2016 GMC Sierra 2500: what breaks, and at what mileage
What breaks on the 2016 GMC Sierra 2500
On the 2016 GMC Sierra 2500, the failure owners report most often is fuel pump failure, with 11 reports on file. Across every failure mode on this year, half the dated reports were filed before 25,000 miles. Overall it scores 71 out of 100, high risk for a 2016.
High risk for a 2016 — 144th riskiest of the 255 2016 vehicles we can rate. 77 owner reports; fleet size estimated from this year's own recall paperwork.
The failures owners actually file about
Owners have reported 26 named failure modes on the 2016 GMC Sierra 2500, and the three most-reported carry 35% of everything filed.
Fuel pump failure leads with 11 reports and about 0.3 per 1,000 vehicles.
Other steering problem follows with 9 reports, median 30,000 miles.
Other brake problem follows with 7 reports, median 30,000 miles.
By system, the reports fall mostly into steering (15), fuel (13) and brakes (11).
At what mileage it happens
36 of the reports on the 2016 GMC Sierra 2500 came with an odometer reading, and half of those were filed before 25,000 miles.
Cumulatively, 78% by 50,000 miles and 94% by 100,000 miles of the dated reports had been filed.
The busiest stretch is between 0 and 10,000 miles, which alone holds 31% of the dated reports.
69% of the dated reports were filed below 36,000 miles, which is early enough that a fair number of these cars were still under a factory warranty when the owner complained.
Tick median reported mileage Solid middle half of reports Faint 10th to 90th percentile Colour how bad the failure is when it happens
Showing the 12 most-reported failure modes of 26. The full list is in the table below.
How reports accumulate
Every report with an odometer reading, cumulative, from 0 to 200,000 miles. A curve that climbs early is a car with early problems, whatever its total.
- Line share of reports filed by that mileage
- Dashed the median reported mileage
Severity, and what it costs
Across the named modes, 2 mention a crash and 2 an injury. Those are the words owners used in their own complaints, and NHTSA does not verify them, but they are the closest thing in this data to a measure of what a failure actually did.
The average severity weight across every report on this year is 4.08, where a stalled engine or a failed airbag weighs many times more than a rattling trim panel, and a figure this high means the reports are dominated by failures with safety consequences rather than annoyances. The weighting is set out in full on the methodology page.
What the top failures cost to put right, as editorial estimates for an independent US shop rather than figures from NHTSA: fuel pump failure at $600–$2,600, other steering problem at $350–$2,400, other brake problem at $300–$1,800 and other electrical problem at $250–$2,000. Dealer labour, a seized bolt or a part that is no longer made can push any of these past the top of its range.
17% of the reports on this year sit in the engine, transmission, drivetrain or cooling systems — the four where a repair bill is usually four figures.
Every reported failure mode
| Failure mode | System | Reports | With reading | 25th | Median | 75th | Per 1,000 | Typical repair | Severity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel pump failure | fuel | 11 | 1 | — | 114k | — | 0.3 | $600–$2,600 | High |
| Other steering problem | steering | 9 | 7 | — | 30k | — | 0.2 | $350–$2,400 | High |
| Other brake problem | brakes | 7 | 2 | — | 30k | — | 0.2 | $300–$1,800 | High |
| Other electrical problem | electrical | 6 | 2 | — | 13k | — | 0.2 | $250–$2,000 | Moderate |
| Steering rack, gear or tie rod failure | steering | 4 | 2 | — | 31k | — | 0.1 | $700–$2,600 | High |
| Stalling while driving | engine | 3 | 2 | — | 11k | — | 0.1 | $300–$2,500 | Critical |
| No-start or intermittent start failure | engine | 3 | 3 | — | 7k | — | 0.1 | $200–$1,800 | Moderate |
| ABS module or sensor failure | brakes | 3 | 3 | — | 35k | — | 0.1 | $500–$2,400 | High |
| Other wheel or tire problem | wheels | 3 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $200–$1,500 | High |
| Airbag failed to deploy in a crash | airbag | 2 | 2 | — | 50k | — | 0.1 | $1,000–$5,000 | Critical |
| Steering column or shaft failure | steering | 2 | 2 | — | 4k | — | 0.1 | $600–$2,500 | Critical |
| Other engine problem | engine | 2 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $300–$4,000 | High |
| Other powertrain problem | transmission | 2 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $400–$4,500 | High |
| Other fuel system problem | fuel | 2 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $300–$2,200 | High |
| Oil leak | engine | 1 | 1 | — | 4k | — | 0.0 | $250–$2,200 | Moderate |
| CVT failure | transmission | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $3,000–$8,500 | Critical |
| Wheel bearing or hub failure | drivetrain | 1 | 1 | — | 71k | — | 0.0 | $350–$1,200 | Moderate |
| Loss of braking | brakes | 1 | 1 | — | 61k | — | 0.0 | $400–$3,000 | Critical |
| Seat belt or retractor failure | airbag | 1 | 1 | — | 75k | — | 0.0 | $200–$900 | High |
| Tire pressure monitor failure | wheels | 1 | 1 | — | 22k | — | 0.0 | $80–$600 | Low |
| Sunroof failure or glass breakage | body | 1 | 1 | — | 8k | — | 0.0 | $700–$4,500 | High |
| Headlight failure or clouding | lighting | 1 | 1 | — | 30k | — | 0.0 | $150–$1,800 | Moderate |
| Software fault or failed update | software | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $0–$600 | Moderate |
| Other suspension problem | suspension | 1 | 1 | — | 118k | — | 0.0 | $350–$2,000 | Moderate |
| Other driver assistance problem | adas | 1 | 1 | — | 25k | — | 0.0 | $250–$1,800 | High |
| Other visibility problem | glass | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $150–$1,400 | Moderate |
| Unclassified problem | other | 6 | 1 | — | 100 | — | 0.2 | — | Moderate |
Rate per 1,000 uses a fleet-size estimate derived from recall paperwork for this exact model year. It is a lower bound. Repair costs are typical independent-shop ranges for the failure, not figures from these reports.
How often, against how many were built
Scaled by an estimate of how many of these cars exist, the 2016 GMC Sierra 2500 draws about 2.1 per 1,000 vehicles, which puts it in the 77th percentile of complaint rates among 2016 vehicles we can rate.
That denominator is the weakest number on the page and it is fair to say so plainly. Rate per 1,000 uses a fleet-size estimate derived from recall paperwork for this exact model year. It is a lower bound.
The working figure is 37,527 vehicles. If the true number is twice that, every rate on this page is half what it says; the ranking against other 2016 vehicles, which is what the risk score uses, is far more robust than the rate itself.
What owners wrote
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint narratives, trimmed for length. The odometer reading is the one the owner gave.
Other steering problem
Tl* the contact owns a 2016 gmc sierra 2500. The contact stated that the steering had excessive slack when turning the wheel. The vehicle was taken to a dealer who replaced the pitman shaft and performed further diagnostic testing. The mechanic drove the vehicle and the failure continued. The contact was waiting on a solution from the manufacturer. The manufacturer issued four technical service bulletins, but no recall yet to address the repair. The approximate failure mileage was 1,000.
Recalls on the 2016 model year
NHTSA has issued 5 recall campaigns covering the 2016 GMC Sierra 2500, affecting an estimated 84,471 vehicles. A recall is a different kind of evidence from a complaint: it is the regulator and the manufacturer agreeing that something has to be fixed, and the fix is free for as long as the car exists.
The campaigns cover air bags:side/window:curtain:inflator, service brakes, hydraulic:pedals and linkages and air bags:frontal. Whether the work was actually done on the car in front of you is a question only the VIN can answer, and the manufacturer or NHTSA will answer it free.
Recalls also distort complaint counts. Publicity about a campaign reminds owners that complaining is possible, so reports for a recalled component often spike after the recall rather than before it.
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR
410,019 vehicles 2021-07-01- Defect
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2016 GMC Sierra 1500, 2500, 3500, and Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks. The roof-rail air bag (RRAB) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator, or the inflator sidewall may rupture.
- Consequence
- 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.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the left and right side RRAB modules, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed on August 18, 2021. Owners will receive a second notice when the remedy is available. Phase I owner notification letters were mailed on May 5, 2022. Phase II owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on May 31, 2022. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. This recall supersedes NHTSA recall number 20V-736. GM's number for this recall is…
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES
42,280 vehicles 2018-08-30- Defect
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, 1500 Crew Cab Special Service, Tahoe Police Pursuit/Special Service, GMC Sierra 2500, and 3500 vehicles. The brake pedal pivot nut may loosen, causing the brake pedal to be loose or inoperative.
- Consequence
- If the brake pedal becomes loose or inoperative, the driver may be unable to stop the vehicle by using the brake pedal. Additionally, a loose pedal may also interfere with the accelerator pedal. Either condition may increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will add adhesive to the nut and reinstall the nut with increased tightness, free of charge. The recall began October 3, 2018. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18278. Note: The vehicles in this recall need this additional remedy despite being covered by recall 16V069 for brake pedal loosening.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
40,683 vehicles 2017-07-10- Defect
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse and Chevrolet Spark EV, Caprice PPV and SS vehicles, 2014-2017 Buick Encore and Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles, 2015-2016 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Trax, Suburban and Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL vehicles, and 2015-2017 GMC Sierra HD 2500 and 3500 vehicles. While being previously remedied for recall 16V-651, the affected vehicles may not have received the complete software update necessary to remedy the recall…
- Consequence
- A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.
- Remedy
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2017. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 17287.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
3,640,162 vehicles 2016-09-08- Defect
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD, 3500 HD, Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Sierra 2500 HD and 3500 HD, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles and 2014-2017 Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500, Trax, Caprice Police Pursuit Vehicle, GMC Sierra 1500, Buick Encore, and 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse, Chevrolet Spark EV and SS vehicles. In the affected vehicles, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this…
- Consequence
- A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.
- Remedy
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 13, 2016. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 16007.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES
430,771 vehicles 2016-02-05- Defect
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, and 3500 heavy duty trucks manufactured October 1, 2013, to February 1, 2016, 2015-2016 Chevrolet Tahoe Police Pursuit Vehicles (PPV) manufactured March 1, 2014, to February 1, 2016, and 2015-2016 GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 heavy duty trucks manufactured October 29, 2013, to February 1, 2016. On the affected vehicles, the brake pedal pivot nut may loosen, causing the brake pedal to be loose or inoperative.
- Consequence
- If the brake pedal becomes loose or inoperative, the driver may be unable to stop the vehicle by using the brake pedal. Additionally, a loose pedal may also interfere with the accelerator pedal. Either condition may increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will add adhesive to the brake pedal pivot nut and reinstall with an increased torque, free of charge. The recall began on March 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 20760.
Recall work is free at a franchised dealer regardless of the car's age. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls before assuming it was done.
How it ranks in the 2016 field
The score at the top of the page, placed among its peers. The zones are the same thresholds the scorer applies, read out of the scorer itself, so the picture and the band word cannot disagree.
Scores are ranked within the model year, never across years, because an older car has had longer to accumulate reports.
- Left fewer and less serious reports
- Right more, or worse
- Marker this vehicle
How 2016 compares with the other years
High risk for a 2016 — 144th riskiest of the 255 2016 vehicles we can rate. Because the ranking is against the same model year only, age cancels out of it.
Across the 27 model years of this car that carry enough reports to score, 2007 comes out best at 63 and 2025 worst at 81, with 2016 itself at 71.
If the model year is negotiable, 2007, 2013, 2012, 2009, 2008, 2014, 2021, 2000, 2023 and 2011 score lower than 2016 by a margin worth acting on. Same body, same engines, different luck — usually a supplier change or a mid-cycle fix, which the complaint data can show but never explain.
Within the 2011–2016 generation specifically, 2013 is the strongest year at 64 and 2016 the weakest at 71.
Scores compare each year against other cars of the same model year, so a low number on an older car is a real result and not an artefact of age.
Shorter is better. Years with too few reports to score are shown without a bar rather than as a zero, because no data is not good news.
Within the 2011-2016 generation, 2013 GMC Sierra 2500 scores best at 64 and 2016 GMC Sierra 2500 worst at 71.
Where these figures stop being useful
77 owner reports; fleet size estimated from this year's own recall paperwork. Every count on this page is therefore a floor: it is the number of owners who went to the trouble of filing with a federal agency, which is a small and self-selected fraction of the owners who had the fault.
Of those 77 reports, 36 carried an odometer reading, so the mileages here describe 47% of the sample rather than all of it. Owners also round: readings pile up on multiples of ten thousand, which is why this site publishes "about 90,000 miles" and not "91,438".
Named failure modes come from matching phrases in the complaint text, so a badly worded complaint can land in the wrong bucket. The effect washes out across hundreds of reports and does not wash out across five.
And nothing here predicts what one car will do. These are other people's complaints, filed years apart, on cars maintained by strangers. Read the page as a map of where this model year has previously gone wrong, then have the specific car in front of you inspected.
Questions this page answers
What are the most common problems with the 2016 GMC Sierra 2500?
The most-reported failures are fuel pump failure (11 reports, median 115,000 miles), other steering problem (9 reports, median 30,000 miles) and other brake problem (7 reports, median 30,000 miles). Counts come from owner complaints filed with NHTSA, which are voluntary, so they show what owners bothered to report rather than every fault that occurred.
Is the 2016 GMC Sierra 2500 reliable?
It scores 71 out of 100 on our risk index, which is high — 144th riskiest of the 255 2016 vehicles we can rate. The score is a comparison against other 2016 vehicles, not a prediction about any individual car, and it is built from complaint rates, severity and how early failures appear.
Which year of the GMC Sierra 2500 is best?
Within the 2011–2016 generation, 2013 scores best at 64 out of 100 and 2016 worst at 71. Same body, same engines, different luck.
Where this comes from. Every figure above is computed from NHTSA owner complaints and recall records for this exact make, model and year. Complaints are voluntary and self-selected, so treat counts as a floor. The methodology page writes out each formula, and the same numbers are available as JSON.
What breaks at my mileage Compare with another car
Source Owner complaints and recall records published by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, model years 1996–2027 Figures rebuilt Published by AtWhatMileage How every figure is computed