Independent · Not affiliated with NHTSA or any automaker MethodologyData sourcesData refreshed Oct 6, 2026

GMC Sierra Problems, Recalls and MPG by Year

What this means

NHTSA lists 57 recall campaigns across the GMC Sierra, 1982–2020. Owners have filed 4,182 complaints with NHTSA. Of the last 15 model years with settled counts, the 2014 drew the most (115) and the 2020 the fewest (11).

Data summary generated from official records. Methodology Data: NHTSA, DOT, EPA · Refreshed Oct 6, 2026
Recalls57campaignsCovering 1982–2020 model yearsSource: NHTSA Complaints4,182filedOwner reports across 36 model yearsSource: NHTSA ODI Fuel economy26mpg combined2020 model, best configurationSource: EPA

GMC Sierra complaints by model year

4,182 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Red numbers above the columns are recall campaigns for that model year.

10121 458 260 286 144 44 271 239 347 11115 675 236 75 17 26 11
2005200620072008200920102011201220132014201520162017201820192020
2005121 200658 200760 200886 200944 201044 201171 201239 201347 2014115 201575 201636 201775 201817 201926 202011
ComplaintsStill collecting reports3Recall campaigns

Counts are owner reports, not failure rates. Higher sales years tend to draw more reports. Source: NHTSA ODI, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Fewest complaints

  • 2020 · 11 complaints
  • 2018 · 17 complaints
  • 2019 · 26 complaints

Most complaints

  • 2014 · 115 complaints
  • 2008 · 86 complaints
  • 2017 · 75 complaints

Among the last 15 model years at least five years old; newer years are left out because owners are still filing reports. Every year compared →

Problem areas by model year

Complaints that name each component, 2011–2020. Darker cells mean more reports. One complaint can name several components.

GMC Sierra owner complaints by component and model year (NHTSA ODI)
Component2011201220132014201520162017201820192020
Exterior lighting 111643023320
Power train 8251111926240
Service brakes 464410820482
Unknown or other 28696436150
Engine 7539336546
Structure 178510311410
Air bags 20497522000
Steering 1757773370

Source: NHTSA ODI owner complaints, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

GMC Sierra recalls (57)

Recall campaigns NHTSA lists for at least one Sierra model year, newest first.

NHTSA recall campaigns for the GMC Sierra
CampaignFiledWhatModel yearsRepaired
16V084000Feb 11, 2016Intermittent Failure of Audio Warning System201697.7%
15V830000Dec 10, 2015Air Bag Computer Housing may Fracture2016100%
13V544000Oct 30, 2015Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Label/FMVSS 3032013, 201499.5%
15V640000Oct 9, 2015Ignition Lock Actuator may Bind2014, 201583%
14V827000Dec 30, 2014Ignition Lock Actuator may Bind2011, 201263.3%
14V819000Dec 24, 2014Improperly Heat-Treated Rear Axle Shaft2015100%
14V719000Nov 10, 2014Possible Loss of Power Steering Assist201598.7%
14V614000Oct 1, 2014Contamination of the Chassis Electronic Module201484.8%
14V446000Jul 23, 2014Front Seats may not Remain Anchored in Vehicle2014, 201595%
14V374000Jun 27, 2014Transfer Case may Shift to Neutral/Rollaway Risk2014, 201594.1%
14V345000Jun 18, 2014Floor Mats may not be Properly Secured201464.1%
14V301000Jun 6, 2014Absence of Warning Chimes/FMVSS 114, 208201487.4%
14V246000May 14, 2014Tie Rod Separation/Loss of Steering201498.7%
14V152000Mar 31, 2014Transmission Oil Cooler Line/Fire201496.7%
14V007000Jan 13, 2014Overheating Of Exhaust Components may cause Fire201598.2%

Only NHTSA and your automaker know whether your specific car was repaired. Open a model-year page for each campaign's official text, or check your VIN on NHTSA.

Check on NHTSA ↗
All 57 GMC Sierra recalls by model year →

Fuel economy by model year

200714–17 mpg
200814–17 mpg
200914–21 mpg
201014–22 mpg
201114–21 mpg
201214–21 mpg
201314–21 mpg
201417–20 mpg
201517–20 mpg
201617–20 mpg
201717–20 mpg
201817–20 mpg
201915–21 mpg
202015–26 mpg

EPA combined mpg range across engine and transmission configurations. Your mileage will vary. Source: EPA, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Where to next

2020 GMC Sierra report11 complaints · 0 campaigns →2019 GMC Sierra report26 complaints · 0 campaigns →2018 GMC Sierra report17 complaints · 0 campaigns →Every GMC modelGMC models →

GMC Sierra FAQ

How many recalls has the GMC Sierra had?

NHTSA lists 57 recall campaigns that cover at least one GMC Sierra model year from 1982 to 2020. Each campaign card on the model-year pages has NHTSA's official text and the repair completion rate. Only NHTSA's VIN lookup can tell you whether a specific car was repaired.

Which GMC Sierra year has the most complaints?

Among the last 15 model years with settled counts, the 2014 drew the most owner complaints filed with NHTSA (115) and the 2020 the fewest (11). Counts are owner reports, not failure rates, and sales volume affects them.

What are the most common GMC Sierra problems?

Across the 2011–2020 model years, owners most often name the exterior lighting, power train, service brakes in complaints filed with NHTSA.

What mpg does the GMC Sierra get?

EPA rates the 2020 GMC Sierra at 15 to 26 mpg combined, depending on engine and transmission.

How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes

Processing

  • Complaints are counted per component. One complaint can list several, so component totals add up to more than the total.
  • Fuel cost = miles per year ÷ EPA combined mpg × EIA weekly price for your region.

Limitations

  • Complaint counts are owner reports, not verified findings or failure rates. There is no sales denominator.
  • Recall campaigns are listed for the model year. Only NHTSA and the automaker know whether a specific car was repaired.
  • Recent model years are still collecting reports.

Review

Data compiled automatically from the official files listed here.

Changelog

  • 2026-10-06 Data refreshed from the official files.
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