GMC Sierra 1500 2007–2013 problems by year and mileage
2nd generation Sierra (GMT900)
NHTSA data through 18 October 20261,589 complaints, 867 with mileageMethod
Which year is yours? Tap it to see what breaks on it.
The 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
Close- Median failure report
- 72,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 264
- Recalls naming this year
- 4
Most reported on the 2007
- Airbag system147 reports · median 100,000 mi
- Electrical system22 reports
- Engine19 reports
Recall areas Air bags — frontal · Electrical system
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
Close- Median failure report
- 74,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 399
- Recalls naming this year
- 4
Most reported on the 2008
- Airbag system246 reports · median 86,000 mi
- Problems owners could not categorise44 reports · median 89,000 mi
- Electrical system33 reports · median 64,000 mi
Recall areas Air bags — frontal · Electrical system
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2009 GMC Sierra 1500
Close- Median failure report
- 73,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 241
- Recalls naming this year
- 5
Most reported on the 2009
- Airbag system124 reports · median 100,000 mi
- Problems owners could not categorise41 reports · median 76,000 mi
- Body structure22 reports
Recall areas Air bags — frontal · Equipment · Electrical system
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2010 GMC Sierra 1500
Close- Median failure report
- 60,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 178
- Recalls naming this year
- 4
Most reported on the 2010
- Airbag system79 reports · median 65,000 mi
- Problems owners could not categorise50 reports · median 60,000 mi
- Body structure38 reports · median 62,000 mi
Recall areas Air bags — frontal · Equipment
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2011 GMC Sierra 1500
Close- Median failure report
- 55,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 284
- Recalls naming this year
- 7
Most reported on the 2011
- Airbag system113 reports · median 62,000 mi
- Problems owners could not categorise72 reports · median 56,000 mi
- Body structure45 reports · median 49,000 mi
Recall areas Air bags — frontal · Equipment · Electrical system — ignition
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2012 GMC Sierra 1500
Close- Median failure report
- 60,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 107
- Recalls naming this year
- 5
Most reported on the 2012
- Airbag system42 reports
- Problems owners could not categorise36 reports
- Body structure21 reports
Recall areas Air bags — frontal · Equipment · Electrical system — ignition
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2013 GMC Sierra 1500
Close- Median failure report
- 70,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 116
- Recalls naming this year
- 6
† This median likely runs low (why).
Most reported on the 2013
- Problems owners could not categorise42 reports
- Airbag system36 reports
- Body structure25 reports
Recall areas Air bags — frontal · Equipment · Equipment — other
Check the VIN at NHTSA
Tiles: each year’s median failure mileage. † Median likely runs low (complaints filed after 2020). Latest: the 2008; earliest: the 2011, and the 2008 is 3 years older (part of the gap is age).
The short answer
“Is the 2007–2013 GMC Sierra 1500 reliable?”
- Median of reported failures
- 65,000 mi
- 90% of reports came by
- 145,000 mi
- Reports with mileage
- 867
- Recalls
- 15
Most reported
- Airbag system49.5% of complaints · median 75,000 mi
- Problems owners could not categorise18.9% of complaints · median 65,000 mi
- Body structure12.5% of complaints · median 65,000 mi
Owners filed 1,589 complaints with NHTSA about the 2007–2013 GMC Sierra 1500; the airbag system leads with 49.5% of them, and half of the 867 that record an odometer reading came by 65,000 miles — complaints, not a failure rate.
No single peak: the middle half runs 37,000 to 105,000 miles.
Before-you-buy checklist ↓At your mileage ↓Check this VIN — NHTSA ↗
How many miles does a 2007–2013 GMC Sierra 1500 last?
On the 2007–2013 GMC Sierra 1500, half of the 867 complaints that record an odometer reading were filed by 65,000 miles and 90% by 145,000 miles (why that is not a lifespan).
82 reports came in past 150,000 miles and 22 past 200,000 — each one proof that a Sierra 1500 reached that mileage, not that it failed there.
Figure 1 · GMC Sierra 1500 2007–2013 · 867 reports with mileage
Mileage at failure
10,000-mile bins, 0 to 200,000 miles, linear scale; tallest bar 78 complaints
- Rest of the range
- Median
- 200,000+ — 22 complaints (2.5%), plotted separately
- 10%
- 12,000
- 25%
- 37,000
- Median
- 65,000
- 75%
- 105,000
- 90%
- 145,000
Show the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 0–10,000 | 77 | 8.9% |
| 10,000–20,000 | 46 | 5.3% |
| 20,000–30,000 | 43 | 5.0% |
| 30,000–40,000 | 70 | 8.1% |
| 40,000–50,000 | 74 | 8.5% |
| 50,000–60,000 | 78 | 9.0% |
| 60,000–70,000 | 64 | 7.4% |
| 70,000–80,000 | 65 | 7.5% |
| 80,000–90,000 | 54 | 6.2% |
| 90,000–100,000 | 40 | 4.6% |
| 100,000–110,000 | 54 | 6.2% |
| 110,000–120,000 | 44 | 5.1% |
| 120,000–130,000 | 31 | 3.6% |
| 130,000–140,000 | 23 | 2.7% |
| 140,000–150,000 | 22 | 2.5% |
| 150,000–160,000 | 19 | 2.2% |
| 160,000–170,000 | 10 | 1.2% |
| 170,000–180,000 | 14 | 1.6% |
| 180,000–190,000 | 7 | 0.8% |
| 190,000–200,000 | 10 | 1.2% |
| 200,000+ | 22 | 2.5% |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.
Common Sierra 1500 problems, and when they happen
Figure 2 · GMC Sierra 1500 2007–2013
When each system fails
Bar: middle half of reports · notch: median · proportional (log) scale (how to read it)
- Transmission and driveline58 reportsmedian 44,000middle half 17,000–103,000
- Problems owners could not categorise300 reportsmedian 65,000middle half 44,000–95,000
- Body structure199 reportsmedian 65,000middle half 38,000–96,000
- Electrical system116 reportsmedian 65,000middle half 40,000–128,000
- Airbag system787 reportsmedian 75,000middle half 48,000–116,000
- Suspension42 reportsmedian 84,000middle half 43,000–108,000
- Engine92 reportsmedian 97,000middle half 57,000–136,000
- Your odometer, once entered below
Ordered by median mileage, earliest first.
All systems in a table
| System | Complaints | Share | Median | 25–75% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airbag system | 787 | 49.5% | 75,000 | 48,000–116,000 |
| Problems owners could not categorise | 300 | 18.9% | 65,000 | 44,000–95,000 |
| Body structure | 199 | 12.5% | 65,000 | 38,000–96,000 |
| Electrical system | 116 | 7.3% | 65,000 | 40,000–128,000 |
| Engine | 92 | 5.8% | 97,000 | 57,000–136,000 |
| Transmission and driveline | 58 | 3.7% | 44,000 | 17,000–103,000 |
| Suspension | 42 | 2.6% | 84,000 | 43,000–108,000 |
| Brakes | 37 | 2.3% | 80,000 | 59,000–140,000 |
| Seat belts | 32 | 2.0% | 61,000 | 46,000–130,000 |
| Fuel and propulsion system | 31 | 2.0% | 72,000 | 34,000–103,000 |
Known problems with the 2007–2013 Sierra 1500
Engine 2007–2013
Active Fuel Management (AFM) excessive oil consumption on Gen IV 5.3L V8s. The AFM oil pressure relief valve in the crankcase sprays oil onto the cylinder walls while worn low-tension piston rings fail to control it; the result is oil burn of roughly a quart per 1,500-2,000 miles, fouled spark plugs on the deactivated cylinders, and collapsed AFM lifters that wipe camshaft lobes. Subject of the Sloan v. GM and Siqueiros v. GM class actions.
Brakes
Brake and fuel line corrosion perforation on salt-belt trucks, a very high-frequency NHTSA complaint category for this generation.
Transmission
6L80-E torque converter and valve body wear producing harsh shifts and shudder.
Before you buy a 2007–2013 Sierra 1500: the 3-minute check
Generated from 867 mileage-tagged complaints, 15 recall campaigns, 3 documented problem areas.
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 15 campaigns cover this generation.
- Check engine on 2007–2013 (5.3L AFM engines) cars. What each looks like: Known problems.
- Check brakes.
- Check transmission.
- Years differ here: from 107 to 399 complaints a year — compare them by model year.
- End with a pre-purchase inspection of this car.
Sierra 1500 problems by mileage: where your car sits
Type your odometer, or read the table.
| System | Middle half of reports, mi | At 60k mi45% below | At 90k mi66% below | At 120k mi82% below | At 150k mi91% below | At 200k mi97% below |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airbag system | 48,000–116,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Problems owners could not categorise | 44,000–95,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Body structure | 38,000–96,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Electrical system | 40,000–128,000 | in window | in window | in window | earlier | earlier |
| Engine | 57,000–136,000 | in window | in window | in window | earlier | earlier |
| Transmission and driveline | 17,000–103,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Suspension | 43,000–108,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
Figure 3 · GMC Sierra 1500 2007–2013 · 867 reports with mileage
Share of reports below each mileage
Steps at bin edges (how to read it)
- 60,000 mi — 45% of reports below
- 90,000 mi — 66% of reports below
- 120,000 mi — 82% of reports below
- 150,000 mi — 91% of reports below
- 200,000 mi — 97% of reports below
- Median (the 50% line)
- Your odometer, once entered
Linear axis, same as Figure 1.
2007–2013 GMC Sierra 1500 recalls (15)
NHTSA records 15 recall campaigns covering vehicles in this generation (what a recall is).
The campaigns cluster around the airbag system (5), the electrical system (3), equipment (2) (why one area can repeat).
Feb 2021 · 2010–2013 · Air BagsAn inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting…
The defect. General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of AL…
What can happen. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
The free fix. GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on February…
Feb 2021 · 2009–2010, 2013 · Air BagsAn inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting…
The defect. General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2013 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, and Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Silverado 2500/3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Sierra 2500/3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles originally sold…
What can happen. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
The free fix. GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on February…
Feb 2021 · 2007–2009 · Air BagsAn inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting…
The defect. General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2009 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles…
What can happen. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
The free fix. GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on February…
Feb 2021 · 2012 · Air BagsAn inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting…
The defect. General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2012 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Silverado 2500/3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Sierra 2500/3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL originally sold, or ever…
What can happen. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
The free fix. GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on February…
Feb 2021 · 2007–2011 · Air BagsAn inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting…
The defect. General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2007-2011 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, Yukon XL, and 2009-2011 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, GMC Sierra…
What can happen. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
The free fix. GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on February…
Apr 2018 · 2009–2013 · EquipmentIn the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of…
The defect. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD, 2009 GMC Topkick 5000, 6000, 7000 and 8000 Series and Isuzu F Series, and 2009-2018 Chevrolet Express, and GMC Savana vehicles, equipped with certain…
What can happen. In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.
The free fix. GM will notify owners, instructing them to contact Kidde to get a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began June 11, 2018. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at…
Oct 2015 · 2013 · Equipment filed under the shared nameText that does not conform to the required labeling size could inhibit fuel tank inspection practices and…
The defect. General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Chevrolet Silverado HD, Chevrolet Express, and GMC Sierra HD vehicles, and model year 2013 GMC Savana compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles that fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety…
What can happen. Text that does not conform to the required labeling size could inhibit fuel tank inspection practices and safe refueling, increasing the risk of a fire.
The free fix. GM will notify owners and will send them a replacement label, free of charge. The recall began December 3, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer…
Dec 2014 · 2011–2012 · Electrical System filed under the shared nameIf stuck in the "Start" position, the ignition may suddenly snap back into the "Accessory" position, causing…
The defect. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado HD, Silverado LD, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra LD, Sierra HD, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. In the affected…
What can happen. If stuck in the "Start" position, the ignition may suddenly snap back into the "Accessory" position, causing a loss of engine, steering, and braking power, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. If…
The free fix. GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the ignition lock housing, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on February 12, 2015. Owners may contact GM customer service at…
Dec 2013 · 2012–2013 · Fuel System, Diesel filed under the shared nameIf the fuel gauge indicates an inaccurate reading it may result in the vehicle unexpectedly stalling…
The defect. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD vehicles, equipped with 6.6L diesel engines and dual fuel tanks. In the affected vehicles, the transfer pump which moves fuel from the rear tank to the…
What can happen. If the fuel gauge indicates an inaccurate reading it may result in the vehicle unexpectedly stalling, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. General Motors will notify owners and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel transfer pump, as necessary, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. The recall…
Jan 2013 · 2013 · Power Train filed under the shared nameAs a result, the vehicle may shift from Park with the ignition key removed or the ignition key in the OFF…
The defect. General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, and Escalade EXT; Chevrolet Avalanche, Express, Silverado HD, Silverado LD, Suburban, and Tahoe; and GMC Savana, Sierra HD, Sierra LD, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles…
What can happen. As a result, the vehicle may shift from Park with the ignition key removed or the ignition key in the OFF position. The vehicle may also shift out of Park without application of the brake pedal while…
The free fix. GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the affected vehicles and replace the steering column as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on January 21, 2013. Chevrolet owners may call…
Jun 2011 · 2011 · Steering filed under the shared nameThis could allow the joints to separate, and the driver could experience loss of steering increasing the risk…
The defect. Gm is recalling certain model year 2011cadillac escalade, escalade esv; Chevrolet silverado hd, silverado ld, suburban, tahoe; and GMC sierra hd, sierra ld, yukon, and yukon xl vehicles. The intermediate steering shaft attaching bolts may not have been…
What can happen. This could allow the joints to separate, and the driver could experience loss of steering increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Gm dealers will inspect and ensure that the intermediate steering shaft bolts are tightened to the proper specification. The safety recall is expected to begin on or about july 13, 2011. Owners may…
Jan 2011 · 2011 · SuspensionThe driver may not be able to maintain directional control of the vehicle and a crash could occur without…
The defect. General motors is recalling certain model year 2011 Cadillac escalade, escalade esv, escalade ext; Chevrolet avalanche, colorado, express, silverado, suburban, tahoe; and GMC canyon, sierra, savana, yukon and yukon xl vehicles. The rear axle cross pins were…
What can happen. The driver may not be able to maintain directional control of the vehicle and a crash could occur without warning.
The free fix. Dealers will install a new rear axle cross pin free of charge. The safety recall began on january 11, 2011. Owners may contact Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339, Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, GMC at…
Dec 2010 · 2011 · SuspensionThe driver may not be able to maintain directional control of the vehicle and a crash could occur without…
The defect. General motors is recalling certain model year 2011 Cadillac escalade ext, Chevrolet avalanche, silverado ld and GMC sierra ld vehicles. The rear axle cross pins were not properly heat treated and could fracture and become displaced within the rear axle.…
What can happen. The driver may not be able to maintain directional control of the vehicle and a crash could occur without warning.
The free fix. Dealers will install a new rear axle cross pin free of charge. The safety recall began on january 11, 2011. Owners may contact Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339, Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, GMC at…
Jun 2010 · 2007–2009 · Electrical System filed under the shared nameIt is possible for the heated washer module to ignite and a fire may occur.
The defect. Gm is recalling certain model year 2006-2009 Buick, lucerne; Cadillac dts; hummer h2; model year 2008-2009 Buick enclave; Cadillac cts; model year 2007-2009 Cadillac escalade, escalade esv, escalade ext; Chevrolet avalanche, silverado, suburban, tahoe; GMC…
What can happen. It is possible for the heated washer module to ignite and a fire may occur.
The free fix. Dealers will permanently disable and remove the heated washer fluid module. An updated page for the owner manual will be provided and inserted in the owner manual to document that the feature has…
Aug 2008 · 2007–2008 · Electrical System filed under the shared nameThis may cause other electrical features to malfunction, create an odor, or cause smoke increasing the risk…
The defect. Gm is recalling 857,735 my 2006-2008 Buick lucerne; Cadillac dts; hummer h2; my 2007-2008 Cadillac escalade, escalade esv, escalade ext; Chevrolet avalanche, silverado, suburban, tahoe; GMC acadia, sierra, yukon, yukon xl, Saturn outlook; and my 2008 Buick…
What can happen. This may cause other electrical features to malfunction, create an odor, or cause smoke increasing the risk of a fire.
The free fix. Dealers will install a wire harness with an in-line fuse free of charge. The recall began on september 12, 2008. Owners may contact Buick at 1-866-608-8080; Cadillac at 1-800-982-2339 or…
Crashes, fires and injuries owners reported
Out of 1,589 complaints against this generation, owners also reported:
- Crashes
- 38 (2.4%)
- Fires
- 17
- Injury reports
- 38
- Fatality reports
- 0
Sierra 1500 problems by model year
The 2008 drew the most complaints of this generation, 399, most of them about the airbag system, and the 2012 the fewest, 107. A typical year drew about 241.
| Year | Complaints | With mileage | Median miles | Most reported | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 264 | 143 | 72,000 | Airbag system (147) | 4 |
| 2008 | 399 | 210 | 74,000 | Airbag system (246) | 4 |
| 2009 | 241 | 120 | 73,000 | Airbag system (124) | 5 |
| 2010 | 178 | 109 | 60,000 | Airbag system (79) | 4 |
| 2011 | 284 | 150 | 55,000 | Airbag system (113) | 7 |
| 2012 | 107 | 67 | 60,000 | Airbag system (42) | 5 |
| 2013 | 116 | 68 | 70,000† | Problems owners could not categorise (42) | 6 |
What Sierra 1500 owners reported
The contact owns a 2013 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, the roof, passenger’s side curtain, and the front side air bags deployed without a crash. The contact stated that the driver’s and passenger’s side seat belts no longer deployed, and there were metallic debris coming…
2013 · 170,000 miles · Airbag system
The contact owns a 2008 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 30 MPH and towing a camper, the vehicle began to bounce while navigating curves. The traction control warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the engine…
2008 · 157,000 miles · Engine
The contact owns a 2010 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V053000 (Air Bag). The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, he became aware that there was a crack on the top of the infotainment system on the dashboard. The contact stated that a month later, the…
2010 · 103,000 miles · Body structure
The contact owns a 2008 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving 5 MPH with her husband and grandson inside the vehicle and entering the driveway at the residence, there was an abnormally loud explosion coming from inside the vehicle and the driver’s side seat belt tightened unexpectedly. The contact was…
2008 · 209,000 miles · Seat belts
Built from 867 NHTSA complaints with mileage · snapshot 2026-10-20 · open data · how it is built
Other Sierra 1500 generations
- Sierra 1500 1999–2006 1,225 reports with mileage, most about the hydraulic brake circuit
- Sierra 1500 2014–2018 1,509 reports with mileage, most about the brakes
- Sierra 1500 2019–2025 671 reports with mileage, most about the engine