MotorDeets

GMC Sierra problems, recalls & best years

The deets on every Sierra from 1990 to 2017: 3,907 owner complaints and 96 recalls across 28 model years.

The model years with the most owner complaints are 1999 (600), 2000 (443), 2001 (264). Best fuel economy: 22 mpg combined (2010).

GMC Sierra
Photo: Navigator84 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Problem areas across all years

Brakes (hydraulic)1001
Visibility (wipers, glass)491
Transmission & drivetrain313
Brakes304
Steering253
Electrical252
Body & structure200
Airbags193

Year by year

YearRecallsComplaintsBest mpg
199011818
199111220
199233020
199327218
1994319019
1995626119
1996224618
1997023818
1998019018
1999560017
2000844318
2001426417
2002424916
2003620616
2004718817
2005911717
200645317
200725917
200826817
200913721
201003422
201124321
201222921
201333921
20141110120
201565320
20162620
201706120

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the GMC Sierra.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check GMC Sierra manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
Check GMC Sierra manual
ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
Check GMC Sierra manual
Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check GMC Sierra manual

Heads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure

FAQ

What is the worst year for the GMC Sierra?

The model years with the most owner complaints are 1999 (600), 2000 (443), 2001 (264).

How many recalls has the GMC Sierra had?

Across 1990–2017, NHTSA lists 96 vehicle recall campaigns by model year (a campaign that covers several years counts once per year).