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2016 GMC Sierra

HybridGas
Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD
14 EPA-rated configurations
Data refreshed 2026-09-11
F
Safety Signal
35 / 100 from the NHTSA recall record
Recalls2 critical12
Complaintsowner reports to NHTSA454
Crash ratingNHTSA overall5★
Fuel economybest combined, EPA20 mpg
20262025202420232022202120202019201820172016
Active NHTSA advisory: do not drive. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and see the recall details below.

The 2016 GMC Sierra is sold in the U.S. as a hybrid and gas 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 12 recall campaigns for this model year, 2 rated critical, which gives it a Safety Signal grade of F. Owners have filed 454 complaints, most often about the service brakes. NHTSA crash-tested it at 5 stars overall.

Specs & fuel economy

Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov
ConfigurationPowertrainDriveEngine / motorCityHwyCombAnnual fuel*
Sierra 15 Hybrid 2WDHybridRWD5.3L 8-cyl + 86V Li-Ion182420$3,100
Sierra 15 Hybrid 4WDHybrid4WD5.3L 8-cyl + 86V Li-Ion162118$3,450
Sierra C15 2WDGasRWD4.3L 6-cyl182320$3,100
Sierra C15 2WDGasRWD5.3L 8-cyl162319$3,300
Sierra C15 2WDGasRWD5.3L 8-cyl162319$3,300
Sierra K15 4WDGas4WD4.3L 6-cyl172219$3,300
Sierra C15 2WDGasRWD5.3L 8-cyl162218$3,450
Sierra K15 4WDGas4WD5.3L 8-cyl162218$3,450
Sierra K15 4WDGas4WD5.3L 8-cyl162218$3,450
Sierra C15 2WDGasRWD6.2L 8-cyl152117$3,650
Sierra C15 Cab Chassis 2WDGasRWD5.3L 8-cyl152017$3,650
Sierra K15 4WDGas4WD5.3L 8-cyl152117$3,650
Sierra K15 4WDGas4WD6.2L 8-cyl152117$3,650
Sierra K15 Cab Chassis 4WDGas4WD5.3L 8-cyl151917$3,650

*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.

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Recalls (12)

Source: NHTSA recall database
▲high

Air Bags

N202324251
410,019 vehicles
ProblemGeneral 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.RiskA 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.FixDealers 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
NHTSA campaign 21V504000reported Jul 1, 2021General Motors, LLC
▲high

Air Bags

N202309680
9,279 vehicles
ProblemGeneral 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.RiskIf 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.FixGM 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
NHTSA campaign 20V736000reported Nov 25, 2020General Motors LLC
▲high

Electronic Stability Control (Esc)

N192261050
652,967 vehicles
ProblemGeneral 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.RiskUnintended 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.FixGM 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.
NHTSA campaign 19V761000reported Oct 24, 2019General Motors LLC
▲high

Service Brakes, Hydraulic

N192268490
3,456,719 vehicles
ProblemGeneral 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.RiskAs 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.FixGM 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.
NHTSA campaign 19V645000reported Sep 6, 2019General Motors LLC
!critical

Fuel System, Gasoline

N182204190
18,574 vehicles
ProblemGeneral Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2018 GMC Sierra 3500 and Chevrolet Silverado 3500 trucks equipped with gasoline engines and dual fuel tanks. The fuel-level sensor in the front tank may stick in a low-level position, allowing the rear tank to overfill the front tank.RiskIf the front tank overfills, the excess pressure may cause the front tank to expand and contact the driveshaft, possibly resulting in a hole in the tank. The hole will leak fuel, which in the presence of an ignition source, can increase the risk of a fire.FixGM has notified owners, and dealers will replace the rear-tank fuel-pump module, inspect the front tank and, if necessary, replace the front tank, free of charge. The recall began July 30, 2019. GM's number for this recall is N182204190.
NHTSA campaign 19V088000reported Feb 7, 2019General Motors LLC
▲high

Service Brakes, Hydraulic

18278
42,280 vehicles
ProblemGeneral Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, 1500 Crew Cab Special Service, Tahoe Police Pursuit/Special Service, GMC Sierra 2500, and 3500 vehicles. The brake pedal pivot nut may loosen, causing the brake pedal to be loose or inoperative.RiskIf the brake pedal becomes loose or inoperative, the driver may be unable to stop the vehicle by using the brake pedal. Additionally, a loose pedal may also interfere with the accelerator pedal. Either condition may increase the risk of a crash.FixGM will notify owners, and dealers will add adhesive to the nut and reinstall the nut with increased tightness, free of charge. The recall began October 3, 2018. 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 18278. Note: The vehicles in this recall need this additional remedy despite being covered by recall 16V069 for brake pedal loosening.
NHTSA campaign 18V578000reported Aug 30, 2018General Motors LLC
▲high

Air Bags

17287
40,683 vehicles
ProblemGeneral 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) softwRiskA 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.FixGM 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 17V437000reported Jul 10, 2017General Motors LLC
▲high

Air Bags

16007
3,640,162 vehicles
ProblemGeneral 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.RiskA 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.FixGM 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.
NHTSA campaign 16V651000reported Sep 8, 2016General Motors LLC
!critical

Suspension

42190
Do not drive3,738 vehicles
ProblemGeneral 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.RiskInadequate welds may allow the control arm to separate from the bushing, compromising steering and increasing the risk of a crash.FixGM 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.
NHTSA campaign 16V256000reported Apr 28, 2016General Motors LLC
○minor

Electrical System

15808
139 vehicles
ProblemGenera 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."RiskAn unbelted driver is at a greater risk of injury in a crash.FixGM 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.
NHTSA campaign 16V084000reported Feb 11, 2016General Motors LLC
▲high

Service Brakes, Hydraulic

20760
430,771 vehicles
ProblemGeneral Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, and 3500 heavy duty trucks manufactured October 1, 2013, to February 1, 2016, 2015-2016 Chevrolet Tahoe Police Pursuit Vehicles (PPV) manufactured March 1, 2014, to February 1, 2016, and 2015-2016 GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 heavy duty trucks manufactured October 29, 2013, to February 1, 2016. On the affected vehicles, the brake pedal pivot nut may loosen, causing the brake pedal to be loose or inoperative.RiskIf the brake pedal becomes loose or inoperative, the driver may be unable to stop the vehicle by using the brake pedal. Additionally, a loose pedal may also interfere with the accelerator pedal. Either condition may increase the risk of a crash.FixGM will notify owners, and dealers will add adhesive to the brake pedal pivot nut and reinstall with an increased torque, 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 20760.
NHTSA campaign 16V069000reported Feb 5, 2016General Motors LLC
▲high

Air Bags

15794
90 vehicles
ProblemGeneral 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.RiskIf 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.FixGM 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 15V830000reported Dec 10, 2015General Motors LLC

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

Owner complaints

Source: NHTSA complaint database
454complaints filed

16 involved a crash · 14 a fire · 18 injuries · 0 deaths reported

Filed per year: 2016: 17 · 2017: 25 · 2018: 50 · 2019: 81 · 2020: 61 · 2021: 45 · 2022: 44 · 2023: 50 · 2024: 34 · 2025: 34 · 2026: 13

Most-cited components

Service Brakes124
Power Train94
Electrical System67
Steering64
Engine55
Unspecified45

What owners describe

“Driving down the road and I got a service trailer brake code pop up and would not go away and kept dinging It is very distracting and sometimes causes the trailer brakes to malfunction”Jul 24, 2025 · Service Brakes · NHTSA owner report
“My vehicles High Pressure Fuel Pump failed causing the vehicle to shutoff while driving. In addition, due to the engine shutting down while driving, the power steering quit working causing me to not be able to steer the vehicle. Thank you”Jun 10, 2025 · Fuel/Propulsion System · NHTSA owner report
“My 2016 GMC Sierra 2500 with a 6.6-liter Duramax diesel V8 engine suffered a complete engine shutdown—an issue that is both hazardous and expensive to repair. Fortunately, mine failed in a parking lot. No warning lights or symptoms were present. Failure is instantaneous and can occur any time rendering the vehicle in…”May 14, 2025 · Fuel/Propulsion System · NHTSA owner report

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.

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%
PU/CC 4WD★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★★★★★☆☆20%
PU/CC RWD★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★★★★★☆☆21%
PU/EC 4WD★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★★★★★☆☆20%
PU/EC RWD★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★★★★★☆☆20%
PU/RC 4WD★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★★★★★☆☆20%
PU/RC RWD★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★★★★★☆☆20%

NHTSA New Car Assessment Program.

Compare the 2016 Sierra with

2016 Ford F-150 →2016 Chevrolet Silverado →2016 Ram 1500 →2016 Toyota Tacoma →

Other Sierra model years

F

2026 GMC Sierra

6 recalls · 120 complaints

D

2025 GMC Sierra

4 recalls · 161 complaints

F

2024 GMC Sierra

8 recalls · 501 complaints

C

2023 GMC Sierra

4 recalls · 517 complaints

F

2022 GMC Sierra

8 recalls · 646 complaints

F

2021 GMC Sierra

10 recalls · 624 complaints

F

2020 GMC Sierra

16 recalls · 592 complaints

F

2019 GMC Sierra

17 recalls · 705 complaints

F

2018 GMC Sierra

12 recalls · 366 complaints

F

2017 GMC Sierra

10 recalls · 477 complaints

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). Floor 35. A ≥ 90, B ≥ 80, C ≥ 70, D ≥ 60, otherwise F. Complaint counts and NHTSA crash ratings are shown separately and are not blended into the grade.

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

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