Reliability
GMC

Sierra HD (3rd)

2015-2019 · Heavy-Duty Truck · 6 engines
462 NHTSA Complaints
30 Recalls
17 Fire Reports
21 Crash Reports
Data covers 2 NHTSA model names
SIERRA 2500SIERRA 3500
View all 3 generations of the GMC Sierra HD → Inspection checklist

Reliability Score

7.5 / 10

Reliability score

About as many owner complaints as similar heavy-duty trucks

The class average is 7.0. Based on complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the engine, transmission or drivetrain.

Owners filed 142 powertrain complaints. A typical heavy-duty truck fleet of this size and age would have drawn about 176.

Scores this low have often eased: the three years after looked about 0.8 points better in the typical case.

Breakdown
Complaints overall142 complaints against about 176 for similar vehicles
7.5
Last three years47 complaints against about 57 for similar vehicles
7.5
Engine, transmission or drive unit failed or replaced17 complaints against about 23 for similar vehicles
7.7
Oil consumption, fuel in the oil or overheating
n/aNot enough data

Each line scores one view of the same complaints the same way, so the lines overlap. The mark on each bar is the class average. A line needs 20 expected complaints to show a number.

By model year
  • 20157.7
  • 20167.9
  • 20176.0
  • 20188.4
  • 20198.0

Diesel: no clear difference from the gas version (93 complaints, 223,268 built)

Similar vehicles are others in the same class, compared at the same age and in the same years. The score counts complaints owners filed with NHTSA, per vehicle built, which is different from the share of vehicles that fail. How the score is worked out

On the record

No serious powertrain recall covering 5% or more of this generation and no escalated investigation in NHTSA's files. Warranty extensions and settlements have not been researched.

Complaints by Engine Code

Show

LML

6.6L 8-cyl Turbo
153 complaints 91.0 per year Diesel
5 fire reports
View details

L5P - Direct Injection, DURAMAX, GEN 5, VAR 1

6.6L 8-cyl Turbo
124 complaints 28.0 per year Diesel
8 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

engine
30
electrical
26
other
25
brakes
23
fuel system
16

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

5.3L 8-cyl
74 complaints 16.5 per year Gasoline
3 fire reports
View details

L96

6.0L 8-cyl
62 complaints 10.0 per year Gasoline
1 fire report
View details

GMC Sierra HD Unidentified Engine

28 complaints 5.6 per year
View details

Complaint Breakdown

exterior
8
other
4
safety systems
4
engine
4
electrical
3

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

6.2L 8-cyl
18 complaints 8.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

transmission
10
brakes
4
exterior
2
safety systems
1
other
1
Show 2 additional engine variants with limited data
These engines appear in fewer than 10 owner complaints. A low count can mean a clean record, and it can also be a VIN-decode anomaly in NHTSA's data.

LV3 - VVT, Aluminum, E85 Max

4.3L 6-cyl
2 complaints 2.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Owner Complaints by System

Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the GMC Sierra HD, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.

Exterior: 78 owner complaints
Brakes: 75 owner complaints
Electrical System: 68 owner complaints
Engine: 60 owner complaints
Transmission: 57 owner complaints

What to check on a used 2015-2019 GMC Sierra HD

On a used 2015-2019 GMC Sierra HD, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the exterior lighting (78), the brakes (75) and the electrical system (68). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.

  1. Check every exterior light, the wipers, the washers, the mirrors and the glass.Safety. NHTSA has 78 owner complaints on the 2015-2019 GMC Sierra HD about the exterior lighting.
  2. On an empty road, brake firmly from 40 mph with a light grip on the wheel.Safety. NHTSA has 75 owner complaints on the 2015-2019 GMC Sierra HD about the brakes.
  3. Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 68 owner complaints on the 2015-2019 GMC Sierra HD about the electrical system.
  4. Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 60 owner complaints on the 2015-2019 GMC Sierra HD about the engine, all engines combined.
  5. Accelerate gently through every gear, then once at full throttle. Shift into Reverse and back to Drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 57 owner complaints on the 2015-2019 GMC Sierra HD about the transmission and drivetrain, all engines combined.
Open the full inspection checklist for the 2015-2019 GMC Sierra HD

Recalls (30)

26V611000Sep 24, 2026serious
Air Bags

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500/3500, GMC Sierra 2500/3500 vehicles, and 2016-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles. The left-side or right-side roof rail air bag (RRAB) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator or the inflator sidewall may rupture.

26V325000May 21, 2026serious
Air Bags

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, GMC Sierra 2500, and Sierra 3500 vehicles. The left-side or right-side roof rail air bag (RRAB) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator or the inflator sidewall may rupture.

26V166000Mar 19, 2026serious
Air Bags

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, GMC Sierra 2500, and Sierra 3500 Crew Cab vehicles. The left or right-side roof rail air bag (RRAB) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator or the inflator sidewall may rupture.

25V432000Jun 26, 2025serious
Air Bags

General Motors (GM) is recalling certain 2018 GMC Sierra 1500, 2019 Sierra 2500, 3500, Chevrolet Silverado 3500, and Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew Cab vehicles. The left or right-side roof-rail air bag (RRAB) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator or the inflator sidewall may rupture.

24V756000Oct 10, 2024serious
Air Bags

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2018-2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, and GMC Sierra 2500, 3500 Crew Cab trucks. The left or right-side roof-rail air bag (RRAB) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator or the inflator sidewall may rupture.

Show 25 older recalls
23V047000Feb 2, 2023serious
Fuel System, Diesel

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, and GMC Sierra 2500, 3500 vehicles equipped with a dual fuel tank option. The rear fuel tank may collapse and prevent the fuel pump from transferring fuel to the front tank, resulting in an engine stall.

21V504000Jul 1, 2021serious
Air Bags

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2016 GMC Sierra 1500, 2500, 3500, and Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks. The roof-rail air bag (RRAB) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator, or the inflator sidewall may rupture.

21V496000Jul 1, 2021serious
Equipment

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500 and 2017-2019 GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles equipped with a Duramax diesel 6.6 liter engine and an optional engine-block heater cord. An electrical short-circuit may occur in the engine-block heater cable or in the terminals that connect the heater cable to the block heater.

20V736000Nov 25, 2020serious
Air Bags

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2016 GMC Sierra 1500 and Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and 2015 GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500, and Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 trucks. The roof-rail air bag (RRAB) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator.

19V328000Apr 25, 2019serious
Engine

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 4500, 5500 and 6500 vehicles and 2017-2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 vehicles and GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles equipped with Duramax 6.6 liter diesel engines and an optional engine-block heater. The engine block heater cord or the terminals that connect the heater cord to the block heater may short circuit and fail.

19V088000Feb 7, 2019serious
Fuel System

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2018 GMC Sierra 3500 and Chevrolet Silverado 3500 trucks equipped with gasoline engines and dual fuel tanks. The fuel-level sensor in the front tank may stick in a low-level position, allowing the rear tank to overfill the front tank.

18V578000Aug 30, 2018serious
Service Brakes

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, 1500 Crew Cab Special Service, Tahoe Police Pursuit/Special Service, GMC Sierra 2500, and 3500 vehicles. The brake pedal pivot nut may loosen, causing the brake pedal to be loose or inoperative.

17V664000Oct 19, 2017serious
Fuel System

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 and GMC Sierra 3500 trucks equipped with dual fuel tanks. The low fuel level sensor for the front tank may stick causing the rear tank to overfill the front tank.

17V567000Sep 14, 2017serious
Seat Belts

General Motors (GM) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 trucks. The front seat belt retractor assemblies were built with the incorrect torsion bar. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 209, "Seat Belt Assemblies."

17V437000Jul 10, 2017serious
Air Bags

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse and Chevrolet Spark EV, Caprice PPV and SS vehicles, 2014-2017 Buick Encore and Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles, 2015-2016 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Trax, Suburban and Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL vehicles, and 2015-2017 GMC Sierra HD 2500 and 3500 vehicles. While being previously remedied for recall 16V-651, the affected vehicles may not have received the complete software update necessary to remedy the recall condition. Without the update, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.

16V651000Sep 8, 2016serious
Air Bags

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD, 3500 HD, Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Sierra 2500 HD and 3500 HD, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles and 2014-2017 Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500, Trax, Caprice Police Pursuit Vehicle, GMC Sierra 1500, Buick Encore, and 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse, Chevrolet Spark EV and SS vehicles. In the affected vehicles, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.

16V084000Feb 11, 2016serious
Electrical System

Genera Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chevrolet Camaro, Malibu, Silverado and GMC Sierra vehicles. 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."

16V069000Feb 5, 2016serious
Service Brakes

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, and 3500 heavy duty trucks manufactured October 1, 2013, to February 1, 2016, 2015-2016 Chevrolet Tahoe Police Pursuit Vehicles (PPV) manufactured March 1, 2014, to February 1, 2016, and 2015-2016 GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 heavy duty trucks manufactured October 29, 2013, to February 1, 2016. On the affected vehicles, the brake pedal pivot nut may loosen, causing the brake pedal to be loose or inoperative.

15V830000Dec 10, 2015serious
Air Bags

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pick up trucks manufactured October 13, 2015, to October 14, 2015. 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.

15V640000Oct 9, 2015serious
Electrical System

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra trucks manufactured January 24, 2014, to February 26, 2014, 2015 Chevrolet Suburban vehicles manufactured February 12, 2014 and Chevrolet Tahoe vehicles manufactured February 6, 2014, to February 13, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the ignition lock actuator may bind, making turning the key difficult or causing the ignition to get stuck in the "Start" position.

14V819000Dec 24, 2014serious
Powertrain

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles manufactured November 24, 2014, to November 25, 2014. Due to an improper heat-treatment, the rear axle shaft may fracture while the vehicle is being driven.

14V820000Dec 24, 2014serious
Fuel System, Diesel

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015 Chevrolet Silverado HD diesel vehicles manufactured September 30, 2014, to October 21, 2014, and GMC Sierra HD diesel vehicles manufactured October 8, 2014, to October 21, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the hose clamp that secures the fuel tank vent line may not have been properly tightened during assembly.

14V719000Nov 10, 2014serious
Steering

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015 Chevrolet Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra, and Yukon XL vehicles, equipped with electric power steering (EPS). Due to a problem with the EPS module, the affected vehicles may experience a sudden loss of power steering assist during vehicle operation.

14V446000Jul 23, 2014serious
Seats

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Buick Encore and Cadillac ATS; 2014 Cadillac CTS, ELR, Chevrolet Caprice and SS vehicles; and 2014-2015 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra Trucks. Due to an incomplete weld on the seat hook bracket assembly, the front seats in the affected vehicles may not stay secured in place during a high load condition such as a crash.

14V374000Jun 27, 2014serious
Powertrain

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra vehicles, and model year 2015 GMC Yukon and Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe vehicles. In the affected vehicles, an electrical signal short may cause the transfer case to shift to neutral without the driver's input.

14V339000Jun 19, 2014serious
Service Brakes

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 HD vehicles manufactured October 1, 2013 to September 20, 2014, and 2015 GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 HD vehicles manufactured September 30, 2013, to September 20, 2014. The power steering hose clamp may disconnect from the power steering pump or gear, causing a loss of power steering fluid.

14V301000Jun 6, 2014serious
Electrical System

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra, and 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban vehicles equipped with a base radio and an internal amplifier. The radios in the affected vehicles may become inoperative, and as a result, there would be no audible chime to notify the driver if the door is opened with the key in the ignition or no audible seat belt warning indicating the seat belts were not buckled. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention," and 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

14V265000May 20, 2014serious
Electrical System

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015 Chevrolet Silverado HD vehicles manufactured January 8, 2014, through February 27, 2014, and 2015 GMC Sierra HD vehicles manufactured January 9, 2014, through February 14, 2014, and equipped with a 220 Amp Generator (RPO KW5). In the affected vehicles, the retention clips that attach the fuse block to the vehicle body can become loose allowing the fuse block to move out of position. If this occurs, exposed conductors in the fuse block may contact the mounting studs or other metallic components, causing a short to ground event.

14V213000Apr 25, 2014serious
Fuel System, Diesel

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015 Chevrolet Silverado HD, and GMC Sierra HD vehicles manufactured February 11, 2014, through February 19, 2014, and equipped with diesel engines and dual fuel tanks. In the affected vehicles, the fuel pipe connections on both sides of the diesel fuel transfer pump may not be properly torqued which may result in a diesel fuel leak.

14V007000Jan 13, 2014serious
Engine & Cooling

General Motors is recalling certain 2014 model year Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles, and 2015 model year Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV; Chevrolet Silverado HD; and GMC Sierra HD, Yukon, and Yukon XL, equipped with a 4.3L engine or 5.3L engine.

Alternatives in Heavy-Duty Truck

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Owners have filed 462 complaints with NHTSA about the 2015-2019 GMC Sierra HD. The systems they name most often are the exterior, the brakes and the electrical system.

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

That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 462 complaints with NHTSA about the 2015-2019 GMC Sierra HD. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.

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

NHTSA has 462 owner complaints on file for the 2015-2019 GMC Sierra HD as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.

What recalls affect the 2015-2019 GMC Sierra HD?

NHTSA lists 30 recalls covering some 2015-2019 GMC Sierra HD vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.

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

Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the exterior, the brakes and the electrical system, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and 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. 462 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.

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