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2010 GMC Sierra

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By Research the Car 6 min read

The 2010 GMC Sierra 1500 is a full-size pickup truck known for its dependability and towing capacity. Engine options for the 2010 model year include a 4.3L V6 (195 hp, 260 lb-ft of torque), a 4.8L V8 (302 hp, 305 lb-ft of torque), a 5.3L V8 (315 hp, 335 lb-ft of torque or 326 hp, 348 lb-ft of torque with aluminum block), and a 6.2L V8 (403 hp, 417 lb-ft of torque). Transmission options include a 4-speed automatic (primarily with the V6 and some 4.8L V8 models) and a 6-speed automatic (primarily with the 5.3L and 6.2L V8 models, and some 4.8L V8 models). Owners often appreciate the Sierra’s comfortable ride, spacious cabin, and strong performance. Some common complaints include fuel economy, particularly with the larger V8 engines, and some reported issues with the truck’s reliability as it ages.

Engine

4.3L V6

  • No Issues Found

4.8L V8

  • No Issues Found

5.3L V8 (Iron Block)

  • Active Fuel Management (AFM) Lifter Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Engine misfires, rough running, loss of power, and a check engine light. This is often caused by one or more AFM lifters collapsing, preventing the affected cylinder from firing. The cylinder deactivation system attempts to switch between 8 cylinder mode and 4 cylinder mode. This occurs when the lifters become stuck and start hammering on the camshaft.
    • Solution: Replacement of the AFM lifters with updated lifters or conversion to non-AFM lifters. This often involves removing the cylinder heads and replacing the camshaft.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Oil Consumption
    • Description/Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption, often noticed between oil changes. This can be due to issues with the piston rings.
    • Solution: In some cases, a PCV valve replacement will fix the problem. In other cases, requires engine disassembly and piston ring replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+ (PCV Valve Replacement), $3,000+ (Piston Ring Replacement)
    • Recalls: None Found

5.3L V8 (Aluminum Block)

  • Active Fuel Management (AFM) Lifter Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Engine misfires, rough running, loss of power, and a check engine light. This is often caused by one or more AFM lifters collapsing, preventing the affected cylinder from firing. The cylinder deactivation system attempts to switch between 8 cylinder mode and 4 cylinder mode. This occurs when the lifters become stuck and start hammering on the camshaft.
    • Solution: Replacement of the AFM lifters with updated lifters or conversion to non-AFM lifters. This often involves removing the cylinder heads and replacing the camshaft.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Oil Consumption
    • Description/Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption, often noticed between oil changes. This can be due to issues with the piston rings.
    • Solution: In some cases, a PCV valve replacement will fix the problem. In other cases, requires engine disassembly and piston ring replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+ (PCV Valve Replacement), $3,000+ (Piston Ring Replacement)
    • Recalls: None Found

6.2L V8

  • No Issues Found

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic (4L60E)

  • Harsh Shifting/Slipping
    • Description/Symptoms: Hard shifts, slipping between gears, or failure to shift properly. This can be due to wear and tear on the transmission components, valve body issues, or solenoid failure.
    • Solution: Transmission rebuild or replacement. Valve body repair or replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500-$1,500+ (Valve Body Repair/Replacement), $2,000 - $4,000+ (Transmission Rebuild/Replacement)
    • Recalls: None Found

6-Speed Automatic (6L80E)

  • Torque Converter Shudder
    • Description/Symptoms: A shudder or vibration felt at low speeds or during light acceleration. This is often caused by torque converter clutch issues.
    • Solution: Torque converter replacement, transmission flush with updated fluid.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500+ (Torque Converter Replacement)
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Harsh Shifting/Slipping
    • Description/Symptoms: Hard shifts, slipping between gears, or failure to shift properly. This can be due to wear and tear on the transmission components, valve body issues, or solenoid failure.
    • Solution: Transmission rebuild or replacement. Valve body repair or replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500-$1,500+ (Valve Body Repair/Replacement), $2,000 - $4,000+ (Transmission Rebuild/Replacement)
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

  • Front End Clunking/Popping Noise
    • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or popping noise from the front suspension when going over bumps or turning. Often related to worn ball joints, tie rod ends, or stabilizer bar links.
    • Solution: Replacement of worn suspension components (ball joints, tie rod ends, stabilizer bar links).
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ per component (depending on labor)
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Cracked Leaf Springs
    • Description/Symptoms: Rear suspension sag, clunking noises, and visible cracks in the leaf springs. Can affect ride quality and load-carrying capacity.
    • Solution: Leaf spring replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+ per side (including labor)
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

  • Door Lock Actuator Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Door locks that intermittently fail to lock or unlock, or make unusual noises.
    • Solution: Door lock actuator replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+ per door.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Instrument Cluster Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Gauges that fail to function properly, flicker, or provide inaccurate readings. The entire cluster may fail.
    • Solution: Instrument cluster repair or replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $700+
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • Rust on Rocker Panels and Cab Corners
    • Description/Symptoms: Rust developing along the lower edges of the rocker panels and cab corners. Common in areas with road salt exposure.
    • Solution: Rust repair or replacement of affected panels.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+ per side (depending on severity)
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Brake Light Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Brake lights that stop working, often due to a faulty brake light switch or wiring issues.
    • Solution: Replacement of the brake light switch or repair of wiring.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200+
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

  • Cracked Dashboard
    • Description/Symptoms: Cracking and warping of the dashboard, especially in sun-exposed areas.
    • Solution: Dashboard replacement or installation of a dashboard cover.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+ (Dashboard Replacement)
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Headliner Sagging
    • Description/Symptoms: The headliner fabric detaches from the backing board and begins to sag.
    • Solution: Headliner replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2010 GMC Sierra 1500 has several common issues, with the most significant being engine-related problems like AFM lifter failure and excessive oil consumption, particularly in the 5.3L V8 engines. Transmission issues, such as torque converter shudder and harsh shifting, can also be costly to address. Suspension and electrical issues, while less severe, can still lead to unexpected repair bills. Rust, a common concern for vehicles of this age, can also require significant investment to rectify. The cost of repairs ranges from a few hundred dollars for minor issues to several thousand dollars for engine or transmission overhauls, making it crucial for potential buyers to thoroughly inspect the vehicle and consider a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic.

GMC, Sierra
GMC Sierra 2010
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