GMC

Sierra HD (3rd)

2015-2019 · Heavy-Duty Truck · 4 engines
Best Engine ⚠️ Caution (3.0)
585 NHTSA Complaints
0 Recalls
19 Fire Reports
33 Crash Reports
Includes data from: SIERRA 2500SIERRA 3500
View all 3 generations of the GMC Sierra HD → 📋 Inspection checklist

Engine Reliability Ratings

L86 - SIDI: Spark Ignited Direct Injection, VVT: Variable Valve Timing, AFM, E85 MAX, ALUM

6.2L 8-cyl
⚠️ Caution (3.0)
36 complaints 16.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

transmission
20
brakes
8
exterior
4
safety systems
2
other
2

Known Issues

Transmission Issues (20 complaints)
Brakes Issues (8 complaints)
Exterior Issues (4 complaints)

L96

6.0L 8-cyl
⚠️ Caution (2.3)
61 complaints 11.5 per year Gasoline
1 fire report
View details

Complaint Breakdown

transmission
13
other
12
electrical
10
wheels tires
9
exterior
7

Known Issues

Transmission Issues (13 complaints)
Electrical System Issues (10 complaints)
Wheels/Tires Issues (9 complaints)

L83 -Spark Ignited Direct Injection, Variable Valve Timing, AFM, E85 MAX, ALUM

5.3L 8-cyl
Avoid (1.1)
147 complaints 33.0 per year Gasoline
6 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

exterior
36
transmission
34
brakes
32
steering
17
electrical
15

Known Issues

Exterior Issues (36 complaints)
Transmission Issues (34 complaints)
Typical onset: 415–24,000 mi
Brakes Issues (32 complaints)

LML

6.6L 8-cyl Turbo
Avoid (1.0)
292 complaints 99.0 per year Diesel
12 fire reports
View details

3 additional engine variants with fewer than 10 complaints not shown.

Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the GMC Sierra HD regardless of engine variant.

Exterior Issues (92 complaints)
exterior critical
Brakes Issues (89 complaints)
brakes critical
Electrical System Issues (73 complaints)
electrical critical
Transmission Issues (69 complaints)
transmission critical
Engine Issues (53 complaints)
engine critical

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2015-2019 GMC Sierra HD problems?

The 2015-2019 GMC Sierra HD has accumulated 585 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Exterior, Brakes, Electrical System. As with any used vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection and vehicle history report are recommended.

Which GMC Sierra HD engine is most reliable?

The 2015-2019 GMC Sierra HD was offered with 7 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 6.6L 8-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.

Is the 2015-2019 GMC Sierra HD a good used car?

The 2015-2019 GMC Sierra HD can be a solid used car purchase depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 585 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2015-2019 GMC Sierra HD have?

The 2015-2019 GMC Sierra HD has 585 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.

What recalls affect the 2015-2019 GMC Sierra HD?

There are 0 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2015-2019 GMC Sierra HD vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.

What should I check before buying a used GMC Sierra HD?

Before buying a used GMC Sierra HD, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Exterior, Brakes, Electrical System, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.

Does the Sierra HD have NHTSA crash test ratings?

NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2015-2019 GMC Sierra HD. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 585 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-04-07.

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