CSR

GMC · NHTSA safety record

2016 GMC Sierra 2500

Every safety complaint, recall and defect investigation the US government holds on this vehicle.

Owners have filed 59 safety complaints about the 2016 GMC Sierra 2500 with the US government. Of those, 1 describes a crash, 1 person was injured and no death is recorded. 6 recall campaigns are open against it, covering the air bags and the hydraulic brakes.

The most complained-about system is the steering, named in 14 complaints, 24% of the total. The typical failure was reported at 29,500 miles, the median across the 27 complaints that gave an odometer reading.

Compiled from NHTSA's complaint, recall and investigation files · Covers August 2016 to July 2026 · How this is counted

What is on file

59 complaints on file

59

Complaints

1

Describe a crash

0

Mention fire

1

People injured

0

Deaths

A complaint is an unverified account by the person who filed it, not a finding of fault. One complaint is one ODI number, which is how NHTSA counts them.

A recall is the manufacturer conceding a defect, and the repair is free. Whether one covers your particular car is a question only its VIN can answer, because a campaign covers a production range rather than a model year.

Which system owners named

Complaints naming each system
STEERING 14 · 24%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 10 · 17%
SERVICE BRAKES 10 · 17%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 9 · 15%
ENGINE 9 · 15%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 7 · 12%
AIR BAGS 3 · 5%
TIRES 3 · 5%
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) 2 · 3%
EXTERIOR LIGHTING 2 · 3%
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL 2 · 3%
SEAT BELTS 2 · 3%
0 8 15

Red marks a system with a recall campaign against it. One complaint can name several systems, so these add up to more than 59.

When the complaints arrived

By the year NHTSA received them

By the year NHTSA received them, which is not the year the failures happened. They peaked in 2019 at 12.

16 12 8 4
16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

This is the year the complaint was filed, not the year the failure happened. The range runs from 2016 to 2026, the last of them a part year, which is why its column is drawn faint.

Crash test ratings

NHTSA New Car Assessment Program

NHTSA crashes a car into a barrier and a pole and measures what happens to the dummies inside. This is what it awarded the 2016 GMC SIERRA 2500, and it is a separate question from what owners report going wrong later.

Test PU/CC 4WD PU/CC RWD PU/EC 4WD PU/EC RWD PU/RC 4WD PU/RC RWD
Overall
Frontal crash
Frontal, driver
Frontal, passenger
Side crash
Side barrier
Side pole
Rollover
Chance of rollover 20.5% 20.7% 20.4% 20.4% 20.4% 20.4%
Stability control standard Forward collision warning standard Lane departure warning standard

A rating belongs to a tested body style and drivetrain, not to the model as a whole, which is why more than one is listed. A dash means NHTSA did not rate that test for this vehicle.

Recall campaigns

6 on file

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR

26V611000 · September 24, 2026

The defect
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.
The 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.
The remedy
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.

General Motors, LLC · up to 1,559 vehicles across all model years covered

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR

21V504000 · July 1, 2021

The defect
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.
The 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.
The remedy
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. This recall supersedes NHTSA recall number 20V-736. GM's number for this recall is N202324251.

General Motors, LLC · up to 410,019 vehicles across all model years covered

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES

18V578000 · August 30, 2018

The defect
General 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.
The risk
If 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.
The remedy
GM 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.

General Motors LLC · up to 42,280 vehicles across all model years covered

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

17V437000 · July 10, 2017

The defect
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) 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.
The 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.
The remedy
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.

General Motors LLC · up to 40,683 vehicles across all model years covered

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

16V651000 · September 8, 2016

The defect
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.
The 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.
The remedy
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.

General Motors LLC · up to 3,640,162 vehicles across all model years covered

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES

16V069000 · February 5, 2016

The defect
General 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.
The risk
If 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.
The remedy
GM 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.

General Motors LLC · up to 430,771 vehicles across all model years covered

In owners’ own words

Quoted from the complaint file

Quoted from NHTSA's complaint file. These are unverified accounts by the people who filed them, not findings of fault.

SEAT BELTS

1 injured · crash · 50,000 miles

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 GMC SIERRA 2500. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE HER HUSBAND WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, A DEER RAN IN FRONT OF THE VEHICLE CAUSING EXTREME FRONT END DAMAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEER ENDED UP UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY HOWEVER, SMOKE OR POWDER WAS SEEN COMING FROM THE FRONT FLOOR BOARD AREA. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TOWED. THE CONTACT STATED AS THE FRONT SEAT PASSENGER SHE HIT THE DASHBOARD AND SUSTAINED INJURIES TO HER LEFT SIDE, SPECIFICALLY LEFT ARM, SHOULDER, AND JAW AREA. NO MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NEEDED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT SEAT BELTS NO LONGER LATCHES DUE TO THE COLLISION. THE DEALERSHIP WAS

NHTSA complaint 11321717, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

SERVICE BRAKES

towed · 61,000 miles

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 GMC SIERRA 2500. WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS, THE BRAKES FAILED TO OPERATE WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT HAD TO APPLY EXTRA FORCE TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO PARKS MOTOR SALES INC. (919 NASHVILLE HWY, COLUMBIA, TN 38401, (931) 398-5090) WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE REMAINED AT THE DEALER WAITING TO BE SERVICED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 61,000.

NHTSA complaint 11122129. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE

towed

2016 GMC DENALI 2500 6.6L DURAMAX DIESEL. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO FAULTY CRANKSHAFT THAT CAUSED IRREPARABLE DAMAGE TO ENGINE. *AS *JS

NHTSA complaint 11266351. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL

towed · 114,000 miles

The contact owns a 2016 GMC Sierra 2500. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled inadvertently, almost causing a crash. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that she was able to veer to the side of the road by dodging traffic. The vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the high-pressure fuel pump had exploded and projected metal fragments throughout the high-pressure fuel system. The vehicle was repaired at the owner’s expense. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that a partial reimbursement would be made. The failure mileage was

NHTSA complaint 11495766, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My HMI was "bricked" when onstar pushed an incompatible update when I changed the service plan. While driving the screen has intermittently turned off and on causing temporary unexpected loss of navigation functions, Bluetooth connectivity, and use of the back up camera. This causes a safety issue as the unexpected loss of display and connectivity has caused me to be unable to continue using hands free features during operation, and to no longer view behind the vehicle during entirety of backing. When I contacted OnStar support I was instructed to perform some troubleshooting and was then referred to the Connection Center Team. The CCT representative told me that my hardware was outdated

NHTSA complaint 11747986, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HORN

150,000 miles

The contact owns a 2016 GMC Sierra 2500. The contact stated that the horn was inoperable. The contact became aware of the failure when the horn failed to sound while locking the vehicle with the key fob. Upon investigation, the contact discovered that there were no recalls on the VIN related to the failure. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

NHTSA complaint 11719983. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
CP4 injection pump failure while driving nearly causing vehicle collision.

NHTSA complaint 11677925. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The CP4 pump failed while driving causing vehicle to stall. Upon failure, lost power to steering. Luckily we were on an access road for a rest area and not yet on the interstate. This resulted in a 14.5 thousand repair. No prior warning to pump failure. GM has recently settled a class action related to this pumps failure and has never recalled trucks with this pump to avoid failure.

NHTSA complaint 11668022. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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

NHTSA complaint 11666095. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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 inoperable on high-speed highways, Intersections, etc. Failure always leaves vehicle occupants stranded, creating an unsafe and dangerous situation. My vehicle was towed to a GMC dealer. Repair costs could be as high as $15,000. The 6.6-liter Duramax diesel V8 engine is equipped with a Bosch ‘CP4’ high-pressure fuel pump. These pumps are unreasonably fragile and prone to

NHTSA complaint 11660921, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

Compare

Other years of the GMC Sierra 2500

Model year Complaints Recalls Deaths
2026 10 1 —
2025 28 1 —
2024 105 4 —
2023 32 1 —
2022 43 3 —
2021 51 6 —
2020 76 9 —
2019 32 7 —
2018 35 5 —
2017 37 6 —
2015 89 6 —
2014 30 2 —
2013 46 3 —
2012 31 3 1
2011 63 4 —
2010 10 5 —

Other 2016 GMC models

Every GMC on this site — 149 vehicles.

If this is your car and a dealer keeps failing to fix it, your state's lemon law may require the manufacturer to replace it or buy it back. How many repair attempts it takes, and how long you have to file, is set by the state you bought in and by nothing on this page.

Where these numbers come from

A complaint is one owner's account and has not been verified by NHTSA or by us. A vehicle with more complaints is not necessarily worse: models that sold in larger numbers collect more of them. How this is counted.

Compiled and maintained by
Independent developer and analyst