Model year 2016 · Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD, Standard Pickup Trucks 4WD, Special Purpose Vehicle 2WD, Special Purpose Vehicle 4WD

2016 GMC Sierra: recalls, fuel economy and safety ratings

EPA rates the 2016 GMC Sierra at 17–20 mpg combined across 14 versions. NHTSA lists 10 safety recalls and 379 owner complaints for this model year. Its best NHTSA overall crash-test rating is 5 out of 5 stars.

Safety recalls

EPA combined mpg

17–20

NHTSA overall rating

5/5

Recall file dated Oct 28, 2026 · EPA file dated Sep 29, 2026 · updated Oct 28, 2026, 7:36 AM EDT

NHTSA lists this vehicle as SIERRA 1500, SIERRA DENALI.

Check your own car: enter your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls for that exact vehicle, and contact a GMC dealer to schedule the repair — safety recall repairs are free. The list below covers the whole model year, so not every recall applies to every car.

2016 GMC Sierra recalls

NHTSA's recall file lists 10 safety recalls for the 2016 GMC Sierra, newest first.

Air bags: Side/window: Curtain: Inflator

NHTSA 26V611000 Reported Sep 24, 2026

Filed by: General Motors, LLC (manufacturer recall no. N262569920)
Units affected: 1,559 (estimate)
Problem: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500/3500, GMC Sierra 2500/3500 vehicles, and 2016-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles. The left-side or right-side roof rail air bag (RRAB) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator or the inflator sidewall may rupture.
Risk: A detached end cap or inflator rupture can allow compressed gas to escape and project the end cap or fragments of the inflator into the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace both RRAB modules, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 9, 2026. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N262569920. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on September 24, 2026.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Air bags: Side/window: Curtain: Inflator

NHTSA 21V504000 Reported Jul 1, 2021

Filed by: General Motors, LLC (manufacturer recall no. N202324251)
Units affected: 410,019 (estimate)
Problem: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2016 GMC Sierra 1500, 2500, 3500, and Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks. The roof-rail air bag (RRAB) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator, or the inflator sidewall may rupture.
Risk: A separated inflator end cap or inflator rupture can allow compressed gas to escape, resulting in the end cap or other components being propelled into the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury or crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the left and right side RRAB modules, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed on August 18, 2021. Owners will receive a second notice when the remedy is available. Phase I owner notification letters were mailed on May 5, 2022. Phase II owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on May 31, 2022. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. This recall supersedes NHTSA recall number 20V-736. GM's number for this recall is N202324251.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Air bags: Side/window: Curtain: Inflator

NHTSA 20V736000 Reported Nov 25, 2020

Filed by: General Motors, LLC (manufacturer recall no. N202309680)
Units affected: 9,279 (estimate)
Problem: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2016 GMC Sierra 1500 and Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and 2015 GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500, and Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 trucks. The roof-rail air bag (RRAB) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator.
Risk: If the end cap separates from the inflator, the compressed gas will escape and the end cap can be propelled into the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury or a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the RRAB modules on the left and/or right side, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on December 22, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. Note: GM filed a new recall, number 21V-504 that supersedes this recall. All vehicles previously recalled under 20V-736 will now be repaired under the new recall number 21V-504. GM's numbers for this recall are N202309680, N202309681, and N202309682.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Service brakes and 2 more components

NHTSA 19V761000 Reported Oct 24, 2019

Filed by: General Motors, LLC (manufacturer recall no. N192261050)
Components: Service brakes; Service brakes, hydraulic: Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: Wheel speed sensor/tone ring; Electronic stability control (ESC)
Units affected: 652,967 (estimate)
Problem: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, and GMC Yukon, and 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles equipped with a 5.3-liter engine, a 3.08-ratio rear axle and four-wheel drive. If a wheel-speed sensor fails, while the vehicle is traveling between 41 and 60 mph in four-wheel or automatic mode, the Electronic-Brake Control Module (EBCM) software may activate the driveline-protection system.
Risk: Unintended activation of the driveline-protection system will cause unintended braking on the wheel on the opposite side of the failed sensor, causing the vehicle to pull to one side unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the EBCM, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N192261050.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Service brakes, hydraulic: Power assist: Vacuum

NHTSA 19V645000 Reported Sep 6, 2019

Filed by: General Motors, LLC (manufacturer recall no. N192268490)
Units affected: 3,456,719 (estimate)
Problem: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Cadillac Escalade, 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, 2015-2018 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon vehicles. The amount of vacuum created by the vacuum pump may decrease over time.
Risk: As the vacuum level drops, the brake assist decreases, increasing braking effort, extending the distance required to stop the vehicle, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Electronic Brake Control Module, free of charge. The recall began October 8, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N192268490.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Air bags: Frontal and 2 more components

NHTSA 17V437000 Reported Jul 10, 2017

Filed by: General Motors, LLC (manufacturer recall no. 17287)
Components: Air bags: Frontal; Seat belts: Pretensioner; Air bags: Frontal: Sensor/control module-inactive
Units affected: 40,683 (estimate)
Problem: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse and Chevrolet Spark EV, Caprice PPV and SS vehicles, 2014-2017 Buick Encore and Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles, 2015-2016 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Trax, Suburban and Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL vehicles, and 2015-2017 GMC Sierra HD 2500 and 3500 vehicles. While being previously remedied for recall 16V-651, the affected vehicles may not have received the complete software update necessary to remedy the recall condition. Without the update, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.
Risk: A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2017. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 17287.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Seat belts: Pretensioner and 2 more components

NHTSA 16V651000 Reported Sep 8, 2016

Filed by: General Motors, LLC (manufacturer recall no. 16007)
Components: Seat belts: Pretensioner; Air bags: Frontal: Sensor/control module-inactive; Air bags: Frontal
Units affected: 3,640,162 (estimate)
Problem: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD, 3500 HD, Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Sierra 2500 HD and 3500 HD, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles and 2014-2017 Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500, Trax, Caprice Police Pursuit Vehicle, GMC Sierra 1500, Buick Encore, and 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse, Chevrolet Spark EV and SS vehicles. In the affected vehicles, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.
Risk: A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 13, 2016. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 16007.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Suspension: Front: Control arm

NHTSA 16V256000 Reported Apr 28, 2016 Do not drive

Filed by: General Motors, LLC (manufacturer recall no. 42190)
Units affected: 3,738 (estimate)
Problem: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and 2016 Cadillac Escalade, Cadillac Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Sierra, GMC Yukon and GMC Yukon XL vehicles. The front upper control arms may have inadequate welds near the control arm bushing.
Risk: Inadequate welds may allow the control arm to separate from the bushing, compromising steering and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the left and right front upper control arms and realign the vehicle, free of charge. The recall began on May 18, 2016. Until the repairs have been made, owners are advised not to drive their vehicles. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 42190.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Electrical system: Software

NHTSA 16V084000 Reported Feb 11, 2016

Filed by: General Motors, LLC (manufacturer recall no. 15808)
Units affected: 139 (estimate)
Problem: 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.
Remedy: 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.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Air bags: Frontal: Sensor/control module-inactive

NHTSA 15V830000 Reported Dec 10, 2015

Filed by: General Motors, LLC (manufacturer recall no. 15794)
Units affected: 90 (estimate)
Problem: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pick up trucks manufactured October 13, 2015, to October 14, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the mounting stud used to secure the air bag sensing and diagnostic Module (SDM) may be incorrectly positioned, and as a result, the SDM housing could fracture.
Risk: If the SDM housing fractures, water may get into SDM causing it to malfunction and hinder the proper deployment of the air bags in the event of a crash, thereby increasing the risk of occupant injury.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will have the mounting stud repositioned and the SDM replaced, free of charge. The recall began December 2, 2015. 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 15794.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Recall summaries are written by NHTSA from manufacturers' defect reports. Dates are when NHTSA received the report.

2016 GMC Sierra fuel economy by version

EPA city/highway/combined estimates for each engine, transmission and drive combination. Annual fuel cost is EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year (55% city, 45% highway) at EPA's current fuel-price assumptions; your cost will vary.

2016 GMC Sierra EPA fuel economy
Version	Engine	Transmission	Drive	Fuel	City/Hwy/Comb	Fuel cost/yr	CO2 g/mi
Sierra 15 Hybrid 2WD	5.3L 8-cyl hybrid	Automatic 8-spd	Rear-Wheel Drive	Regular	18/24/20 mpg	$3,350	447
Sierra 15 Hybrid 4WD	5.3L 8-cyl hybrid	Automatic 8-spd	4-Wheel Drive	Regular	16/21/18 mpg	$3,700	489
Sierra C15 2WD	4.3L 6-cyl ffv	Automatic 6-spd	Rear-Wheel Drive	Gasoline or E85 / E85	18/23/20 mpg	$3,350	449
Sierra C15 2WD	5.3L 8-cyl ffv	Automatic 6-spd	Rear-Wheel Drive	Gasoline or E85 / E85	16/23/19 mpg	$3,550	480
Sierra C15 2WD	5.3L 8-cyl	Automatic 6-spd	Rear-Wheel Drive	Regular	16/23/19 mpg	$3,550	478
Sierra C15 2WD	5.3L 8-cyl	Automatic 8-spd	Rear-Wheel Drive	Regular	16/22/18 mpg	$3,700	492
Sierra C15 2WD	6.2L 8-cyl	Automatic 8-spd	Rear-Wheel Drive	Regular	15/21/17 mpg	$3,950	516
Sierra C15 Cab Chassis 2WD	5.3L 8-cyl	Automatic 6-spd	Rear-Wheel Drive	Regular	15/20/17 mpg	$3,950	525
Sierra K15 4WD	4.3L 6-cyl ffv	Automatic 6-spd	4-Wheel Drive	Gasoline or E85 / E85	17/22/19 mpg	$3,550	476
Sierra K15 4WD	5.3L 8-cyl ffv	Automatic 6-spd	4-Wheel Drive	Gasoline or E85 / E85	16/22/18 mpg	$3,700	492
Sierra K15 4WD	5.3L 8-cyl	Automatic 8-spd	4-Wheel Drive	Regular	15/21/17 mpg	$3,950	521
Sierra K15 4WD	5.3L 8-cyl	Automatic 6-spd	4-Wheel Drive	Regular	16/22/18 mpg	$3,700	494
Sierra K15 4WD	6.2L 8-cyl	Automatic 8-spd	4-Wheel Drive	Regular	15/21/17 mpg	$3,950	519
Sierra K15 Cab Chassis 4WD	5.3L 8-cyl	Automatic 6-spd	4-Wheel Drive	Regular	15/19/17 mpg	$3,950	537

Source: FuelEconomy.gov (U.S. DOE and EPA), file dated Sep 29, 2026. Each version links to its FuelEconomy.gov record.

EPA estimates come from standardized lab tests so cars can be compared fairly; real-world mileage depends on speed, weather, load, tires and driving style.

2016 GMC Sierra crash-test ratings

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for the tested versions. More stars mean a lower chance of serious injury in that type of crash. Rollover risk is NHTSA's estimated chance of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.

2016 GMC Sierra NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
Tested vehicle	Overall	Frontal	Side	Rollover	Rollover risk	Forward collision warning
2016 GMC Sierra 1500 Hybrid PU/CC RWD	5 stars	5 stars	5 stars	4 stars	17.9%	Optional
2016 GMC Sierra 1500 PU/CC 4WD	5 stars	5 stars	5 stars	4 stars	17.4%	Optional
2016 GMC Sierra 1500 PU/CC RWD	5 stars	5 stars	5 stars	4 stars	17.9%	Optional
2016 GMC Sierra 1500 PU/EC 4WD	5 stars	5 stars	5 stars	4 stars	17.9%	Optional
2016 GMC Sierra 1500 PU/EC RWD	5 stars	5 stars	5 stars	4 stars	17.4%	Optional
2016 GMC Sierra 1500 PU/RC 4WD	5 stars	5 stars	5 stars	4 stars	17.4%	Optional
2016 GMC Sierra 1500 PU/RC RWD	5 stars	5 stars	5 stars	4 stars	17.9%	Optional

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program), checked Oct 26, 2026.

Star ratings compare vehicles of similar size and weight; a frontal rating for a large pickup is not directly comparable with one for a small car.

2016 GMC Sierra owner complaints

Owners have filed 379 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 GMC Sierra, most recently on Oct 10, 2026. 15 mention a crash, 14 a fire, 17 injured people and 0 deaths. These are unverified reports; a complaint is not proof of a defect.

Most-cited components in 2016 GMC Sierra complaints
Component named in complaints	Mentions
Service brakes	108
Power train	92
Electrical system	55
Steering	45
Engine	42
Unknown or other	38
Suspension	17
Air bags	13
Fuel/propulsion system	9
Visibility/wiper	9

Source: NHTSA consumer complaint files (complaints received since January 1, 2015). One complaint can name several components.

Had a safety problem with your vehicle? You can report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem.

Other GMC Sierra model years

GMC Sierra by model year
Year	Combined	Recalls	Complaints	Overall rating
2026 Sierra	15–25 mpg · 64–68 MPGe	5	152	5/5
2025 Sierra	15–26 mpg · 64 MPGe	2	132	5/5
2024 Sierra	15–25 mpg	4	381	5/5
2023 Sierra	15–26 mpg	3	497	5/5
2022 Sierra	14–26 mpg	6	600	5/5
2021 Sierra	14–26 mpg	7	596	5/5
2020 Sierra	15–26 mpg	12	494	5/5
2019 Sierra	15–21 mpg	10	684	5/5
2018 Sierra	17–20 mpg	7	322	5/5
2017 Sierra	17–20 mpg	6	431	5/5
2015 Sierra	17–20 mpg	15	792	5/5

All GMC Sierra years compared · Decode a VIN

Other 2016 GMC models

2016 GMC Acadia 2016 GMC Canyon 2016 GMC Savana Passenger 2016 GMC Terrain 2016 GMC Yukon

Sources

Recalls: NHTSA recall flat file (FLAT_RCL_POST_2010), dated Oct 28, 2026, plus a live check of api.nhtsa.gov in your browser.
Complaints: NHTSA consumer complaint flat files (COMPLAINTS_RECEIVED), counts only — we do not republish complaint text.
Crash tests: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings API.
Fuel economy: FuelEconomy.gov vehicles file (U.S. DOE and EPA), dated Sep 29, 2026.
NHTSA, EPA and DOE do not endorse OpenVIN. Vehicle names identify vehicles only; OpenVIN is not affiliated with GMC.