GMC Sierra 1500 years to avoid (and the best years)
6,036 NHTSA owner complaints and 51 recalls across 17 model years, 2010 to 2026. Built from NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, generated October 26, 2026.
- 6,036complaints
- 51recalls
- 138reported crashes
- 49reported fires
- 96reported injuries
- 1reported deaths
Which GMC Sierra 1500 years should you avoid?
By NHTSA owner complaints, the GMC Sierra 1500 years to avoid are 2014 and 2015. The typical GMC Sierra 1500 year has 353 complaints on file.
- 2014: 738 complaints, 2.1 times the typical year. Most complaints name the steering (21% of complaints) and the exterior lighting (20% of complaints).
- 2015: 717 complaints, 2.0 times the typical year. Most complaints name the brakes (32% of complaints) and the transmission and drivetrain (14% of complaints).
What are the best GMC Sierra 1500 years?
The GMC Sierra 1500 years with the fewest complaints on file are the 2016 (18), 2012 (107) and 2013 (115). Model years after 2023 are left out: they have not been on the road long enough to compare.
NHTSA does not publish sales figures, so these are complaint counts, not a rate per car on the road. A year that sold more cars collects more complaints, and older years have had longer to collect them.
Every model year
| Year | Complaints | vs typical year | Recalls | Crashes | Injuries | Our read | Most reported |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 45 | 0.1× | 2 | 0 | 0 | Few red flags | Engine |
| 2025 | 115 | 0.3× | 1 | 3 | 0 | Few red flags | Engine |
| 2024 | 354 | 1.0× | 1 | 5 | 6 | Few red flags | Engine |
| 2023 | 468 | 1.3× | 3 | 5 | 2 | Some concerns to check | Engine |
| 2022 | 584 | 1.7× | 6 | 10 | 3 | Some concerns to check | Engine |
| 2021 | 564 | 1.6× | 7 | 5 | 2 | Some concerns to check | Engine |
| 2020 | 464 | 1.3× | 12 | 12 | 13 | Some concerns to check | Engine |
| 2019 | 640 | 1.8× | 10 | 13 | 12 | Some concerns to check | Engine |
| 2018 | 302 | 0.9× | 7 | 10 | 5 | Few red flags | Transmission and drivetrain |
| 2017 | 353 | 1.0× | 5 | 14 | 7 | Few red flags | Transmission and drivetrain |
| 2016 | 18 | 0.1× | 8 | 1 | 1 | Few red flags | Body and structure |
| 2015 | 717 | 2.0× | 9 | 23 | 11 | Approach with caution | Brakes |
| 2014 | 738 | 2.1× | 9 | 24 | 15 | Approach with caution | Steering |
| 2013 | 115 | 0.3× | 3 | 2 | 3 | Few red flags | Airbags |
| 2012 | 107 | 0.3× | 3 | 4 | 1 | Few red flags | Airbags |
| 2011 | 284 | 0.8× | 5 | 5 | 11 | Few red flags | Airbags |
| 2010 | 168 | 0.5× | 4 | 2 | 4 | Few red flags | Airbags |
Most reported problem areas
Share of the 3,062 complaints sorted by system, all years together.
- Engine & powertrain1,727 (56%)
- Structure & body372 (12%)
- Electrical & infotainment320 (10%)
- Airbags & seat belts228 (7%)
- Other systems161 (5%)
Recalls (51)
Airbags · 26V611000 · Sep 2026 · model year 2016
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.
Airbags · 26V325000 · May 2026 · model year 2018
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.
Transmission · 26V289000 · May 2026 · model year 2026
Front or rear wheel lockup increases the risk of a crash.
Airbags · 26V166000 · Mar 2026 · model year 2018
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.
Safety · 26V114000 · Feb 2026 · model year 2026
Without an owner's manual to consult, owners may not know how to safely use and operate the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Transmission · 26V083000 · Feb 2026 · model years 2020, 2021, 2022
Rear wheel lock up increases the risk of a crash.
Safety · 25V876000 · Dec 2025 · model year 2025
An unsecured wheelchair can move during transit, increasing the risk of injury.
Airbags · 25V432000 · Jun 2025 · model year 2018
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.
Engine · 25V274000 · Apr 2025 · model years 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
Engine failure increases the risk of a crash.
Structure · 25V060000 · Feb 2025 · model year 2022
A detached front grille deflector may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Transmission · 24V797000 · Oct 2024 · model years 2020, 2021, 2022
Rear wheel lock-up can increase the risk of a crash.
Airbags · 24V756000 · Oct 2024 · model year 2018
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.
Brakes · 24V674000 · Sep 2024 · model year 2023
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.
Exterior lighting · 22V903000 · Dec 2022 · model years 2022, 2023
DRLs that do not deactivate as intended may result in a glare, reducing visibility, and increasing the risk of a crash.
Exterior lighting · 22V463000 · Jun 2022 · model year 2022
An inoperative high-mounted brake light can reduce visibility to other drivers and increase the risk of a crash.
Tires · 21V985000 · Dec 2021 · model years 2019, 2020, 2021
An ABS system that does not function properly can increase the risk of a crash.
Airbags · 21V504000 · Jul 2021 · model years 2015, 2016
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.
Tires · 21V423000 · Jun 2021 · model year 2019
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.
Seat belts · 21V245000 · Apr 2021 · model years 2014, 2015
A broken pretensioner cable reduces the effectiveness of the driver's seat belt, increasing the risk of injury.
Tires · 21V115000 · Feb 2021 · model years 2019, 2020
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.
Airbags · 21V053000 · Feb 2021 · model years 2010, 2013
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Airbags · 21V054000 · Feb 2021 · model years 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Airbags · 21V050000 · Feb 2021 · model years 2010, 2011
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Airbags · 21V051000 · Feb 2021 · model year 2012
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Seat belts · 20V811000 · Dec 2020 · model year 2021
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.
Seat belts · 20V792000 · Dec 2020 · model years 2019, 2020, 2021
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.
Airbags · 20V736000 · Nov 2020 · model years 2015, 2016
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.
Tires · 20V684000 · Nov 2020 · model years 2020, 2021
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.
Transmission · 20V650000 · Oct 2020 · model years 2019, 2020
If the driveshaft separates, there may be a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of crash.
Brakes · 20V603000 · Oct 2020 · model year 2018
A decrease in brake assist can increase the brake pedal effort and distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Airbags · 20V446000 · Jul 2020 · model year 2020
If the diffuser separates from the inflator during deployment, RRAB performance may be degraded, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Brakes · 20V116000 · Feb 2020 · model year 2020
Broken caliper bolts can reduce brake performance or interfere with wheel rotation and increase the risk of a crash.
Brakes · 20V055000 · Jan 2020 · model year 2019
A loss of electronic brake assist can increase the risk of a crash.
Brakes · 19V889000 · Dec 2019 · model year 2019
If the driver operates the vehicle unaware that ESC and ABS are not functioning, there is an increased risk of a crash.
Electrical system · 19V888000 · Dec 2019 · model years 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.
Fuel system · 19V837000 · Nov 2019 · model year 2020
Over-pressurization can crack the fuel pump and cause leaks, increasing the risk of a fire in the presence of an ignition source.
Seat belts · 19V814000 · Nov 2019 · model years 2019, 2020
A vehicle fire could result if materials ignite inside the vehicle.
Brakes · 19V761000 · Oct 2019 · model years 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018
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.
Brakes · 19V645000 · Sep 2019 · model years 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018
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.
Airbags · 18V868000 · Dec 2018 · model year 2019
In the event of a crash, an air bag that does not inflate properly can increase the risk of injury.
Steering · 18V586000 · Sep 2018 · model year 2015
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.
Safety · 18V267000 · Apr 2018 · model years 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.
Safety · 17V487000 · Aug 2017 · model year 2017
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.
Airbags · 17V437000 · Jul 2017 · model years 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017
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.
Steering · 17V414000 · Jun 2017 · model year 2014
If EPS assist is lost and then returns, the driver might lose temporary control of the steering wheel, increasing the risk of a crash.
Airbags · 16V651000 · Sep 2016 · model years 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017
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.
Suspension · 16V256000 · Apr 2016 · model year 2016
Inadequate welds may allow the control arm to separate from the bushing, compromising steering and increasing the risk of a crash.
Seat belts · 16V209000 · Apr 2016 · model years 2014, 2015
If the tensioner cable separates, the driver may not be properly restrained in the event of a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
Engine · 14V007000 · Jan 2014 · model year 2014
The overheated exhaust components may melt nearby plastic parts and may result in an engine fire.
Suspension · 11V007000 · Jan 2011 · model year 2011
THE DRIVER MAY NOT BE ABLE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND A CRASH COULD OCCUR WITHOUT WARNING.
Suspension · 10V643000 · Dec 2010 · model year 2011
THE DRIVER MAY NOT BE ABLE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND A CRASH COULD OCCUR WITHOUT WARNING.