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GMC Sierra 2500Model year report

2016 GMC Sierra 2500 Problems

Compared with other GMC Sierra 2500 years

Typical for this model

64/100 1.4× a typical year · 50 = typical

Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2013, 2014

Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated

Complaints
59filed with NHTSA
Median mileage
29,500miles, 27 complaints with mileage
Recalls
6campaigns on record
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA crash rating
4 / 5stars overall, 6 rated versions
EPA fuel economy
—not in EPA data

Sources: NHTSA records for the 2016 GMC Sierra 2500 (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests. Report an error

What owners report

Owners of this model year most often describe loose, vague steering with noticeable play at the wheel, and, on diesel trucks, sudden stalling traced to high-pressure fuel pump failure. Brake noise, a hard-to-press pedal and intermittent trailer-brake warnings also come up repeatedly. Many of these reports come from trucks used for towing or heavy hauling, and several owners note that dealers could not reproduce the concern.

  1. Steering

    Loose steering and steering gearbox play

    • 11 complaints (19%)
    • median 29,500 mi at 2.9 yrs old (9 state mileage, few)
    • filed 2017–2022

    Owners describe several inches of free play at the steering wheel before the front tires respond, a vague on-center feel and constant small corrections to stay in a lane, with the looseness feeling worse while towing. Complaints describe dealers adjusting or replacing the steering gearbox, pitman arm and idler arm, and in some cases applying thread locker to an adjustment screw or nut; some owners say the play returned after the repair. Several complaints mention that GM service bulletins on the steering gear were referenced during diagnosis. Reported from as little as about 1,000 to 2,500 miles up to roughly 60,000 miles.

    1 related service bulletin

    What to check: On a test drive, turn the wheel gently and watch how far it moves before the front tires start to turn, and ask for records showing whether the steering gearbox, pitman or idler arms were adjusted or replaced.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “2016 Denali 2500 Diesel - Loose steering, like many of the others complaining. I only have 13,000 miles on the truck since I don't drive it during Ohio winters (salt) and use it to tow my 6500 lb boat. Doesn't feel safe at all when towing. The dealer explained both the pitman and idler arm were worn. $1500 repair bill. Very frustrating that GM doesn't cover this potential safety related issue regarding vehicle control/stability. Several versions of Technical Service Bulletin's exist #PIT5501D as an example.”

    NHTSA complaint #11458224, filed 2022-03

    “Steering box adjustment screw backed out causing excessive slop in the steering wheel. This is a well documented problem with these trucks with GM's solution is to add locktite and torque nut. I believe that this is a temporary solution and it could backout again. Should have a mechanical lock to prevent it from backing out.”

    NHTSA complaint #11365798, filed 2020-10, 45,000 miles
  2. Fuel system

    Diesel high-pressure fuel pump failure (CP4)

    • 12 complaints (20%)
    • median 62,500 mi at 4.0 yrs old (2 state mileage, few)
    • filed 2016–2025

    On the Duramax diesel, owners report the engine losing power and shutting off while driving, often with no warning light, followed by a no-restart and a tow. Shops then find the high-pressure fuel pump has failed and sent metal debris through the fuel system, so the pump and the rest of the fuel system are replaced at significant cost. Several owners describe losing power steering assist and braking assist at the same moment because the engine stopped. Reported from around 7,000 to 11,000 miles on the low end up to about 114,000 miles, with several complaints not stating mileage.

    1 related service bulletin

    What to check: Ask whether the high-pressure fuel pump or any fuel-system components have been replaced, and request fuel-system service records; on a diesel truck, a pre-purchase inspection by a diesel specialist is worthwhile.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “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 2025-06

    “My high pressure fuel pump, cp4, went out with no warning while driving causing me to lose power. Was able to bring truck to stop safely but was stuck in middle of roadway.”

    NHTSA complaint #11610634, filed 2024-08
  3. Brakes

    Brake squeal, hard pedal and trailer brake warnings

    • 9 complaints (15%)
    • median 30,070 mi at 3.2 yrs old (4 state mileage, few)
    • filed 2017–2023

    Owners describe a loud squeal when braking, in one case present since the truck was new, with repeated dealer visits that could not duplicate the noise. Others report the pedal needing extra force, at low speeds in particular, or a general sense that the truck does not stop as expected. A separate group of complaints describes an intermittent 'Service Trailer Brake System' message and loss of electric trailer brakes while towing, or a loose seven-way connector that lets lights and trailer brakes drop out in motion. Mostly reported between about 20,000 and 61,000 miles, though one owner reported brake noise from the day the truck was purchased.

    Recall 18V578000Recall 16V069000

    What to check: Check pedal feel and listen for squeal during a test drive, and if you plan to tow, hook up a trailer and confirm the seven-way connector holds firmly and the trailer brakes work.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “I am receiving an on-and-off “Service Trailer Brake System” when towing and sometimes when not towing. Checked every component and alert does not stop. When this happens while I’m towing, trailer brakes stop working momentarily.”

    NHTSA complaint #11500519, filed 2023-01

    “Brakes make a noise when I brake. I am only going about 25 miles and press on brake the brakes don't seem to stop right. There's a ticking noise coming from the engine or brakes.”

    NHTSA complaint #11451128, filed 2022-02

Buying note. Give this model year a careful test drive focused on steering play and brake pedal feel, and on a diesel truck ask for documentation of any high-pressure fuel pump or fuel system work. A pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with these trucks is worth the cost given the repair prices owners describe.

Summary written with AI from a sample of 50 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.

NHTSA recorded 59 consumer complaints for the 2016 GMC Sierra 2500. 27 of the complaints include a mileage, and 74% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 29,500 miles. Of all complaints, 1 involved a crash, 1 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns and 1,583 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 14 GMC Sierra 2500 model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 64 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.

Which parts are reported most

Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.

Also reported: Seat belts (2), Forward collision avoidance (1), Transmission and drivetrain (1), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (1), Wheels (1).

Example complaints

Steering: “On 5 different occasions the power to the truck cuts off and the steering wheel locks up while driving. On the dash the stabililock light flashes. This has happened to me while turning to get on a major highway, while driving down main roads trying to change lanes, and the last time I was turning into my banks drive through and had to slam on breaks in order to avoid crashing into the median. I took the vehicle back to the dealership patriot in killeen texas and they said they updated the system and found no issues and could not recreate the issue I said I was having. …”

NHTSA complaint #11176487, filed 2019-02, 25,000 miles

Fuel system: “While Pulling 35' 5th Wheel down freeway, a message appeared in instrument panel telling me the fuel filter was at 0 percent and was going into low power mode. There happend to be an offramp there that I was able to get off the freeway. While making the turn on the offramp the truck died. I pulled over as far as i could whie coasting with no power steering or brakes, leaving truck & trailer partially blocking the offramp. Unable to start the vehicle, I Immediatly contacted Onstar and they dispatched the CHP & tow truck. When CHP arrived he asked when tow truck would be there. …”

NHTSA complaint #11493553, filed 2022-11

Brakes: “While driving at 45mph in the left lane of a major city thoroughfare the engine quit running, power steering and brakes did not work. The check engine light came on when the engine quit running. I was able to get the vehicle stopped but the engine would not start. The vehicle was towed to the dealership where I was told this issue was reported in arkansas, louisiana and tennessee. The dealership reported that shards of metal were found in the fuel injector and the entire fuel system would have to be completely replaced. Additionally I was told the parts are hard to get. …”

NHTSA complaint #10924403, filed 2016-11, 7,180 miles

Electrical system: “My vehicle shut down and I had the ABS light stability control light and the airbag light as well as more that came on. The truck was picked up from the dealer after they said it was a wiring issue and was. It covered under warranty. This has happend 4 times already and been at the dealer 3 times I had it happen on the highway. Most of the time it restarts but now it don't”

NHTSA complaint #11182586, filed 2019-02, 35,000 miles

Mileage when problems were reported

74% of the 27 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 7,180 and 50,000 miles.

30%0–1015%10–2530%25–5015%50–754%75–1004%100–1504%150+
Share of complaints by mileage when the problem was reported, in thousands of miles (27 complaints with mileage). Red bars: under 50,000 miles. Bucket widths differ. Median: 29,500 miles.

Complaints by year filed

Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

20162018122020202220242026
Complaints by year the complaint was filed with NHTSA. Red bars: the last 3 full calendar years used for the trend. The current year (2026) is partial.

Crash test ratings

NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2016 GMC Sierra 2500. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.

VersionOverallFrontalSideSide poleRollover
Sierra 2500 · regular cab 4WD★★★★☆4 / 4553 · 20.4% risk
Sierra 2500 · extended cab 4WD★★★★☆4 / 4553 · 20.4% risk
Sierra 2500 · crew cab 4WD★★★★☆4 / 4553 · 20.5% risk
Sierra 2500 · regular cab RWD★★★★☆4 / 4553 · 20.4% risk
Sierra 2500 · extended cab RWD★★★★☆4 / 4553 · 20.4% risk
Sierra 2500 · crew cab RWD★★★★☆4 / 4553 · 20.7% risk

Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2016 model year: forward collision warning optional, lane departure warning optional, automatic emergency braking not available.

Neighbouring years: 2015: 3–4 stars overall; 2017: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.

Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Recalls and investigations

Recall details for the 2016 GMC Sierra 2500 → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls

Technical service bulletins

TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 1,583 on record; the latest 10 are shown.

See all 1,583 bulletins →

Other model years of the GMC Sierra 2500

YearComplaintsMedian miRecallsCrash ★MPGScore (50 = typical)Trend
2026139,0001———Too new
2025281,3001——Too new to compareToo new
20241079,9044——Too new to compareToo new
20233334,0001——40 · TypicalToo new
20224415,1673——65 · MoreRising
20215253,0006——69 · MoreRising
20207931,8009——98 · MoreRising
20193228,72974—50 · TypicalRising
20183510,00054—52 · TypicalFalling
20173722,06064—53 · TypicalFalling
20165929,50064—64 · TypicalStable
20158937,02363–4—93 · MoreFalling
20143039,00022–4—10 · FewerFalling
20134660,00032–4—0 · FewerStable
20123168,50033–4—2 · FewerRising
20116355,4004——34 · FewerFalling
20101077,0005———Not enough data
20093139,6005——39 · TypicalFalling
20086367,5003——17 · FewerFalling
20078370,0003——Not compared (before 2008)Rising
20066643,5001——Not compared (before 2008)Falling
200511560,0001—11Not compared (before 2008)Falling
200414360,0001——Not compared (before 2008)Falling
200316073,0000——Not compared (before 2008)Falling
200213485,5001——Not compared (before 2008)Rising
200113465,0002——Not compared (before 2008)Stable
20004891,0001—15Not compared (before 2008)Stable
199936100,0000—15Not compared (before 2008)Stable
19981547,0001—15—Stable
199714100,0002—15—Not enough data

All GMC Sierra 2500 model years · Best and worst years by complaints

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2016 GMC Sierra 2500?

Owners of this model year most often describe loose, vague steering with noticeable play at the wheel, and, on diesel trucks, sudden stalling traced to high-pressure fuel pump failure. The issues reported most often: Loose steering and steering gearbox play; Diesel high-pressure fuel pump failure (CP4); Brake squeal, hard pedal and trailer brake warnings.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2016 GMC Sierra 2500 have?

NHTSA recorded 59 consumer complaints for the 2016 GMC Sierra 2500 as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

What part of the 2016 GMC Sierra 2500 is reported most often?

Steering is named most often, in 14 complaints (24% of the total), followed by fuel system with 12.

Has the 2016 GMC Sierra 2500 been recalled?

NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

How did the 2016 GMC Sierra 2500 do in NHTSA crash tests?

NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2016 GMC Sierra 2500 4 out of 5 stars overall, across 6 rated versions (body style and drive). Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.

At what mileage are problems with the 2016 GMC Sierra 2500 reported?

Among the 27 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 29,500 miles and the middle half falls between 7,180 and 50,000 miles; 74% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.

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. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program.

Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.