2016 GMC Sierra: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own
Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data
Refined and capable, but the 8-speed transmission shows shudder/harsh shifting and the 5.3L V8 AFM system can cause lifter failure and elevated oil consumption. 4 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2016 GMC Sierra ranged from $27,815 to $51,190 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).
This listing
Context from the listing you were viewing, not a market-price judgement.
Refined and capable, but the 8-speed transmission shows shudder/harsh shifting and the 5.3L V8 AFM system can cause lifter failure and elevated oil consumption.
Sources (3)
- cars.comhttps://www.cars.com/research/gmc-sierra_1500-2016/consumer-reviews/
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/gmc/sierra-1500
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=gmc&model=sierra%20…
Known issues
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5.3L V8 Active Fuel Management (AFM) can cause collapsed lifters, bent pushrods and elevated oil consumption.
commonly reported · 85 NHTSA complaints · typically 67k–150k miles · engine
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8-speed (8L90) automatic exhibits shudder, harsh shifting and hesitation, sometimes failing earlier than expected.
commonly reported · 75 NHTSA complaints · typically 68k–100k miles · transmission
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Brake vacuum-pump degradation can reduce power-brake assist at low speeds (subject of a GM recall).
occasional · 60 NHTSA complaints · brake
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Electric power steering can intermittently lose assist (recalled on some trucks).
occasional · 20 NHTSA complaints · steering
Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.
Sources (1)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=gmc&model=sierra%20…
Recalls & safety
Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.
Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.
Trims & original pricing
| Trim | Original base MSRP | New today | Engine | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base | $27,815 | discontinued | — | — |
| SLE | $34,565 | $48,700 | — | — |
| SLT | $41,960 | $55,100 | — | — |
| Denali | $51,190 | $66,100 | — | — |
Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Sources (2)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2016-gmc-sierra_1500-price
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/gmc-sierra-1500-price
Depreciation
Move your cursor along the line to see the estimated value for any year.
This listing sits above the typical depreciation curve. Common for heavily-optioned cars and for 2021-2023 model years (pandemic-era pricing); the curve is anchored at base MSRP, which excludes options.
Curve anchored at the entry-trim base MSRP ($27,815). Higher trims started higher (up to $51,190), and options added more.
The curve's data ends 10 years in, so the line levels off after that. Treat the tail as a floor, not a forecast: asking prices for older cars depend mostly on condition, mileage, and the current market, and often sit well above it.
Sources (1)
- caredge.comhttps://caredge.com/gmc/sierra-1500/depreciation
Cost to own
| Routine maintenance | ≈ $800–850/yr |
| Insurance (medium tier) | ≈ $2,400–2,500/yr |
National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.
Sources (1)
- caredge.comhttps://caredge.com/gmc/sierra-1500/depreciation
Frequently asked questions
What problems does the 2016 GMC Sierra have?
Documented issue patterns include: 5.3L V8 Active Fuel Management (AFM) can cause collapsed lifters, bent pushrods and elevated oil consumption; 8-speed (8L90) automatic exhibits shudder, harsh shifting and hesitation, sometimes failing earlier than expected; Brake vacuum-pump degradation can reduce power-brake assist at low speeds (subject of a GM recall); Electric power steering can intermittently lose assist (recalled on some trucks). Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.
Is the 2016 GMC Sierra reliable?
Refined and capable, but the 8-speed transmission shows shudder/harsh shifting and the 5.3L V8 AFM system can cause lifter failure and elevated oil consumption.
How much did the 2016 GMC Sierra cost new?
Between $27,815 and $51,190 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Is the GMC Sierra expensive to maintain?
Estimated routine maintenance runs about $800–850/year.
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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.