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GMC Sierra 1500 2014–2018 problems by year and mileage

3rd generation Sierra (K2XX)

NHTSA data through 24 September 20262,557 complaints, 1,507 with mileageMethod

A DO NOT DRIVE recall covers part of this generation — check the VIN before driving it home.

Which year is yours? Tap it to see what breaks on it.

The 2014 GMC Sierra 1500

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Median failure report
48,000 mi
Complaints filed
840
Recalls naming this year
20

Most reported on the 2014

  1. Exterior lighting211 reports · median 2,000 mi
  2. Steering162 reports · median 65,000 mi
  3. Brakes139 reports · median 68,000 mi

20 recall campaigns name the 2014: Seat belts — front; Service brakes; Service brakes, hydraulic — power assist. Not every car in a campaign is affected — check the VIN at NHTSA. Recall repairs are free.

When each system fails on this generation →

The 2015 GMC Sierra 1500

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Median failure report
47,000 mi
Complaints filed
718
Recalls naming this year
11

Most reported on the 2015

  1. Brakes219 reports · median 56,000 mi
  2. Transmission and driveline98 reports · median 33,000 mi
  3. Electrical system96 reports · median 46,000 mi

11 recall campaigns name the 2015: Air bags — side/window; Seat belts — front; Service brakes. Not every car in a campaign is affected — check the VIN at NHTSA. Recall repairs are free.

When each system fails on this generation →

The 2016 GMC Sierra 1500

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Median failure report
47,000 mi
Complaints filed
341
Recalls naming this year
9

At least 40% of the complaints about the 2016 were filed after 2020, and most complaints filed since then carry no odometer reading. The median here rests on the earlier reports and likely understates the mileage these failures happen at.

Most reported on the 2016

  1. Brakes100 reports · median 44,000 mi
  2. Transmission and driveline83 reports · median 45,000 mi
  3. Electrical system54 reports

9 recall campaigns name the 2016: Air bags — side/window; Service brakes; Service brakes, hydraulic — power assist. Not every car in a campaign is affected — check the VIN at NHTSA. Recall repairs are free.

When each system fails on this generation →

The 2017 GMC Sierra 1500

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Median failure report
39,000 mi
Complaints filed
354
Recalls naming this year
5

At least 40% of the complaints about the 2017 were filed after 2020, and most complaints filed since then carry no odometer reading. The median here rests on the earlier reports and likely understates the mileage these failures happen at.

Most reported on the 2017

  1. Transmission and driveline118 reports · median 30,000 mi
  2. Brakes100 reports · median 39,000 mi
  3. Engine58 reports

5 recall campaigns name the 2017: Service brakes; Service brakes, hydraulic — power assist; Child seat — tether. Not every car in a campaign is affected — check the VIN at NHTSA. Recall repairs are free.

When each system fails on this generation →

The 2018 GMC Sierra 1500

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Median failure report
34,000 mi
Complaints filed
304
Recalls naming this year
7

At least 40% of the complaints about the 2018 were filed after 2020, and most complaints filed since then carry no odometer reading. The median here rests on the earlier reports and likely understates the mileage these failures happen at.

Most reported on the 2018

  1. Transmission and driveline130 reports · median 30,000 mi
  2. Engine67 reports
  3. Electrical system43 reports

7 recall campaigns name the 2018: Air bags; Air bags — side/window; Service brakes, hydraulic — power assist. Not every car in a campaign is affected — check the VIN at NHTSA. Recall repairs are free.

When each system fails on this generation →

Each tile shows the median mileage at which that model year’s failures were reported. † marks a year whose median likely understates the mileage: much of its reporting came after 2020, when most complaints stopped recording an odometer reading. The 2014 reports latest and the 2018 earliest, but part of that gap is age: the 2014 has had 4 more years on the road to accumulate mileage.

The short answer

“Is the 2014–2018 GMC Sierra 1500 reliable?”

Median of reported failures
46,000 mi
90% of reports came by
105,000 mi
Reports with mileage
1,507
Recalls
34

At least 40% of this generation’s complaints were filed after 2020, and most complaints filed since then carry no odometer reading, so the median likely understates the mileage these failures happen at.

Most reported

  1. Brakes23.4% of complaints · median 56,000 mi
  2. Transmission and driveline19.9% of complaints · median 35,000 mi
  3. Electrical system15.0% of complaints · median 59,000 mi

When each system fails ↓

Documented problems

What each one is ↓

Owners filed 2,557 complaints with NHTSA about the 2014–2018 GMC Sierra 1500; the brakes leads with 23.4% of them, and half of the 1,507 that record an odometer reading came by 46,000 miles. A count like this can’t rate reliability on its own: NHTSA records what owners chose to report, not how many of each car were sold.

Failures are spread across the mileage range, with the middle half between 15,000 and 72,000 miles.

Before-you-buy checklist ↓At your mileage ↓Check this VIN — NHTSA ↗

How many miles does a 2014–2018 GMC Sierra 1500 last?

Complaint records can’t measure how long a car lasts; they show when reported failures happened. On the 2014–2018 GMC Sierra 1500, half of the 1,507 complaints that record an odometer reading were filed by 46,000 miles and 90% by 105,000 miles.

43 reports came in past 150,000 miles and 11 past 200,000 — each one proof that a Sierra 1500 reached that mileage, not that it failed there.

Figure 1 · GMC Sierra 1500 2014–2018 · 1,507 reports with mileage

Mileage at failure

Complaints per 5,000-mile bin, 0 to 200,000 miles, equal bins on a linear scale. Tallest bar = 266 complaints.

Mileage at failure, GMC Sierra 1500 2014–2018Histogram of 1,507 owner-reported failures by mileage, in 5,000-mile bins from 0 to 200,000. The tallest bin is 0 to 5,000 miles with 266 complaints, 17.7 percent of the total. Failures are spread across the mileage range, with the middle half between 15,000 and 72,000 miles. A further 11 complaints, 0.7 percent, were reported above 200,000 miles and are shown as a separate detached bar. Median mileage at failure is 46,000.
  • Rest of the range
  • Median
  • 200,000+ — 11 complaints (0.7%), plotted separately
10%
500
25%
15,000
Median
46,000
75%
72,150
90%
105,000

Tallest bin: 266 complaints between 0 and 5,000 miles. Based on 1,507 complaints that record mileage. Bin width 5,000 miles.

Show the numbers
Complaints by mileage bin
MileageComplaintsShare
0–5,00026617.7%
5,000–10,000563.7%
10,000–15,000543.6%
15,000–20,000342.3%
20,000–25,000442.9%
25,000–30,000553.6%
30,000–35,000714.7%
35,000–40,000755.0%
40,000–45,000825.4%
45,000–50,000734.8%
50,000–55,000684.5%
55,000–60,000704.6%
60,000–65,000785.2%
65,000–70,000644.2%
70,000–75,000563.7%
75,000–80,000473.1%
80,000–85,000392.6%
85,000–90,000352.3%
90,000–95,000372.5%
95,000–100,000251.7%
100,000–105,000271.8%
105,000–110,000201.3%
110,000–115,000191.3%
115,000–120,000110.7%
120,000–125,000110.7%
125,000–130,000130.9%
130,000–135,000110.7%
135,000–140,00080.5%
140,000–145,000110.7%
145,000–150,00040.3%
150,000–155,000151.0%
155,000–160,00050.3%
160,000–165,00030.2%
165,000–170,00020.1%
170,000–175,00020.1%
175,000–180,00010.1%
180,000–185,00020.1%
185,000–190,00020.1%
200,000+110.7%

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain. Complaint counts reflect what owners reported and are not a measure of failure rate per vehicle sold.

What this can and cannot tell you: these are complaints owners chose to file, not a failure rate. Popular models accumulate more of them simply by being common. How this is built.

Common Sierra 1500 problems, and when they happen

Figure 2 · GMC Sierra 1500 2014–2018

When each system fails

Bar spans the middle half of reports; the notch inside each bar is the median. Miles at failure on a proportional scale — equal distances are equal ratios, not equal miles.

  1. Exterior lighting320 reports2,000100–21,000Exterior lighting: 320 reports, median 2,000 miles, middle half 100 to 21,000 miles.
  2. Transmission and driveline508 reports35,0009,000–80,000Transmission and driveline: 508 reports, median 35,000 miles, middle half 9,000 to 80,000 miles.
  3. Problems owners could not categorise255 reports50,00034,000–66,000Problems owners could not categorise: 255 reports, median 50,000 miles, middle half 34,000 to 66,000 miles.
  4. Brakes598 reports56,00039,000–75,000Brakes: 598 reports, median 56,000 miles, middle half 39,000 to 75,000 miles.
  5. Engine323 reports56,00034,000–81,000Engine: 323 reports, median 56,000 miles, middle half 34,000 to 81,000 miles.
  6. Electrical system384 reports59,00030,000–79,000Electrical system: 384 reports, median 59,000 miles, middle half 30,000 to 79,000 miles.
  7. Steering335 reports60,00035,000–81,000Steering: 335 reports, median 60,000 miles, middle half 35,000 to 81,000 miles.
  • Your odometer — appears after you enter it in “Where your car sits”

Ordered by median mileage, earliest first. The first 12,000 miles are shaded: that is the boundary this site uses between a manufacturing defect and ordinary wear, not a property of the world.

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.

All systems in a table
Complaints by vehicle system
SystemComplaintsShareMedian25–75%
Brakes59823.4%56,00039,000–75,000
Transmission and driveline50819.9%35,0009,000–80,000
Electrical system38415.0%59,00030,000–79,000
Steering33513.1%60,00035,000–81,000
Engine32312.6%56,00034,000–81,000
Exterior lighting32012.5%2,000100–21,000
Problems owners could not categorise25510.0%50,00034,000–66,000
Airbag system903.5%32,00017,000–80,000
Body structure883.4%32,0007,000–70,000
Suspension803.1%23,0002,500–50,000
System by system, in words

Complaints about this generation are not spread evenly across the vehicle, and the systems that generate the most of them do not all fail at the same point in a car's life. The median failure across all systems here is 46,000 miles; the figures below show which parts of the car run ahead of that and which run behind.

The brakes account for 23.4% of complaints (598 reports, 376 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 56,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 39,000 and 75,000 miles.

The transmission and driveline accounts for 19.9% of complaints (508 reports, 237 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 35,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 9,000 and 80,000 miles.

The electrical system accounts for 15.0% of complaints (384 reports, 179 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 59,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 30,000 and 79,000 miles.

The steering accounts for 13.1% of complaints (335 reports, 203 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 60,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 35,000 and 81,000 miles.

The engine accounts for 12.6% of complaints (323 reports, 141 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 56,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 34,000 and 81,000 miles.

The exterior lighting accounts for 12.5% of complaints (320 reports, 240 of them with a mileage figure), and it fails early — a median of 2,000 miles, well before the vehicle's overall median. Failures clustered this far below the rest of the car usually point to a design or manufacturing problem rather than wear, because wear does not selectively target one system on low-mileage examples. The middle half of these reports falls between 100 and 21,000 miles.

Known problems with the 2014–2018 Sierra 1500

Transmission 2015–2018

8L90 eight-speed torque converter shudder. Dexron VI fluid degrades and loses friction stability, producing a chuggle or shudder at light throttle around 25-60 mph plus harsh 2-3 and 3-4 shifts and clunks. GM issued repeated TSBs, eventually moving to Mobil 1 Synthetic LV ATF HP; a class action over the 8-speed reached settlement in 2023.

Engine 2014–2018

AFM lifter collapse on L83 and L86 V8s. A deactivating lifter fails to re-extend, causing a dead cylinder, misfire codes and wiped camshaft lobes; usually accompanied by elevated oil consumption.

Engine 2014–2016

Excessive oil consumption on early direct-injected 5.3L trucks, tied to the AFM system and piston ring design.

Before you buy a 2014–2018 Sierra 1500: the 3-minute check

Generated from 1,507 mileage-tagged complaints, 34 recall campaigns, 3 documented problem areas. Print this page — the checklist survives print.

  1. A DO NOT DRIVE recall covers part of this generation. Run the VIN before you drive it home — the fix is free at an authorized dealer.
  2. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 34 campaigns cover this generation; an open recall is a free repair you can make the seller's problem.
  3. Ask for exterior lighting repair records. Reports on this area come at a median of 2,000 miles — on any car this age it already happened or never will; the question is whether it was fixed under warranty.
  4. Check transmission on 2015–2018 cars. 8L90 eight-speed torque converter shudder. Dexron VI fluid degrades and loses friction stability, producing a chuggle or shudder at light throttle around 25-60 mph plus harsh 2-3 and 3-4 shifts and clunks. GM issued…
  5. Check engine on 2014–2018 cars. AFM lifter collapse on L83 and L86 V8s. A deactivating lifter fails to re-extend, causing a dead cylinder, misfire codes and wiped camshaft lobes; usually accompanied by elevated oil consumption.
  6. Check engine on 2014–2016 cars. Excessive oil consumption on early direct-injected 5.3L trucks, tied to the AFM system and piston ring design.
  7. End with a pre-purchase inspection of this car. Aggregate data describes the population; the example in front of you has its own history.

For a buyer, failures on this generation are spread rather than concentrated: the middle half falls between 15,000 and 72,000 miles, with a median of 46,000. There is no single mileage threshold to watch, which means condition and maintenance records are more informative than the odometer.

On inspection, the brakes and the transmission and driveline are where this generation's reports concentrate, so those are the areas worth a specific look. The transmission and driveline in particular shows a median failure mileage of 35,000, which gives a concrete number to compare against the odometer of any car you are considering.

None of this is a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on the individual car. Aggregate patterns describe a population; the example in front of you has its own history.

Sierra 1500 problems by mileage: where your car sits

Type your odometer reading, or read the common mileages in the table. Your marker lands on the timing chart above and on the curve below.

earlier most reports on that system came below this mileage — ask for repair records. in window this mileage sits inside the middle half of its reports. later most reports came above it. That describes reports, not your odds.

Where each system’s reports sit against common odometer readings
SystemMiddle half of reports, miAt 60k mi63% belowAt 90k mi84% belowAt 120k mi93% belowAt 150k mi97% belowAt 200k mi99% below
Brakes39,000–75,000in windowearlierearlierearlierearlier
Transmission and driveline9,000–80,000in windowearlierearlierearlierearlier
Electrical system30,000–79,000in windowearlierearlierearlierearlier
Steering35,000–81,000in windowearlierearlierearlierearlier
Engine34,000–81,000in windowearlierearlierearlierearlier
Exterior lighting100–21,000earlierearlierearlierearlierearlier
Problems owners could not categorise34,000–66,000in windowearlierearlierearlierearlier

Figure 3 · GMC Sierra 1500 2014–2018 · 1,507 reports with mileage

Share of reports below each mileage

Share of mileage-tagged reports filed at or below each odometer reading. Steps rise only at bin edges, by exact counted shares.

Cumulative share of reports by mileage, GMC Sierra 1500 2014–2018Of 1,507 reports that record mileage, the share filed below each odometer reading, rising in steps at each 5,000-mile bin edge. 63 percent below 60,000 miles. 84 percent below 90,000 miles. 93 percent below 120,000 miles. 97 percent below 150,000 miles. 99 percent below 200,000 miles. Median 46,000 miles.
  • 60,000 mi — 63% of reports below
  • 90,000 mi — 84% of reports below
  • 120,000 mi — 93% of reports below
  • 150,000 mi — 97% of reports below
  • 200,000 mi — 99% of reports below
  • Median — the staircase crosses the 50% line here
  • Your odometer — appears after you enter it above

The staircase tops out at 99%: the remaining 0.7% of reports (11) came above 200,000 miles.

Nothing is smoothed or interpolated. Linear axis, same as Figure 1.

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.

2014–2018 GMC Sierra 1500 recalls (34)

NHTSA records 34 recall campaigns covering vehicles in this generation. A recall means the manufacturer or the regulator concluded there was a safety defect or a standard was not met, and that a free remedy is owed to owners — including second and later owners.

2 of these carry a severe advisory — NHTSA's do not drive or park outside warnings, which the agency applies only when it considers the risk immediate. If you own one of these vehicles, that is the first thing to check by VIN.

The campaigns cluster around the airbag system (8), the seat belts (4), the steering (4). Several campaigns against one area can mean a remedy that did not hold, or separate defects in parts filed under the same heading; the summaries below name each defect.

Recall status is specific to the individual vehicle, not the model. Checking a VIN against NHTSA's lookup is free and takes under a minute, and it is the only way to know whether a particular car has had the work done.

Recall repairs are free at an authorized dealer, for any owner. Summaries below shorten NHTSA’s own wording. Some of these campaigns are filed under the shared name “Sierra”, which NHTSA also uses for heavy-duty trucks; they are marked below, and the VIN decides whether one applies.

  1. May 2026 · 2018 · Air BagsA detached end cap or inflator rupture can allow compressed gas to escape and project the end cap or…

    The defect. 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…

    What can happen. A detached end cap or inflator rupture can allow compressed gas to escape and project the end cap or fragments of the inflator into the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury.

    The free fix. Dealers will replace both RRAB modules, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 24, 2026. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267 or Chevrolet customer service…

    NHTSA campaign 26V-325 (2026-05-21).

  2. Mar 2026 · 2018 · Air BagsA detached end cap or inflator rupture can allow compressed gas to escape and project the end cap or…

    The defect. 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…

    What can happen. A detached end cap or inflator rupture can allow compressed gas to escape and project the end cap or fragments of the inflator into the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury.

    The free fix. Dealers will replace the left and right-side RRAB modules, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 16, 2026. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267 or…

    NHTSA campaign 26V-166 (2026-03-19).

  3. Jun 2025 · 2018 · Air BagsA detached end cap or inflator rupture can allow compressed gas to escape and project the end cap or…

    The defect. 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…

    What can happen. A detached end cap or inflator rupture can allow compressed gas to escape and project the end cap or fragments of the inflator into the vehicle, increases the risk of injury or crash.

    The free fix. Dealers will replace the left and right side RRAB modules, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 23, 2025. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267 or Chevrolet…

    NHTSA campaign 25V-432 (2025-06-26).

  4. Oct 2024 · 2018 · Air BagsA separated inflator end cap or inflator rupture can allow compressed gas to escape, resulting in the end cap…

    The defect. 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…

    What can happen. A separated inflator end cap or inflator rupture can allow compressed gas to escape, resulting in the end cap or other components being propelled into the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury or…

    The free fix. Dealers will replace the left and right side RRAB modules, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 8, 2024. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020…

    NHTSA campaign 24V-756 (2024-10-10).

  5. Jul 2021 · 2015–2016 · Air BagsA separated inflator end cap or inflator rupture can allow compressed gas to escape, resulting in the end cap…

    The defect. 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.

    What can happen. A separated inflator end cap or inflator rupture can allow compressed gas to escape, resulting in the end cap or other components being propelled into the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury or…

    The free fix. Dealers will replace the left and right side RRAB modules, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed on August 18, 2021. Owners will receive a…

    NHTSA campaign 21V-504 (2021-07-01).

  6. Apr 2021 · 2014–2015 · Seat BeltsA broken pretensioner cable reduces the effectiveness of the driver's seat belt, increasing the risk of…

    The defect. General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2015-2016 Chevrolet Tahoe, and 2014-2015 GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles that may have received an incorrect replacement tensioner cable assembly as part of a previous recall remedy or…

    What can happen. A broken pretensioner cable reduces the effectiveness of the driver's seat belt, increasing the risk of injury.

    The free fix. GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver seat belt lap pretensioner, free of charge. The recall began on May 5, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at…

    NHTSA campaign 21V-245 (2021-04-08).

  7. Nov 2020 · 2015–2016 · Air BagsIf the end cap separates from the inflator, the compressed gas will escape and the end cap can be propelled…

    The defect. 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.

    What can happen. If the end cap separates from the inflator, the compressed gas will escape and the end cap can be propelled into the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury or a crash.

    The free fix. GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the RRAB modules on the left and/or right side, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on December 22, 2020. Owners may contact…

    NHTSA campaign 20V-736 (2020-11-25).

  8. Oct 2020 · 2018 · Service Brakes, HydraulicA decrease in brake assist can increase the brake pedal effort and distance required to stop the vehicle…

    The defect. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500 and Yukon vehicles equipped with either a 5.3L or 6.2L V8 engine. The output of the mechanical vacuum pump can decrease over time…

    What can happen. A decrease in brake assist can increase the brake pedal effort and distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

    The free fix. GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Electronic Brake Control Module, free of charge. The recall began November 11, 2020. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-866-522-9559…

    NHTSA campaign 20V-603 (2020-10-01).

  9. Oct 2019 · 2014–2018 · Service BrakesUnintended activation of the driveline-protection system will cause unintended braking on the wheel on the…

    The defect. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, and GMC Yukon, and 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles equipped with a 5.3-liter engine, a 3.08-ratio rear axle and four-wheel drive. If a…

    What can happen. Unintended activation of the driveline-protection system will cause unintended braking on the wheel on the opposite side of the failed sensor, causing the vehicle to pull to one side unexpectedly…

    The free fix. GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the EBCM, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438 or GMC customer service…

    NHTSA campaign 19V-761 (2019-10-24).

  10. Sep 2019 · 2014–2018 · Service Brakes, HydraulicAs the vacuum level drops, the brake assist decreases, increasing braking effort, extending the distance…

    The defect. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Cadillac Escalade, 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, 2015-2018 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon vehicles. The amount of vacuum created by the vacuum pump may decrease over time.

    What can happen. As the vacuum level drops, the brake assist decreases, increasing braking effort, extending the distance required to stop the vehicle, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.

    The free fix. GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Electronic Brake Control Module, free of charge. The recall began October 8, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at…

    NHTSA campaign 19V-645 (2019-09-06).

  11. Sep 2018 · 2015 · SteeringIf EPS assist is lost and then suddenly returns, the driver may have difficulty steering the vehicle…

    The defect. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Tahoe and Suburban, GMC Sierra 1500 and Yukon, and Cadillac Escalade vehicles. Electric power steering (EPS) assist may be lost momentarily, followed by a sudden return of EPS assist.

    What can happen. If EPS assist is lost and then suddenly returns, the driver may have difficulty steering the vehicle, especially at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.

    The free fix. GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the EPS module software, free of charge. The recall began October 12, 2018. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet…

    NHTSA campaign 18V-586 (2018-09-07).

  12. Apr 2018 · 2014 · 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…

    NHTSA campaign 18V-267 (2018-04-26).

  13. Aug 2017 · 2017 · Child SeatIf the instructions are missing from the owner's manual, the child seat may be installed incorrectly and not…

    The defect. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, and GMC Sierra 1500 trucks. The owner's manual for the affected vehicles may be missing instructions on how to use the tether anchorage and child restraint anchorage systems. As such…

    What can happen. If the instructions are missing from the owner's manual, the child seat may be installed incorrectly and not be properly secured, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.

    The free fix. GM will notify owners, and dealers will provide a corrected insert for the owners manual, free of charge. The recall began on September 25, 2017. Owners may contact GM customer service at…

    NHTSA campaign 17V-487 (2017-08-03).

  14. Jul 2017 · 2014–2017 · Seat BeltsA failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating…

    The defect. 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…

    What can happen. A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.

    The free fix. GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The…

    NHTSA campaign 17V-437 (2017-07-10).

  15. Jun 2017 · 2014 · SteeringIf EPS assist is lost and then returns, the driver might lose temporary control of the steering wheel…

    The defect. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles. The vehicles may have a temporary loss of electric power steering (EPS) assist, especially during low-speed turning maneuvers.

    What can happen. If EPS assist is lost and then returns, the driver might lose temporary control of the steering wheel, increasing the risk of a crash.

    The free fix. GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the EPS module software, free of charge. The recall began on August 10, 2017. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC…

    NHTSA campaign 17V-414 (2017-06-29).

  16. Sep 2016 · 2014–2017 · Seat BeltsA failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating…

    The defect. 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…

    What can happen. A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.

    The free fix. GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The…

    NHTSA campaign 16V-651 (2016-09-08).

  17. Apr 2016 · 2016 · Suspension do not driveInadequate welds may allow the control arm to separate from the bushing, compromising steering and increasing…

    The defect. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and 2016 Cadillac Escalade, Cadillac Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Sierra, GMC Yukon and GMC Yukon XL vehicles. The front upper control arms…

    What can happen. Inadequate welds may allow the control arm to separate from the bushing, compromising steering and increasing the risk of a crash.

    The free fix. GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the left and right front upper control arms and realign the vehicle, free of charge. The recall began on May 18, 2016. Until the repairs have been…

    NHTSA campaign 16V-256 (2016-04-28).

  18. Apr 2016 · 2014–2015 · Seat BeltsIf the tensioner cable separates, the driver may not be properly restrained in the event of a crash…

    The defect. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 trucks manufactured January 29, 2013, to January 21, 2015. While entering the vehicle, the seat belt tensioner cable may be positioned such that the…

    What can happen. If the tensioner cable separates, the driver may not be properly restrained in the event of a crash, increasing their risk of injury.

    The free fix. GM will notify owners, and dealers will modify the vehicles to prevent the tensioner from being damaged. Any tensioner that has already been damaged will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began…

    NHTSA campaign 16V-209 (2016-04-12).

  19. Feb 2016 · 2016 · Electrical System filed under the shared nameAn unbelted driver is at a greater risk of injury in a crash.

    The defect. 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…

    What can happen. An unbelted driver is at a greater risk of injury in a crash.

    The free fix. GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The recall began on March 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer…

    NHTSA campaign 16V-084 (2016-02-11).

  20. Dec 2015 · 2016 · Air Bags filed under the shared nameIf the SDM housing fractures, water may get into SDM causing it to malfunction and hinder the proper…

    The defect. 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…

    What can happen. If the SDM housing fractures, water may get into SDM causing it to malfunction and hinder the proper deployment of the air bags in the event of a crash, thereby increasing the risk of occupant injury.

    The free fix. GM will notify owners, and dealers will have the mounting stud repositioned and the SDM replaced, free of charge. The recall began December 2, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at…

    NHTSA campaign 15V-830 (2015-12-10).

  21. Oct 2015 · 2014 · EquipmentText 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…

    NHTSA campaign 13V-544 (2015-10-30).

  22. Oct 2015 · 2014 · Electrical SystemIf 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 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…

    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 replace the ignition lock housing, free of charge. The recall began on November 20, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or…

    NHTSA campaign 15V-640 (2015-10-09).

  23. Dec 2014 · 2015 · Power Train filed under the shared nameIf the rear axle shaft fractures, the rear wheel may separate from the axle shaft, increasing the risk of a…

    The defect. 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…

    What can happen. If the rear axle shaft fractures, the rear wheel may separate from the axle shaft, increasing the risk of a crash.

    The free fix. GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear axles, and replace any that were improperly heat-treated, free of charge. The recall began on December 17,2014. Owners may contact GM customer…

    NHTSA campaign 14V-819 (2014-12-24).

  24. Nov 2014 · 2015 · Steering filed under the shared nameAn unexpected loss of power steering increases the risk of a crash.

    The defect. 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…

    What can happen. An unexpected loss of power steering increases the risk of a crash.

    The free fix. GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the power steering assist motor kit, free of charge. The recall began on November 17, 2014. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-222-1020…

    NHTSA campaign 14V-719 (2014-11-10).

  25. Oct 2014 · 2014 · Electrical SystemIf the module experiences an electrical short, the vehicle could stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

    The defect. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Cadillac CTS, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL, and 2014 Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Express, Impala, Silverado HD, Traverse, GMC Acadia, Savana, and…

    What can happen. If the module experiences an electrical short, the vehicle could stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

    The free fix. GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the chassis electronic module, free of charge. The recall began on December 26, 2014. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick)…

    NHTSA campaign 14V-614 (2014-10-01).

  26. Jul 2014 · 2014 · SeatsA seat that does not stay secured increases the risk of occupant injury in a vehicle crash.

    The defect. 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…

    What can happen. A seat that does not stay secured increases the risk of occupant injury in a vehicle crash.

    The free fix. GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the seat hook bracket assembly weld and replace the lower seat track, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on August 15, 2014. Owners may…

    NHTSA campaign 14V-446 (2014-07-23).

  27. Jun 2014 · 2014 · Power TrainIf the transfer case switches to neutral while the vehicle is parked and the parking brake is not in use, the…

    The defect. 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…

    What can happen. If the transfer case switches to neutral while the vehicle is parked and the parking brake is not in use, the vehicle may roll away increasing the risk of injury to bystanders. If the transfer case…

    The free fix. GM will notify owners, and dealers will re-program the software in the transfer case control module, free of charge. The recall began in early August 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer…

    NHTSA campaign 14V-374 (2014-06-27).

  28. Jun 2014 · 2014 · EquipmentThe floor mat could shift such that it could interfere with the accelerator pedal, preventing its return to…

    The defect. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014 Chevrolet Silverado vehicles manufactured May 15, 2013, to January 29, 2014, and GMC Sierra vehicles manufactured September 19, 2013, to February 8, 2014, and equipped with both optional accessory…

    What can happen. The floor mat could shift such that it could interfere with the accelerator pedal, preventing its return to an idle position, which could result in unintended vehicle speeds, increasing the risk of a…

    The free fix. GM will notify owners, and reimburse the owner for the purchase price upon their return. The owners will also be provided an insert for their owners manual instructing them not to use floor mats…

    NHTSA campaign 14V-345 (2014-06-18).

  29. Jun 2014 · 2014 · Electrical SystemWithout an audible indicator, the driver may not be aware that the driver's door is open while the key is in…

    The defect. 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…

    What can happen. Without an audible indicator, the driver may not be aware that the driver's door is open while the key is in the ignition, increasing the risk of a vehicle rollaway. Additionally, there would be no…

    The free fix. GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The recall began on July 2, 2014. Chevrolet owners may contact GM's customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GMC owners…

    NHTSA campaign 14V-301 (2014-06-06).

  30. May 2014 · 2014 · Steering do not driveAn improperly tightened tie rod attachment may allow the tie rod to separate from the steering rack…

    The defect. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014 Chevrolet Silverado vehicles manufactured May 23, 2013, through March 25, 2014, 2014 GMC Sierra vehicles manufactured May 25, 2013, through March 31, 2014, and 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe vehicles…

    What can happen. An improperly tightened tie rod attachment may allow the tie rod to separate from the steering rack, resulting in a loss of steering, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

    The free fix. GM notified all owners, and dealers will inspect the inner tie rods to make sure that they are correctly tightened, replacing the steering gear, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on May…

    NHTSA campaign 14V-246 (2014-05-14).

  31. Mar 2014 · 2014 · Power TrainIf the line is not securely seated and transmission oil leaks from the fitting, the oil could contact a hot…

    The defect. General Motors LLC (GM ) is recalling certain model year 2014 Chevrolet Silverado Light Duty Regular Cab, Double Cab, and Crew Cab 1500 series and model year 2015 Suburban and Tahoe; GMC model year 2014 Sierra Regular Cab, Double Cab, and Crew Cab 1500 Series…

    What can happen. If the line is not securely seated and transmission oil leaks from the fitting, the oil could contact a hot surface and cause a vehicle fire.

    The free fix. GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the transmission oil cooler line connection and repair the vehicles, as needed, free of charge. The recall began on May 19, 2014. Owners may contact…

    NHTSA campaign 14V-152 (2014-03-31).

  32. Jan 2014 · 2014 · Engine and Engine CoolingThe overheated exhaust components may melt nearby plastic parts and may result in an engine fire.

    The defect. 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…

    What can happen. The overheated exhaust components may melt nearby plastic parts and may result in an engine fire.

    The free fix. General Motors will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the engine control module, free of charge. The recall began on January 16, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020 and GMC…

    NHTSA campaign 14V-007 (2014-01-13).

  33. Oct 2013 · 2014 · SeatsIf the vehicle is struck from behind, the head restraint may not properly protect occupants, increasing the…

    The defect. General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles manufactured August 1, 2013, through September 10, 2013, and equipped with manual reclining seatbacks. In the affected vehicles, either of the front…

    What can happen. If the vehicle is struck from behind, the head restraint may not properly protect occupants, increasing the risk of injury.

    The free fix. GM has notified owners. Dealers will inspect the seatback recliner mechanisms and make adjustments, as needed, free of charge. The recall began on October 23, 2013. Owners may contact Chevrolet at…

    NHTSA campaign 13V-488 (2013-10-17).

  34. Jul 2013 · 2014 · Air BagsAs a result the air bag may not fully inflate, increasing the risk of injury.

    The defect. General Motors is recalling certain model year 2014 Chevrolet Silverado trucks manufactured June 1, 2013, through June 30, 2013; and model year 2014 GMC Sierra trucks manufactured June 4, 2013, through June 30, 2013. Welding on the passenger airbag inflator…

    What can happen. As a result the air bag may not fully inflate, increasing the risk of injury.

    The free fix. General Motors will notify owners and dealers will replace the passenger air bag module, free of charge. The recall began on August 23, 2013. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-866-694-6546 and GMC at…

    NHTSA campaign 13V-315 (2013-07-19).

Some of these 34 campaigns also cover Chevrolet Silverado 1500 2014–2018 (33 of them) and Chevrolet Tahoe 2015–2020 (14 of them): the same campaign number appears in NHTSA’s file against both, which means the same defect and the same free repair.

Crashes, fires and injuries owners reported

What owners reported alongside the failure itself, out of 2,557 complaints against this generation:

Crashes
87 (3.4%)
Fires
36
Injury reports
44
Fatality reports
1

These flags are self-reported by complainants and unverified by NHTSA; one report can carry several flags, so the counts overlap and do not sum to a total. They are not adjusted for how many of these vehicles are on the road. No chart is drawn here on purpose: overlapping counts spanning very different magnitudes cannot be honestly encoded as lengths.

Sierra 1500 problems by model year

The 2014 drew the most complaints of this generation, 840, most of them about the exterior lighting, and the 2018 the fewest, 304. A typical year drew about 354.

That makes the 2014 stand out at roughly 2.4 times a typical year. A count like this follows how many cars of each year were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as how often they failed, so it is not by itself evidence of a worse year; what each year's reports name, in its card and row, is the useful part.

Complaints by model year
YearComplaintsWith mileageMedian milesMost reportedRecalls
201484059548,000Exterior lighting (211)20
201571846647,000Brakes (219)11
201634118747,000†Brakes (100)9
201735413839,000†Transmission and driveline (118)5
201830412134,000†Transmission and driveline (130)7

† At least 40% of this year’s complaints were filed after 2020, and most complaints filed since then carry no odometer reading. Its median rests on the earlier reports and likely understates the mileage these failures happen at.

What Sierra 1500 owners reported

The contact owns a 2017 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH to 50 MPH, the vehicle shuddered and made a shuddering sound while shifting between gears. Additionally, the contact stated that the engine lifters and camshaft were previously replaced. The contact associated the…

2017 · 140,000 miles · Transmission and driveline

The contact owns a 2014 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked and pulled to the right. No warning lights were illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that while driving over a bump in the road, the vehicle lost automotive power and shut off. The contact…

2014 · 230,000 miles · Transmission and driveline

The contact owns a 2015 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at 25 MPH, the front driver's seat belt completely failed. The lap belt portion came apart, causing the chest strap to loosen. Upon inspection, the contact observed that the steel anchor cable bolted to the floor had separated. The vehicle…

2015 · 153,000 miles · Seat belts

The contact owns a 2015 GMC Sierra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and also while the vehicle was parked, the ABS and stability control warning lights would unexpectedly illuminate. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the warning lights were cleared. The contact was…

2015 · 90,000 miles · Electrical system

Built from 1,507 NHTSA complaints with mileage · snapshot 2026-09-26 · open data · how it is built

Other Sierra 1500 generations

Other full-size pickups from the same years