2016 GMC Sierra 1500 Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 39about this part
- Share
- 11%of 343 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 73,760miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 39 complaints about the engine of the 2016 GMC Sierra 1500, 11% of the 343 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 73,760 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“While driving the vehicle home from work, the vehicle shut down in the middle of traffic on a street while stopped at a traffic light and would not move after attempting to put the truck in drive . I had to call for an emergency roadside service (tow truck) which towed the vehicle to a Gmc dealership service dept. I was told by the service technician that the transmission torque converter has disintegrated and it would cost over $5000 to repair. This vehicle did not provide any warnings (no warning signal displayed on the instrument panel) that the transmission needed servicing. …”
NHTSA complaint #11408322, filed 2021-04, 79,000 miles“Steering wheel jolts aggressively from the drivers hands. All electronics shutdown, engine shuts down, stabilitrak error & trailer brake on display. These conditions occur at any speed, going straight or turning. 25mph in city, driving 45 MPH country roads or when stationary. Very dangerous!”
NHTSA complaint #11412869, filed 2021-04, 74,792 miles“While making turns the vehicle intermittently stalls, losing all control of steering and electrical components. When it stalls there is no steering control whatsoever and the vehicle does have brakes, but slow to react.. Restart the vehicle and the computer system slowly resets. This has happened 5 times in the last2 days. Taking the vehicle to the dealership as soon as they have an opening.”
NHTSA complaint #11331653, filed 2020-06, 66,000 miles“There is a small pin hole in the radiator that the dealership advised was created because of a problem with the thermostat. Apparently GM is aware of the problem and will fix it if it's prior to 60,000 miles. I am several thousand over now and they refuse to cover any of the 1100.00 bill to repair”
NHTSA complaint #11350946, filed 2020-08, 70,000 miles“Brakes fail. Will not allow vehicle to come to a complete stop when going forward or in reverse. When accelerating vehicle violently shakes. This happens at any speed above 20mph.”
NHTSA complaint #11375101, filed 2020-11, 35,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11024330Sep 6, 2025This technical bulletin provides a procedure to replace the camshaft actuator magnet to correct customer concerns of engine related shudder.
- 11026017Jun 5, 2025This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced after severe internal engine damage.
- 11024485May 15, 2025The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the…
- 11020254May 7, 2025This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel for new vehicles with less than 1,000 miles that may not pass California smog inspection or smog inspection in…
- 11017263Mar 25, 2025This bulletin advises the technician to flush the cooling system multiple times if oil has been found in the cooling system and replace the parts that may be contaminated due to…
- 11016942Mar 4, 2025This bulletin advises the technician to flush the cooling system multiple times if oil has been found in the cooling system and replace the parts that may be contaminated due to…
- 11014230Jan 31, 2025This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
- 11014233Jan 30, 2025This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large…
- 11013069Jan 9, 2025This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 11013070Jan 8, 2025This service bulletin advises the technician of possible coolant entering the areas of the engine, either through failed parts or defects in the castings, that may be the cause…
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 101 | 69% |
| 2025 | 59 | 48% |
| 2024 | 190 | 51% |
| 2023 | 211 | 42% |
| 2022 | 241 | 40% |
| 2021 | 322 | 54% |
| 2020 | 244 | 51% |
| 2019 | 313 | 48% |
| 2018 | 67 | 22% |
| 2017 | 58 | 16% |
| 2016 | 39 | 11% |
| 2015 | 84 | 12% |
| 2014 | 69 | 9% |
| 2013 | 8 | 7% |
| 2012 | 6 | 6% |
| 2011 | 16 | 6% |
| 2010 | 11 | 7% |
| 2009 | 13 | 6% |
| 2008 | 19 | 5% |
| 2007 | 19 | 7% |
| 2006 | 5 | 3% |
| 2005 | 6 | 3% |
| 2004 | 5 | 2% |
| 2003 | 3 | 2% |
| 2001 | 2 | 1% |
| 2000 | 1 | 1% |
| 1999 | 1 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2016 GMC Sierra 1500
106 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
84 complaintsElectrical system
54 complaintsSteering
38 complaintsOther or unknown
35 complaintsSuspension
15 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
14 complaintsAir bags
12 complaintsFuel system
9 complaintsSeats
7 complaintsBody and structure
7 complaintsElectronic stability control
6 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2016 GMC Sierra 1500
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology