2015 GMC Sierra 1500
2015 model shown · Photo: SsmIntrigue, CC BY-SA 4.0

Half-ton pickups · K2 generation

2016 GMC Sierra 1500: reliability, problems and cost to own

Smart buy Well above average

It scores 80 out of 100 for reliability compared with other half-ton pickups. Over the next 5 years we expect it to cost about $19,052 to own, including $4,860 in repairs.

Reliability

80/100

Well above average

Repairs, 5 years

$4,860

at 12,000 mi a year

Fuel, 5 years

$10,200

20 mpg, $3.40/gal

Price today

$22,532

$19,828 – $25,236, estimate

Recalls

8

on record

Owner complaints

343

filed with NHTSA

These are estimates, not guarantees. They come from public NHTSA complaint and recall data and EPA fuel economy, assuming 5 years of ownership and 12,000 miles a year. Change the assumptions or see how it works.

Where repair money is likely to go

Transmission & drivetrain$2,299
Engine & cooling$1,619
Steering$244
Electrical system$211
Brakes$204
Driver-assist & stability$93

Expected over 5 years, by area of the car.

Recalls

Check whether a specific car still has open recalls with its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Before you buy

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Other years of the GMC Sierra 1500

Of the years we rate, the 2016 scores best (80/100) and the 2024 worst (4/100).

YearReliability
2026Not rated yet
2025Not rated yet
20244/100
20236/100
202210/100
202112/100
202018/100
201916/100
201853/100
201765/100
201680/100
201567/100

Questions people ask

Is the 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 a year to avoid?

No. It scores 80 out of 100, one of the more reliable half-ton pickups of 2015–2024.

Is the 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 reliable?

It scores 80 out of 100 against other half-ton pickups from 2015 to 2024, which is well above average. Based on 343 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, we expect about $4,860 in repairs over the next 5 years at 12,000 miles a year.

How much does a 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 cost to own?

About $19,052 over 5 years: $3,992 in lost value, $4,860 in repairs and $10,200 in fuel at $3.40 a gallon. A typical one sells for about $22,532 today.

What are the best years of the GMC Sierra 1500?

Of the years we rate, the 2016 scores best (80/100) and the 2024 worst (4/100).

How many recalls does the 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 have?

8 recalls on record with NHTSA.