2016 GMC Sierra 1500 Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 3%of 343 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 30,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the fuel system of the 2016 GMC Sierra 1500, 3% of the 343 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 30,500 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Transmission has failed from 4th gear up (3) times within 91,000 miles. When going at speeds more than 50 miles an hour, the transmission will break and lose forward motion causing a safety issue with oncoming traffic. The transmission was rebuilt at lafontaine Gmc of highland, mi (2) times and they are telling me they are going to rebuild it a 3rd time. Just wanted to note safety issue so when this happens in the future I will have a legal avenue.”
NHTSA complaint #11270712, filed 2019-10, 91,000 miles“The quality/precision issues I am having with my vehicle are issues that should not be happening to a $50,000 vehicle. The engine has a rough idle when it is first started up. After the vehicle warms up the rough idle gets worse. It gets even worse while I am driving it and I come to a stop sign or red light. The rough idle vibrates the entire vehicle. The rough idle is at its worse when I stop after having driven on the highway for several hours. I bought this new vehicle because my previous vehicle was totaled in an automobile accident when someone t-boned me in my 2007 Gmc yukon xl. …”
NHTSA complaint #10924410, filed 2016-11, 200 miles“My truck started having a strong fuel smell by drivers door. 7/11/23 I took to the GM dealer to address strong fuel smell. The dealer at Patriot GMC said they would have to drop the tank and do smoke test to locate leak. They reported no leaks found that it looked like possible fuel on top of tank from over filling and spill. I explained I didn't overfill tank or spill any gas. Picked up truck after being told no fault found. …”
NHTSA complaint #11533936, filed 2023-07“i began getting a service engine light that went on and off a few times randomly. the vehicle would not switch down to 4cylinder as designed. there was an odd shudder as the vehicle slowed at 10mph increments which would randomly happen or not happen dependent upon the moment. i was outside of warranty so i went to a shop which has been very good in the past as opposed to risking dealership costs on top of the fact the dealership had no availability for quite some time. ultimately, i ended up replacing all fuel injectors and related equipment at my own expense. …”
NHTSA complaint #11621599, filed 2024-10“My 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 (5.3L 8-speed). When on the highway or in the city when the truck is changing gears it has a shake almost like hitting small bumps on the side of the road. I have several friends and family members with the same model truck and have spent thousands of dollars to fix the problem by modifying the whole truck. Is there anyway a recall could be made since it has to be a huge issue with all models with the v4 mode? I brought it to a transmission shop due to GMC dealerships being booked for weeks..the receipt is attached! …”
NHTSA complaint #11499105, filed 2022-12Related service bulletins
- 11024324Sep 4, 2025This Warranty Administration service bulletin provides Lithium-Ion battery Exchange Process and Transaction Submission information.
- 11023365May 14, 2025This Warranty Administration service bulletin provides Lithium-Ion battery Exchange Process and Transaction Submission information.
- 11017173Mar 21, 2025This informational bulletin instructs the tech when fuel/fluid is needed to be tested and where it can be sent for analysis.
- 11013239Jan 14, 2025This Warranty Administration service bulletin provides Lithium-Ion battery Exchange Process and Transaction Submission information.
- 11012678Dec 12, 2024This Warranty Administration service bulletin provides Lithium-Ion battery Exchange Process and Transaction Submission information.
- 11011896Nov 21, 2024This Warranty Administration service bulletin provides Lithium-Ion battery Exchange Process and Transaction Submission information.
- 11008893Aug 20, 2024This Warranty Administration service bulletin provides Lithium-Ion battery Exchange Process and Transaction Submission information.
- 11007095Aug 7, 2024This bulletin provides information on the TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline Licensed Brands and the TOP TIER Diesel Fuel Licensed Brands that are recommended for use in all GM vehicles…
- 11006604Aug 3, 2024This service bulletin provides service information for customer concerns of an in-tank fuel pump whining noise, engine hard to start and/or stalls and Malfunction Indicator Lamp…
- 11006377Jul 23, 2024This informational bulletin explains the difference in AFM and DFM engines and what is and is not activated during this occurrence.
Fuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 11 | 7% |
| 2025 | 7 | 6% |
| 2024 | 22 | 6% |
| 2023 | 38 | 8% |
| 2022 | 32 | 5% |
| 2021 | 42 | 7% |
| 2020 | 27 | 6% |
| 2019 | 27 | 4% |
| 2018 | 11 | 4% |
| 2017 | 7 | 2% |
| 2016 | 9 | 3% |
| 2015 | 13 | 2% |
| 2014 | 15 | 2% |
| 2012 | 3 | 3% |
| 2011 | 12 | 4% |
| 2010 | 6 | 4% |
| 2009 | 11 | 5% |
| 2008 | 5 | 1% |
| 2007 | 5 | 2% |
| 2006 | 8 | 6% |
| 2005 | 5 | 3% |
| 2004 | 9 | 4% |
| 2003 | 7 | 4% |
| 2002 | 1 | 1% |
| 2001 | 17 | 12% |
| 2000 | 14 | 8% |
| 1999 | 7 | 4% |
| 1998 | 4 | 7% |
| 1997 | 9 | 11% |
| 1996 | 1 | 20% |
| 1994 | 1 | 8% |
Other parts of the 2016 GMC Sierra 1500
106 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
84 complaintsElectrical system
54 complaintsEngine
39 complaintsSteering
38 complaintsOther or unknown
35 complaintsSuspension
15 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
14 complaintsAir bags
12 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 31, 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