Avoid: 2022 (lowest Year Scores on complaints per year on the road, crash reports and recalls)
Best: 2016
22 model years of NHTSA owner complaints and recalls · How we grade
Across 25 model years, the GMC Sierra 1500 has 12,097 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 170 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and service brakes. 2022 drew the most complaints (1,186), 2016 the fewest of the years on the road 3+ years (49).
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles (US, public record). Typical used asking price $20,799–$35,939.
Complaint volume by model year. Raw NHTSA totals, not adjusted for sales volume or time on the road, so older and higher-selling years accumulate more. Every year links to its full breakdown.
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 73 |
| 2025 | 118 |
| 2024 | 367 |
| 2023 | 485 |
| 2022 | 1,186 |
| 2021 | 582 |
| 2020 | 475 |
| 2019 | 650 |
| 2018 | 304 |
| 2017 | 430 |
| 2016 | 49 |
| 2015 | 817 |
| 2014 | 861 |
| 2013 | 331 |
| 2012 | 197 |
| 2011 | 732 |
| 2010 | 868 |
| 2009 | 280 |
| 2008 | 471 |
| 2007 | 343 |
| 2006 | 280 |
| 2005 | 448 |
| 2004 | 582 |
| 2003 | 573 |
| 2002 | 595 |
Highest: 2022 (1,186 complaints). Lowest: 2016 (49).
Sentiment is sharply divided by generation and powertrain, with strong negative consensus surrounding the reliability of recent gasoline V8 engines and transmissions.
Lifter failures, crankshaft problems, AFM/DFM system failures, leading to complete engine replacement. A recall on 6.2L engines is mentioned.
8-speed and 10-speed automatic transmissions (10R80) experiencing valve body/control module failures, causing harsh shifting, stalling, and being undrivable. Parts are on national backorder.
Leads to lifter failure and engine damage.
4L60E transmissions in older models (e.g., early 2000s) noted as unreliable at high mileage (200,000+ miles).
Broad statement that newer full-size trucks, including the Sierra, have "horrible" reliability.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Sierra 1500. Individual model years are broken down above.
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