GMC Sierra 1500 problems by model year

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

NHTSA has 5,112 owner complaints and 52 recalls on file for the GMC Sierra 1500 (2005–2026). The 2019 Sierra 1500 has the most serious complaints, most often about engine.

Complaints
5,112
Recalls
52
Model years
22
Worst year
2019

Complaints by model year

720057452007724920092975201149572013268334201522029320172585932019474582202159248520233671182025138
NHTSA complaints per GMC Sierra 1500 model year. Click a bar for details.

Newer model years have had less time on the road, so they naturally have fewer complaints. Compare a year against its neighbors rather than against brand-new models.

Worst GMC Sierra 1500 years to buy

Ranked by our severity-weighted complaint score (crashes, fires and injuries count extra — how it works).

  1. 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 — 593 complaints, 12 crashes, 3 fires; top problem: Engine
  2. 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 — 592 complaints, 9 crashes, 5 fires; top problem: Engine
  3. 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 — 582 complaints, 6 crashes, 6 fires; top problem: Engine
  4. 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 — 474 complaints, 12 crashes, 5 fires; top problem: Engine
  5. 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 — 485 complaints, 5 crashes, 2 fires; top problem: Engine

Fewest serious complaints among years at least 3 years old: 2006 (7 complaints).

Every GMC Sierra 1500 model year

YearComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesRecallsTop problem
2026 Sierra 15001381002Engine
2025 Sierra 15001183101Engine
2024 Sierra 15003675061Engine
2023 Sierra 15004855223Engine
2022 Sierra 15005929536Engine
2021 Sierra 15005826637Engine
2020 Sierra 15004741251312Engine
2019 Sierra 15005931231210Engine
2018 Sierra 15002586147Transmission & Drivetrain
2017 Sierra 15002938366Transmission & Drivetrain
2016 Sierra 150022051048Transmission & Drivetrain
2015 Sierra 15003348459Brakes
2014 Sierra 15002689489Steering
2013 Sierra 1500570013Airbags
2012 Sierra 1500493013Airbags
2011 Sierra 1500750235Airbags
2010 Sierra 1500291124Airbags
2009 Sierra 1500491014Airbags
2008 Sierra 1500723152Airbags
2007 Sierra 1500453052Airbags
2006 Sierra 150070100Brakes
2005 Sierra 150070100Airbags

Most common GMC Sierra 1500 problem areas (all years)

  • Engine
    2,083 complaints
  • Transmission & Drivetrain
    1,101 complaints
  • Electrical System
    767 complaints
  • Brakes
    564 complaints
  • Body & Structure
    395 complaints
  • Steering
    344 complaints
  • Airbags
    259 complaints
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    236 complaints
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
    223 complaints
  • Suspension
    105 complaints

Complaint trend

2020202120222023202420252026
Complaints about the GMC Sierra 1500 received by NHTSA each month.

GMC Sierra 1500 recalls

  • Recall 26V611000Sep 24, 20261,559 vehiclesModel years 2016–2017

    Risk: A detached end cap or inflator rupture can allow compressed gas to escape and project the end cap or fragments of the inflator into the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury.

  • Recall 26V325000May 21, 20264,315 vehiclesModel years 2018

    Risk: A detached end cap or inflator rupture can allow compressed gas to escape and project the end cap or fragments of the inflator into the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury.

  • Recall 26V289000May 7, 202666 vehiclesDo not driveModel years 2026

    Risk: Front or rear wheel lockup increases the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 26V166000Mar 19, 20262,819 vehiclesModel years 2018

    Risk: A detached end cap or inflator rupture can allow compressed gas to escape and project the end cap or fragments of the inflator into the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury.

  • Recall 26V114000Feb 26, 20265,861 vehiclesModel years 2026

    Risk: Without an owner's manual to consult, owners may not know how to safely use and operate the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.

  • Recall 26V083000Feb 12, 20261,055 vehiclesModel years 2020–2022

    Risk: Rear wheel lock up increases the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 25V876000Dec 17, 202586 vehiclesModel years 2025

    Risk: An unsecured wheelchair can move during transit, increasing the risk of injury.

  • Recall 25V432000Jun 26, 20251,658 vehiclesModel years 2018

    Risk: A detached end cap or inflator rupture can allow compressed gas to escape and project the end cap or fragments of the inflator into the vehicle, increases the risk of injury or crash.

  • Recall 25V274000Apr 24, 2025597,571 vehiclesModel years 2021–2024

    Risk: Engine failure increases the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 25V060000Feb 6, 202570,768 vehiclesModel years 2022

    Risk: A detached front grille deflector may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 24V797000Oct 24, 2024463,295 vehiclesModel years 2020–2022

    Risk: Rear wheel lock-up can increase the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 24V756000Oct 10, 20242,061 vehiclesModel years 2018

    Risk: A separated inflator end cap or inflator rupture can allow compressed gas to escape, resulting in the end cap or other components being propelled into the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury or crash.

  • Recall 24V674000Sep 12, 2024449,671 vehiclesModel years 2023

    Risk: Without a warning light, the vehicle may be driven with low brake fluid, which can reduce braking performance and increase the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 22V903000Dec 8, 2022740,108 vehiclesModel years 2022–2023

    Risk: DRLs that do not deactivate as intended may result in a glare, reducing visibility, and increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 22V463000Jun 30, 2022242 vehiclesModel years 2022

    Risk: An inoperative high-mounted brake light can reduce visibility to other drivers and increase the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 21V985000Dec 16, 2021626 vehiclesModel years 2019–2021

    Risk: An ABS system that does not function properly can increase the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 21V504000Jul 1, 2021410,019 vehiclesModel years 2015–2016

    Risk: A separated inflator end cap or inflator rupture can allow compressed gas to escape, resulting in the end cap or other components being propelled into the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury or crash.

  • Recall 21V423000Jun 3, 2021896 vehiclesModel years 2019

    Risk: Over cured tires may develop a break in the sidewall resulting in sudden air loss or a belt edge separation which could lead to a tread/belt loss. Either condition can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 21V245000Apr 8, 20212,568 vehiclesModel years 2014–2015

    Risk: A broken pretensioner cable reduces the effectiveness of the driver's seat belt, increasing the risk of injury.

  • Recall 21V115000Feb 25, 202133,838 vehiclesModel years 2019–2020

    Risk: Over cured tires may develop a break in the sidewall resulting in sudden air loss or a belt edge separation which could lead to a tread/belt loss. Either condition can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 21V052000Feb 5, 2021557,023 vehiclesModel years 2007–2009

    Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.

  • Recall 21V053000Feb 5, 2021692,526 vehiclesModel years 2009–2013

    Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.

  • Recall 21V050000Feb 5, 20212,641,272 vehiclesModel years 2007–2011

    Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.

  • Recall 21V051000Feb 5, 2021284,645 vehiclesModel years 2012

    Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.

  • Recall 21V054000Feb 5, 20211,778,128 vehiclesModel years 2010–2013

    Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.

Other GMC models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. Methodology