2016 GMC Sierra 1500 Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 14about this part
- Share
- 4%of 343 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 82,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 14 complaints about the visibility of the 2016 GMC Sierra 1500, 4% of the 343 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 82,500 miles. 4 a fire, according to the filers.
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.
“Drive truck to the store got back home when I shut my door stationary I heard a loud shattering sound it turned out to be my rear window looked online it looks like this is becoming a common occurance called Gmc they said it is all he say she say and no recall is available, if there had been a person in the back seat they would have possibly been injured with the glass exploding”
NHTSA complaint #11383784, filed 2020-12, 101,000 miles“The contact owns a 2016 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that her husband remote started the vehicle. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the defrosters automatically activated. The vehicle warmed up for approximately 2 to 3 minutes. The contact stated that while leaving the driveway, her husband stopped the vehicle to assist with moving a lawn mower. Upon returning to the vehicle and looking through the glass her husband observed that there was smoke coming from the rear glass. …”
NHTSA complaint #11701194, filed 2025-11, 89,000 miles“The contact owns a 2016 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked in the garage, the contact enabled the remote start, however, the remote start did not function as intended. The contact stated that the temperature was below freezing. The contact stated that the remote start simultaneously enabled the defroster, and the rear windshield fractured. Additionally, the contact noticed a burning odor on the interior of the vehicle. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. …”
NHTSA complaint #11631484, filed 2024-12, 102,000 miles“Similar to the Canadian recall that effected those models, the rear defrost on the power sliding window malfunctioned, produced a weird smell like fire and promptly exploded, shattering the window. Vehicle is being used normally with no aftermarket products.”
NHTSA complaint #11451671, filed 2022-02“Wipers do not move fast enough to clear the rain from the windshield making it impossible to see 5 feet in front of you. This is a safety issue. The blades need to move more quickly to clear the windshield making it safe to operate when it rains.”
NHTSA complaint #10993564, filed 2017-06Related service bulletins
- 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.
- 11006511Jul 31, 2024This PI provides information on Rear and Side Tempered Glass Spots (Quench Marks) and that they are a normal characteristic.
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 1% |
| 2025 | 7 | 6% |
| 2024 | 10 | 3% |
| 2023 | 7 | 1% |
| 2022 | 1 | 0% |
| 2021 | 7 | 1% |
| 2020 | 15 | 3% |
| 2019 | 8 | 1% |
| 2018 | 6 | 2% |
| 2017 | 12 | 3% |
| 2016 | 14 | 4% |
| 2015 | 26 | 4% |
| 2014 | 21 | 3% |
| 2013 | 1 | 1% |
| 2012 | 1 | 1% |
| 2011 | 3 | 1% |
| 2010 | 2 | 1% |
| 2009 | 3 | 1% |
| 2008 | 3 | 1% |
| 2007 | 5 | 2% |
| 2006 | 2 | 1% |
| 2005 | 3 | 2% |
| 2004 | 5 | 2% |
| 2003 | 4 | 2% |
| 2000 | 1 | 1% |
| 1998 | 11 | 19% |
| 1997 | 14 | 17% |
| 1994 | 10 | 77% |
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 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 30, 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