Is the 2016 Gmc SIERRA reliable?

The 2016 Gmc SIERRA has 8 complaints filed with NHTSA (0.1x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: excellent. Most common issue: ELECTRICAL problems.

What are common problems with the 2016 Gmc SIERRA?

Top problems: ELECTRICAL (2 complaints, avg repair $500); AIR BAGS (2 complaints, avg repair $500); STEERING (1 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2016 Gmc SIERRA?

Yes, there are 2 recall(s): ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE, AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE. Contact any Gmc dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2016 Gmc SIERRA?

The 2016 Gmc SIERRA gets 20 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $2400. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

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

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2016 Gmc SIERRA is approximately $1,663/year (truck-fullsize 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

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Excellent Reliability

Quick Summary

The 2016 Gmc SIERRA has 8 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.1x the segment average of 67. The most common issue is electrical problems (25% of all complaints), specifically: 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. There are 2 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 1 fire report filed.

1 fire report 3 crash reports

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

0.1x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 6)

ELECTRICAL

2 complaints

25%

• 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
• 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 ap

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500💥 1 crashes

“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”

— NHTSA complaint filing

Recalls (2)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE11/02/2016

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.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2016 Gmc SIERRA

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$2,401

Per month

$200

Per mile

20.0¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,667/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$2,001/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2016 Gmc SIERRA

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

$1,663

Full coverage / month

$139

Liability only / year

$648

vs US avg

-1%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (truck-fullsize)1.08x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating1.00x

× vehicle age0.92x

= Full coverage estimate$1663

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

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Gmc SIERRA 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, 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

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

AIR BAGS(~50K mi)

$500

STEERING(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~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 8 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ELECTRICAL: 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
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
AIR BAGS: 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. 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 w
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
STEERING: 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
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: VEHICLE SHAKES AND VIBRATES AT ANY SPEEDS ABOVE 75 MPH.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 2 recalls have been completed — free at any Gmc dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)