GMC Sierra: best & worst years

Here is every GMC Sierra model year we cover (2005–2024), ranked by our reliability verdict, with the owner-reported problems behind each one.

Every GMC Sierra year, ranked

YearVerdictScoreTop owner-reported problems
2024 Caution 6 6.2L V8 (L87) connecting-rod, crankshaft bearing and lifter/camshaft failures can cause sudden loss of engine power; subject of GM recalls on 2021-2024 V8 trucks.; 8-speed (8L90) and 10-speed automatic transmissions can exhibit harsh shifting, shuddering, hesitation and torque-converter problems.; Electrical and early build-quality glitches reported, including ground-strap corrosion that can affect multiple systems. Full report ↗
2023 Caution 6 6.2L V8 (L87) connecting-rod, crankshaft bearing and lifter/camshaft failures can cause sudden loss of engine power; subject of GM recalls on 2021-2024 V8 trucks.; 8-speed (8L90) and 10-speed automatic transmissions can exhibit harsh shifting, shuddering, hesitation and torque-converter problems.; Electrical and early build-quality glitches reported, including ground-strap corrosion that can affect multiple systems. Full report ↗
2022 Caution 6 6.2L V8 (L87) connecting-rod, crankshaft bearing and lifter/camshaft failures can cause sudden loss of engine power; subject of GM recalls on 2021-2024 V8 trucks.; 8-speed (8L90) and 10-speed automatic transmissions can exhibit harsh shifting, shuddering, hesitation and torque-converter problems.; Electrical and early build-quality glitches reported, including ground-strap corrosion that can affect multiple systems. Full report ↗
2021 Caution 6 6.2L V8 (L87) connecting-rod, crankshaft bearing and lifter/camshaft failures can cause sudden loss of engine power; subject of GM recalls on 2021-2024 V8 trucks.; 8-speed (8L90) and 10-speed automatic transmissions can exhibit harsh shifting, shuddering, hesitation and torque-converter problems.; Electrical and early build-quality glitches reported, including ground-strap corrosion that can affect multiple systems. Full report ↗
2020 Caution 6 6.2L V8 (L87) connecting-rod, crankshaft bearing and lifter/camshaft failures can cause sudden loss of engine power; subject of GM recalls on 2021-2024 V8 trucks.; 8-speed (8L90) and 10-speed automatic transmissions can exhibit harsh shifting, shuddering, hesitation and torque-converter problems.; Electrical and early build-quality glitches reported, including ground-strap corrosion that can affect multiple systems. Full report ↗
2019 Caution 6 6.2L V8 (L87) connecting-rod, crankshaft bearing and lifter/camshaft failures can cause sudden loss of engine power; subject of GM recalls on 2021-2024 V8 trucks.; 8-speed (8L90) and 10-speed automatic transmissions can exhibit harsh shifting, shuddering, hesitation and torque-converter problems.; Electrical and early build-quality glitches reported, including ground-strap corrosion that can affect multiple systems. Full report ↗
2018 Caution 6 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). Full report ↗
2017 Caution 6 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). Full report ↗
2016 Caution 6 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). Full report ↗
2015 Caution 6 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). Full report ↗
2014 Caution 6 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). Full report ↗
2013 Caution 6 Takata passenger airbag inflator recall, with extended parts-availability delays for the remedy.; Frame and body-panel corrosion (rocker panels, bed, crossmembers) in salt-belt climates, in severe cases compromising structural integrity.; Late-generation 5.3L V8 AFM lifter failures (lifter collapse, bent pushrods). Full report ↗
2012 Caution 6 Takata passenger airbag inflator recall, with extended parts-availability delays for the remedy.; Frame and body-panel corrosion (rocker panels, bed, crossmembers) in salt-belt climates, in severe cases compromising structural integrity.; Late-generation 5.3L V8 AFM lifter failures (lifter collapse, bent pushrods). Full report ↗
2011 Caution 6 Takata passenger airbag inflator recall, with extended parts-availability delays for the remedy.; Frame and body-panel corrosion (rocker panels, bed, crossmembers) in salt-belt climates, in severe cases compromising structural integrity.; Late-generation 5.3L V8 AFM lifter failures (lifter collapse, bent pushrods). Full report ↗
2010 Caution 6 Takata passenger airbag inflator recall, with extended parts-availability delays for the remedy.; Frame and body-panel corrosion (rocker panels, bed, crossmembers) in salt-belt climates, in severe cases compromising structural integrity.; Late-generation 5.3L V8 AFM lifter failures (lifter collapse, bent pushrods). Full report ↗
2009 Caution 6 Takata passenger airbag inflator recall, with extended parts-availability delays for the remedy.; Frame and body-panel corrosion (rocker panels, bed, crossmembers) in salt-belt climates, in severe cases compromising structural integrity.; Late-generation 5.3L V8 AFM lifter failures (lifter collapse, bent pushrods). Full report ↗
2008 Caution 6 Takata passenger airbag inflator recall, with extended parts-availability delays for the remedy.; Frame and body-panel corrosion (rocker panels, bed, crossmembers) in salt-belt climates, in severe cases compromising structural integrity.; Late-generation 5.3L V8 AFM lifter failures (lifter collapse, bent pushrods). Full report ↗
2007 Caution 6 Takata passenger airbag inflator recall, with extended parts-availability delays for the remedy.; Frame and body-panel corrosion (rocker panels, bed, crossmembers) in salt-belt climates, in severe cases compromising structural integrity.; Late-generation 5.3L V8 AFM lifter failures (lifter collapse, bent pushrods). Full report ↗
2006 Caution 6 Hydraulic brake lines corrode and can rupture, causing brake failure often with no warning, including on relatively low-mileage trucks.; Electrical faults including instrument-cluster/gauge failures, HVAC blower, and door lock/window problems.; Intermediate steering-shaft clunk/rattle and 4WD transfer-case selector faults. Full report ↗
2005 Caution 6 Hydraulic brake lines corrode and can rupture, causing brake failure often with no warning, including on relatively low-mileage trucks.; Electrical faults including instrument-cluster/gauge failures, HVAC blower, and door lock/window problems.; Intermediate steering-shaft clunk/rattle and 4WD transfer-case selector faults. Full report ↗

GMC Sierra problems by year

2024 GMC Sierra Caution

Capable, well-equipped full-size truck, but 6.2L V8 models fall under an active GM recall for connecting-rod/crankshaft defects that can cause engine failure, and transmission complaints persist.

  • 6.2L V8 (L87) connecting-rod, crankshaft bearing and lifter/camshaft failures can cause sudden loss of engine power; subject of GM recalls on 2021-2024 V8 trucks.
  • 8-speed (8L90) and 10-speed automatic transmissions can exhibit harsh shifting, shuddering, hesitation and torque-converter problems.
  • Electrical and early build-quality glitches reported, including ground-strap corrosion that can affect multiple systems.

2023 GMC Sierra Caution

Comfortable, capable half-ton with strong engines, but 6.2L V8 trucks share the connecting-rod/bearing engine-failure recall and owners report 8/10-speed transmission shudder.

  • 6.2L V8 (L87) connecting-rod, crankshaft bearing and lifter/camshaft failures can cause sudden loss of engine power; subject of GM recalls on 2021-2024 V8 trucks.
  • 8-speed (8L90) and 10-speed automatic transmissions can exhibit harsh shifting, shuddering, hesitation and torque-converter problems.
  • Electrical and early build-quality glitches reported, including ground-strap corrosion that can affect multiple systems.

2022 GMC Sierra Caution

Roomy, capable truck with a broad engine lineup, but 6.2L V8 models share the engine-failure recall scope and the automatic transmissions draw harsh-shift complaints.

  • 6.2L V8 (L87) connecting-rod, crankshaft bearing and lifter/camshaft failures can cause sudden loss of engine power; subject of GM recalls on 2021-2024 V8 trucks.
  • 8-speed (8L90) and 10-speed automatic transmissions can exhibit harsh shifting, shuddering, hesitation and torque-converter problems.
  • Electrical and early build-quality glitches reported, including ground-strap corrosion that can affect multiple systems.

2021 GMC Sierra Caution

Refreshed interior and strong powertrains, but 6.2L V8 trucks are covered by GM's engine-failure recall and the 8/10-speed transmissions draw shudder and harsh-shift complaints.

  • 6.2L V8 (L87) connecting-rod, crankshaft bearing and lifter/camshaft failures can cause sudden loss of engine power; subject of GM recalls on 2021-2024 V8 trucks.
  • 8-speed (8L90) and 10-speed automatic transmissions can exhibit harsh shifting, shuddering, hesitation and torque-converter problems.
  • Electrical and early build-quality glitches reported, including ground-strap corrosion that can affect multiple systems.

2020 GMC Sierra Caution

Capable and comfortable, but V8 lifter/camshaft engine complaints and transmission shudder are common, and some V8s fall within the later engine-failure recall scope.

  • 6.2L V8 (L87) connecting-rod, crankshaft bearing and lifter/camshaft failures can cause sudden loss of engine power; subject of GM recalls on 2021-2024 V8 trucks.
  • 8-speed (8L90) and 10-speed automatic transmissions can exhibit harsh shifting, shuddering, hesitation and torque-converter problems.
  • Electrical and early build-quality glitches reported, including ground-strap corrosion that can affect multiple systems.

2019 GMC Sierra Caution

First year of the redesign with a roomy interior and MultiPro tailgate, but it carries the generation's highest complaint volume, V8 lifter/camshaft failures and transmission shudder lead the reports.

  • 6.2L V8 (L87) connecting-rod, crankshaft bearing and lifter/camshaft failures can cause sudden loss of engine power; subject of GM recalls on 2021-2024 V8 trucks.
  • 8-speed (8L90) and 10-speed automatic transmissions can exhibit harsh shifting, shuddering, hesitation and torque-converter problems.
  • Electrical and early build-quality glitches reported, including ground-strap corrosion that can affect multiple systems.

2018 GMC Sierra Caution

Comfortable, capable half-ton; the main reliability watch-outs are 5.3L AFM lifter wear and 8-speed transmission shudder.

  • 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).

2017 GMC Sierra Caution

Smooth, quiet and capable, but the 8-speed transmission draws shudder complaints and the 5.3L V8 AFM system can cause lifter failure and oil consumption.

  • 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).

2016 GMC Sierra Caution

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.

  • 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).

2015 GMC Sierra Caution

Capable and refined, but carries this generation's highest complaint volume, AFM lifter failures, transmission shudder, brake-assist (vacuum pump) and power-steering issues.

  • 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).

2014 GMC Sierra Caution

First year of the redesign; a well-rounded truck, but early 5.3L AFM lifter and brake/steering complaints appear.

  • 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).

2013 GMC Sierra Caution

Durable, capable older half-ton; watch for frame/body corrosion, dashboard cracking, the Takata airbag recall and 5.3L AFM lifter wear.

  • Takata passenger airbag inflator recall, with extended parts-availability delays for the remedy.
  • Frame and body-panel corrosion (rocker panels, bed, crossmembers) in salt-belt climates, in severe cases compromising structural integrity.
  • Late-generation 5.3L V8 AFM lifter failures (lifter collapse, bent pushrods).

2012 GMC Sierra Caution

Comfortable and capable, but frame corrosion, the Takata airbag recall and dashboard cracking are common on higher-mileage trucks.

  • Takata passenger airbag inflator recall, with extended parts-availability delays for the remedy.
  • Frame and body-panel corrosion (rocker panels, bed, crossmembers) in salt-belt climates, in severe cases compromising structural integrity.
  • Late-generation 5.3L V8 AFM lifter failures (lifter collapse, bent pushrods).

2011 GMC Sierra Caution

Strong, durable V8 truck, but frame corrosion, the Takata airbag recall and dashboard cracking affect higher-mileage examples.

  • Takata passenger airbag inflator recall, with extended parts-availability delays for the remedy.
  • Frame and body-panel corrosion (rocker panels, bed, crossmembers) in salt-belt climates, in severe cases compromising structural integrity.
  • Late-generation 5.3L V8 AFM lifter failures (lifter collapse, bent pushrods).

2010 GMC Sierra Caution

Smooth, quiet V8 truck with strong owner satisfaction, but frame/body rust and electrical glitches affect higher-mileage examples.

  • Takata passenger airbag inflator recall, with extended parts-availability delays for the remedy.
  • Frame and body-panel corrosion (rocker panels, bed, crossmembers) in salt-belt climates, in severe cases compromising structural integrity.
  • Late-generation 5.3L V8 AFM lifter failures (lifter collapse, bent pushrods).

2009 GMC Sierra Caution

Capable and durable, but subject to the Takata airbag recall and prone to frame/body corrosion in salt-belt climates.

  • Takata passenger airbag inflator recall, with extended parts-availability delays for the remedy.
  • Frame and body-panel corrosion (rocker panels, bed, crossmembers) in salt-belt climates, in severe cases compromising structural integrity.
  • Late-generation 5.3L V8 AFM lifter failures (lifter collapse, bent pushrods).

2008 GMC Sierra Caution

Capable and durable, but subject to the Takata airbag recall and prone to frame corrosion in salt-belt climates.

  • Takata passenger airbag inflator recall, with extended parts-availability delays for the remedy.
  • Frame and body-panel corrosion (rocker panels, bed, crossmembers) in salt-belt climates, in severe cases compromising structural integrity.
  • Late-generation 5.3L V8 AFM lifter failures (lifter collapse, bent pushrods).

2007 GMC Sierra Caution

First year of the GMT900 redesign (a Classic GMT800 was also sold); durable but affected by the Takata airbag recall and frame/dashboard issues over time.

  • Takata passenger airbag inflator recall, with extended parts-availability delays for the remedy.
  • Frame and body-panel corrosion (rocker panels, bed, crossmembers) in salt-belt climates, in severe cases compromising structural integrity.
  • Late-generation 5.3L V8 AFM lifter failures (lifter collapse, bent pushrods).

2006 GMC Sierra Caution

Durable, capable workhorse of its era, but aging examples suffer brake-line corrosion (a safety concern), electrical faults and 4WD transfer-case issues.

  • Hydraulic brake lines corrode and can rupture, causing brake failure often with no warning, including on relatively low-mileage trucks.
  • Electrical faults including instrument-cluster/gauge failures, HVAC blower, and door lock/window problems.
  • Intermediate steering-shaft clunk/rattle and 4WD transfer-case selector faults.

2005 GMC Sierra Caution

Simple and durable but rated below average for its model year; brake-line rust, electrical faults and steering-shaft clunk are common with age.

  • Hydraulic brake lines corrode and can rupture, causing brake failure often with no warning, including on relatively low-mileage trucks.
  • Electrical faults including instrument-cluster/gauge failures, HVAC blower, and door lock/window problems.
  • Intermediate steering-shaft clunk/rattle and 4WD transfer-case selector faults.

Rankings come from CarVitals reliability verdicts, built on public NHTSA complaint and recall data. See how we build these reports, the most reliable used cars overall, browse all GMC models, or check any listing free with the CarVitals extension.