2016 GMC Sierra 1500
The 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 is a popular full-size pickup truck known for its comfortable ride, handsome styling, and robust capabilities. Available engine options include a 4.3L V6 (285 hp, 305 lb-ft torque), a 5.3L V8 (355 hp, 383 lb-ft torque), and a 6.2L V8 (420 hp, 460 lb-ft torque). Transmission options are primarily a 6-speed automatic, with some higher trim levels offering an 8-speed automatic. People generally praise the Sierra for its quiet cabin, user-friendly technology, and towing capacity. Common complaints often revolve around reliability issues, particularly with the 8-speed transmission and some electronic components.
Engine
4.3L V6
- No Known Issues
- Description/Symptoms:
- Solution:
- Estimated Cost to Fix:
- Recalls: None Found
5.3L V8
- Active Fuel Management (AFM) Lifter Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Misfires, rough idling, check engine light, and excessive oil consumption. Often due to a collapsed lifter on cylinders that are deactivated by the AFM system.
- Solution: Replacing all lifters, head gaskets, and potentially the camshaft. AFM can also be permanently disabled with aftermarket tuning.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,500 - $4,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Excessive Oil Consumption
- Description/Symptoms: Noticeably low oil levels between oil changes. This can be caused by faulty AFM lifters, PCV valve issues, or worn piston rings.
- Solution: Diagnosing the root cause is crucial. If it is PCV related, replacing the PCV valve. If it is the AFM lifters, replacing the lifters. In severe cases, piston rings may need replacement, requiring engine disassembly.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (PCV valve) - $5,000+ (Piston rings)
- Recalls: None Found
6.2L V8
- Active Fuel Management (AFM) Lifter Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Misfires, rough idling, check engine light, and excessive oil consumption. Often due to a collapsed lifter on cylinders that are deactivated by the AFM system.
- Solution: Replacing all lifters, head gaskets, and potentially the camshaft. AFM can also be permanently disabled with aftermarket tuning.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,500 - $4,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Excessive Oil Consumption
- Description/Symptoms: Noticeably low oil levels between oil changes. This can be caused by faulty AFM lifters, PCV valve issues, or worn piston rings.
- Solution: Diagnosing the root cause is crucial. If it is PCV related, replacing the PCV valve. If it is the AFM lifters, replacing the lifters. In severe cases, piston rings may need replacement, requiring engine disassembly.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (PCV valve) - $5,000+ (Piston rings)
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
6-Speed Automatic
- No Known Issues
- Description/Symptoms:
- Solution:
- Estimated Cost to Fix:
- Recalls: None Found
8-Speed Automatic (8L90)
- “Hard Shift” or “Rough Shift”
- Description/Symptoms: Harsh or clunky shifts, especially between 1st and 2nd gear, and 2nd and 3rd gear. Sometimes described as a “shudder” or “hesitation” during acceleration.
- Solution: A revised transmission fluid (Mobil 1 Synthetic LV ATF HP) was released by GM to address this issue. Flushing the transmission with the new fluid can often alleviate the problem. In more severe cases, valve body replacement or complete transmission replacement may be necessary.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300 (Fluid change), $800 - $1500+ (Valve Body), $3,000 - $5,000+ (Transmission Replacement)
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- “Chevy Shake” (Vibration at Highway Speeds)
- Description/Symptoms: Vibration felt in the steering wheel and seats at speeds above 60 mph. Can be caused by unbalanced tires, warped brake rotors, worn suspension components, or a driveline issue.
- Solution: Start with tire balancing and wheel alignment. Inspect suspension components (ball joints, tie rod ends, control arm bushings) for wear. If the vibration persists, consider having the driveline inspected for U-joint issues or imbalances.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200 (Tire balancing/alignment), $200 - $1000+ (Suspension components), $300 - $800+ (Driveline repairs)
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Infotainment System Freezing/Crashing
- Description/Symptoms: The infotainment system screen freezing, becoming unresponsive, or crashing unexpectedly.
- Solution: First try a system reset by holding the power button. Check for software updates and install them if available. If the problem persists, the head unit may need to be replaced.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (Software update) - $500+ (Head Unit Replacement)
- Recalls: None Found
- Battery Drain Issues
- Description/Symptoms: The battery draining overnight or within a short period of time, even when the vehicle is not in use. This can be caused by a parasitic draw from a faulty module or accessory.
- Solution: Diagnose the source of the parasitic draw using a multimeter. Common culprits include the OnStar module, radio, and various sensors. Replace the faulty component.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ (depending on the component)
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Door Handle Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The exterior door handles breaking or becoming difficult to use.
- Solution: Replace the faulty door handle.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+ (per handle)
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- No Issues Found
- Description/Symptoms:
- Solution:
- Estimated Cost to Fix:
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2016 GMC Sierra 1500, while generally a well-regarded truck, suffers from some notable reliability issues. The most prevalent concerns are related to the 5.3L and 6.2L V8 engines, particularly AFM lifter failure and excessive oil consumption. The 8-speed transmission is another common source of complaints, characterized by hard or rough shifting. Electrical glitches with the infotainment system and battery drain issues are also present. While some issues, like the transmission shudder, can be addressed with a fluid change, others require more extensive and costly repairs. Potential buyers should be aware of these issues and thoroughly inspect any prospective purchase, paying particular attention to transmission performance and engine oil levels. The severity of these issues ranges from minor annoyances to major mechanical failures, with repair costs potentially reaching several thousand dollars.