Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2010 GMC Sierra 1500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2010 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V053000 (Air Bag). The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, he became aware that there was a crack on the top of the infotainment system on the dashboard. The contact stated that a month later, the vehicle was taken to a dealer for the recall repair. The vehicle was repaired, but there was a large hole approximately one to two inches in size on the driver's side dashboard near the defroster vent. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 102,928.
The contact owns a 2010 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was being serviced, she was informed that the sub-frame was corroded. The contact took the vehicle to the used car dealer where she purchased the vehicle, and requested a second opinion. The vehicle was taken to a second inspection station and was Informed that the sub-frame was corroded. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 178,118.
The contact owns a 2010 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that on numerous occasions while driving over a bump or bridge, the vehicle swayed abnormally. The contact was unsure if any warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the entire subframe was rusted and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 125,900.
The contact owns a 2010 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that upon inspection it was discovered that the receiver hitch was rusted and caused several holes. In addition, the spare tire hanger was also severely rusted. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 104,000.
Took truck in to have brake light checked to prepare for a trip. Got a call the next day from auto service center that the frame off the truck is completely rusted and that it was unable to be lifted up for service. They stated that the vehicle was unsafe to drive and that any hard bump, speed bump or over correction could cause the frame to fall out.
Frame rusted out despite regular maintenance and cleaning. Rotted from the inside out, then spread to the wheel wells and bed. Crossmembers forming holes. Has gotten perpetually worse and is a well documented phenomenon by others online over the past 5 years.
3 years ago while my vehicle was still "under bumper to bumper warranty" a crack on the passenger side dash appeared at the upper left corner of where the plate is that covers the airbag. Munday Chevrolet in spring texas told me this was not covered under the "warranty" but they would replace it for a reduced cost of $1,000. GM is not getting another bail out from me. The single crack developed a secondary crack resulting in a "y" shaped crack. About a week ago the area in the "top" of the "y" fell out so now there is a hole and a crack. The problem is getting worse and not only does this unfairly devalue my investment because GMC used inferior, cheap materials, most importantly it is not safe. If the airbag deploys, there is an increased likelihood that the entire dashboard splinters into sharp deadly projectiles. …
Multiple cracks on dashboard. The first two (2) cracks appeared about 3 years ago (truck only three years old at that time) located on passenger side of dash - above where glove box ends. Just found another crack this past weekend when cleaning dash. (truck is now 6 yrs old - just finished paying it off!!) this one is located on left side of driver side, about half way back. My concern is that the dash is now compromised. In the event the airbags are deployed, my concerns are that the airbags May not come out, come out improperly due to the cracks, or that there May be additional dash parts becoming a projectile that could cause more harm. In reading this site it seems that this is a known problem that should be addressed before it causes a major problem. This truck has been kept in partial shade and has always had a sunscreen in place when not in use.
Around 37,000 miles a crack appeared on the passenger side dash, around the passenger airbag. There are now 3 cracks around the airbag and these cracks could potentially result in a tear in the airbag during deployment, rendering the airbag ineffective in preventing injury during an accident. From online searches, it appears this might have been a design issue on the 2010 model that was fixed starting with the 2011 trucks. The dealer informed me that there is no recall. I feel that due to the possible safety issue associated with this, the dashes for this model year of Sierra should be fixed by GM.
Cracked dash left top corner of passenger air bag area. Same as everyone else on here. Replaced drivers side seat motor at$132. Replaced drivers side rear window regulator at $165 with labor at $60. Replaced both door handles at $89 with labor at $60. Had to rent a car for 4 days in the amount of $285. This all happened in nov. And dec. Of 2015. None of which is covered by my extended warranty purchased from dealer. Also the paint is bubbling around the rear cargo light. Also not covered under my "paint warranty". At the time of all this happening we had less than 65,000 miles on the vehicle.
Body complaints in other Sierra 1500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are body problems on the 2010 GMC Sierra 1500?
NHTSA has 34 complaints about the body & structure of the 2010 GMC Sierra 1500, 20% of the model year's 168 complaints. The component named most often is body (23 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2010 GMC Sierra 1500 body problems?
No. NHTSA lists no body & structure recall for the 2010 GMC Sierra 1500, though it has 4 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2010 GMC Sierra 1500 body problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 65,000 miles, and 7% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 0 fires and 2 injuries to body & structure problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.