The 2010 Sierra 1500 lasts over 250,000 miles with only some oil consumption and dash issues. At $10,487 – 18,288, it’s a decent value for an upscale and capable full size truck.
The Good
The cabin is very quiet, the ride is smooth on the road, and it offers more luxury than other trucks.
The Bad
The base V6 engine is weak, the turning radius is wider than other trucks and the dash design is bland.
Is the 2010 GMC Sierra 1500 a Good Used Truck?
Yes, 2010 is a good year. Owner reviews like the power from the V8 engines, upscale interior, and the spacious cabin.
Reliability ratings are very good. Models from 2008–2013 were all good choices, with a surge in complaints in 2014.
Performance is poor from the V6 engine, but the largest V8 is the most powerful engine available in a half-ton truck.
The Sierra is a very safe truck, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests.
Fuel economy is okay, getting up to 18 MPG combined.
Positive Owner Reviews
Kathleen S
Great truck! Bad electrical glitches.
My truck is durable and dependable. The only flaw is the auxiliary connection does not work. In my research it is apparently a highly likely issue. I wish it had more technological abilities. My in vehicle phone connection never works and starts calling or ringing in its own. It is seems to have some electronic glitches.
Cheryl M
My 2010 GMC sierra looks as good as the newest models!
This truck is superb with regard to comfort. No complaints. Very quiet with exceptional gas mileage. The extended cab makes traveling easy for four people. This truck is incredibly reliable. I have been driving it for ten years without a single mechanical failure. The leather seats are extremely comfortable and adjustable to fit your comfort zone. I haven't a single complaint. Love this truck!
Ana R
The vehicle is a SUV, built big enough for family friends and workers.
My vehicle has enough space for work equipment and also for family and friends. It works perfectly with no problems. It feels brand new. It is super clean and runs nicely. There is great comfort in the car. It is a big car so in case of anything tragic there wouldn't be a lot of damage to the people inside.
Cindy W
Get style and ride nothing better than a GMC Sierra!
Nothing its perfect, ride style power it's everything you can want and more in a truck. You can't go wrong with a GMC.
Dustin V
Feels new but still old fashioned.
No issue other than not knowing how to reset tire pressure gauge. If there were more easily accessible buttons it would be nice. Currently you have to turn off the vehicle, out it in accessory mode and hold both buttons down on the key fob. After that you have to adjust each tire individually below production standards before going to the recommendations following that step.
Heather G
GMC random problems and solutions.
I had my computer go out in my vehicle so it threw random codes but once it was fixed the truck runs beautifully. We did also have one spark plug go bad on us, it stated it was the coil however after doing research we found that it was the plug and once it was replaced we have had no other issues.
Corey B
Great truck and very reliable.
I have never had any mechanical issues with my truck. Runs great and gets 20 mpg on the highway. Rides really smooth. Only work that has been done on it is routine maintenance. The seats are very comfortable and pulls trailer really well. Only thing I would change is I would buy a crew cab.
Julie F
The 2010 GMC four door quad cab pickup truck.
My GMC truck is quad cab is awesome, because it is roomy and has good get up and go. The only bad things are the cruise control don't work, and the and gas is real bad, it only gets about 14 miles per gallon. It has weathertech floor mats and a nice tonno cover too
Negative Owner Reviews
Mm
Small v8 motor is junk
2010 gmc sl regular cab although it has been used for farm work , it has been serviced every 3000 miles and with only 120k miles on the truck . The second motor has just blown along with axle seals leaking and about 6 wheel hub assembly’s on front going out and a transmission I love the truck but the 4.8 v8 have proven to be junk in my opinion. This truck has been worked but 2 motors ? Come on
Jennifer R
Everything wears out, beware.
Everything wears out. None of the gauges work, the speedometer does not work, and the heat and air do not work. I have looked into it and these are all common problems. It is a gas guzzler as well. It jujitsu does not hold up well over time, I would look for a different vehicle.
Chris H
Truck bed is great big enough for big projects.
Expensive to fix bad on gas mileage always breaks down cost to much to maintain payments are decent though. Good love the interior and has lots of room for things I need to put in it. Hauling package is much better than I expected. Towing is alright for the most part.
Shawn G
It is a good but not great value for the money.
Well, it has some issues with the oil, it basically consumes its oil quick so I have to keep an eye on that all the time!.
Shanna E
The truck is awesome but has a lot of issues.
Truck is very nice, unfortunately there are a lot of issue. Oil leak due to gasket, oil leaking into spark plugs, wheel bearing going out. There are other things wrong with it. Otherwise the truck is really nice great at towing, very roomy, seats 6, got good get up and go.
ciara B
Good for long trips runs easy on gas 20$ goes a long way, about a good 5hr trip.
Really small for family, good for work through a lot of room for work has a lot of room to put items and put things to move items around. The controls on the radio are not so good but music cuts off in the middle of nowhere no good stations so you have to change it most of the time.
April C
Reliable Comfortable Truck
It has been a Good reliable vehicle. I Have had no problems with it whatsoever. It is very roomy. It shifts a little hard other than that it's been a great ride. The bed is a little smaller than I would like, can't fit much back there. Doesn't tow well.
Hunter L
2010 GMC Sierra WT extended cab
Even with the flex fuel system the mileage isn't the best and it has a random electrical issue where all the electric systems will turn off for a moment then come back on. I personally wish I had a crew cab instead of the extended cab seeing as the back seat is not big enough for my family to fit comfortably
What Do Critics Say About the Sierra 1500?
Consumer Reports says the Sierra offers a luxurious interior, but owner satisfaction scores are below average.
Edmunds gives the Sierra a 4.4/5 liking the quiet cabin, but disliking the lack of interior storage.
Kelley Blue Book users rate the Sierra 4.6/5 and enjoy the towing capabilities, but dislike the bad fuel economy.
What Common Problems Does the 2010 GMC Sierra 1500 Have?
The most frequent issues with the 2010 Sierra 1500 include excessive oil consumption, cracked dashboards, and defroster failures.
Excessive oil consumption is the most common problem at around 70,000 miles. The larger V8 engines tend to just consume more oil than smaller ones, and most owners simply check and top off the oil regularly.
Cracked dashboards are another frequent issue in the first 80,000 miles. Some owners install a dash cover costing under $100, while others replace the entire dash which can cost over $1,000.
Defrosting system failures show up on some trucks at around 95,000 miles. The rear defroster wiring gets damaged in the glass and the only solution is to replace the rear window, which costs about $750.
There are 5 minor recalls on the 2010 Sierra 1500 series, covering air bags and the optional fire extinguisher.
How Long Will the 2010 GMC Sierra 1500 Last?
A properly maintained 2010 Sierra 1500 should be able to last over 250,000 miles, which is similar to other half-ton trucks like the Ford F-150. Regular annual maintenance costs are average for a truck according to Repair Pal, at $619 per year.
Most 2010 Sierras will have over 100,000 miles, so buyers should be prepared to replace the spark plugs for $300, the purge valve costing $200, and the serpentine belt which costs $200 as well.
Lynda G
I'd like a better turning radius and mirrors. The mirrors I will replace, but it is hard to put into tight spots and I have had many trucks over the years, this one steers wider than any other truck I can remember.
How Much Is the 2010 GMC Sierra 1500 Worth?
Blue book values range from $10,487 – 18,288, making the Sierra 1500 about $1,500 more than a Dodge Ram 1500 or Nissan Titan. When new, the price range was $20,850 to $46,435. Depreciation is similar to other trucks, losing about 7% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Sierra 1500?
There are five models of the 2010 Sierra available. The infotainment system has been updated for the 2010 model, with some minor changes coming for the 2012 model.
The base engine is a weak 4.3L V6 with 195 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque, which gets up to 17 MPG combined.
A step up is the more powerful 4.8L V8, which has 295 horsepower and 305 lb.-ft. of torque and gets up to 16 MPG combined.
A popular choice is the strong 5.3L V8, which makes 315 horsepower and 338 lb.-ft. of torque while getting up to 18 MPG combined.
The flagship engine is the very powerful 6.2L V8 which produces 403 horsepower and 417 lb.-ft. of torque and gets up to 15 MPG combined. When properly equipped it can tow up to 10,500 pounds.
What Colors Does the Sierra 1500 Come In?
How Big Is the Sierra 1500?
The 2010 Sierra is a large half ton truck similar in size to the Dodge Ram 1500, and Ford F-150. There are three cabin choices including a 2-door regular cab, 4-door extended cab, and larger 4-door crew cab. Passenger space is good in the crew cab model, with plenty of room for adults.
There are also three bed lengths available including a 5-foot-8-inch short bed, 6-foot-6-inch standard bed, and 8-foot long bed.
How Does the Sierra 1500 Compare to the Competition?
The Chevy Silverado 1500 is a popular competitor in the same price range. Both trucks are built on the same platform and share the same engines, but the Sierra is more luxurious. We recommend the Sierra since you get a higher quality interior for your money.
The Toyota Tundra is another rival costing about $4,000 more. Off-road performance and reliability are better in the Tundra, but the technology is more up-to-date in the Sierra. We recommend the Tundra since they have lower long term ownership costs on the used market.
Ranks #11 Full Size Pickup Trucks by Owners
1
2010 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD
5
2
2010 Chevrolet Avalanche
4.7
11
2010 GMC Sierra 1500
4.37
Do Owners Recommend the Chevy Sierra 1500?
Lynda G
Yes it's a great truck very reliable, smooth driving on the road. Gets everything done I need out of a truck and has nice styling too.
It is a good truck in every aspect I just do not like how high it is. I am use to smaller cars. It's actually my boyfriends truck. We had to replace a part that goes to the front tire, I am not sure what it's called but it was like a ball joint or something. But luckily and knock on wood that is all we've had to fix.
joyce w
on March 27, 2021
The truck is very dependable and runs well.It is a good looking truck that I receive a lot of compliments on.
Had it for 8 years and never had any problems with it. I have only had to do general maintenance. Like having truck to haul things.
Teddi S
on March 13, 2021
GMC sierra. Comfortable and maintenance free driving.
Hauls our trailer and camper with no issues, provides a comfortable ride whether your in the front seat or the back seat. Gas mileage is very good for a bigger vehicle. Practically maintenance free for us. Very easy to switch from 2 wheel drive to 4 wheel drive without having to get out into the weather.
Shaina B
on March 7, 2021
Overall good truck. Would recommend.
It is great except some power loss issues. It randomly reduces engine power and has to be pulled off the side of the road to reset codes. But overall it is been a great truck without a lot of other issues. I would recommend as I am sure they do not all have this particular malfunction.
Taryn W
on March 1, 2021
As far as trucks go, it's reliable and fun to drive.
It has a large engine and goes fast. It has enough room in the cab that my whole family fits. Its a truck and that's just awesome to me.
Dustin V
on January 25, 2021
Feels new but still old fashioned.
No issue other than not knowing how to reset tire pressure gauge. If there were more easily accessible buttons it would be nice. Currently you have to turn off the vehicle, out it in accessory mode and hold both buttons down on the key fob. After that you have to adjust each tire individually below production standards before going to the recommendations following that step.
Shanna E
on January 18, 2021
The truck is awesome but has a lot of issues.
Truck is very nice, unfortunately there are a lot of issue. Oil leak due to gasket, oil leaking into spark plugs, wheel bearing going out. There are other things wrong with it. Otherwise the truck is really nice great at towing, very roomy, seats 6, got good get up and go.
Chad W
on January 17, 2021
Like fine wine, it ages great.
My truck runs like champ even with 210,000 miles on it. Steering is tight, very good on fuel and has the right amount of room in it. Anything I have had to repair has been pretty easy to replace or fix. Will look at buying another GMC when this dies.
ciara B
on January 6, 2021
Good for long trips runs easy on gas 20$ goes a long way, about a good 5hr trip.
Really small for family, good for work through a lot of room for work has a lot of room to put items and put things to move items around. The controls on the radio are not so good but music cuts off in the middle of nowhere no good stations so you have to change it most of the time.
Rhett G
on December 24, 2020
Good vehicle but on the pricey side rig purchasing new.
Brakes and sensor problems. Evap system has cause various sensors to fault. Ride is pretty good overall... Gas mileage seems to get worse as vehicle gets older. Paint remains shiny with regular detailing. Interior seat have come undone at seams. Overall good truck.
Heather G
on December 15, 2020
GMC random problems and solutions.
I had my computer go out in my vehicle so it threw random codes but once it was fixed the truck runs beautifully. We did also have one spark plug go bad on us, it stated it was the coil however after doing research we found that it was the plug and once it was replaced we have had no other issues.
Hunter L
on November 20, 2020
2010 GMC Sierra WT extended cab
Even with the flex fuel system the mileage isn't the best and it has a random electrical issue where all the electric systems will turn off for a moment then come back on. I personally wish I had a crew cab instead of the extended cab seeing as the back seat is not big enough for my family to fit comfortably
Ana R
on November 18, 2020
The vehicle is a SUV, built big enough for family friends and workers.
My vehicle has enough space for work equipment and also for family and friends. It works perfectly with no problems. It feels brand new. It is super clean and runs nicely. There is great comfort in the car. It is a big car so in case of anything tragic there wouldn't be a lot of damage to the people inside.
Brandon M
on November 15, 2020
My vehicle comes with touch screen radio and backup camera.
Pros: vehicle drives amazing, the trucks ability to handle all terrains goes above and beyond what I could have imagined, the interior is perfect, touch screen radio system with a backup camera included. Con: had to have transmission rebuilt around 125,000 miles. Once rebuilt I have no problems with the transmission since.
Lisa V
on November 14, 2020
That it runs great and has plenty of room for the kids.
I love this truck it runs great. Has plenty of room. The only problem is we have to keep replacing the headlights and tires.
Preston N
on November 8, 2020
Used trucks are better for farm work.
I bought the vehicle used for a good price so I expected some issues later. I had to replace the engine but it was still cheaper than purchasing a new truck. I live on a farm so I don't really need a brand new expensive truck because of the way it would be used. It is loaded with leather seats, four wheel drive etc.
Cindy W
on November 2, 2020
Get style and ride nothing better than a GMC Sierra!
Nothing its perfect, ride style power it's everything you can want and more in a truck. You can't go wrong with a GMC.
Kristina P
on October 13, 2020
It is only had one owner and I have always taking it to the dealer for service.
No cover on the bed. (I need trunk space)... The center console has no lid and no option to switch that out..
Jennifer R
on October 12, 2020
Everything wears out, beware.
Everything wears out. None of the gauges work, the speedometer does not work, and the heat and air do not work. I have looked into it and these are all common problems. It is a gas guzzler as well. It jujitsu does not hold up well over time, I would look for a different vehicle.
Chris H
on October 7, 2020
Truck bed is great big enough for big projects.
Expensive to fix bad on gas mileage always breaks down cost to much to maintain payments are decent though. Good love the interior and has lots of room for things I need to put in it. Hauling package is much better than I expected. Towing is alright for the most part.
Jan B
on September 7, 2020
It is reliable. I have had it for 6 years and it is the best truck I ever owned.
I love my truck I use it for work, it has a comfortable back seat that I have slept in it a few times. I ride far everyday so it has a lot of miles and the transmission is slipping. I need the new GMC sierra. I have 20 inch black rims on it and black tint.
William R
on September 6, 2020
That It's not a car it is a truck it has what is called a cab. .
I had 110, 000 miles on the trucks engine when the trucks engine light came on. Not sure what the problem is with the truck. Truck runs great.
Tommy L
on September 4, 2020
2010 GMC sierra crew cab I love it. You cannot beat em.
I love it. It is been very reliable. It has over 220,000 miles on it. Still going strong. Do not use any oil. Mpg is decent. Very comfortable. Great a/c and heat. I have no bad opinions about it at all. I have had a dodge before also. The sierra is way better.
Clay H
on September 3, 2020
Review of the 2010 GMC sierra sle.
Problems with the aux input is the only issue I have had. This vehicle has only had the schedule oil changes and has not had to have any addition work done. Brakes and rotors are just now needing to be replaced after 103k miles. Interior of vehicle has held up well as well.
Jonathan L
on August 21, 2020
I absolutely love it. I never intended on making this truck my everyday driver.
I love the overall size of my truck. The interior is very roomy and comfortable. The gas mileage is incredible on long trips and even when I pull my trailer it shifts and drives like normal. As long as you keep up the regular service such as oil changes and tire rotation it'll last you forever. I think the suspension could stand to be a little more rugged for those long rides through the country.
Lynda G
on August 19, 2020
Great smooth riding truck.
Very reliable smooth running truck. Could have a better turning radius and he capacitors on the door locks are constantly going out. This makes it impossible to get to things in your back seat. Without first rolling the window down so you can unlock the door from outside.
Lucas H
on August 9, 2020
Seat set buttons that you can press to move your seat into a certain position.
The GMC sierra has nice leather seats that heat and has Bose speakers stock. The 5.3 vortec has no problems getting up to speed. Another nice feature of the truck is the right mirror angles down in reverse so you can see well it makes backing in a breeze.
Earl J
on June 21, 2020
He's built to last through any type of weather or terrain.
It's rugged, tough, spacious and dependable. No complaints. This is one of the best trucks!
Carlos C
on June 5, 2020
It rides amazing. It feels like a brand new car.
It's a great truck just the dashboard gets cracked because of the heat. Other than that it's an awesome truck. It rides amazing, wherever I want to go I just put gas and put my family inside and ride there. I have total confidence that I will arrive without any problems.
Arturo
on June 3, 2020
Gas mileage and power
Bought my 2010 GMC Sierra SLE Z71 4x4 Crew bran new no problems with the Engine is strong and has a smooth ride best truck I have had
Dana F
on May 22, 2020
Great pickup truck with great power and very reliable.
Very comfortable and smooth ride. Great power and reliability. The four wheel drive works perfectly and I have never had any major issues on a truck that is going on ten years old. I love driving my GMC Sierra and my next vehicle will definitely be another GMC Sierra. Everything about this truck is great. I would recommend a GMC Sierra to anyone that is looking for a reliable and very comfortable pickup truck. I use my truck for everything. From hauling my brothers boat to getting bails of hay for my father in law to just driving back and forth to work. This is an amazing vehicle. We have taken this truck on family vacations and the comfort of this truck is very impressive. If I had to I would buy this truck again. Very reliable and I can't say enough about the power that my GMC Sierra 1500 has. Great truck.
Janet H
on May 11, 2020
When it is full of equipment, my truck is heavy. This means it won't stop on a dime, so DON'T cut me off on the road.
My pickup is getting older, so it is starting to have some maintenance issues. I use it for work, and it's good for hauling the equipment I use. I love that it has the CD player still. The only thing I really dislike is the actual seats. The cloth material tends to get hair and stuff stuck in the fibers. Even vacuuming it out is difficult as the hairs don't want to come out of it.
Cara S
on May 7, 2020
Back up parking assistance which is great in the dark.
For starters, I love the color. Not many I see like it driving down the road. The perfect height for me as I am a female. It definitely has the get up and go factor, which making it easier to get onto interstates and passing others. The performance is great. I have never had any problems with it when it comes to being reliable especially in the winter months. The seats are comfortable but wish it was heated leather. Overall nice size for a family.
brandon B
on May 1, 2020
Best looking truck on the road.
Good for 10 years, now it starting to rattle and make more noises. Need to replace shocks and struts and check front end and hopefully will drive better. They need to make a maintenance offer to go in and tighten all screws and bolts just like the day you drive it off the lot.
Jacob H
on March 10, 2020
I love my GMC sierra but I have one problem..
I love my GMC sierra, it gets me where I need to go and is a very reliable vehicle so long as you properly take care of it as you should obviously. My sierra has about 85,000 miles on it and has gave me no problems thus far. The only problem that I can think of would probably be the constant squeaking in my tires even after I got new hub caps and new tires just put on the truck. After researching it seems that this problem is common often in these trucks but it still very much annoys me, and I wish it would go away. I hope that this problem with some of the older models is not present in today’s models because if that is the case then that might be the difference in buying a GMC sierra in the future.
Shawn G
on March 8, 2020
It is a good but not great value for the money.
Well, it has some issues with the oil, it basically consumes its oil quick so I have to keep an eye on that all the time!.
John E
on February 24, 2020
My vehicle is a base model 2010 GMC sierra 1500 extended cab and 4×4.
The vehicle is very comfortable and ride very smooth but a common problem is the rear leaf spring but other than that it is a great truck. I would highly recommend this truck to anyone who wants a nice vehicle to have around. I would definitely buy a step up from the base model though because I would love to have leather seats which I do not have.
Greg s
on February 11, 2020
Great 4×4 lots of power definitely recommend.
Great 4 wheel drive, shifts hard sometimes and I had to replace a wheel bearing when I first bought it. Gas mileage isn't very good.
Kathleen S
on February 7, 2020
Great truck! Bad electrical glitches.
My truck is durable and dependable. The only flaw is the auxiliary connection does not work. In my research it is apparently a highly likely issue. I wish it had more technological abilities. My in vehicle phone connection never works and starts calling or ringing in its own. It is seems to have some electronic glitches.
Mm
on January 23, 2020
Small v8 motor is junk
2010 gmc sl regular cab although it has been used for farm work , it has been serviced every 3000 miles and with only 120k miles on the truck . The second motor has just blown along with axle seals leaking and about 6 wheel hub assembly’s on front going out and a transmission I love the truck but the 4.8 v8 have proven to be junk in my opinion. This truck has been worked but 2 motors ? Come on
Dulce R
on January 4, 2020
That it is safe and reliable.
Its big and spacious, comfy and safer than a car. I dislike it doesn't have Bluetooth radio connection wireless. I cant connect iPhone like Pandora unless I connect usb.
Cheryl M
on December 2, 2019
My 2010 GMC sierra looks as good as the newest models!
This truck is superb with regard to comfort. No complaints. Very quiet with exceptional gas mileage. The extended cab makes traveling easy for four people. This truck is incredibly reliable. I have been driving it for ten years without a single mechanical failure. The leather seats are extremely comfortable and adjustable to fit your comfort zone. I haven't a single complaint. Love this truck!
Patrick W
on November 30, 2019
This truck has a lot of power and can pull or haul almost anything I need.
I don't really have any complaints. I wish the mirrors would fold in electronically. I also wish it had a back up camera.
Rita M
on November 17, 2019
The car gets pretty good gas mileage.
I really enjoy sitting up higher in the truck while driving; enjoy the music in the truck and like listening to audiobooks; really appreciate the gas mileage I receive. I do not like how wide it turns and how much space it takes up during parking. No major complaints really.
Chad N
on November 9, 2019
Is it a new or used truck?
My 2010 GMC sierra pick-up truck may be the most basic model but there is nothing basic about the performance it provides me everyday. Having put over 200,000 miles on it already, it still fires up and runs just as good as the 1st time I did it. Love that the steering is still tight and handles great. Engine has outperformed my expectations with the amount of miles I put on it. Best buy I ever made!
Caitlin I
on October 21, 2019
That it is very safe and reliable.
There is no front bench seat. That the truck runs on premium full. I like the fact how adjustable the drive and passenger seat are. Plus I really enjoy the heated seats.
Dawn B
on October 1, 2019
Great truck wont but nothing other than a GMC
Love my truck... Super comfy never had a problem yet can't wait to drive my truck. It's been comply reliable since I've owned it and see a long future in this truck.. GMC has got wonderful trucks that are very family packed great work trucks also very reliable
Scott M
on September 24, 2019
That it is very fun to drive
Very dependable plenty of room very handy to own
Megan H
on September 3, 2019
The tire sensors wear out.
Our truck is about 8 years old. Some things that are broken are the tire sensors. The sensors tell us how much air pressure each tire has. The mechanical message won't go away unless we fix it.
Trampas C
on August 24, 2019
Very tough truck that handles rough terrain.
Very nice truck that handles very well in rough terrain. Very nice size for a big guy like me. Runs great and very nice style.
Alex is an automotive enthusiast with over 15 years of experience in the used car market. He brings a wealth of knowledge to Vehicle History as our Staff Writer and has written hundreds of used car reviews helping buyers make informed purchasing decisions. He is a member of the Automotive Press Association, and keeps up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry. Over the years, he has driven hundreds of cars, working on many of them. His mechanical experience evolved from modifying off-road trucks as a teen to focusing on automotive electrical systems as he got older. He now specializes in reviewing used cars as an automotive journalist.
Some of his favorite brands are Toyota and BMW. The Toyota Land Cruiser is one of his favorite vehicles of all time since they’re built to last forever and can go anywhere. One of his current cars is a Lexus LX570, built on the same platform as the 200-series Land Cruiser, but it’s a better value in the used market.
