2016 GMC Sierra 1500 complaints

My 2016 gmc Sierra transmission going out again first time locked up and researched everyone I know that owns gmc says they have same issue replaced front drive train busted also and noticed the weld on the frame around steering box and frame has one weld pass very thin rusting away already I've done replaced engine front diff fuel pump now airbag warning keeps going off and my radio has security build in it keeps locking up so I think my entire gmc sjo I ld be recalled replaced with a better used one at least gmc make it right allow me a safe auto for what I paid for so please check transmission on all 2016 gmc trucks suv before someone gets killed over malfunction and airbags an on board computer shutting down my email [XXX] I'd be happy to allow gmc builders to take it and learn from defaults in it I know I had service dept Thornhill auto chapmanville wv service a brake recall on it and the web sites continue saying no recall please email any help thank you for everyone's time helping me INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

Torque converter and pump assembly failed at 66k miles 2016 GMC Sierra. Currently being repaired by the dealership. They first quoted me $4200 to replace but was able to talk them down to $3100.

Service Airbag light is on. Airbag removed and replaced at owner's expense. Diagnosed electrical concern. Cost Not covered by GMC. There has been four Airbag recalls on the 2016 GMC Sierra since 2016, but none covering total replacement of the Airbag. Recalls dated 09-08-2016, 07-10-2017, 11-25-2020, and 07-01-2021. Does NOT seem logical to me to cover cost for most of the component, but not the Airbag itself. This doesn't seem fair...$1422.45.

At low/idle speeds the brake pedal becomes hard and will not stop. At speeds between 35-75mph the engine/transmission has a vibration about every 10seconds and the transmission shifts hard and/or rough at times when first taking off.

Took my truck to gmc dealership to get brakes and transmission fluids flushed, then a few months later I noticed that my truck started shifting hard. then one day going back home from work I lost 6th and 5th gear, would not go into either one. then I lost all gears and would just red line when I pressed the gas. had to coast into a parking lot to get a tow truck and carry it to a transmission shop. the shop said that the universal clutch was burned up and would now cost me $5,000 to fix.

At low speed (5 mph or less), my GMC truck looses brake pedal resistance and I have to mash the pedal hard to stop.... very dangerous when in traffic, parking lot or pedestrians crossing in front. This needs immediate attention. No warning lights on dash. After researching this issue online I discover there are many youtubes and complaints about this apparent brake vacuum pump problem). I also see where there is a recall of over 3.5 million Chevy/GMC vehicles (recall #s N202300860 and N192268490) for this exact low speed brake pump problem. My GMC truck falls within this recall (GMC Sierra LD between 2014 and 2018). But when I check my VIN # on the NHTSA website, it states no recall. How can this be? It clearly is the exact same issue. Please explain.

My 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 (5.3L 8-speed). When on the highway or in the city when the truck is changing gears it has a shake almost like hitting small bumps on the side of the road. I have several friends and family members with the same model truck and have spent thousands of dollars to fix the problem by modifying the whole truck. Is there anyway a recall could be made since it has to be a huge issue with all models with the v4 mode? I brought it to a transmission shop due to GMC dealerships being booked for weeks..the receipt is attached! They said the fluid was burnt and changed it but need new torque converter!

Sensor temperature transmission

Just purchased this used vehicle in December 2022 with high miles (202000) with a dealers extended warranty. Problem has happened twice in 2 weeks. While backing up slowly and turning my wheel the vehicle stalled and Service Stabilitrak came across the dash as it died. Then upon restarting it told me to roll drivers window down and up and the memory seat function cleared as did my clock. Like it had a battery replacement and reset to factory. Took into a GMC service shop where they found code P0700 and P0711. They were able to replicate my concern. Telling me to replace the transmission harnesses and that it is not covered under my extended warranty for powertrain. Going to cost me $1500 in repairs. After extensive research I see this is a common problem yet no recall has been issued for my 2016 GMC Sierra crew cab. Very frustrating!!

Was in a parking lot, moving just 2mph and had to literally mash down on the brake pedal - both forward and backward. Also, I put my truck in drive and has been making a noise in the transmission it seems and is a loud + lurches forward a bit. Additionally, I was traveling on vacation to Rockport, TX. I've made a appointment with the dealership here at 10:00 A.M. on 9 Dec 22, it's the earliest I can get my truck in. There was previously a brake issue covered under warranty & should be again!

I REMOTE STARTED THE VEHICLE FOR ABOUT FIVE MINUTES. I THEN GOT IN, AND TURNED THE KEY ON AND SAT IN THE VEHICLE. WHILE IT WAS IDLING, I SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING. I OBSERVED A RELAY? ON THE REAR WINDOW BURNING. I COULD SEE A FLAME (INSIDE OF THE TRUCK) , AND THE TRUCK CAB FILLED WITH SMOKE. THE RELAY EXPLODED, AND THE REAR WINDOW SHATTERED. I SHUT THE TRUCK OFF, AND THE FIRE WENT OUT. I OPENED ALL THE DOORS AND CLEARED THE SMOKE OUT. I BELIEVE THE RELAY FOR THE REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER FAILED, CAUSING IT TO OVERHEAT AND START A FIRE. I AM REPLACING THE ENTIRE REAR WINDOW. THIS IS A FIRE HAZZARD, AND A DRIVING HAZZARD DUE TO THE CAB FILLING WITH SMOKE. THERE WAS ABSOLUTELY NO WARNING OR WARNIG LIGHTS THAT THIS WAS ABOUT TO HAPPEN.

When trying to turn at low speed, the vehicle appear to shut off and the steering wheel violently cuts to the left and then right. I am unable to hold on to the steering wheel for fear of it breaking my wrist. The electrical system seems to completely shut off, as the panel goes black and when it returns, my settings are wiped out and the clock is reset to 12:00. When this happens, I have no control over the vehicle and it is very dangerous to people or property in its way.

Brakes give out in the parking lot or at low speeds out of no where. I was told there are recalls for this but I looked it up and it’s saying no? I don’t wanna have a brake failure and wreck. Looking for some help please

I'm having problems with my low speed braking. When I am breaking at low speed such as at a stop sign or parking, it's like the pedal stops working, gets stiff, and I have to brake very hard to get it to work. This is of great concern to me as a safety hazard. Unable to stop in a parking structure or at a stop sign/signal can be fatal and this needs to be addressed and dealt with immediately.

Trailer brake system service light

The brakes stop working at low speeds and the brakes drag and it doesn’t stop.

The contact owns a 2016 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that when the accelerator pedal was depressed, the vehicle responded at a rapid rate of speed. As a result, the vehicle almost crashed into another vehicle. The contact was concerned for her children safety. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an AutoZone where it was placed on a diagnostic machine indicating code P050D. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that cylinder #1 had a misfire and the spark plugs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the contact stated that three days later, the engine warning light illuminated, and the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure and scheduled an appointment for a later date. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 72,727.

After an unexpected battery failure, truck shuttered and jerked violently when coming to a stop. Replaced battery and was driving home when shuttering returned and dropped into neutral as if it was trying to find the gear. Pull over and was within inches of being rear ended as it rolled to a stop on shoulder. Forced to abandon vehicle while waiting for tow truck for safety. Concerns were raised to dealer around 50k miles when something seemed off, but was dismissed with the excuse that it was normal. Now with 120k, I have nothing more than a $45k yard ornament.

Transmission shifts hard and seemingly late and early (sometimes to the extent where it feels like someone is slamming into the vehicle). This has happened since purchase in 2019 ( when I told them about it them about it they tried to tell me it was normal and acted like I was a fool), continues to get worse especially in stop and go traffic at lower speeds, but does it at all different speeds.

When turning off the road to the right or left and then again left or ight in a parking lot, vehicle loses power steering and electronic functions, resulting in no ability to steer away for other objects or pedestrians. This is a major safety concern and i have stopped driving it since it started doing this. So basically any low speed turning from Right to Left or Left to Right i lose the ability to steer. When it happened at night at eh grocery store parking lot i noticed the interior lights flickered out and then back on also.

My transmission shifts very hard from first to second gear, and when accelerating onto a freeway. It literally jolts the entire vehicle. Recently on two occasions at less than 5 mph it shifted so hard it felt as if I was struck from behind by another vehicle. I’ve been told by my local GMC service department that it is a “learning” transmission and it’s learning how I drive. That was their remedy.

Vehicle shakes and shudders. Transmission required to be replaced at 70,710 miles. Dealership said the torque converter and transmission failure is a common event in these vehicles and wasn't covered under warranty

Transmission Harsh 1-2 shift. Under light or heavy throttle. While driving the vehicle on first or second shift the vehicle has a delay to engage into shift making it a safety issue under normal conditions. If shift happens under rain will activate traction control almost making you lose control. Due to transmission not engaging correctly or delayed. Upon slowing down the transmission down gear feels as if someone hit my truck from behind. Feels like whiplash from initial engagement to first and second gear and again whiplash for passengers especially kids in car seats when slowing down. # 16-NA-361 information on Transmission Harsh 1-2 shift. This is the bulletin GMC has put out in response to my hard shift when I took into dealer for repair. It also gives the direction DO NOT Replace any parts for this condition. This issue also began at 40k miles and under warranty Dealer doesn’t want to fix. At 80k miles even no warranty dealer won’t fix due to no check engine light on. How can the dealership state they can’t repair the issue being a safety issue. Or give another options to help fix the issue. Other than just buy a new car and hope it doesn’t have the same issues

While putting truck into gear the transmission will not engage and will rev up and then take off or when coming to a stop the adaptive shift clunks very hard as if someone has hit you from behind. It will then surge forward without any warning. I have had it in to the dealer several times and they tell me it a know issue but they wont do anything about it.

The AC condenser failed and AC will no longer work. This puts my family at risk during the hot summer days and can no longer use it to transport them due to extreme temperatures while not constantly in motion. Problem was confirmed by mechanic when I brought the truck in regarding AC no longer working. This is a known issue and I am requesting GM to finally release an official recall.

The contact owns a 2016 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the service trailer brake system warning light illuminated with an audible sound. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

The a/C condenser has a crack and leaked out the refrigerant. Is the manufacturer covering this repair. It does seem to be very common. 2016 gmc Sierra. I did put dye in to locate the leak.

When I was driving down the road the transmission just quit working. But I have had ongoing problems of the truck shifting hard and popping out of gear while driving. I have also went to get on the interstate and the truck pop out of gear while merging in traffic now I can’t go more than a mile or 2 miles and truck quits moving completely. I have to turn truck off then bank on it will drive a mile and do the same thing again which has left me stranded in the middle of the road.

I pulled out in traffic with enough room to accelerate to the appropriate speed and my transmission begin to shutter and slip. My truck would not go! I was afraid I would be struck in the rear. This was the first sign of malfunction. I took truck in that day to Hardy GMC in Dallas GA. They informed me my transmissions was ruined. 84,000 miles. I have never towed anything, except golf clubs suitcases, and family members. It shameful that these transmissions are failing around the country with very little wear on them. I repaired the transmissions at an expense to me of $4,500. The warranty on the original transmission was only 60,000 miles, however, the warranty on the remanufactured transmission is 3 year or 100,000 mile. What a joke. Do the right thing. Back your product.

At low speeds my brakes do not work well. Mostly while driving at idle speeds like in a parking lot the brake pedal gets hard and the truck does not stop very easily. If you idle the truck up to a higher RPM, the brakes begin to function properly again.

The contact owns a 2016 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the steering wheel would jerk in the opposite direction of where the vehicle was driving. Their service stabili-trac warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed with a negative battery cable fault. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 99,000. The consumer stated the vehicle was repaired on May 5, 2022.

I purchased a certified pre owned 2016 sierra slt in February and just after a month of owning it a notification started to pop up and chime on my dash stating "SERVICE TRAILER BRAKE SYSTEM". I have had my truck in the shop multiple times after to have this issue repaired and nothing has worked. They replaced the dash GM Genuine Part 84108373 break controller switch and buttons, the GM Genuine Part 23337305 trailer brake control module as well as the 7/4 pin 23404450 GM OEM Trailer Tow Receptacle. Nothing has fixed this issue! when the truck chimes I lose my trailer breaks and this is extremely dangerous hauling a camper weight 6500lbs. I also lose the ability to make phone calls, hear my blinker also the radio. This renders my truck inoperable and a danger to drive.

Rear window defrost malfunctioned during remote start and electrical fire happened inside cab and shattered window. Vehicle caught on fire due to recall on 02/26/22 at 1AM and is at McGrath GMC in Cedar Rapids, IA. They will not release the vehicle due to safety issues; rental vehicle is not being provided and they have no update on when dealer will reach out to consumer. Dealer has been contacted multiple times.

Similar to the Canadian recall that effected those models, the rear defrost on the power sliding window malfunctioned, produced a weird smell like fire and promptly exploded, shattering the window. Vehicle is being used normally with no aftermarket products.

The contact owns a 2016 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormally loud sound inside the cabin of the vehicle. The contact stated that the front and rear driver’s and passenger’s side air bags had inadvertently deployed without being involved in a crash. The vehicle loss motive power and stalled. The driver and the contact’s son who was sitting in the front passenger’s seat were struck on the head with the air bags however, there were no injuries. Medical attention was not needed. No police report was filed. There were no warning lights illuminated on the vehicle. The vehicle was restarted after several minutes and driven back to the residence. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer to be diagnosed; however, the mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 112,000. THE CONSUMER STATED THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THE OWNER/DRIVER WAS NOT AT FAULT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED AND NOT COST TO THE CONSUMER. THE CONSUMER HAD NOT YET BEEN REPAIRED AS OF 5/18/22.

We recently had the recall installed on our truck, which was a brake software update for "increased brake pedal effort". No other work was performed and we had had no other issues prior to the recall being performed. Now, after the recall software update, we have all of the symptoms of the low speed increased brake pedal effort. There have been multiple times where we can barely get the truck to stop at low speed in a parking lot. The brake pedal vibrates and can hardly be pressed. Took it back to the dealer to complain about the recall installed and they said they would give a small discount for a vacuum pump repair but other than that there was nothing they could do due to our high mileage.

Used auto start, got in truck few minutes later and heard from rear window and a hissing and smelled electrical burning in the cab and saw smoke coming from driver side rear power sliding window. I shut off the rear window defroster and brought it to the Freehold Buick GMC dealership in NJ. They told me they tried to duplicate problem and couldn't find anything wrong. Returned to me with no corrective action taken by them. Two days later with the rear defroster on the drivers side rear window exploded and shattered while I was driving which startled me and almost caused an accident. When I returned to dealership they said it wasn't their problem as they couldn't find anything wrong and to replace it would be 1500 dollars. As of this complaint, I see there are 17 other identical complaints. There is also a customer satisfaction program (laughable) from GMC #N192265660 which identifies the problem and action the dealerships are supposed to take. But only for certain areas in the USA, Which mine did not. (purchased in PA, registered in NJ). How this is not a recall is ridiculous. It is listed as a "thermal event" Not sure how they got away with this. Its the incipient stages of a fire period. It involves a window which when starrers completes obstructs your vision and is a cut and blinding action if gets in eyes while driving. I implore the NHTSB to investigate this and order a full recall. It likely caused injuries or deaths already that are not known or reported as the reason

The contact owns a 2016 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while attempting to park the vehicle, the brakes failed to function as needed while being depressed. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and was awaiting a response. The failure mileage was unavailable.

Brakes failed in parking lot, had a solid pedal and could not get truck to stop

Neither of the two rear seat head rests stay up. Also, they are too low when extended to full height to protect an adult from head injury in a crash or hard stop. Your head hits the rear glass window. I am 5'-9" tall. The head rest does not lock or remain up in any position. Applying very light pressure to the head rest causes it to drop all the way down. This occurs if you sit in the seat and lean your head back. I'm concerned that someone will be injured if these head rests aren't made to engage and stay in the extended positions. The front rests have a lock button that you must push to lower the head rest. The rear ones do not have this feature. This problem has occurred since the vehicle was new. I mentioned it to the dealer but they said that is how they are designed.

The engine light has come on with issues for transmission and the engine is shuttering/skipping. The tech found lifter failure and truck needs a transmission. I have been in contact with GM about this issues and submitted the repair cost for review.

At low speed, parking in reverse, brakes began failing. Symptoms included a vibrating brake pedal, and a large change in the amount of pressure needed to depress the brake pedal (low pressure required). Pedal went to floor without stopping power. Symptoms match existing NHRTA campaign 20V603, but 2016 is not currently covered by the existing recall.

Torque converter went out causing hesitations which led to the entire transmission needing replaced.

The Power Steering suddenly failed while I was driving at 50 mph in the highway The steering was so hard that I can barely moved, I have to figure out to not crash the side by side vehicles Not yet I will take my car to the mechanic tomorrow No there was not any symptoms before the failure

When placing the truck in Drive, there is a very hard 'clunk' between first and second gear. Additionally, when driving, the truck shakes/shudders, mostly on the highway, but sometimes in town when driving between 25 and 70 m.p.h. The first instance was in March, 2019 whereby the dealer indicated this was normal operation for this transmission. As it seemed to get worse, I took it back and was told the transmission fluid was the wrong type and I had to pay to get it evacuated and changed out, even though this was an error on GMs part.

I purchased the 2016 GMC Sierra new. From the very start I felt there were issues with the transmission. I took the truck in for the shaking, vibrations and clunking in the trans with 5058 miles. Over the next 36 months I had the truck in 7 times and 3 different dealerships to get the trans fixed. Only once did they really do anything where they changed the fluid. I lived with the issues after the warranty expired as GM would not do anything to fix it. Now at 66,000 miles the vibrations have gotten so severe I am afraid to drive the truck. At no point has the truck not had vibrations, only they have increased. And now I have had 2 check engine warnings both dealing with the trans.

-Engine gas consumption states 21 MPG Highway, 17 MPG combined and 15 MPG City. -When I started using vehicle during the first weeks and months the best MPG I could geta at the highway was 18.5 MPG with top-tier gas. -Ever since I bought the vehicle, the gas MPG have gone down around 0.5 MPG. The vehicle feels that it has to use more gas in order to perform the level of task everyday. -The motor oil pump at times moves down from the 40 mark to the 20 mark when idle at traffic light and it starts moving, it temporarily goes to the 60 mark. At other times when idle it stays in the 30 mark. -The transmission is an 8 speed automatic. It has issues shifting 1st and 2nd gear, and at times 3rd gear as well. When driving at slow speeds like in a traffic jam, mall parking, do a u turn or when you slow down at the traffic light and then turns green and you start accelerating again it feels harsh on gearing up and down. -This vehicle has the Active Fuel Management (AFM) system, it turns on even at slower speeds and you feel how the engine and transmission struggle to accelerate, go a gear up and push the vehicle with only 4 cylinders. Like in manual transmissions when you accelerate on a higher gear than the correct one, it takes forever to accelerate and properly change to 8 cylinder and establish the correct gear and ratio. -Even if all 8 cylinders on it it feels like if I am running on a smaller engine. -There was a fix done to the transmission for a valve, but the vehicle still runs

At very low speed, my brakes fail. They work fine at regular speed. It’s only when I am parking or like at a drive thru. I almost hit someone.

Sitting at a traffic light, I could smell smoke. My Entertainment dispatch was showing a Green lightening bolt, and I knew that my phone didnt work on the center console charging pad. I lifted up the center console pad, and it was completely full of smoke. It appears that a bad design by GM has the wire running up to the wireless charging pad, in the same path as the lid hinge, and it appears that over time, the hinge has worn away all of the protective material on the wiring harness. The wiring harness is burned and charred for as long as the eye can see. Unsure what has been affected by this yet, as it goes into the shop tomorrow.

When making turns left and right at low speeds power to the truck shuts off, the steering wheel jerks left or right and warning lights and beeps are activated. The vehicle will continue through momentum, but as you try to turn the steering wheel, the wheel will jerk violently rendering the turn dangerous. This also happens when backing up and turning. The vehicle has to placed in park, ignition shut off and turned back on to continue through the turn and drive. This issue is sporadic and unpredictable. I've avoided near accidents on 5 occasions. The same symptoms occurred during the 2015 GMC Power Steering recall. I've contacted a dealership but was told it could not be fixed without my VIN number being included in the recall.