2016 GMC Sierra recalls and problems

The 2016 GMC Sierra has 2 safety recalls and 6 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any GMC dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

2 / 1

Injuries / deaths

0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2016 GMC Sierra vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2016 GMC Sierra recalls

Recall 16V-084: Electrical System

Reported Feb 11, 2016 · 139 vehicles affected · General Motors LLC

Problem: Genera Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chevrolet Camaro, Malibu, Silverado and GMC Sierra vehicles. The radio may intermittently fail to provide an audio warning when the key has been left in the ignition and the door is opened or when the driver does not fasten their seat belt. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection", and/or 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Risk: An unbelted driver is at a greater risk of injury in a crash.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, 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 15808.

Recall 15V-830: Air Bags

Reported Dec 10, 2015 · 90 vehicles affected · General Motors LLC

Problem: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pick up trucks manufactured October 13, 2015, to October 14, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the mounting stud used to secure the air bag sensing and diagnostic Module (SDM) may be incorrectly positioned, and as a result, the SDM housing could fracture.

Risk: If the SDM housing fractures, water may get into SDM causing it to malfunction and hinder the proper deployment of the air bags in the event of a crash, thereby increasing the risk of occupant injury.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will have the mounting stud repositioned and the SDM replaced, free of charge. The recall began December 2, 2015. 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 15794.

2016 GMC Sierra problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Electrical System	2
Air Bags	2
Steering	1
Unknown or Other	1
Visibility	1
Suspension	1

Most reported parts

Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System › Heater Core — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 64,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2016 GMC Sierra complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Air Bags · at 75,000 miles · reported Oct 25, 2024

The contact owned a 2016 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would lose automotive power. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the negative battery was replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at approximately 45 MPH, a deer ran into the middle of the roadway and impacted the front grill and bumper. The Service Air Bag warning light was illuminated. After the impact, the contact noticed smoke was leaking into the interior of the vehicle from the front driver-side and passenger-side air bags.…

Air Bags · at 85,379 miles · reported May 15, 2024

The contact owns a 2016 GMC Sierra 2500 HD. The contact stated that while driving at 64 MPH, he crashed head-on with a 350-pound deer.Â The deer went underneath the vehicle, and the driver ran over it with the passenger front tire. The driver's side air bag did not deploy. The air bag warning light was illuminated. There were no reported injuries or fire. A police report was filed. The contact was able to drive away from the crash. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The failure mileage was…

Suspension · at 15,000 miles · reported Aug 11, 2022

The contact owns a 2016 GMC Sierra. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70- 85 mph, the vehicle was shaking. The stability track warning indicator light was illuminated and flashing on and off. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer but they were unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to several independent mechanics but they were unable to duplicate the failure. The manufacturer was contacted but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 15,000.

Visibility · at 64,000 miles · reported Jan 25, 2022

The contact owns a 2016 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at 20 MPH with the defroster engaged, she noticed smoke on the rear electric sliding glass window and smelled a burning odor. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road, disengaged the defroster and the smoke gradually faded away. The contact continued to drive the vehicle. The contact notified the dealer of the failure and scheduled an appointment for diagnosis. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage…

Electrical System · at 2,000 miles · reported Mar 21, 2016

While driving my truck, it has had 3 alerts on dash for "service stabilitrak, power steering use caution and trailer brake." vehicle gauges all drop to zero while operating vehicle and go on and off. The vehicle when this occurs also disengages from gear, vehicle is an automatic. Then engine revs up when it slips out of gear and generally goes back in gear as gauges come back on. The power steering seems to also lose some power. When this occurs, if you depress the gas pedal, you do not get any more power. This is technically the 6th occurrence. It has been back to dealer (Griffin gmc of…

Other GMC Sierra years

201720162015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000

Compare all GMC Sierra years · All GMC models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2016 GMC Sierra have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2016 GMC Sierra: 16V-084 (electrical system), 15V-830 (air bags). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2016 GMC Sierra?

Owners report electrical system problems most often (2 reports), followed by air bags (2). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 64,000 miles.

Are GMC recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized GMC dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.