GMC Sierra 1500 2014–2018 problems by year and mileage
3rd generation Sierra (K2XX)
NHTSA data through 18 October 20262,566 complaints, 1,509 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
Close- Median failure report
- 48,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 844
- Recalls naming this year
- 20
Most reported on the 2014
- Exterior lighting211 reports · median 2,000 mi
- Steering163 reports · median 66,000 mi
- Brakes139 reports · median 68,000 mi
Recall areas Seat belts — front · Service brakes · Service brakes, hydraulic — power assist
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2015 GMC Sierra 1500
Close- Median failure report
- 47,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 719
- Recalls naming this year
- 11
Most reported on the 2015
- Brakes219 reports · median 56,000 mi
- Transmission and driveline98 reports · median 33,000 mi
- Electrical system96 reports · median 46,000 mi
Recall areas Air bags — side/window · Seat belts — front · Service brakes
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2016 GMC Sierra 1500
Close- Median failure report
- 47,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 343
- Recalls naming this year
- 10
† This median likely runs low (why).
Most reported on the 2016
- Brakes100 reports · median 44,000 mi
- Transmission and driveline84 reports · median 45,000 mi
- Electrical system54 reports
Recall areas Air bags — side/window · Service brakes · Service brakes, hydraulic — power assist
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2017 GMC Sierra 1500
Close- Median failure report
- 39,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 355
- Recalls naming this year
- 6
† This median likely runs low (why).
Most reported on the 2017
- Transmission and driveline118 reports · median 30,000 mi
- Brakes101 reports · median 39,000 mi
- Engine58 reports
Recall areas Air bags — side/window · Service brakes · Service brakes, hydraulic — power assist
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2018 GMC Sierra 1500
Close- Median failure report
- 34,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 305
- Recalls naming this year
- 7
† This median likely runs low (why).
Most reported on the 2018
- Transmission and driveline131 reports · median 30,000 mi
- Engine67 reports
- Electrical system43 reports
Recall areas Air bags · Air bags — side/window · Service brakes, hydraulic — power assist
Check the VIN at NHTSA
Tiles: each year’s median failure mileage. † Median likely runs low (complaints filed after 2020). Latest: the 2014; earliest: the 2018, and the 2014 is 4 years older (part of the gap is age).
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
- 1,509
- Recalls
- 35
At least 40% of this generation’s complaints came after 2020, so its median likely runs low (why).
Most reported
- Brakes23.3% of complaints · median 56,000 mi
- Transmission and driveline19.9% of complaints · median 35,000 mi
- Electrical system15.0% of complaints · median 59,000 mi
Owners filed 2,566 complaints with NHTSA about the 2014–2018 GMC Sierra 1500; the brakes leads with 23.3% of them, and half of the 1,509 that record an odometer reading came by 46,000 miles — complaints, not a failure rate.
No single peak: the middle half runs 15,000 to 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?
On the 2014–2018 GMC Sierra 1500, half of the 1,509 complaints that record an odometer reading were filed by 46,000 miles and 90% by 105,000 miles (why that is not a lifespan).
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 · 1,509 reports with mileage
Mileage at failure
5,000-mile bins, 0 to 200,000 miles, linear scale; tallest bar 266 complaints
- Rest of the range
- Median
- 200,000+ — 11 complaints (0.7%), plotted separately
- 10%
- 500
- 25%
- 15,000
- Median
- 46,000
- 75%
- 72,000
- 90%
- 105,000
Show the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 0–5,000 | 266 | 17.6% |
| 5,000–10,000 | 56 | 3.7% |
| 10,000–15,000 | 54 | 3.6% |
| 15,000–20,000 | 34 | 2.3% |
| 20,000–25,000 | 44 | 2.9% |
| 25,000–30,000 | 55 | 3.6% |
| 30,000–35,000 | 71 | 4.7% |
| 35,000–40,000 | 75 | 5.0% |
| 40,000–45,000 | 82 | 5.4% |
| 45,000–50,000 | 73 | 4.8% |
| 50,000–55,000 | 68 | 4.5% |
| 55,000–60,000 | 70 | 4.6% |
| 60,000–65,000 | 78 | 5.2% |
| 65,000–70,000 | 64 | 4.2% |
| 70,000–75,000 | 56 | 3.7% |
| 75,000–80,000 | 47 | 3.1% |
| 80,000–85,000 | 39 | 2.6% |
| 85,000–90,000 | 35 | 2.3% |
| 90,000–95,000 | 37 | 2.5% |
| 95,000–100,000 | 25 | 1.7% |
| 100,000–105,000 | 27 | 1.8% |
| 105,000–110,000 | 20 | 1.3% |
| 110,000–115,000 | 19 | 1.3% |
| 115,000–120,000 | 11 | 0.7% |
| 120,000–125,000 | 12 | 0.8% |
| 125,000–130,000 | 13 | 0.9% |
| 130,000–135,000 | 12 | 0.8% |
| 135,000–140,000 | 8 | 0.5% |
| 140,000–145,000 | 11 | 0.7% |
| 145,000–150,000 | 4 | 0.3% |
| 150,000–155,000 | 15 | 1.0% |
| 155,000–160,000 | 5 | 0.3% |
| 160,000–165,000 | 3 | 0.2% |
| 165,000–170,000 | 2 | 0.1% |
| 170,000–175,000 | 2 | 0.1% |
| 175,000–180,000 | 1 | 0.1% |
| 180,000–185,000 | 2 | 0.1% |
| 185,000–190,000 | 2 | 0.1% |
| 200,000+ | 11 | 0.7% |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.
Common Sierra 1500 problems, and when they happen
Figure 2 · GMC Sierra 1500 2014–2018
When each system fails
Bar: middle half of reports · notch: median · proportional (log) scale (how to read it)
- Exterior lighting320 reportsmedian 2,000middle half 100–21,000
- Transmission and driveline510 reportsmedian 35,000middle half 9,000–80,000
- Problems owners could not categorise255 reportsmedian 50,000middle half 34,000–66,000
- Brakes599 reportsmedian 56,000middle half 39,000–75,000
- Engine325 reportsmedian 56,000middle half 34,000–81,000
- Electrical system385 reportsmedian 59,000middle half 30,000–79,000
- Steering337 reportsmedian 60,000middle half 35,000–81,000
- Your odometer, once entered below
Ordered by median mileage, earliest first.
All systems in a table
| System | Complaints | Share | Median | 25–75% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 599 | 23.3% | 56,000 | 39,000–75,000 |
| Transmission and driveline | 510 | 19.9% | 35,000 | 9,000–80,000 |
| Electrical system | 385 | 15.0% | 59,000 | 30,000–79,000 |
| Steering | 337 | 13.1% | 60,000 | 35,000–81,000 |
| Engine | 325 | 12.7% | 56,000 | 34,000–81,000 |
| Exterior lighting | 320 | 12.5% | 2,000 | 100–21,000 |
| Problems owners could not categorise | 255 | 9.9% | 50,000 | 34,000–66,000 |
| Airbag system | 92 | 3.6% | 32,000 | 19,000–90,000 |
| Body structure | 88 | 3.4% | 32,000 | 7,000–70,000 |
| Suspension | 80 | 3.1% | 23,000 | 2,500–50,000 |
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 1,509 mileage-tagged complaints, 35 recall campaigns, 3 documented problem areas.
- 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.
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 35 campaigns cover this generation.
- 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.
- Check transmission on 2015–2018 cars. What each looks like: Known problems.
- Check engine on 2014–2018 cars.
- Check engine on 2014–2016 cars.
- 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 mi63% below | At 90k mi84% below | At 120k mi93% below | At 150k mi97% below | At 200k mi99% below |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 39,000–75,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Transmission and driveline | 9,000–80,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Electrical system | 30,000–79,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Steering | 35,000–81,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Engine | 34,000–81,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Exterior lighting | 100–21,000 | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Problems owners could not categorise | 34,000–66,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
Figure 3 · GMC Sierra 1500 2014–2018 · 1,509 reports with mileage
Share of reports below each mileage
Steps at bin edges (how to read it)
- 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 50% line)
- Your odometer, once entered
Linear axis, same as Figure 1.
2014–2018 GMC Sierra 1500 recalls (35)
NHTSA records 35 recall campaigns covering vehicles in this generation (what a recall is).
2 of these carry a severe advisory — do not drive or park outside; check those first by VIN.
The campaigns cluster around the airbag system (9), the seat belts (4), the steering (4) (why one area can repeat).
Sep 2026 · 2016–2017 · 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 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500/3500, GMC Sierra 2500/3500 vehicles, and 2016-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles. The left-side or right-side roof rail air bag (RRAB) inflator end cap may…
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 are expected to be mailed November 9, 2026. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267 or Chevrolet…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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)…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Crashes, fires and injuries owners reported
Out of 2,566 complaints against this generation, owners also reported:
- Crashes
- 88 (3.4%)
- Fires
- 36
- Injury reports
- 45
- Fatality reports
- 1
Sierra 1500 problems by model year
The 2014 drew the most complaints of this generation, 844, most of them about the exterior lighting, and the 2018 the fewest, 305. A typical year drew about 355.
That makes the 2014 stand out at roughly 2.4 times a typical year (what a yearly count can and cannot say).
| Year | Complaints | With mileage | Median miles | Most reported | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 844 | 597 | 48,000 | Exterior lighting (211) | 20 |
| 2015 | 719 | 466 | 47,000 | Brakes (219) | 11 |
| 2016 | 343 | 187 | 47,000† | Brakes (100) | 10 |
| 2017 | 355 | 138 | 39,000† | Transmission and driveline (118) | 6 |
| 2018 | 305 | 121 | 34,000† | Transmission and driveline (131) | 7 |
What Sierra 1500 owners reported
The contact owned a 2014 GMC Sierra 1500. While the contact's wife was driving 45 MPH, the vehicle crashed into another vehicle. The contact stated that the air bags failed to deploy, and the seat belt failed to restraint the driver as intended. The vehicle was towed to a local tow yard. The vehicle was deemed a total…
2014 · 124,000 miles · Airbag system
The contact owns a 2014 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds on several occasions, the vehicle lost power steering assist. While driving 55 MPH, the failure recurred, nearly causing a semi-truck to crash into the vehicle and causing the vehicle to veer off the ramp. The contact's…
2014 · 134,000 miles · Steering
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 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
Built from 1,509 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 2007–2013 867 reports with mileage, most about the airbag system
- Sierra 1500 2019–2025 671 reports with mileage, most about the engine