2016 GMC Sierra 1500 engine problems
This is a safety-related system. If you notice symptoms, stop driving and have it inspected.
What owners report
“TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED ABOUT 13 MONTHS OR SO AFTER PURCHASING AND WAS ALREADY OUT OF WARRANTY.”
NHTSA complaint · filed 10/10/2026
“The vehicle stopped dead in traffic and would not restart. No warning lights. This is a huge safety hazard. Had to be towed to a dealership. The dealership and other diesel shops said the issue is a known catastrophic CP4 fuel pump failure. The fuel pump shreds and metal shavings are found throughout the fuel system. Requires a full fuel system replacement...quotes have been obtained from GM dealership and local diesel mechanics, ranged from $15,000-$17,000. There is a known fix and could have …”
NHTSA complaint · filed 08/11/2026
“Catastrophic engine failure while traveling 40 mph. Dealership diagnosed as cylinder walls being scorched and rods blown through. No warning signs existed - just had a loud thud before the check engine light started flashing and grinding sound started coming from engine.”
NHTSA complaint · filed 07/08/2026
“Engine has developed a serious lifter / cam issue. dealer identified it as a result of Displacement on Demand design. Total engine replacement recommended by dealer but since the mileage on that vehicle is over 100,000 warranty, the repair is not covered. Known issue, should have been pointed out by dealer / manufacturer before warranty expiration. FYI _ I do all repair work at dealer. Vehicle looses power intermittently is is not drivable at any distance. Manufacturing / design issue known o…”
NHTSA complaint · filed 01/20/2026
“SINCE I'VE OWNED THIS VEHICLE I HAVE HAD TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. ONCE IT WENT FROM 70 TO 20 ON THE HIGHWAY.. IT KICKS OR JERKS AT ANY SPEED... ESPECIALLY GOING SLOW.. THE SHIFTING IS HORRIBLE!!! THE FEELING OF IT LOSING POWER AGAIN LIKE IT DID COULD CAUSE SERIOUS DAMAGE TO THE TRANSMISSION AND UNSELFISH AND PASSENGERS.. I DON'T TRUST IT ON THE HIGHWAY!!! I KEEP A MONITOR CONNECTED TO MY TRUCK AT ALL TIMES.. THE DATES COINCIDE WITH THE PAPERWORK!! ONGOING TRANNY ISSUES ALL THE TIME!! I PAID WAY TO…”
NHTSA complaint · filed 09/02/2020
“MY 2016 GMC SIERRA 3500 DIESEL DENALI HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP 5 TIMES AND OVER 50 DAYS SINCE NOVEMBER 4, 2017 FOR AN EMISSIONS ISSUE. ON NOVEMBER 4 WHILE DRIVING, I RECEIVED A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT THAT SAID TO SERVICE THE EXHAUST SYSTEM AND A COUNTDOWN STARTED, REDUCING THE SPEED OF THE VEHICLE BY 10 MPH AFTER EVERY 50-75 MILES . THE VEHICLE HAD ABOUT 38,700 MILES AT THE TIME. THE ERROR MESSAGE THAT THE DEALERSHIP RECEIVED WAS P205B REDUCTANT TANK TEMPERATURE SENSOR PERFORMANCE. THEY REPLACED THE …”
NHTSA complaint · filed 02/27/2018
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 GMC SIERRA DENALI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND ROLLED BACKWARDS. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8,300. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.”
NHTSA complaint · filed 03/31/2017
Unverified owner reports from NHTSA's public complaint database.
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- How common are 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 engine problems?
- 7 owners reported engine issues to NHTSA for the 2016 GMC Sierra 1500. Counts scale with how many were sold.
- Is there a recall for 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 engine problems?
- No matching recall is on file. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the latest.