Is the 2016 Gmc SIERRA DENALI reliable?

The 2016 Gmc SIERRA DENALI has 42 complaints filed with NHTSA (2.2x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: below-average. Most common issue: TRANSMISSION problems.

What are common problems with the 2016 Gmc SIERRA DENALI?

Top problems: TRANSMISSION (9 complaints, avg repair $500); BRAKES (8 complaints, avg repair $500); STEERING (6 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2016 Gmc SIERRA DENALI?

No recalls have been issued for the 2016 Gmc SIERRA DENALI.

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

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2016 Gmc SIERRA DENALI is approximately $1,478/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 DENALI

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Below Average

Quick Summary

The 2016 Gmc SIERRA DENALI has 42 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 2.2x the segment average of 19. The most common issue is transmission problems (21% of all complaints), specifically: this issue started a few months after i purchased the truck took it to two dealers they say its normal. called gmc & they have no recall. when driving the truck & have to slow down in traffic the automatic transmission down shifts & has a very noticable jerk. will actually jerk the hole truck. peop.

2 crash reports 15 injuries

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

2.2x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

TRANSMISSION

9 complaints

21%

• THIS ISSUE STARTED A FEW MONTHS AFTER I PURCHASED THE TRUCK TOOK IT TO TWO DEALERS THEY SAY ITS NORMAL. CALLED GMC & THEY HAVE NO RECALL. WHEN DRIVING THE TRUCK & HAVE TO SLOW DOWN IN TRAFFIC THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION DOWN SHIFTS & HAS A VERY NOTICABLE JERK. WILL ACTUALLY JERK THE HOLE TRUCK. PEOP
• LOOSES BRAKE ASSISTANCE IN PARKING LOT AND SOMETIMES ON THE HIGHWAY,CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON WITH VARIOUS CODES THE MOST COMMON IS MISFIRE ON STARTUP IT HAPPEN IN DIFFERENT OCCASIONS.
• TRUCK SHIFTS REALLY HARD AND IS UNPREDICTABLE. I ALMOST DROVE THROUGH MY GARAGE DOOR THE OTHER DAY SHIFTING TO DRIVE FROM REVERSE. TRUCK WILL LUNGE FORWARD OR DELAY IN SHIFTING. THERE HAVE BEEN A FEW TIMES I'VE HAD TO SLAM ON THE BRAKES BEFORE I BACKED INTO SOMETHING. I HAVE BROUGHT IT IN 3-4 TIMES

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

“THIS ISSUE STARTED A FEW MONTHS AFTER I PURCHASED THE TRUCK TOOK IT TO TWO DEALERS THEY SAY ITS NORMAL. CALLED GMC & THEY HAVE NO RECALL. WHEN DRIVING THE TRUCK & HAVE TO SLOW DOWN IN TRAFFIC THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION DOWN SHIFTS & HAS A VERY NOTICABLE JERK. WILL ACTUALLY JERK THE HOLE TRUCK. PEOP”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2016 Gmc SIERRA DENALI

Based on 39 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 54K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 30-60K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

TRANSMISSION

Reported earliermedian 38K mi · 8 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

BRAKES

In line with typicalmedian 51K mi · 7 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

STEERING

In line with typicalmedian 52K mi · 6 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.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2016 Gmc SIERRA DENALI

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

$1,478

Full coverage / month

$123

Liability only / year

$611

vs US avg

-12%

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 rating1.00x

× vehicle age0.92x

= Full coverage estimate$1478

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

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Gmc SIERRA DENALI 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 DENALI, 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

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

BRAKES(~50K mi)

$500

STEERING(~50K mi)

$500

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

VISIBILITY(~50K mi)

$500

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

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 42 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
TRANSMISSION: THIS ISSUE STARTED A FEW MONTHS AFTER I PURCHASED THE TRUCK TOOK IT TO TWO DEALERS THEY SAY ITS NORMAL. CALLED GMC & THEY HAVE NO RECALL. WHEN DRIVING THE TRUCK & HAVE TO SLOW DOWN IN TRAFFIC THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION DOWN SHIFTS & HAS A VERY NOTICABLE JERK. WILL ACTUALLY JERK THE HOLE TRUCK. PEOP
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
BRAKES: LOOSES BRAKE ASSISTANCE IN PARKING LOT AND SOMETIMES ON THE HIGHWAY,CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON WITH VARIOUS CODES THE MOST COMMON IS MISFIRE ON STARTUP IT HAPPEN IN DIFFERENT OCCASIONS.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
STEERING: THE VEHICLE HAS EXCESSIVE STEERING PLAY. IT IS DANGEROUS TO DRIVE IN ICY CONDITIONS AND CAN BE NOTICED DRIVING THE VEHICLE STRAIGHT UNDER ALL DRIVING CONDITIONS ON DRY OR ICY PAVEMENT. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY PERFORMED SERVICE BULLETIN WORK AT MY EXPENSE TO FIX THE PROBLEM. THE SERVICE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ENGINE: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 GMC SIERRA DENALI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND ROLLED BACKWARDS. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. TH
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)