Is the 2016 Gmc SIERRA 2500 reliable?

The 2016 Gmc SIERRA 2500 has 75 complaints filed with NHTSA (1.4x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: below-average. Most common issue: STEERING problems.

What are common problems with the 2016 Gmc SIERRA 2500?

Top problems: STEERING (14 complaints, avg repair $500); FUEL SYSTEM (12 complaints, avg repair $500); BRAKES (10 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2016 Gmc SIERRA 2500?

Yes, there are 5 recall(s): SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES, AIR BAGS:FRONTAL, AIR BAGS:FRONTAL, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES, AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR. Contact any Gmc dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to insure a 2016 Gmc SIERRA 2500?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2016 Gmc SIERRA 2500 is approximately $1,449/year (sedan-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2016 Gmc SIERRA 2500

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Below Average

Quick Summary

The 2016 Gmc SIERRA 2500 has 75 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.4x the segment average of 52. The most common issue is steering problems (19% of all complaints), specifically: while driving at 45mph in the left lane of a major city thoroughfare the engine quit running, power steering and brakes did not work. the check engine light came on when the engine quit running. i was able to get the vehicle stopped but the engine would not start. the vehicle was towed to the de. There are 5 recalls issued for this model year.

1 crash report 1 injury

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

4/5

Safety Stars

1.4x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

STEERING

14 complaints

19%

• WHILE DRIVING AT 45MPH IN THE LEFT LANE OF A MAJOR CITY THOROUGHFARE THE ENGINE QUIT RUNNING, POWER STEERING AND BRAKES DID NOT WORK. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON WHEN THE ENGINE QUIT RUNNING. I WAS ABLE TO GET THE VEHICLE STOPPED BUT THE ENGINE WOULD NOT START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DE
• 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 CONTAC
• STEERING WHEEL VERY LOOSE, CAN MOVE 3-4 INCHES WITHOUT ANY STEERING TAKING PLACE.

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“WHILE DRIVING AT 45MPH IN THE LEFT LANE OF A MAJOR CITY THOROUGHFARE THE ENGINE QUIT RUNNING, POWER STEERING AND BRAKES DID NOT WORK. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON WHEN THE ENGINE QUIT RUNNING. I WAS ABLE TO GET THE VEHICLE STOPPED BUT THE ENGINE WOULD NOT START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DE”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2016 Gmc SIERRA 2500

Based on 36 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 25K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

STEERING

In line with typicalmedian 25K mi · 11 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

BRAKES

In line with typicalmedian 21K mi · 5 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (5)

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES30/08/2018

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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2016 Gmc SIERRA 2500

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,449

Full coverage / month

$121

Liability only / year

$598

vs US avg

-13%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (sedan-midsize)0.96x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating0.98x

× vehicle age0.92x

= Full coverage estimate$1449

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Gmc SIERRA 2500 Service Intervals

Oil change

8K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

8K mi

Brake fluid

36 months

Transmission fluid

45K mi

Engine coolant

150K mi

Spark plugs

100K mi

Cabin air filter

23K mi

Engine air filter

45K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

45K mi

Uses GM Oil Life System. Full-size trucks may have shorter differential and transfer case intervals if used for towing.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Gmc New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

6 yr / 100K mi

Roadside assistance

5 yr / 60K mi

These are the terms for a new Gmc. If you're buying a used 2016 SIERRA 2500, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Gmc dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

STEERING(~50K mi)

$500

FUEL SYSTEM(~50K mi)

$500

BRAKES(~50K mi)

$500

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 75 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
STEERING: WHILE DRIVING AT 45MPH IN THE LEFT LANE OF A MAJOR CITY THOROUGHFARE THE ENGINE QUIT RUNNING, POWER STEERING AND BRAKES DID NOT WORK. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON WHEN THE ENGINE QUIT RUNNING. I WAS ABLE TO GET THE VEHICLE STOPPED BUT THE ENGINE WOULD NOT START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
FUEL SYSTEM: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 GMC SIERRA 2500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL INJECTOR PUMP FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE F
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
BRAKES: WHILE DRIVING AT 45MPH IN THE LEFT LANE OF A MAJOR CITY THOROUGHFARE THE ENGINE QUIT RUNNING, POWER STEERING AND BRAKES DID NOT WORK. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON WHEN THE ENGINE QUIT RUNNING. I WAS ABLE TO GET THE VEHICLE STOPPED BUT THE ENGINE WOULD NOT START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ENGINE: WHILE DRIVING AT 45MPH IN THE LEFT LANE OF A MAJOR CITY THOROUGHFARE THE ENGINE QUIT RUNNING, POWER STEERING AND BRAKES DID NOT WORK. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON WHEN THE ENGINE QUIT RUNNING. I WAS ABLE TO GET THE VEHICLE STOPPED BUT THE ENGINE WOULD NOT START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 5 recalls have been completed — free at any Gmc dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)