MotorDeets

2016 GMC Sierra: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2016 GMC Sierra: 2 recalls, 6 owner complaints and up to 20 mpg combined.

2vehicle recalls
6owner complaints
2mention a crash
20best combined mpg
2016 GMC Sierra
Photo: Navigator84 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Airbags Vehicle recall #15V830000 · 2015 · 90 vehicles

What's wrong: 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.

Why it matters: 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.

The 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.

Electrical Vehicle recall #16V084000 · 2016 · 139 vehicles

What's wrong: 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."

Why it matters: An unbelted driver is at a greater risk of injury in a crash.

The fix: Gm will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The recall began on March 14, 2016.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Electrical2
Airbags2
Steering1
Other / unknown1
Visibility (wipers, glass)1
Suspension1

What owners describe

The 2016 GMC Sierra has 6 owner complaints, ranking #28 of 28 Sierra model years for complaints (well below the 140 average). Complaints peaked in 2016 (2 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 39,500 miles. Neighboring years: 2015 (53 complaints, 6 recalls), 2017 (61 complaints, 0 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
4.3 L 6-cylAutomatic 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive182320Gasoline or E85
5.3 L 8-cyl hybridAutomatic 8-spdRear-Wheel Drive182420Regular
5.3 L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive162319Gasoline or E85
5.3 L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive162319Regular
4.3 L 6-cylAutomatic 6-spd4-Wheel Drive172219Gasoline or E85
5.3 L 8-cylAutomatic 8-spdRear-Wheel Drive162218Regular
5.3 L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spd4-Wheel Drive162218Gasoline or E85
5.3 L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spd4-Wheel Drive162218Regular
5.3 L 8-cyl hybridAutomatic 8-spd4-Wheel Drive162118Regular
5.3 L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive152017Regular
6.2 L 8-cylAutomatic 8-spdRear-Wheel Drive152117Regular
5.3 L 8-cylAutomatic 8-spd4-Wheel Drive152117Regular

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 2016 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 2016 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 2016 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 2016 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 2016 GMC Sierra manual

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FAQ

Does the 2016 GMC Sierra have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2016 GMC Sierra. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 2016 GMC Sierra problems?

Owners have filed 6 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (2), airbags (2), steering (1).

What gas mileage does the 2016 GMC Sierra get?

EPA ratings run up to 20 mpg combined (4.3 L, Automatic 6-spd), across 14 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 2016 GMC Sierra repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other Sierra years

1990199119921993199419951996199719981999200020012002200320042005200620072008200920102011201220132014201520162017