Best and Worst Years for GMC Sierra 1500

By all accounts, the worst years for the GMC Sierra 1500 are the 2014 and 2015 model years. These “bad” years saw more complaints, technical service bulletins (TSBs), and recalls than is average for the GMC Sierra 1500. We advise you to steer clear of model years with a lot of recalls and issues for any vehicle, but if you’re dead-set on buying a Sierra 1500 from a “bad” year, be sure to do your diligence and get a vehicle history report.

2014 Model

The 2014 GMC Sierra 1500, marking the beginning of a new generation, was plagued by significant issues, particularly with its automatic transmission. Rough shifting, hesitation, and even complete transmission failures were widely reported at relatively low mileages. Engine issues, such as oil consumption and lifter failures, began to surface around this time and persisted in the following model years as well.

2015 Model

The model year 2015 wasn’t much better for the GMC Sierra 1500. While some improvements were made over the 2014 model, the 2015 Sierra 1500 continued to experience many of the same transmission problems. Owners also reported issues with the climate control system, including inconsistent heating and cooling, compounding an already sketchy build from GMC.

2016 Model

The 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 wasn’t quite as bad as the two previous model years. Still, it wasn’t great. This year saw a reduction in transmission complaints compared to the previous two years. Still, new problems related to the automatic emergency braking and forward collision alert systems began to emerge, causing frustration and safety concerns.

1992 to 2002 Models

1999-2002 GMC Sierra 1500: As part of the first generation, these early models were susceptible to a range of issues common with initial production runs. Problems included transmission failures (particularly the 4L60E transmission), brake issues (including premature wear and warped rotors), and electrical problems. While some of these issues may have been addressed through recalls and updates over the years, finding a well-maintained and problem-free example can be challenging.

GMC Sierra 1500 Problems by Model Year

Please note that this is a general overview based on publicly available information and owner reports. The exact number of reported problems can fluctuate based on the source and reporting period.

• 1999 - 2002: High number of reported transmission issues, electrical problems, and brake issues.

• 2011 - 2016: Reports of engine issues, transmission problems, climate control issues, and issues with the infotainment systems. 2013 had relatively few complaints, making it the “safe” model year in this group. 

• Other model years had fewer complaints than the model year groups above, and don’t quite meet the threshold for a “bad” model year. Every model year of any vehicle will have issues.

The Best Years for the GMC Sierra 1500

2004 and 2009 Models - The 2 Best Years for GMC Sierra 1500

Several model years of the GMC Sierra 1500 stand out for their reliability and owner satisfaction. Here are some of the best model years:

• 2004 is regarded as one of the most reliable years for the first-generation GMC Sierra 1500. Many of the initial production issues had been ironed out by this time, with owners reporting fewer serious problems.

• The 2009 and 2010 GMC Sierra 1500 are second-generation Sierras, and generally received positive feedback for build quality and fewer mechanical issues. GMC upgraded the powertrain for its second-generation Sierra 1500, which was a significant concern in the first-generation Sierra 1500. 

2018 Model

In response to the issues reported during the 2014-2016 model years, GMC set out to address many of the issues and vowed to fix them. Both 2017 and 2018 are considered good model years for the GMC Sierra 1500. Concerns about transmission, infotainment, and various engine issues had significantly diminished by this time. 

2018 is the last model year in the fourth-generation GMC Sierra 1500, and it’s one of the best pre-owned trucks you can buy. It features upgraded technology and a great infotainment system that has made its way to the fifth-generation Sierra 1500, along with solid safety features, and earns high marks for owner satisfaction.

It’s reliable, has high marks in crash test ratings, and reports of engine and transmission issues were down significantly for model year 2018. Only nine percent of owners reported their 2018 Sierra 1500 needed transmission work, and about 17 percent say the engine needed repair, which has been attributed to the engine misfiring.

Recalls are significantly lower for the 2018 Sierra 1500, too.

2021 and 2022 Models

Although it’s a bit too early to determine if newer model years of the GMC Sierra 1500 have long-term issues, model years 2021 and 2022 have received positive marks for their advanced features, powerful engines, and ride quality. Unfortunately, model year 2020 is generally panned.

The Most Common GMC Sierra 1500 Issues

Though GMC did a good job ironing out issues, some problems persist. Some issues even re-appear after being solved in a previous iteration of the Sierra 1500, so it’s important to know what problems you might have when you buy a GMC Sierra 1500

Transmission Issues

The 2014-2016 model years may be considered the main offenders, but be aware of the 4L60E transmission on any model year Sierra. This particular transmission from GMC was causing numerous headaches, ranging from erratic shifting to complete failure. Regular maintenance may mitigate some issues, but this particular transmission is inherently flawed.

Infotainment System

If you’re looking at a used GMC Sierra 1500 that has an infotainment system, know that GMC’s were not very good in this model. Freezing, lagging, and unresponsive touchscreens, as well as Bluetooth connectivity problems, were widely reported, particularly in mid-2010s models. GMC is no longer updating or supporting these model years with software updates, so what you see is what you’ll get.

Oil Consumption

GMC’s V8 engines have been known to consume oil at an excessive rate. Low oil levels can lead to engine damage and increased oil consumption, requiring more frequent oil changes, so it's essential to monitor the oil level and quality closely on your Sierra 1500.

Brake Issues

Many owners reported excessive wear and tear, warped rotors, and just plain noisy brakes on various model years of the GMC Sierra 1500. 

Climate Control Problems

Inconsistent heating and cooling are among the most prevalent complaints from owners, but blower motor failures and compressor issues are also concerning. These issues were most problematic in the mid-2010s models.

Other Questions You Might Have

Is the GMC Sierra a reliable truck? 

Overall, the GMC Sierra 1500 has a mixed reliability record. The model years noted as the best are your safest options. 

Are issues easy to fix on a GMC Sierra? 

It depends on the severity of the issue and the model year of your GMC Sierra 1500. Many common issues can be resolved at home, but larger problems, such as a failed transmission, may be too extensive for a weekend project in your garage. The availability of parts for older vehicles is also a consideration.

What should I do before buying a used GMC Sierra?

Thoroughly research the specific model year you are considering.

Obtain a detailed vehicle history report (Carfax is a great option) to check for reported accidents, damage, and maintenance records.

Have a mechanic you trust inspect the vehicle.

Test drive the truck, and be mindful of engine, transmission, or braking issues.