Makes›GMC›Sierra›2016

2016 GMC Sierra

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2016 models.

Class
Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD
Body styles
1500 Crew Cab M/Box 2WD, 1500 Crew Cab M/Box 4X4, 1500 Crew Cab M/Box Denali, 1500 Crew Cab S/Box 2WD
Engines
4.3L 6-cyl, 5.3L 8-cyl, 6.2L 8-cyl
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive
Fuel
FFV, Hybrid, Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
20 combined · 18 city / 24 hwy
Length
225.6–235.4 in
Curb weight
5,073–5,359 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
13 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
  • AWD / 4WD available

Watch out for

  • "Do not drive" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 4 similar 2016 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2016 GMC Sierra is a standard pickup truck offered with 3 engines (4.3L 6-cyl, 5.3L 8-cyl and 6.2L 8-cyl), including a hybrid version and rear-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive.

It measures about 235 inches long and 80 inches wide on a 153-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 5,161 lb (1500 Crew Cab M/Box 2WD).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 20 MPG combined (18 city / 24 highway), 7% better than the 2016 standard pickup truck average of 18.7 MPG, for an estimated $3,350 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 13 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 457 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the service brakes.

What changed for 2016

  • New hybrid version

Compared with 2015; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2015 Sierra →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
1500 Crew Cab M/Box 2WD235.4 in79.9 in73.6 in153.1 in68.9 / 67.7 in5,161 lb57/43
1500 Crew Cab M/Box 4X4235.4 in79.9 in74 in153.1 in68.9 / 67.7 in5,359 lb59/41
1500 Crew Cab M/Box Denali235.4 in79.9 in74 in153.1 in68.9 / 67.7 in5,324 lb59/41
1500 Crew Cab S/Box 2WD225.6 in79.9 in74 in143.7 in68.9 / 67.7 in5,073 lb56/44
1500 Crew Cab S/Box 4X4225.6 in79.9 in74 in143.7 in68.9 / 67.7 in5,278 lb58/42
1500 Crew Cab S/Box Denali225.6 in79.9 in74 in143.7 in68.9 / 67.7 in5,227 lb58/42

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Sierra C15 2WD FFV4.3L 6-cylAutomatic 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive18 / 23 / 20+7%$3,350449
Sierra 15 Hybrid 2WD Hybrid5.3L 8-cylAutomatic 8-spdRear-Wheel Drive18 / 24 / 20+7%$3,350447
Sierra C15 2WD FFV5.3L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive16 / 23 / 19+2%$3,550480
Sierra C15 2WD5.3L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive16 / 23 / 19+2%$3,550478
Sierra K15 4WD FFV4.3L 6-cylAutomatic 6-spd4-Wheel Drive17 / 22 / 19+9%$3,550476
Sierra C15 2WD5.3L 8-cylAutomatic 8-spdRear-Wheel Drive16 / 22 / 18-4%$3,700492
Sierra K15 4WD FFV5.3L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spd4-Wheel Drive16 / 22 / 18+3%$3,700492
Sierra K15 4WD5.3L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spd4-Wheel Drive16 / 22 / 18+3%$3,700494
Sierra 15 Hybrid 4WD Hybrid5.3L 8-cylAutomatic 8-spd4-Wheel Drive16 / 21 / 18+3%$3,700489
Sierra C15 Cab Chassis 2WD5.3L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive15 / 20 / 17-19%$3,950525
Sierra C15 2WD6.2L 8-cylAutomatic 8-spdRear-Wheel Drive15 / 21 / 17-9%$3,950516
Sierra K15 4WD5.3L 8-cylAutomatic 8-spd4-Wheel Drive15 / 21 / 17-3%$3,950521
Sierra K15 Cab Chassis 4WD5.3L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spd4-Wheel Drive15 / 19 / 17–$3,950537
Sierra K15 4WD6.2L 8-cylAutomatic 8-spd4-Wheel Drive15 / 21 / 17-3%$3,950519
4/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
4/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $4,750Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
18.7 MPG2016 Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2016 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2016 GMC Sierra.

Similar 2016 standard pickup trucks

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2016 GMC Sierra (this car)20 MPGNot rated13
2016 Chevrolet Silverado20 MPGNot rated15
2016 Toyota Tundra17 MPGNot rated5
2016 Ram 150024 MPGNot rated16
2016 Roush Performance F15013 MPGNot rated0

Recalls (13)

Safety advisory: 1 recall for this model year carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Check your VIN now.
Air Bags › Side/Window › Curtain › Inflator · Sep 24, 2026

NHTSA campaign 26V611000 · 1,559 vehicles

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.
Fix
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.
Air Bags › Side/Window › Curtain › Inflator · Jul 1, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V504000 · 410,019 vehicles

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.
Fix
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.
Air Bags › Side/Window › Curtain › Inflator · Nov 25, 2020

NHTSA campaign 20V736000 · 9,279 vehicles

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.
Fix
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.
Service Brakes · Oct 24, 2019

NHTSA campaign 19V761000 · 652,967 vehicles

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.
Fix
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.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Vacuum · Sep 6, 2019

NHTSA campaign 19V645000 · 3,456,719 vehicles

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.
Fix
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.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly · Feb 7, 2019

NHTSA campaign 19V088000 · 18,574 vehicles

Problem
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2018 GMC Sierra 3500 and Chevrolet Silverado 3500 trucks equipped with gasoline engines and dual fuel tanks. The fuel-level sensor in the front tank may stick in a low-level position, allowing the rear tank to overfill the front tank.
Risk
If the front tank overfills, the excess pressure may cause the front tank to expand and contact the driveshaft, possibly resulting in a hole in the tank. The hole will leak fuel, which in the presence of an ignition source, can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix
GM has notified owners, and dealers will replace the rear-tank fuel-pump module, inspect the front tank and, if necessary, replace the front tank, free of charge. The recall began July 30, 2019. GM's number for this recall is N182204190.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Pedals And Linkages · Aug 30, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V578000 · 42,280 vehicles

Problem
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.
Air Bags › Frontal · Jul 10, 2017

NHTSA campaign 17V437000 · 40,683 vehicles

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.
Fix
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.
Seat Belts › Pretensioner · Sep 8, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V651000 · 3,640,162 vehicles

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.
Fix
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.
Suspension › Front › Control Arm · Apr 28, 2016 Do not drive

NHTSA campaign 16V256000 · 3,738 vehicles

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.
Fix
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.
Electrical System › Software · Feb 11, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V084000 · 139 vehicles

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.
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.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Pedals And Linkages · Feb 5, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V069000 · 430,771 vehicles

Problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, and 3500 heavy duty trucks manufactured October 1, 2013, to February 1, 2016, 2015-2016 Chevrolet Tahoe Police Pursuit Vehicles (PPV) manufactured March 1, 2014, to February 1, 2016, and 2015-2016 GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 heavy duty trucks manufactured October 29, 2013, to February 1, 2016. On the affected 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 brake pedal pivot nut and reinstall with an increased torque, 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 20760.
Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module-Inactive · Dec 10, 2015

NHTSA campaign 15V830000 · 90 vehicles

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.
Fix
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.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2016 GMC Sierra is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

457Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
16Involved a crash
14Involved a fire
18Injuries reported
45,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Service Brakes124
Power Train95
Electrical System65
Steering65
Engine56
Unknown Or Other45
Fuel/Propulsion System22
Suspension18
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
24/10: 724/11: 224/12: 125/01: 425/02: 225/03: 325/04: 325/05: 625/06: 525/07: 525/08: 225/10: 125/11: 125/12: 226/01: 226/02: 226/03: 126/04: 126/05: 126/06: 126/07: 326/08: 226/09: 126/10: 224/1025/0125/0425/0725/1126/0226/0526/08max 7

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2016 GMC Sierra buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 13 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Safety-critical recall. At least one recall carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Do not buy until the VIN shows it was repaired.
  3. Service Brakes — 124 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
  4. Power Train — 95 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  5. Electrical System — 65 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  6. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 45,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  7. Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
  8. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2016 GMC Sierra. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Sierra years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2026 Sierra25241.3 inNot rated6169
2025 Sierra26241.3 inNot rated4178
2024 Sierra25233.1 inNot rated8538
2023 Sierra26229.5 inNot rated4558
2022 Sierra26241.3 inNot rated8674
2021 Sierra26241.3 inNot rated10668
2020 Sierra26241.3 inNot rated16624
2019 Sierra21225.6 inNot rated17729
2018 Sierra20235.4 inNot rated12371
2017 Sierra20235.4 inNot rated11481
2015 Sierra20235.4 inNot rated23915
2014 Sierra20235.4 inNot rated22814

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or GMC. How we calculate this →