GMC Sierra 1500 common problems
Owners of 2015–2025 GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles have filed 4,491 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported system is engine & cooling (88% of categorised reports). Below is every reported problem area, ranked by real complaint volume, with recall and crash context — useful if you're researching this model before buying used.
- 4,491
- Owner complaints
- 68
- Recall campaigns
- 113
- Crash-related reports
- 70
- Injury reports
Most reported problem areas
By share of categorised NHTSA complaints across all 11 model years. Each links to what that system covers and its recall history.
How to read this before buying
Complaint volume is not the same as failure rate. A model that sold in large numbers, or one that has been on sale for many years, accumulates more complaints without necessarily being less reliable. Use these figures to learn which systems to inspect, not to rank one model against another.
The single most useful next step is to check the specific vehicle's recalls by VIN — a recall repair is free at any franchised dealer, but only if it has actually been done.
Recent safety events
Full timeline- Recall2018 sierra-1500
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.
- Recall2018 sierra-1500
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.
- Recall2020 sierra-1500
Rear wheel lock up increases the risk of a crash.
- Recall2021 sierra-1500
Rear wheel lock up increases the risk of a crash.
- Recall2022 sierra-1500
Rear wheel lock up increases the risk of a crash.
- Investigation opened2021 sierra-1500
NHTSA opened investigation RQ26001
Loss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedy
Frequently asked
- What are the most common GMC Sierra 1500 problems?
- Across 4,491 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for 2015–2025 GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles, the most reported systems are engine & cooling (88%), body & structure (6%), steering (6%).
- Which GMC Sierra 1500 model year has the most complaints?
- In our index, the 2015 GMC Sierra 1500 has the most owner complaints, with 810 filed.
- Are GMC Sierra 1500 problems dangerous?
- Of the 4,491 complaints on record, 113 mention a crash, 38 mention a fire and 70 mention an injury. Complaint counts are not a failure rate — check the specific vehicle's open recalls by VIN.
Problems by model year
The 2015 accounts for the most complaints (810). Open any year for its full complaint and recall report.
Where this comes from
Every figure is aggregated from consumer complaints filed directly with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration — not forums, reviews or estimates. Component grouping uses our published taxonomy.