The GMC Sierra 1500 offers impressive capabilities and unmatched luxury. But some model years have racked up poor ratings, like 2014 and 2015, which have 41 recalls and nearly 1,300 registered complaints combined over issues with faulty seatbelts and prematurely-worn tire treads.
Key Points
- The GMC Sierra is a mostly reliable pickup truck, but some models from 1999 through 2007 shared the same list of problems, including poor headlight visibility and faulty parking brakes.
- Over 90,000 Sierras with manual transmissions from 2003 and 2005 may have issues with the lining on the parking brake, which may wear to the point where the truck may become a possible roll-away risk.
- The 2014 and 2015 GMC Sierra 1500s were dealt a combined 41 recalls and almost 1,300 complaints, making them some of the worst years to avoid, and they’re no longer under warranty.
- Sierras from 2019 onwards face problems with faulty seatbelts and tire tread issues in which the tire can separate while driving.
GMC Sierra 1500s from 1999-2007 Struggled with Poor Headlights, Wheel Hub Problems, and Faulty Parking Brakes
The GMC Sierra has been around a long time, even undergoing several name changes. By 1999, the Sierra nameplate had stuck, and the model has since proven itself as a highly capable, refined pickup, rating among the best in its class. But just because a model is popular doesn’t mean it’s problem-free. The Sierra has had several worst years, and even an entire generation to steer clear of.
For instance, Sierras from 1999 to 2007 feature almost identical problems across the entire generation, although some models did have their own unique issues. Headlight problems persisted throughout all model years in the second-generation trucks, with the headlights reportedly failing to meet federal motor vehicle safety standards. Some trucks may have headlights with headlamps that do not contain the required amber side reflectors and therefore are not as bright as required for safe driving at night.
Another site, Car Complaints, shows 107 reports about this issue, with one owner stating, “It’s downright scary to drive this vehicle in the rain.” Others also mentioned a fear of driving their pickups at night.
Under the same aftermarket umbrella, replacement wheel hub assemblies were recalled because they would fail and cause the wheel to separate. Over 90,000 Sierras equipped with manual transmissions from 2003 and 2005 also struggled, where the lining on the parking brake may wear to the point where the truck may become a possible roll-away risk.
2014 and 2015 Sierra 1500s Had Power Steering Problems and Issues with Rupturing Roof-rail Airbags
In 2014, there were 21 recalls. A few of the worst had to do with the front airbags not deploying, overheating exhaust bits causing engine fires, and a software issue that would cause unintended braking without warning. Nearly 41,000 units were affected by the airbag issue, 425,000 by the faulty exhaust, and nearly 653,000 by the brakes suddenly applying.
These recalls weren’t one-offs either, but rather affected hundreds of thousands to millions of trucks. Digging a bit deeper into the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website, you find complaints about people in accidents that resulted in serious injuries due to airbags not deploying. One owner of a 2014 Sierra reportedly ran into a tree when traveling at about 45 mph.
The 2015 Sierra wasn’t much better, with 20 documented recalls, most similar to the 2014 model, including a recall detailing rupturing roof-rail airbags. Over 410,000 trucks could have the roof-rail airbag unexpectedly rupture, allowing compressed air to build, explode, and possibly send debris towards occupants.
Sierras from 2015 also had a recall over a temporary loss of steering that involved over a million units. In these, the power steering system could temporarily fail, making it much more difficult to maneuver, especially at slow speeds.
Sierras 1500s from 2019 to Present Have Safety Belt Issues, Tire Problems, and a Driveshaft that Can Potentially Separate
The fifth-generation GMC Sierra 1500 (2019-current) came with a host of new engines and an all-new design. It also came with a group of concerning recalls.
Over-cured tires can cause the tread to separate from the rest of the tire, which then causes the tire to blow and potentially cause a crash. While it only affects almost 34,000 pickups, it has the potential of causing a crash. Additionally, interior safety struggles, with over 600,000 estimated vehicles with center seatbelt issues. If the bracket is not secured correctly, it may fail to keep any would-be occupants safe from injury in a crash.
Nearly 150,000 trucks have issues with the software that controls the electronic brake assist, making it much more difficult to stop in an emergency situation. While affecting a relatively small number of trucks, another recall is related to the poor welds made in the driveshaft, causing separating and ultimately a loss in power. Again, this only affected 42 trucks, but it’s almost not surprising in comparison to the other issues detailed here.
While Some Years Have Had Issues, the GMC Sierra 1500 Remains One of the Best Trucks On the Market
The second-generation Sierra 1500 is best avoided, and frankly, between 2014 and 2018 years old, random issues are almost a guarantee. As for more recent models, you should avoid the years 2014 and 2015, which hold 41 recalls when combined. The 2019 models have also not yet proven themselves to be perfect either, having issues with tires, seatbelts, and the brake assist system already.
Choosing another model year doesn’t necessarily mean you’re free from issues, and it’s highly recommended that you research what issues have cropped up for the model year you’re interested in.
Photos: GMC
