2016 GMC Sierra 1500 engine problems
37 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine on the 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 — 11% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“Catastrophic engine failure while traveling 40 mph. Dealership diagnosed as cylinder walls being scorched and rods blown through. No warning signs existed - just had a loud thud before the check engine light started flashing and grinding sound started coming from engine.”
filed Jul 8, 2026
“Engine has developed a serious lifter / cam issue. dealer identified it as a result of Displacement on Demand design. Total engine replacement recommended by dealer but since the mileage on that vehicle is over 100,000 warranty, the repair is not covered. Known issue, should have been pointed out…”
filed Jan 20, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Engine problems in other Sierra 1500 years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 Sierra 1500 | 44 | 64% |
| 2025 Sierra 1500 | 39 | 42% |
| 2024 Sierra 1500 | 152 | 47% |
| 2023 Sierra 1500 | 183 | 44% |
| 2022 Sierra 1500 | 215 | 40% |
| 2021 Sierra 1500 | 275 | 52% |
| 2020 Sierra 1500 | 213 | 48% |
| 2019 Sierra 1500 | 283 | 46% |
| 2018 Sierra 1500 | 63 | 21% |
| 2017 Sierra 1500 | 56 | 16% |
| 2015 Sierra 1500 | 83 | 12% |
| 2014 Sierra 1500 | 69 | 9% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2016 GMC Sierra 1500
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.