Owners have filed 77 complaints
about the 2016 GMC Sierra 2500 with NHTSA between 2016 and 2026.
The largest single group is the steering.
Across this model's run it ranks 13 of 30 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 51
Against the median year of the GMC Sierra 2500. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 27
5.2% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
69% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2016 compares with every other GMC Sierra 2500
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
12.8%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
1027.8%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
513.9%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
1233.3%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
513.9%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
12.8%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
12.8%
150,000+ miles
12.8%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Aug 2016peak 6Jul 2026
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 50,000 milesCamp Wood, TXCrash1 injured
SEAT BELTS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 GMC SIERRA 2500. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE HER HUSBAND WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, A DEER RAN IN FRONT OF THE VEHICLE CAUSING EXTREME FRONT END DAMAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEER ENDED UP UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY HOWEVER, SMOKE OR POWDER WAS SEEN COMING FROM THE FRONT FLOOR BOARD AREA. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TOWED. THE CONTACT STATED AS THE FRONT SEAT PASSENGER SHE HIT THE DASHBOARD AND SUSTAINED INJURIES TO HER LEFT SIDE, SPECIFICALLY LEFT ARM, SHOULDER, AND JAW AREA. NO MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NEEDED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT SEAT BELTS NO LONGER LATCHES DUE TO THE COLLISION. THE DEALERSHIP WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A COLLISION CENTER. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED OR FAILURE DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND OPENED A CASE REGARDING THE MATTER. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.
NHTSA complaint #11321717 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,000 milesCamp Wood, TXCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 GMC SIERRA 2500. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE HER HUSBAND WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, A DEER RAN IN FRONT OF THE VEHICLE CAUSING EXTREME FRONT END DAMAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEER ENDED UP UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY HOWEVER, SMOKE OR POWDER WAS SEEN COMING FROM THE FRONT FLOOR BOARD AREA. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TOWED. THE CONTACT STATED AS THE FRONT SEAT PASSENGER SHE HIT THE DASHBOARD AND SUSTAINED INJURIES TO HER LEFT SIDE, SPECIFICALLY LEFT ARM, SHOULDER, AND JAW AREA. NO MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NEEDED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT SEAT BELTS NO LONGER LATCHES DUE TO THE COLLISION. THE DEALERSHIP WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A COLLISION CENTER. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED OR FAILURE DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND OPENED A CASE REGARDING THE MATTER. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.
NHTSA complaint #11321717 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Royal Palm Beach, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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. When I contacted OnStar support I was instructed to perform some troubleshooting and was then referred to the Connection Center Team. The CCT representative told me that my hardware was outdated and could not support the update. If a representative can confirm the problem retrospectivly, I think the representatives making changes to the service plan should also be able to proactively confirm incompatibility before causing the issue. There were no warnings. The issues first occured while I was driving on the day (6/25/26) my new plan began and the update was sent. I can make the HMI available for inspection upon request. I don't believe there is any actual issue with the hardware, just a negligent and incompatible software update.
NHTSA complaint #11747986 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Royal Palm Beach, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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. When I contacted OnStar support I was instructed to perform some troubleshooting and was then referred to the Connection Center Team. The CCT representative told me that my hardware was outdated and could not support the update. If a representative can confirm the problem retrospectivly, I think the representatives making changes to the service plan should also be able to proactively confirm incompatibility before causing the issue. There were no warnings. The issues first occured while I was driving on the day (6/25/26) my new plan began and the update was sent. I can make the HMI available for inspection upon request. I don't believe there is any actual issue with the hardware, just a negligent and incompatible software update.
NHTSA complaint #11747986 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesHickman, NE
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HORN
The contact owns a 2016 GMC Sierra 2500. The contact stated that the horn was inoperable. The contact became aware of the failure when the horn failed to sound while locking the vehicle with the key fob. Upon investigation, the contact discovered that there were no recalls on the VIN related to the failure. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
NHTSA complaint #11719983 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Texas City, TX
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
CP4 injection pump failure while driving nearly causing vehicle collision.
NHTSA complaint #11677925 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Montrose, CO
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The CP4 pump failed while driving causing vehicle to stall. Upon failure, lost power to steering. Luckily we were on an access road for a rest area and not yet on the interstate. This resulted in a 14.5 thousand repair. No prior warning to pump failure. GM has recently settled a class action related to this pumps failure and has never recalled trucks with this pump to avoid failure.
NHTSA complaint #11668022 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Yucaipa, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Shelley, ID
ENGINE
My 2016 GMC Sierra 2500 with a 6.6-liter Duramax diesel V8 engine suffered a complete engine shutdown—an issue that is both hazardous and expensive to repair. Fortunately, mine failed in a parking lot. No warning lights or symptoms were present. Failure is instantaneous and can occur any time rendering the vehicle inoperable on high-speed highways, Intersections, etc. Failure always leaves vehicle occupants stranded, creating an unsafe and dangerous situation. My vehicle was towed to a GMC dealer. Repair costs could be as high as $15,000. The 6.6-liter Duramax diesel V8 engine is equipped with a Bosch ‘CP4’ high-pressure fuel pump. These pumps are unreasonably fragile and prone to catastrophic failure causing instant contamination of the entire fuel system with metal shavings. General Motors has agreed to pay $35 million to settle with owners following a class action lawsuit that accused the company of installing defective Bosch CP4 high-pressure fuel pumps in certain Chevrolet and GMC pickup models. This action covered only owners in California, Florida, Illinois, Iowa, New York, Pennsylvania, or Texas.
NHTSA complaint #11660921 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Shelley, ID
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
My 2016 GMC Sierra 2500 with a 6.6-liter Duramax diesel V8 engine suffered a complete engine shutdown—an issue that is both hazardous and expensive to repair. Fortunately, mine failed in a parking lot. No warning lights or symptoms were present. Failure is instantaneous and can occur any time rendering the vehicle inoperable on high-speed highways, Intersections, etc. Failure always leaves vehicle occupants stranded, creating an unsafe and dangerous situation. My vehicle was towed to a GMC dealer. Repair costs could be as high as $15,000. The 6.6-liter Duramax diesel V8 engine is equipped with a Bosch ‘CP4’ high-pressure fuel pump. These pumps are unreasonably fragile and prone to catastrophic failure causing instant contamination of the entire fuel system with metal shavings. General Motors has agreed to pay $35 million to settle with owners following a class action lawsuit that accused the company of installing defective Bosch CP4 high-pressure fuel pumps in certain Chevrolet and GMC pickup models. This action covered only owners in California, Florida, Illinois, Iowa, New York, Pennsylvania, or Texas.
NHTSA complaint #11660921 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ST Paul, MN
ENGINE
Motor stopped dead while driving on a local Interstate Hwy. Was able to negotiate the truck out of traffic without crashing. Not an easy thing to do in speeding rush hour traffic. Had the truck towed to a reputable repair shop and discovered the CP4 fuel pump had failed and shattered throughout the fuel system. Repairs in the amount of $13,520.30 incurred to get the truck back in service. The attached invoice includes $167.87 for other maintenance not related to the CP4 fuel pump repair. This is a known problem and safely hazard. A class action suit settlement is related to the CP4 fuel pump against multiple truck manufacturers. # [XXX] and can be found at [XXX] . Minnesota is not included in the class action and GM will not address my complaint. Why has this KNOWN safety issue not resulted in a recall? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11658680 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ST Paul, MN
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Motor stopped dead while driving on a local Interstate Hwy. Was able to negotiate the truck out of traffic without crashing. Not an easy thing to do in speeding rush hour traffic. Had the truck towed to a reputable repair shop and discovered the CP4 fuel pump had failed and shattered throughout the fuel system. Repairs in the amount of $13,520.30 incurred to get the truck back in service. The attached invoice includes $167.87 for other maintenance not related to the CP4 fuel pump repair. This is a known problem and safely hazard. A class action suit settlement is related to the CP4 fuel pump against multiple truck manufacturers. # [XXX] and can be found at [XXX] . Minnesota is not included in the class action and GM will not address my complaint. Why has this KNOWN safety issue not resulted in a recall? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11658680 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Santa Clarita, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Graham, NC
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
The contact owns a 2016 GMC Sierra 2500. The contact stated that while stopped at a stop sign, an alert of "50% fuel range remaining" message appeared on the instrument panel. The contact stated afterwards while attempting to make a right turn the vehicle stalled and failed to restart. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic who advised contact the fuel pump needed to be replaced due to metal fragments entering the oil tank. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11590577 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Farmersville, OH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2016 GMC SIERRA SHARK FIN ANTENNA GETS WATER UNDER AND DESTROYS ONSTAR, NAVIGATION, AND COMPASS OPERATION. THIS IS RECALLED IN 2015 BUT DOES NOT INCLUDE 2016 THAT HAVE THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #11573594 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tarboro, NC
ENGINE
Vehicle is a Duramax Diesel engine with a CP4 fuel pump. The pump went out and the entire line/system has to be replaced. While driving the vehicle it lurched, made a noise then went to reduced power mode and shut off. Luckily we had just pulled off from a stop sign, if that happened and the speed of 55 it could of been far worse. Then engine would not restart and had to have vehicle towed.
NHTSA complaint #11533452 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Richwood, TX
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Fuel system failure
NHTSA complaint #11533481 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pleasantville, IA
SERVICE BRAKES
Trailer brake system continues to pop up “service.”
NHTSA complaint #11531600 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 71,000 milesMilton, VT
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
The contact owns a 2016 GMC Sierra 2500. The contact stated that while refueling, he became aware that the front passenger's side wheel bearing was missing the nut and washers. Additionally, the vehicle made an abnormal jingling sound while driving at approximately 20-30 MPH. The contact, an independent mechanic, replaced one nut and three washers on the front passenger's side wheel bearing. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 71,000.
NHTSA complaint #11523640 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kansas City, MO
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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. Upon doing that the smoke stopped but a few seconds later there was a loud bang, similar to a gun shot, and the rear passenger side window shattered. My 8 year old had glass hit her and my 5 year old was hysterical. Needless to say, the 5 hour drive home was not much fun for anyone after that occured.
NHTSA complaint #11503149 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kansas City, MO
VISIBILITY/WIPER
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. Upon doing that the smoke stopped but a few seconds later there was a loud bang, similar to a gun shot, and the rear passenger side window shattered. My 8 year old had glass hit her and my 5 year old was hysterical. Needless to say, the 5 hour drive home was not much fun for anyone after that occured.
NHTSA complaint #11503149 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Whittier, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Whittier, CA
SERVICE BRAKES
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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 114,000 milesOcklawaha, FL
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
The contact owns a 2016 GMC Sierra 2500. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled inadvertently, almost causing a crash. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that she was able to veer to the side of the road by dodging traffic. The vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the high-pressure fuel pump had exploded and projected metal fragments throughout the high-pressure fuel system. The vehicle was repaired at the owner’s expense. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that a partial reimbursement would be made. The failure mileage was approximately 114,000.
NHTSA complaint #11495766 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Clovis, CA
ENGINE
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. Without being able to confirm exactly, and due to safety concerns because of blocking the offramp, he called his own tow truck (Rons Towing) and forced me to move vehicle to safe location. The issue ended up being the injector fuel pump (CP4) that GM was well aware of going out and sending metal fragments throughout the fuel system. I've been told the pump was made in China and not to GM standards. The vehicle has been repaired, all work was covered under extended warrenty, This all could have been avoided if GM would have replaced the faulty fuel pump under recall. Had this happened 100 miles further on our trip we would have been going over Pacheco Pass in Calif. Could have been a total disaster had we been going down the other side with No Power Steering & No Power Brakes pulling a 12,000 lb Trailer in the Dark.
NHTSA complaint #11493553 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Clovis, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION 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. Without being able to confirm exactly, and due to safety concerns because of blocking the offramp, he called his own tow truck (Rons Towing) and forced me to move vehicle to safe location. The issue ended up being the injector fuel pump (CP4) that GM was well aware of going out and sending metal fragments throughout the fuel system. I've been told the pump was made in China and not to GM standards. The vehicle has been repaired, all work was covered under extended warrenty, This all could have been avoided if GM would have replaced the faulty fuel pump under recall. Had this happened 100 miles further on our trip we would have been going over Pacheco Pass in Calif. Could have been a total disaster had we been going down the other side with No Power Steering & No Power Brakes pulling a 12,000 lb Trailer in the Dark.
NHTSA complaint #11493553 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Leominster, MA
POWER TRAIN
As I was backing into my parking spot I heard a bag then the engine light came on, after that it wasn’t shifting correctly, had it checked out and was told the transmission has to be replaced the mechanic said that this transmission is known to be defective it’s only a 2016 I feel there should be a recall could have been a disaster on the road.
NHTSA complaint #11477738 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.