October 14, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the mounting stud used to secure the air bag sensing and diagnostic Module (SDM) may be incorrectly positioned, and as a result, the SDM housing could fracture. Risk If the SDM housing fractures, water may get into SDM causing it to malfunction and hinder the proper deployment of the air bags in the event of a crash, thereby increasing the risk of occupant injury. Fix GM will notify owners, and dealers will have the mounting stud repositioned and the SDM replaced, free of charge. The recall began December 2, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 15794.
NHTSA campaign 15V830000 reported Dec 10, 2015 General Motors LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →

These are vehicle campaigns — the ones the automaker filed against this model. NHTSA also records equipment recalls, filed by a parts maker against a component (a tyre, a child seat, an aftermarket part), and those are not listed here or counted above. nhtsa.gov/recalls shows both for a VIN.

NHTSA defect investigations

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Power Assist:Vacuum — Brake Vacuum Pump Failure closed

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

Opened Nov 20, 2018 · closed Apr 10, 2022 · action PE18012 · the investigation’s page →

Whether any of this applies to one specific Sierra

A campaign covers a build range, not a model year, so two identical-looking cars from 2016 can differ. Both of these check a VIN against the manufacturer’s own list, free, in about ten seconds. GMC publishes its own lookup because federal rule 49 CFR 573.15 requires it to, and to keep it current to within seven days.

NHTSA VIN check →GMC’s own VIN lookup →

Hear about a recall before the letter does

The manufacturer’s letter is the last step of a recall: it has up to 60 days after filing to mail owners, at the address on the registration. We email you the day NHTSA posts a recall on the 2016 GMC Sierra, with what to do next. Nothing else, ever — no newsletter, no marketing, one-click unsubscribe in every message.

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Parts & accessories for the 2016 GMC Sierra

Search by fitment on eBay Motors — OEM take-offs, aftermarket, and the trim pieces dealers no longer stock. The listing and the price are the seller's.

Find parts for this Sierra →

Owner complaints

Source: NHTSA complaint database
379complaints filed

15 involved a crash · 14 a fire · 17 injuries · 0 deaths reported

Filed per year: 2016: 12 · 2017: 17 · 2018: 46 · 2019: 68 · 2020: 55 · 2021: 37 · 2022: 35 · 2023: 41 · 2024: 28 · 2025: 26 · 2026: 14

Most-cited components

Service Brakes → 114
Power Train → 93
Electrical System → 56
Engine 45
Steering 45
Unspecified 38

In depth: brake problems → · transmission and drivetrain problems → · electrical problems →

In owners' own words

Filed with NHTSA by the people who own these cars, one per problem area. Quoted as written, with anything identifying removed.

I have diesel 3500 1fuel tank the fuel gauge doesn't always come on and if does it may take several miles before it begins to work. Or sometimes it may just quit. Then other time it may work just fine. There seems to be a problem. The problem did not start till I turned about 40,000 I have about 42,000 now.
Electrical System at 40,000 miles Apr 20, 2020 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11321745
The contact owned a 2016 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would lose automotive power. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the negative battery was replaced. The vehicle was repaired.
Air Bags at 75,000 miles Oct 25, 2024 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11621956
The contact owns a 2016 GMC Sierra. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70- 85 mph, the vehicle was shaking. The stability track warning indicator light was illuminated and flashing on and off. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer but they were unable to duplicate the failure.
Suspension at 15,000 miles Aug 11, 2022 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11478795
Excessive slop and uncontrollable, unintended steering shifts causing vehicle to unexpectedly and suddenly veer out of lane of travel related to defective lash adjustment steering box
Steering at 80,000 miles Mar 9, 2021 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11399983
Apparently, the 8 speed automatic transmission has issues with wiring harness and hard shifting which the manufacturer has 18 service bulletins out on yet still will not recall and fix problems. Also the brake system is faulty and unsafe it loses pressure and even braking at various speeds.
Service Brakes at 77,000 miles Oct 11, 2020 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11363769
The truck has a horrible vibration from around 45 MPH and up. Have test drove other 2016 Gmc sierras with same issue. Have taken it back to the dodge dealership we bought it from and they said it should be a recall
Power Train at 62,000 miles Dec 14, 2019 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11289000

Complaint counts are raw owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects, and scale with how many were sold. Use them to spot patterns, not to rank.

Reported by GMC itself: 49 death-or-injury claims on this model year in its quarterly Early Warning reports to NHTSA (49 CFR 579.21): 2 killed, 57 injured, as claimed, not verified. Every Sierra model year, by year and system → Dated and by system, they are exhibit F of the defect dossier.

When owners reported it

Reported at 47k

miles, typically

Half the 219 owner reports with an odometer reading on file fall between 31,000 and 71,000 miles. That is when problems get reported, which is not the same as when they start — and not a failure rate, because nobody knows how many of these cars never had a problem at all.

under 10k 26
10k–20k 10
20k–30k 14
30k–40k 30
40k–50k 40
50k–60k 25
60k–70k 15
70k–80k 16
80k–90k 10
90k–100k 9
100k–150k 21
150k + 3

Median mileage by component

ComponentReportsMedian milesVs same age
Service Brakes7846,0001.15×
Power Train4147,0000.9×
Steering2654,0001.12×
Electrical System2559,9001.33×
Engine2274,7921.21×
Visibility/Wiper1789,0002.47×
Unspecified1637,000—

Vs same age is this model year’s median for the system divided by the median of every 2016-model-year complaint about the same system, all makes: under 1× means owners of this car reported it at lower mileage. Here, owners reported later: visibility/wiper (2.47×). Which systems go early across the whole fleet: the component study.

Odometer readings as filed by owners with NHTSA. Readings under 100 or over 400,000 miles are dropped as data entry rather than history, and a component needs at least 12 readings before a median is shown for it.

Crash ratings

Source: NHTSA NCAP
ConfigurationOverallFrontalSideRolloverRollover risk
HYBRID PU/CC RWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆18%
PU/CC 4WD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆17%
PU/CC RWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆18%
PU/EC 4WD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆18%
PU/EC RWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆17%
PU/RC 4WD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆17%
PU/RC RWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆18%

NHTSA New Car Assessment Program.

Service bulletins & campaigns

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications
Communicationsfiled with NHTSA 2,572
Most recentmanufacturer date 2026-09-26
Kindsas classified by NHTSA 2568 service bulletins, 2 service campaigns, 2 others

Most often about: Equipment, Engine, Electrical System, Power Train, Fuel/Propulsion System.

  • PIT5698F Service bulletin
    2026-09-26 · Unknown Or Other
  • This PI provides Diagnostics tips on how the LIN bus works and how to diagnosis it.
  • PIP5700H Service bulletin
    2026-09-21 · Unknown Or Other
  • This PI communicates the proper part numbers for transmission connectors and internal harness to prevent confusion when ordering
  • PIP4902W Service bulletin
    2026-09-04 · Unknown Or Other
  • This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
  • PIT5099J Service bulletin
    2026-07-21 · Unknown Or Other
  • PI to help diagnose A/C concern
  • PIT5509N Service bulletin
    2026-07-21 · Unknown Or Other
  • This PI provides diagnostic tips for diagnosing electric trailer brakes issues.
  • PIT5509M Service bulletin
    2026-05-14 · Unknown Or Other
  • This PI provides diagnostic tips for diagnosing electric trailer brakes issues.
  • PIT3271Q Service bulletin
    2026-04-01 · Unknown Or Other
  • This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.
  • PIP6104 Service bulletin
    2026-03-09 · Unknown Or Other
  • This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect.

A service bulletin is the manufacturer telling its dealers how to diagnose or repair a known condition. It is not a recall, not a finding that the vehicle is defective, and the work is not automatically free — though a bulletin is often what a dealer works from when you describe a symptom, so quoting the document number can save a diagnosis. The count is every communication filed; the list shows the most recent, one entry per campaign, because a single campaign is usually filed as several documents on the same day. The summaries are NHTSA's; the full documents come from the manufacturer.

Diagnostic trouble codes on file

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications and complaints

Codes documented against this model year in the federal record. A code appearing here does not mean this vehicle will set it — it means the code is part of this nameplate-year's documented history.

CodeWhat it meansMost often filed underWhere it appears
P0300
P0300 on GMC →		Misfire detected, but not isolated to one cylinder.Engine · Ignition coils →20 bulletins · 1 owner report
P2463
P2463 on GMC →		Soot has built up in the diesel particulate filter beyond the allowed limit.Engine13 bulletins
P2635
P2635 on GMC →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Fuel/Propulsion System · Fuel pump →13 bulletins
B3055
B3055 on GMC →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Electrical System · Battery →11 bulletins
B3060
B3060 on GMC →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Electrical System · Battery →11 bulletins
B3935
B3935 on GMC →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Electrical System · Battery →11 bulletins
C0710
C0710 on GMC →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Electronic Stability Control11 bulletins
C1114
C1114 on GMC →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Electrical System · Battery →11 bulletins
U0126
U0126 on GMC →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Equipment11 bulletins
U0415
U0415 on GMC →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Equipment11 bulletins
P018B
P018B on GMC →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Fuel/Propulsion System · Fuel pump →10 bulletins
P050D
P050D on GMC →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Engine8 bulletins · 2 owner reports

Generic codes (the second character is 0 or 2) mean the same thing on every vehicle sold in the United States. Manufacturer-specific codes (1 or 3) mean whatever the automaker assigned, and no honest source can define them for you — which is why the ones here carry the evidence instead of a definition. A code is a link when enough separate federal documents name it across the catalogue to be worth a page of its own; the rest are listed here, where the vehicle is the context that makes them mean something.

Affiliate disclosure: some links on this page are affiliate links. If you request a quote or buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Nothing on this page changes because of it.

At the New York inspection station

Source: New York State DMV

In New York’s inspection lanes over the 12 months to Oct 10, 2026, the 2016 GMC Sierra failed the emissions check on 7.8% of first inspections — higher than the 4.2% for every 2016 model-year vehicle inspected; and the safety inspection on 1.8% (every 2016 vehicle: 2.2%).

New York inspections 7.8%

failed emissions

1,894 initial inspections of 1,843 vehicles.

MeasureThe 2016 SierraEvery 2016 vehicleBehind it
Failed the emissions check7.8%4.2%1,890
Failed the safety inspection1.8%2.2%1,894
Air-bag warning lamp stayed lit0.48%0.27%1,894
Miles driven a year11,22510,028odometer at inspection
Average odometer115,621103,109odometer at inspection

New York’s emissions test on these model years is an on-board diagnostics check: it fails a car whose check-engine light is on or whose self-tests have not finished. First inspections only, so a car that failed and came back is counted once; private and special plates, not taxis, livery or commercial plates. A rate appears only where at least 200 inspections stand behind it. “Every 2016 vehicle” is every 2016 model-year car, SUV and pickup inspected in the same window, all makes. This is the state’s record of test results, not a reliability score by itself. Source: New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, Vehicle Inspections (data.ny.gov, Open NY terms).

Sierra by model year

all years, side by side →
Year Safety Recalls Complaints
2026 D 5 150 Do not drive2025 B 2 133 390 mi2024 C 4 377 25 mpg2023 B 3 496 26 mpg2022 F 6 598 26 mpg2021 F 7 596 26 mpg2020 F 12 492 26 mpg2019 F 10 684 21 mpg2018 F 7 322 20 mpg2017 D 6 431 20 mpg2016 this page F 10 379 Do not drive

Common questions about the 2016 Sierra

Source: EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press kits

Does the 2016 GMC Sierra have any recalls?

NHTSA has posted 10 recall campaigns for the 2016 GMC Sierra, 1 of them rated critical. The most serious on file is 16V256000, covering Suspension. 2 of them were filed with no repair available at the time — NHTSA's file records what the manufacturer had in hand on the filing date, not what exists today. There is an active do not drive advisory — act on it before driving. Check your own VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls; a recall applies to specific build ranges, not every car.

How safe is the 2016 GMC Sierra?

NHTSA gave the 2016 GMC Sierra 5 stars overall in its New Car Assessment Program tests — 5-star frontal crash, 5-star side crash, 4-star rollover. WhichTrim also grades it F (51/100) on its recall record, which is a different question from crash protection.

What is the fuel economy of the 2016 GMC Sierra?

Across the 14 EPA-rated configurations of the 2016 GMC Sierra, the best EPA combined figure is 20 mpg. Figures are the EPA's own, per configuration, and every one is listed above.

What are the dimensions of the 2016 GMC Sierra?

Transport Canada measured it at 201.2–235.4 in long, 79.9 in wide (body, without mirrors), 73.6–74.0 in tall, on a 118.9–153.1 in wheelbase. Curb weight: 4,522–5,359 lb depending on configuration. Those are its measurements of the North American versions; every figure is in the table above.

What do owners complain about on the 2016 GMC Sierra?

Owners have filed 379 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 GMC Sierra, most often about service brakes, power train, electrical system. Of those, 15 involved a crash, 14 a fire, 17 reported injuries. Complaints are unverified owner reports, so treat the pattern as a signal and the individual report as an anecdote.

How clean is the 2016 GMC Sierra?

The EPA smog rating for the 2016 GMC Sierra runs 5 to 6 out of 10 across its configurations. That score covers tailpipe pollutants other than greenhouse gases, and it only compares vehicles within the same model year. It is certified for all fifty states, so it can be registered new anywhere in the U.S. Its configurations were certified to different standards — Bin 4, Bin 5, LEV-III ULEV125 — which the table above lists per configuration.

Are there service bulletins for the 2016 GMC Sierra?

The manufacturer has filed 2572 service bulletins and related communications with NHTSA for the 2016 GMC Sierra, most often covering equipment, engine, electrical system. The most recent is dated 2026-09-26. A bulletin is not a recall: it is the repair procedure a manufacturer sends its dealers for a condition it knows about, and the work is not automatically paid for. It is still worth knowing — if the symptom matches, quoting the bulletin number at the service desk can save a diagnosis. The document numbers and summaries are listed above.

How does the 2016 GMC Sierra do at state inspection?

In New York’s inspection lanes over the 12 months to Oct 10, 2026, the 2016 GMC Sierra failed the emissions check on 7.8% of first inspections — higher than the 4.2% for every 2016 model-year vehicle inspected; and the safety inspection on 1.8% (every 2016 vehicle: 2.2%). The figures are New York State DMV’s own inspection records, first inspections only, and the table above sets each one against every vehicle of the same model year.

What we hold, and what an empty row means

Paid vehicle-history reports will not tell you the difference between “nothing happened to this car” and “we never received that record” — both of the big two say as much in their own help pages. Most of what is on this page comes from complete federal registers, so we can tell you which is which, row by row.

DataHeldSourceWhat it covers — or what empty means
Fuel economy & configurations14 configurationsEPA certification recordsEvery configuration the EPA certified for sale, with its own test figures.
Emission certificates14 configurationsEPA emission certificatesSmog rating, standard and the sales area that decides where the car can be sold new.
Recalls10NHTSA recall campaignsA complete federal register: every campaign covering this model year, with severity and advisory flags.
Owner complaints379NHTSA complaint databaseAlso complete, but unverified: these are reports owners filed, not findings. Counts scale with how many were sold.
Crash ratings7 testedNHTSA NCAPOnly the configurations NHTSA chose to crash-test, which is never all of them.
Service bulletins2572NHTSA manufacturer communicationsEverything the manufacturer told its dealers about a defect or malfunction, short of a recall.
Investigations1NHTSA Office of Defects InvestigationOpen and closed defect investigations, with the agency's own narrative.
Driver-assist crash reportsnoneNHTSA Standing General Order 2021-01No report has been filed. Only entities named in the order report, and only crashes they hear of — so this is also what an unequipped car, or a manufacturer without telematics, looks like.
Specifications filed with NHTSA8 fieldsNHTSA vPIC, decoded from VIN patternsWhat the manufacturer filed under the federal VIN rule — a configuration, not the full trim ladder.
Measured dimensions7 fieldsTransport Canada, Canadian Vehicle SpecificationsLength, width, height, wheelbase, track and curb weight, measured on the North American versions.
Trims, pricing & equipmentnoneManufacturer press kitWe have not transcribed a press kit for this model year yet. This is our gap, not the manufacturer's — the one row here where an empty cell means we are behind.

Rebuilt nightly; this page was generated 2026-10-26. Every figure above is traceable to the source named beside it, and the JSON for this page carries the same values with their identifiers.

Where to go next

pages beside this one
Other years The 2025 Sierra The Sierra model year with the cleanest record on file — grade B, 2 recalls.Recalls Every GMC recall on file All campaigns filed against GMC vehicles, newest first, with the manufacturer's own number.Recall Watch Watch this Sierra by VIN Give it the VIN and you hear the night a campaign is filed — from $29 a month for a lot, free for ten.

Sources & method

Safety Signal starts every model-year at 100 and subtracts points per open NHTSA recall campaign by severity: critical 15 (fire risk, park-outside or do-not-drive advisories), high 8 (brakes, steering, airbags, loss of drive power, structure, battery), moderate 6, minor 3 (software, labels, lighting fixed by an update). The most serious recall counts in full and each further one counts 85% of the one before, because a vehicle sold in millions is recalled more often than a rare one without being more dangerous — and because a flat subtraction bottomed the scale out, scoring a vehicle with 22 recalls within a point of one with six. A ≥ 90, B ≥ 80, C ≥ 70, D ≥ 60, otherwise F. Read it as what it counts: recall campaigns on the federal record, weighted by severity. The damping reduces the sales bias by roughly 40% but does not remove it: like our complaint counts, this is not normalized by how many were sold, so a best-seller still scores somewhat worse than an obscure model with the same real risk. NHTSA crash ratings, do-not-drive and park-outside advisories, and the crash, fire, injury and death counts in owner complaints are reported separately on every page and never blended into the letter — a vehicle can hold five stars and a poor letter at once, and where that happens we say so rather than leave you to notice. Because the scale subtracts from a clean sheet, a model year too new to have been recalled, complained about or bulletined scores full marks on an empty record; we label those grades provisional rather than present them as earned.

EPA figures come from fueleconomy.gov vehicle records. Recalls, complaints, investigations and crash ratings come from NHTSA's public flat files, refreshed nightly.

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