10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
35,421 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2016 GMC Sierra 1500 engine problems

engine problem

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2016 GMC Sierra 1500 Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #30

Aug 042024

Sierra 1500

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I have a 2016 GMC 1500 Sierra Denali and experiencing a very scary problem that has suddenly developed with this vehicle. As I am parking or in a slow turn, the vehicle completely looses all power [engine, electronics, brakes, etc..] and the steering wheel jerks out of my hands and then a second or 2 later it comes back on and then repeated 2 more times as I was attempting to park. I had this happen while turning into a parking spot at the store. Then the next day it did it a again as I was turning into a different parking lot. I loose complete control of the vehicle. I have been lucky not to hit another vehicle, more specifically a person. I decided to park the vehicle at home and not drive it until I get GMC service to diagnose. I have an appointment at a dealership to diagnose the problem on 08-15-204 at "Chevrolet Buck GMC of Puyallup Inc.". I did some research on the internet and found a site where others have experienced the same problem. I looked for recalls yet none are concerning my vehicle, however I did find a recall# N202325410 that fits the entire issue for some earlier vehicles. Same exact problem. Something to do with the steering column electrical harness. Please advise what recourse I have?

- Puyallup, WA, USA

problem #29

Apr 242024

Sierra 1500

  • 86,624 miles
The contact owns a 2016 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, the transmission started shifting improperly. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a failed transmission fluid control sensor. The contact was informed that due to the transmission fluid sensor failure, the torque converter control module needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to several different independent mechanics and the diagnosis was confirmed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact provided the DTC codes: P0711 and P0700. The contact researched and discovered a previous repair coverage with a similar failure description. The coverage program code was N192291660. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure; however, the contact was informed that there were no unrepaired recalls or coverage for the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 86,624.

- Mckinney, TX, USA

problem #28

Mar 012024

Sierra 1500

  • miles
Radiator leak. Low coolant, had to keep adding coolant. Only 76000 miles on truck. No warning other than the coolant temp was going up and down as I accelerated.

- Lake Balboa, CA, USA

problem #27

Feb 012024

Sierra 1500

  • 96,500 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2016 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, a loud noise was present coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that the check engine warning light remained illuminated, and the vehicle would not properly accelerate. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the engine camshaft and lifters had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 96,500.

- District Heights, MD, USA

problem #26

Jul 192023

Sierra 1500

  • 102,000 miles
The contact owns a 2016 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving 65-70 MPH, there was a clicking sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stopped and examined the vehicle and became aware that the clicking sound was coming from the engine. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated that the lifters needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 102,000. The VIN was not available.

- Northfield, OH, USA

problem #25

May 302023

Sierra 1500

  • miles
2016 gmc sierra 1500 with a 5.3 v8. Dropped a lifter on cylinder one at 79k miles due to the active fuel management known as AFM and Causing the truck to misfire and shake so bad that the truck turned its self off going up hill on a busy highway at 60 mph causing me to have no brakes nor steering and tried turning the truck back on for brakes and steering and it wouldn-??t turn over and just crank. Then got it to crank took it home then took it to the dealership the next day which was 5/30/2023 it was at dealership and they fixed after a week of being in the shop from 5/30/2023 to 6/14/2023 the same day I dropped a lifter on cylinder 7 aswell 2 hours after leaving the dealership causing the truck run even rougher and misfiring.

- Chillicothe , OH, USA

problem #24

Jun 112023

Sierra 1500

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Electronics flash on and off then steering wheel jerks hard back and forth. Total loss of everything.

- Okeene, OK, USA

problem #23

Apr 012021

Sierra 1500

  • 0 miles
The contact owns a 2016 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that her husband had to frequently add oil to the engine. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed as needing an oil consumption test to be completed since an oil leak was not located. An oil consumption test was not performed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

- Gretna, LA, USA

problem #22

Jan 302023

Sierra 1500

  • 81,000 miles
The contact owns a 2016 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while starting and driving the vehicle, the engine experienced rough idling with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a cylinder misfire and that the spark plugs needed to be replaced. The contact declined the repair, and the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with codes: P050D, P2099, P219B, and P0300 for the fuel injector. The contact related the failure to Special Coverage Adjustment N182198000 (Engine Fuel Injector); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was then taken to Champion Chevrolet Buick GMC (502 S 1st St, La Grange, KY 40031) where it was confirmed that the VIN was not included in the Special Coverage Adjustment. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 81,000.

- Prospect, KY, USA

problem #21

Jun 092022

Sierra 1500

  • miles
Unknown

- Revere , MA, USA

problem #20

Nov 012022

Sierra 1500

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I drove up to a yield sign, when on coming traffic was clear I step on the gas then I heard my engine knocking I tried to go but I only could get up to 30 mph I took it to the dealership they diagnose it and said that the number 7 cylinder had misfired I had a manchanic to repair it and it cost me $4200.

- North Litle Rock, AR, USA

problem #19

Nov 012022

Sierra 1500

  • 113,000 miles
The contact owns a 2016 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving approximately 20 MPH, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from the engine. The contact stated that the vehicle would not accelerate above 30 MPH. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the catalytic convert needed to be replaced and cylinder #7 misfiring. The contact was informed that the rod bearings needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, the contact had not yet received a response. The failure mileage was approximately 113,000.

- North Little Rock, AR, USA

problem #18

Nov 272022

Sierra 1500

  • miles
My 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 (5.3L 8-speed). When on the highway or in the city when the truck is changing gears it has a shake almost like hitting small bumps on the side of the road. I have several friends and family members with the same model truck and have spent thousands of dollars to fix the problem by modifying the whole truck. Is there anyway a recall could be made since it has to be a huge issue with all models with the v4 mode? I brought it to a transmission shop due to GMC dealerships being booked for weeks..the receipt is attached! They said the fluid was burnt and changed it but need new torque converter!

- Theodore, AL, USA

problem #17

Jun 212022

Sierra 1500

  • 72,727 miles
The contact owns a 2016 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that when the accelerator pedal was depressed, the vehicle responded at a rapid rate of speed. As a result, the vehicle almost crashed into another vehicle. The contact was concerned for her children safety. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an AutoZone where it was placed on a diagnostic machine indicating code P050D. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that cylinder #1 had a misfire and the spark plugs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the contact stated that three days later, the engine warning light illuminated, and the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure and scheduled an appointment for a later date. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 72,727.

- Middlebourne, WV, USA

problem #16

May 012021

Sierra 1500

  • miles
The engine light has come on with issues for transmission and the engine is shuttering/skipping. The tech found lifter failure and truck needs a transmission. I have been in contact with GM about this issues and submitted the repair cost for review.

- Ray City, GA, USA

problem #15

Oct 252021

Sierra 1500

  • miles
When placing the truck in Drive, there is a very hard 'clunk' between first and second gear. Additionally, when driving, the truck shakes/shudders, mostly on the highway, but sometimes in town when driving between 25 and 70 m.p.h. The first instance was in March, 2019 whereby the dealer indicated this was normal operation for this transmission. As it seemed to get worse, I took it back and was told the transmission fluid was the wrong type and I had to pay to get it evacuated and changed out, even though this was an error on GMs part.

- Omaha, NE, USA

problem #14

Sep 012021

Sierra 1500

  • miles
I purchased the 2016 GMC Sierra new. From the very start I felt there were issues with the transmission. I took the truck in for the shaking, vibrations and clunking in the trans with 5058 miles. Over the next 36 months I had the truck in 7 times and 3 different dealerships to get the trans fixed. Only once did they really do anything where they changed the fluid. I lived with the issues after the warranty expired as GM would not do anything to fix it. Now at 66,000 miles the vibrations have gotten so severe I am afraid to drive the truck. At no point has the truck not had vibrations, only they have increased. And now I have had 2 check engine warnings both dealing with the trans.

- Clarkston, MI, USA

problem #13

Apr 012021

Sierra 1500

  • miles
-Engine gas consumption states 21 MPG Highway, 17 MPG combined and 15 MPG City. -When I started using vehicle during the first weeks and months the best MPG I could geta at the highway was 18.5 MPG with top-tier gas. -Ever since I bought the vehicle, the gas MPG have gone down around 0.5 MPG. The vehicle feels that it has to use more gas in order to perform the level of task everyday. -The motor oil pump at times moves down from the 40 mark to the 20 mark when idle at traffic light and it starts moving, it temporarily goes to the 60 mark. At other times when idle it stays in the 30 mark. -The transmission is an 8 speed automatic. It has issues shifting 1st and 2nd gear, and at times 3rd gear as well. When driving at slow speeds like in a traffic jam, mall parking, do a u turn or when you slow down at the traffic light and then turns green and you start accelerating again it feels harsh on gearing up and down. -This vehicle has the Active Fuel Management (AFM) system, it turns on even at slower speeds and you feel how the engine and transmission struggle to accelerate, go a gear up and push the vehicle with only 4 cylinders. Like in manual transmissions when you accelerate on a higher gear than the correct one, it takes forever to accelerate and properly change to 8 cylinder and establish the correct gear and ratio. -Even if all 8 cylinders on it it feels like if I am running on a smaller engine. -There was a fix done to the transmission for a valve, but the vehicle still runs the same as before. -There is a knocking noise starting to build in the engine. Best mileage I can get driving the same and gas is 13 MPG combined. -The recent safety recall for the breaks is actually making the breaking worse than before. -My vehicle is 2016 GMC Sierra All Terrain V8 5.3L 4WD Z82 with 36,500 miles on it and is doing all this and its getting worse little at a time.

- El Paso, TX, USA

problem #12

Aug 032021

Sierra 1500

  • miles
Experienced error code of P0307 after vehicle backfired while on highway. Check engine light and stabilitrak lights immediately turned on and vehicle was shaking violently. Immediately took vehicle to an independent shop to have it looked at. After running diagnostics, pressure tests, and bore scope. It has been determined that piston in cylinder 7 is a complete loss and has a 0 pressure reading. From talking with shop owner he said he sees this issue quite often with GM vehicles due to DOD or AFM (active fuel management) that GM has on their engines. I'm at just shy of 67k miles, out of warranty, and needing to replace the engine.

- Hendersonville, TN, USA

problem #11

Apr 162021

Sierra 1500 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Truck was purchased on 11:28:20 and had my first oil change in March. Started noticing a ticking sound coming from the motor but it was. Very faint. After a while it went away. After a few weeks later the noise started to get louder and started shaking. Took to the near mechanic and he diagnosed it with bad lifters on the passager side.. I took it to another mechanic where their replaceming all lifters for 4.8k. This truck is not too old and I shouldn-??t be replacing any engine parts. It only has 100k miles and it-??s a 2016.

- Dallas, TX, USA

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