GMC Sierra 1500 Years to Avoid
Every Sierra 1500 model year ranked by owner complaints filed with NHTSA, with recalls and the top problem for each year.
Updated Oct 16, 2026.
Which Sierra 1500 years should you avoid?
The 2014, 2015 and 2019 Sierra 1500 have the most NHTSA complaints. Adjusted for how long each year has been on the road, the 2012, 2013 and 2010 models have the fewest problems.
Complaints by model year
Total complaints. Newer years have had less time on the road, so their totals will keep climbing.
Every year at a glance
| Year | Complaints | Per year | Recalls | Top problem |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 141 | 141 | 2 | Engine |
| 2025 | 118 | 59 | 1 | Engine |
| 2024 | 368 | 123 | 1 | Engine |
| 2023 | 490 | 123 | 3 | Engine |
| 2022 | 594 | 119 | 6 | Engine |
| 2021 | 586 | 98 | 7 | Engine |
| 2020 | 477 | 68 | 12 | Engine |
| 2019 | 653 | 82 | 10 | Engine |
| 2018 | 305 | 34 | 7 | Transmission |
| 2017 | 354 | 35 | 6 | Transmission |
| 2016 | 343 | 31 | 8 | Brakes |
| 2015 | 719 | 60 | 9 | Brakes |
| 2014 | 742 | 57 | 9 | Steering |
| 2013 | 116 | 8 | 3 | Airbags |
| 2012 | 107 | 7 | 3 | Airbags |
| 2011 | 284 | 18 | 5 | Airbags |
| 2010 | 168 | 10 | 4 | Airbags |
| 2009 | 234 | 13 | 4 | Airbags |
| 2008 | 381 | 20 | 2 | Airbags |
"Per year" divides complaints by the years since that model year went on sale, so new and old years compare fairly. Highlighted rows have the most complaints.
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Common questions
What is the worst year for the GMC Sierra 1500?
The 2014 Sierra 1500, with 742 complaints. Its most reported problem area is the steering.
What is the best year for the GMC Sierra 1500?
Among years with at least three years of owner reports, the 2012 Sierra 1500 has the fewest complaints per year on the road.
Which GMC Sierra 1500 years should I avoid?
Be most careful with the 2014, 2015 and 2019 models. Check service records and recall work before buying.