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Electrical systemPart report

2016 GMC Sierra 2500 Electrical system Problems

Complaints
9about this part
Share
15%of 59 total for the year
Median mileage
30,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the electrical system of the 2016 GMC Sierra 2500, 15% of the 59 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 30,000 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.

“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

“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

“The 7 way trailer plug on this vehicle will not hold the trailer plug firmly, resulting in the plug coming loose during normal driving conditions. One obvious issue is that the flap holding the plug in is upside down from any other configuration I've seen, allowing the plug to sag. This is a serious safety risk as I have had several instances where lights and even the trailer brakes have stopped operating while in transit , after I gave verified that they worked when I started out. I then am a hazard to my fellow motorists and my family. …”

NHTSA complaint #10993347, filed 2017-06, 1,000 miles

“My HMI was bricked when onstar pushed an incompatible update when I changed the service plan. While driving the screen has intermittently turned off and on causing temporary unexpected loss of navigation functions, Bluetooth connectivity, and use of the back up camera. This causes a safety issue as the unexpected loss of display and connectivity has caused me to be unable to continue using hands free features during operation, and to no longer view behind the vehicle during entirety of backing. …”

NHTSA complaint #11747986, filed 2026-07

“I remote started my truck yesterday morning to get it warmed up before loading my family. They all then got into the truck, my 5 year old and 8 year old in the back seat in booster seats. I threw in some more bags into the back of the truck and started to climb into the truck. As I did that my kids were starting to get nervous and my wife was pointing and stating that the rear window slider was smoking. I put the key into the ignition and turned the key on. …”

NHTSA complaint #11503149, filed 2023-01

Related service bulletins

Electrical system: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2026538%
202514%
20243331%
2023618%
20221227%
2021612%
20201316%
2019928%
2018720%
2017616%
2016915%
20151112%
2014413%
201337%
2012413%
2011914%
2009723%
200835%
200756%
200646%
20054237%
20044834%
20033623%
200211%
200143%
200036%
199926%
199817%

Other parts of the 2016 GMC Sierra 2500

Steering
14 complaints
Fuel system
12 complaints
Brakes
10 complaints
Engine
9 complaints
Other or unknown
7 complaints
Air bags
3 complaints
Tires
3 complaints
Electronic stability control
2 complaints
Exterior lighting
2 complaints
Seat belts
2 complaints
Forward collision avoidance
1 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2016 GMC Sierra 2500

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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