While the GMC Sierra 1500 may be outclassed and outsold by the F-150 and Silverado, the competition for longest-lasting truck is much tighter, with the GMC delivering decades of service and low maintenance costs.
Key Points
- With proper maintenance, a GMC Sierra 1500 should run for a minimum of 200,000 miles, with some units having topped half a million.
- Annual maintenance costs average in the low-$700 range, with less frequent major problems than most pickups.
- The 2014 Sierra suffers a handful of electrical and steering issues, but prompt recalls have made this almost a non-issue.
Expect a Minimum of 200,000 Miles From a GMC Sierra 1500, but Don’t be Surprised if You Double That
Out of the leading full-size trucks, the Sierra ranks third for longevity. But, third’s not a bad place to be in this case.
Of all Silverados on the road today, 2.2% have topped 200,000 miles. For the F-150, the number is 2.1%, and the Sierra brings up the rear at 2.0%, so you really can’t go wrong with any one of the three.
The Silverado and GMC Sierra 1500 also share the same platform, a win for Chevy is a win for the GMC. The platform is also shared with several other top-10 longest-lasting trucks and SUVs, including the Tahoe, Suburban, and Yukon, making it the most-represented non-Toyota platform on the list.
With decent care, you’ll get a baseline mileage expectancy of 200,000 miles, but for many Sierras, they’re just getting started at that number. It’s not unusual to find them with 400,000 miles on the odometer, with the original transmission and engine.
If the Sierras and Silverados don’t happen to last quite as long as the Tahoes and Suburbans, it simply comes down to how they’re used.
A Suburban is typically used as a daily driver. Maybe it does some light off-roading, but you’re mostly driving on paved roads, and likely not towing anything heavier than the occasional dirt bike or jet ski.
A Sierra, on the other hand, is a dedicated puller, hauler, and tower.
Simply put, a work truck suffers more wear and tear than an SUV. So, even with most major mechanical components being identical, the SUV is going to outlast the full-size pickup.
Sierras are Pretty Easy to Maintain, but a Little Extra Attention Will Pay Off
Getting the most out of your Sierra means, first and foremost, making sure you stick to the service schedule. GMC recommend a regular check-in every 7,500 miles, with transmission fluid changes at 50,000 to 100,000 miles.
If you’re using your Sierra as a work truck, and/or if you’re doing a lot of mudding and off-roading, you’ll want to err on the side of caution. In other words: Better to check in a few miles early than a few miles late.
Sierra owners should expect an annual maintenance cost of around $727. Maybe a little less for newer models, a little less for older ones.
In terms of severity, the Sierra is roughly on par with other full-size trucks for breakdowns and major repairs. But, it sees noticeably fewer issues on average. So, all things considered, the Sierra is one of the cheaper pickups to keep running.
2014 Sierra’s Longevity is Threatened by Electrical and Steering Issues, but GMC Was Prompt with the Recalls
For the most part, the GMC Sierra falls within the expected range for a full-size when it comes to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recalls, complaints, and investigations.
But, the 2014 model was an especially troubled year, with over 700 complaints on file with the NHTSA and a whopping 21 recalls, plus three investigations that are still open as of this writing.
The good news is that engine and power train complaints are relatively few, at just 52 each.
The big concerns here are exterior lighting and electrical issues. Many drivers report that the headlights can be a bit dim at night. And random power steering assist failure resulted in over a hundred complaints.
Thankfully, the truck’s steering and electrical issues have been addressed with a series of recalls.
With Proper Care and a Bit of Luck, GMC’s Work-truck Might Last You Until Retirement
Whether you’re after a daily-driver or a dedicated work truck, the Sierra is built to go the distance.
The F-150 remains the top-selling truck in America, but the GMC Sierra 1500 is always in the top five, thanks to the brand’s reputation for long-lasting tough-built pickups, with many units selling used at 200,000 miles and continuing to run for another 200k.
The key to hitting those big numbers on the odometer is simply maintenance. It’s always important to follow your service schedule, but it’s doubly important if you’re putting your vehicle through the wringer.
Anyone who uses their Sierra for more than just picking up groceries would be advised to handle their oil changes and tire rotations a few miles early rather than a few miles late. That extra bit of care might just be the reason you’re passing this truck down to the grandkids someday.
Photos: GMC
