Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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 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 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 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.
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.
The contact owns a 2016 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and making a sharp turn, the steering wheel seized, the vehicle lost motive power, stalled, and shut off. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed and the contact was informed that the ECM was losing power and that further testing was needed to diagnose the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 137,000.
The contact owns a 2016 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact became aware that the radiator was leaking fluid. There was no warning light illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the radiator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 98,000.
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.
The contact owns a 2016 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. No warning light was illuminated. The contact opened the hood and heard a clicking sound. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 136,000.
-Engine gas consumption state 21 MPG Highway, 17 MPG Combined and 15 MPG City. When I started using this vehicle during the first weeks and months the best MPG I could get at the highway is 18.5 MPG with top tier gas such Shell & Chevron during the first 2 years and now Costco brand. Every since I bought it, 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 motor oil pump at times moves down from the 40 mark to the 20 when idle at traffic light and when it starts moving, it temporarily moves to the 60 mark. -The transmission is an 8 speed automatic. It has issues shifting to first gear, second gear and times 3rd gear. …
Engine complaints in other Sierra 1500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2016 GMC Sierra 1500?
NHTSA has 41 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2016 GMC Sierra 1500, 12% of the model year's 343 complaints. The component named most often is exhaust system › emission control › catalytic convertor (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2016 GMC Sierra 1500, though it has 8 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 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 79,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 1 fire and 0 injuries to engine & cooling 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.