2016 GMC Sierra 3500 Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 26%of 19 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 102,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the engine of the 2016 GMC Sierra 3500, 26% of the 19 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 102,500 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.
“Driving my vehicle in the mountains pulling a 16000 lb 5th wheel trailer, the engine goes into Reduced Engine Power due to a Turbo Vane Position sensor / Turbo Over Boost or Under Boost fault. This has happened 4 times in the last 3 months and has nearly caused an accident following each occurrence. The vehicle is a 2016 GMC Sierra 3500HD with the 6.6L LML Duramax Diesel engine with 75000 miles. I believe the Reduced Engine Power protection is far to abrupt in the loss of Engine Power to safely move the vehicle out of the flow of traffic. …”
NHTSA complaint #11652777, filed 2025-04“I own a 2016 GMC 3500 Diesel that had a serious mechanical breakdown while traveling on the freeway. The truck lost all motive power and needed to coast across 4 freeway lanes. Once towed to a local GMC Dealer, they diagnosed the problem as the Bosch CP4 fuel pump internally came apart while driving. I have to have this vehicle working so I got it repaired at a cost of $16,145. This is a known issue and losing all power while at highway speeds could have caused a serious incident. Please address this issue before someone dies.”
NHTSA complaint #11532754, filed 2023-07“The contact owns a 2016 GMC Sierra 3500. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the crankshaft, lower bearings, head gasket seals, and the long block needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 105,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11603966, filed 2024-07, 105,000 miles“The contact owns a 2016 GMC Sierra 3500. The contacted stated that while her husband was attempting to start the vehicle, the contact stated that after five minutes the engine independently failed while the vehicle was running. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel system and fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact was transferred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. …”
NHTSA complaint #11657920, filed 2025-04, 100,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 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.
- 11012907Dec 18, 2024This service bulletin explains how to measure for oil consumption and possible reasons for loss of oil.
- 11011900Nov 22, 2024This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2 | 12% |
| 2024 | 8 | 16% |
| 2023 | 3 | 11% |
| 2022 | 3 | 9% |
| 2021 | 3 | 15% |
| 2020 | 6 | 12% |
| 2019 | 2 | 15% |
| 2018 | 1 | 7% |
| 2017 | 2 | 15% |
| 2016 | 5 | 26% |
| 2015 | 4 | 13% |
| 2014 | 1 | 14% |
| 2013 | 2 | 14% |
| 2012 | 3 | 33% |
| 2011 | 1 | 5% |
| 2008 | 1 | 4% |
| 2007 | 2 | 13% |
| 2005 | 1 | 4% |
| 2002 | 1 | 5% |
| 2001 | 2 | 6% |
Other parts of the 2016 GMC Sierra 3500
6 complaintsSteering
6 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsElectrical system
2 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
2 complaintsAir bags
1 complaintsEngine cooling
1 complaintsSuspension
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2016 GMC Sierra 3500
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