GMC Sierra 3500 Reliability Problems

Sierra 3500 owners have made 25 complaints over 29 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 1st in overall reliability out of 15 GMC models, with real lights and brakes concerns.

2 Common GMC Sierra 3500 Problems

A list of some of the most common issues Sierra 3500 owners have to deal with.

What Sierra 3500 Owners Complain About

Sometimes it helps just to tally up the complaints and see where the biggest stacks are. Use this information to learn about troublespots or to run for the hills.

Worst Issues

What Breaks the Most

Years to Avoid

Full Lists on CarComplaints.com

Sierra 3500 Generations

The Sierra 3500 has 4 generations, each with their own issues. Using the same PainRank™ system we've determined that you're better off avoiding the 1st generation (1992–2006).

Sierra 3500 Key Numbers

  1. 25 complaints

    Running tally of owner grievances filed to CarComplaints.com.

  2. 1,127 service bulletins

    Documenting the process of troubleshooting common problems.

  3. 18 recall campaigns

    Time-sensitive, free repairs for widespread safety problems.

Recent Sierra 3500 News

There's a lot of news out there, but not all of it matters. We try to boil down it to the most important bits about things that actually help you with your car problem. Interested in getting these stories in an email? Signup for free email alerts over at CarComplaints.com.

  3. A lawsuit says a failed vacuum pump in GM’s brake boosters can make the brake pedal extremely hard to push

    , leading to longer stopping distances and accidents.

    While investigating a rear-end collision involving the lead plaintiff ”GM told her she should read the manual to understand how the brakes worked.” Nothing says “we value our customers” like accusing them of not knowing how brakes work. GM promised to fix the plaintiff’s bumper in exchange for confidentiality. Obviously this didn’t go over well.

    keep reading article "Lawsuit Says GM Owners Should be Worried About Vacuum Pump Problems Creating Stiff Break Pedals"

  5. A lawsuit regarding the GMC Sierra’s “inadequate” headlights is still burning bright in a California court.

    The plaintiffs allege GM made changes in the bulbs, assemblies and operation of the headlights … GM allegedly changed to projector-style headlights with single bulbs, smaller reflectors, two lenses each and shutters to switch between high and low beams that work from a single voltage source.

    The lawsuit was filed back in 2015 after owners started questioning GM’s headlight redesign for the 2014 and 2015 model years.

    Look – if you saw one of these trucks driving in the oncoming lane at night, I wouldn’t blame you if you confused it for a pair of mopeds with weak batteries. It’s that bad.

    keep reading article "The Sierra’s Dim Headlights Are Under a Spotlight"

  6. The modules that help control the airbags and seat belt pretensioners in a crash aren't working in 4 million GM vehicles, prompting a massive recall

    that includes the GMC Sierra 1500/2500/3500, and Yukon. GM received an internal report in May relating to the crash of a 2014 Chevrolet Silverado where the driver’s frontal airbag and seatbelt pretensioners were alleged not to have deployed.

    GM opened an investigation into the issue in June and contacted Delphi, the supplier of the sensing and diagnostic module. The automaker gathered additional electronic data recorder records from other incidents where the same crash symptoms occurred.

    The modules will need to be reprogrammed, GM just doesn't know when yet.

    keep reading article "GMC Part of a Massive Recall for Failing Airbag and Seat Belt Sensors"

  7. GM isn't arguing against claims that the 2014-2015 GMC Sierra has some terrible headlights

    , just that the lawsuits against them don't prove it. GM argues truck owners don't allege the lights malfunction in any way, so the case should be dismissed because other lawsuits have been dismissed because of similar claims.

    The plaintiffs are worried ineffective lights will lead to more nighttime crashes, but GM says they have no data to back it up. If the automaker actually needs data for that, then I'm not sure which is dimmer --- the headlights or GM itself.

    keep reading article "GM Wants Sierra Headlight Lawsuits Dropped"

  8. GM is recalling nearly 4,800 new trucks and SUVs

    , and telling their owners to stop driving until their front upper control arms can be repaired. The automaker blames the problem on a bad weld near the control arm bushing, a problem the automaker discovered on a GMC Yukon XL Denali. The faulty weld can cause the control arm to change shape and eventually separate.

    If you own a 2016 GMC Sierra, Yukon, or Yukon XL you should call your local service center right away. While you're on the phone, ask them about getting a tow for repairs and how to get a loaner vehicle in the meantime.…

    keep reading article "Some GMC Owners Asked to Stop Driving Until Suspension Can Be Repaired"

Other GMC Models