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GMC Sierra 3500 Problems — All Years, Common Issues & Reliability

Year-by-year breakdown of safety recalls, NHTSA owner complaints, reported deaths, injuries, crashes, and worst problem areas. Updated daily from federal databases.

57
Total Recalls
349
Total Complaints
16
Total Crashes
4
Reported Injuries
0
Reported Deaths
2020
Worst Year
2026
Best Year
0
Poor
Overall Reliability Score (0–100)
Accelerating +429%
Complaint Trend
74 last 24mo vs 14 prior 24mo

Recent Safety Incidents — Last 5 Model Years

1
Fire Reported
6
Crashes Reported
7
Injuries Reported

Own a GMC Sierra 3500? Check your specific VIN for a full history report.

GMC Sierra 3500 — Year-by-Year Problem Comparison

YearVerdictRecallsComplaintsCrashesInjuriesDeathsTop Issue
2026BestExcellent1Full report →
2025Good16Electrical SystemFull report →
2024Caution2292Electrical SystemFull report →
2023Caution12771Power TrainFull report →
2022Good2162Electrical SystemFull report →
2021Caution413Power TrainFull report →
2020WorstAvoid8422Electrical SystemFull report →
2019Good18Service BrakesFull report →
2018Good310Service BrakesFull report →
2017Caution5121Service BrakesFull report →
2016Good49Power TrainFull report →
2015Caution420Exterior LightingFull report →
2014Good1611Vehicle Speed ControlFull report →
2013Good161Air BagsFull report →
2012Good212EngineFull report →
2011Good214Air BagsFull report →
2010Good3Full report →
2009Good36Electrical SystemFull report →
2008Caution315Air BagsFull report →
2007Good34Air BagsFull report →
2006Excellent6SteeringFull report →
2005Good116Service Brakes / HydraulicFull report →
2004Good12Service BrakesFull report →
2003Excellent4Electrical SystemFull report →
2002Caution2211Fuel/Propulsion SystemFull report →
2001Caution1251Engine And Engine CoolingFull report →

26 model years shown. Crashes, injuries, and deaths from NHTSA complaint filings. Click any year for full details.

Most Common GMC Sierra 3500 Problems

Power Train
44
Electrical System
42
Service Brakes
34
Engine
27
Unknown Or Other
25
Air Bags
21
Fuel/Propulsion System
20
Service Brakes / Hydraulic
16
Steering
15
Engine And Engine Cooling
11
Tires
11
Exterior Lighting
11

Based on 349 owner complaints filed with NHTSA across all model years.

Recent Safety Recalls — GMC Sierra 3500 (20222026)

#21V7580002022
29/09/2021
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:ELECTRIC:CONTROL MODULE

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, GMC Sierra 2500, and Sierra 3500 vehicles with electronic brake control modules (EBCM) replaced during vehicle assembly. The bolts that attach the brake pressure modulator valve (BPMV) assembly may not be properly tightened, which could fail to seal the two sub-assemblies and allow water intrusion.

Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from other structures until the recall repair is completed. Dealers will replace the BPMV assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 20, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212349181.

#24V0600002022
01/02/2024
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TAILGATE:LATCH

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles equipped with power-unlatching tailgates. The tailgate's electronic gate-release switch may short circuit due to water intrusion, which can result in the tailgate inadvertently unlatching while the vehicle is in park.

Remedy: Owners are advised to check that the tailgate is closed and latched before driving. Dealers will replace the exterior touchpad switch assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 17, 2024. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N232426400.

#24V7970002022
24/10/2024
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2500, 3500, 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with diesel engines. The transmission control valve may fail and cause the rear wheels to lock-up.

Remedy: Dealers will install new transmission control module software, free of charge. GM will provide a special coverage program to cover the repair of transmissions that are identified by the remedy software as containing a defective control valve. Owner notification letters were mailed December 12, 2024. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, GMC customer service at GMC 1-800-462-8782 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N242454440.

#23V5490002024
03/08/2023
STEERING

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, and GMC Sierra 2500, 3500 vehicles. The steering gear shaft may fracture and disconnect from the steering arm.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the steering gear, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 22, 2023. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N232414720.

#24V8940002024
26/11/2024
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TAILGATE:LATCH

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2024 Chevrolet Silverado HD 2500, 3500, and GMC Sierra HD 2500, 3500 vehicles equipped with power-unlatching tailgates. The tailgate's electronic gate-release switch may short circuit due to water intrusion, which can result in the tailgate inadvertently unlatching while the vehicle is in Park.

Remedy: Owners are advised to check that the tailgate is closed and latched before driving. Dealers will replace the exterior touchpad switch assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 17, 2024. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N242469160. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA Recall 24V-060.

#26V1290002025
05/03/2026
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP:CONTROL/DRIVE MODULE

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Chevrolet Silverado 3500, and GMC Sierra 3500 vehicles with gasoline engines and dual fuel tanks (RPOs L8T and N2N). The rear fuel pump may not transfer adequate fuel to the front tank, causing an engine stall.

Remedy: The vehicle's engine control module (ECM) will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 8, 2026. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N262544420. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 5, 2026.

#26V1140002026
26/02/2026
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

General Motors has decided that certain 2027 Chevrolet Bolt EV, 2025-2026 Cadillac OPTIQ, Chevrolet Colorado, Equinox EV, GMC Canyon, 2026 Buick Enclave, Envision, Cadillac CT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade IQ, Escalade IQL, LYRIQ, VISTIQ, Chevrolet Blazer EV, Corvette Convertible, Corvette Coupe, Corvette Convertible E-Ray, Equinox, Silverado 1500, 2500, 3500, Silverado EV, Suburban 1500, Tahoe, Traverse, GMC Acadia, Hummer EV Pickup, Hummer EV SUV, Sierra 1500, 2500, 3500, Sierra EV, Terrain, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The radio may not have been set to the correct status to download the electronic owner's manual during production. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, “Occupant Protection.”

Remedy: Dealers will reset the vehicle radio, which will facilitate automatic download of the electronic owner’s manual, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 16, 2026. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-866-467-9700, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223. The manufacturer's number for this recall is N252540430. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on February 26, 2026.

Showing 7 recalls from 20222026 model years. See the full year-specific pages for older recalls.

Recent Owner Complaints

Direct reports filed with NHTSA by GMC Sierra 3500 owners — 20222026 model years.

Power Train /Wheels /EngineCRASH05/08/2026

I have had an incident where my 2023 gmc 3500 hd was had left me stranded earler this week. i towed the new truck to a certified dealer and i haven't heard anything since then. they mentioned my transmission will need to be fully replaced because valve body issues of solenoid a,e,f, are stuck open and closed codes on the 10 speed transmission upon researching my trucks history it was manufactured in 2022 and pulled out for sale october 2022 and i have seen. 242454441 special recall the same issues i experienced shudder and engine power reduced and no parking gear or driving. i need help and didnt have any warning of anything about this till now since it was showing my vehicle only had a tailgate issue which gmc didnt help me out when i had to pay for my taillight after firewood flew out with the tailgate opening in jan 2023 they said it wasnt a known issue then fixed the tailgate but not the taillight so i need help proving my truck belongs with the 242454441 class of recalls because not only does the transmission the exact same as previous models obviously 1000s of others are getting this issue thank you

Steering /Wheels05/04/2026

The control arm bearing appears to have failed without warning causing loss of steering control. This occurred at low speed on a street in [XXX] last night near a gas station, so the driver was able to drive to a safe location easily without risk to life. Had the failure happened at speed a possibly fatal collision would have been likely. The vehicle has been used for the past 8 months to drive to work and has not been subject to any stress. It has not been modified. The tow truck driver said he has seen a number of other control arm failures recently, not necessarily in the same vehicle type. It may be due to bad pot holes this year in [XXX] , they are bigger and deeper than normal. This information is based on assessment by tow truck driver last night. Vehicle is at Jim Shorkey in Murrysville for repairs INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Structure04/29/2026

While traveling at highway speed, the hood-mounted air vent (factory-installed component) on my 2022 GMC Sierra 3500 HD suddenly detached from the vehicle without warning. Upon separation, the vent was propelled backward, striking both the hood and the windshield. The incident occurred during normal driving conditions, with no prior indication of looseness, damage, or defect in the component. The force of the detachment caused damage to the hood and posed a significant safety risk, as the debris impacted the driver’s line of sight and could have resulted in loss of control or injury. There were no external factors (such as collision or road debris) that contributed to the failure. This appears to be a failure of the factory-installed component and its mounting system. Safety Concern: This type of failure presents a serious hazard not only to the vehicle occupants but also to other motorists. A detached component at highway speed could strike nearby vehicles, cause sudden driver distraction, or lead to more severe accidents.

Fuel/Propulsion System04/03/2026

The service department has identified "gasoline contamination" as the cause of a fuel system failure; however, this diagnosis is directly contradicted by both the shop’s internal test results and independent laboratory analysis.the shop performed an API Gravity test and a Styrofoam cup test.•API Gravity Result (35): According to GM Service Information (GMSi), the standard API range for #2 diesel is 30–39. result of 35 is a textbook "pass" for clean diesel. Gasoline contamination would typically spike this number into the 50s.GMSi protocol indicates that gasoline-contaminated diesel will melt a cup within 30 minutes.results only provided a "softened bottom," which is an inconclusive result per GMSi standards.Sinclair Refinery lab confirms the fuel sample taken from my vehicle is within 100% of factory specifications for diesel, with zero gasoline or DEF detected.Violation of GM Service Protocols even assuming the shop’s diagnosis of contamination was correct, the repair performed deviates dangerously from GMSi requirementsFor a 2024 L5P Duramax that has been cranked with contaminated fuel, GMSi (e.g., Bulletin 16-NA-376) mandates the replacement of the entire high-pressure fuel system, including the pump, both fuel rails, and all eight fuel injectors. shop replaced only the pump and cleaned the lines. This "partial repair" is not a GM-approved recovery procedure for contamination. Reusing potentially contaminated injectors and rails is the primary cause of catastrophic repeat failures.This clearly falls under warranty work and I should not had been charged for this repair. The dealership refusing to acknowledge my concerns and evidence is not only dangerous to the safety of myself and passengers, but raises concern for my vehicles future maintenance status, both inside and out of warranty. This shows a deceptive business practice and complete lack of accountability, compassion and moral understanding for the customer.I am owed a full refund and a warranty claim open

Engine And Engine Cooling /Fuel System / Diesel1 INJURY03/05/2026

The contact owns a 2024 GMC Sierra 3500HD. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there would be a diesel odor coming into the cabin of the vehicle. The failure had become more persistent, causing black smoke to enter the cabin of the vehicle. The failure caused the contact and other vehicle passengers to have headaches, nausea, and dizziness. While driving approximately 65 MPH, the contact began speaking to their daughter, sitting in the front passenger seat, and noticed her not responding. When looking over, the contact noticed her daughter's head was lowered. The contact immediately pulled over to the side of the road, where she pulled her daughter out of the vehicle and called an ambulance. A fire truck was also dispatched in order to drive the vehicle to the fire department, where they tested the vehicle; however, they were unable to duplicate the failure. The contact's daughter was taken to the hospital, where it was determined that she had suffered from carbon dioxide poisoning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) was clogged, and that the Exhaust Manifold and Turbo Inlet were both fractured, causing a blockage in the Engine Bank. It was determined that all the avenues through which air and carbon should have been exiting the vehicle had failed and were causing everything to come into the cabin of the vehicle instead. The vehicle was scheduled for repair; however, only the exhaust manifold could be repaired, while the other parts, such as the DPF and hose, were on national backorder and awaiting retrieval. The manufacturer was informed of the failure, and a case was opened. The contact stated the manufacturer had been avoiding acknowledging that black smoke had been entering the vehicle's cabin and had yet to resolve that issue. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.

Power Train02/24/2026

August of 2025 [XXX] purchased a certified GMC Sierra 3500. The truck had been traded in May and sat in their service department waiting on a valve body. At this point, we knew this. [XXX] had done research on it, and felt confident in being told the valve body was completely replaced and now working…. Worst mistake we’ve made in a long time. It was not replaced, that was only the beginning of the lies. [XXX] then drove the truck across the country for work, not knowing how much of a hazzard it was. Shortly after arriving there he quickly realized the truck was still having transmission problems. We brushed it off, these things happen. Fast forward when he came home in September/October he took the truck to the Rice Buick GMC service department. Where he was supposed to “wait” on his appointment. Only to call me hours later, they clearly weren’t going to be done that day. We left not knowing that it would be nearly a month until we could drive the truck again. In the midst of that they never offered any help, a rental or anything. When I asked, they offered a tiny small car next door at enterprise. I clearly did not agree, we just spent a lot of money on a heavy duty truck for a reason. It took multiple phone calls to multiple supervisors for them to agree to let him rent a truck. Because you know they might have to spend an extra penny or something (que the eye roll). In that month of having the truck the communication was little to non existent. They never answered the phone, called back, heck most of the time the text messages weren’t even replied to. It once again took me getting a little bit ridiculous for an answer - the truck was “fixed”. When I picked up the truck I spoke to the the service manager, and he of course tried to play me like I was some dumb women who had no idea what I was talking about. He dismissed all of my concerns, acted like having a truck for a month was normal. (More attached in photos) INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Power Train /Electrical System /Engine02/17/2026

This 2024 GMC Sierra Heavy Duty has experienced a continuous pattern of major mechanical and electrical failures since early ownership. The vehicle required a complete engine replacement under warranty at approximately 43,626 miles. Since that time, the vehicle has continued to experience repeated injector failures, control module faults, communication errors, and voltage-related system issues. Current diagnostic codes indicate multiple simultaneous failures including ignition relay feedback circuits, control module power faults, gateway communication loss, brake system communication faults, and battery voltage circuit errors. The dealership has diagnosed a power distribution / fuse block failure at approximately 79,000 miles. These electrical failures affect multiple vehicle systems and raise concerns regarding reliability and potential safety risks due to loss of communication between control modules and possible braking system interaction. The vehicle has been in the dealership numerous times for repairs including engine replacement, injector replacement, control module reprogramming, and electrical diagnostics. I am submitting this complaint due to concern over a potential systemic electrical defect and ongoing reliability issues.

Power Train01/31/2026

Rear wheel lockup event in traffic while towing 24000lb 5th wheel on freeway. Vehicle was limped to a dealer, diagnosed as a transmission valve body failure. Repair took over 1 month stranding us over 1500 from home while on a trip.

Unknown Or Other /Engine /Fuel/Propulsion System01/28/2026

I was driving in the high way and the vehicle started having issues and then it completely shut off and wouldn’t drive or anything in the middle of the highway and the dash said it was reducing power.

Power Train01/15/2026

I have a 2023 GMC Sierra HD3500 6.6 Duramax. February of 2025 the valve body failed after 23,000 miles. The failure happened when the transmission had an extremely hard shift at 55 mph and then went into 5 gear limp mode. Computer through code P0700 and P0747. The P0747 is the code that tells you the valve body failed. When I took the truck to the dealer, they would not let me take the truck home because of the high risk of the transmission locking up and causing bodily injury, aka crash. Since the valve body was back ordered, I was warmed that it may be a month to get a replacement and install it. I finally got the truck back after 33 days. To add to the frustration, GM would not give me a loaner truck. They would give me a loaner SUV but that did not have what I needed out of a vehicle.

Lane Departure /Back Over Prevention /Forward Collision AvoidanceCRASH01/13/2026

On Christmas Day 2025 my Tailgate flies open on its own and I see my cargo flying out and a piece of it bounced off my taillight passenger side braking the taillight and then when attempting to pull over my lane departing feature try’s to correct its self and I hit the median luckily at slower than I was going but enough to make a decent dent on front bumper

Engine11/18/2025

The engine oil drained into the radiator from a flaw in there design in which outrageously high labor cost for the owner of the vehicle they put a rubber house in the radiator in which leaked without any warning indicating that there was a problem with the oil nor the radiator coolant system. repairs are in the thousand and I as a consumer should have this matter resolved at no cost due to bad design cost they should have made a oil cooler with its own separation compartment like the transmission cooler because they are replaceing everything else what about the engine itself thats still going to be contaminated like all the replacement part, seal hoses,and radiator, coolant, and thermostat. How can just parts be contaminated but not the engine? They are just replacing things that costs alot. This is a drive train issue, there were no oil in the engine.

89 total complaints retrieved from NHTSA for 20222026. For older model years, see individual year pages.

Sierra 3500 Years to Avoid

2020 Sierra 3500
42 complaints · 8 recalls · 2 crashes
Details →
2024 Sierra 3500
29 complaints · 2 recalls
Details →
2015 Sierra 3500
20 complaints · 4 recalls
Details →

Ranked by combined complaints, recalls, crashes, injuries, and deaths.

Best Sierra 3500 Years to Buy

2026 Sierra 3500
0 complaints · 1 recalls
Details →
2003 Sierra 3500
4 complaints · 0 recalls
Details →
2006 Sierra 3500
6 complaints · 0 recalls
Details →

Years with fewest complaints and recalls.

GMC Sierra 3500 Problems by Year

Select a year to see detailed complaints, recall notices, and safety incident data.

Frequently Asked Questions — GMC Sierra 3500 Reliability

What year Sierra 3500 has the most problems?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2020 GMC Sierra 3500 had the highest combined complaint and recall count — 42 complaints and 8 safety recalls. See the full 2020 report for specific defects.

Is the GMC Sierra 3500 reliable?

The GMC Sierra 3500 has accumulated 349 owner-filed complaints and 57 safety recalls across all model years in NHTSA's database. The 2026 model year shows the fewest reported issues. Always run a VIN check before purchasing any used Sierra 3500.

What are the most common Sierra 3500 problems?

The most frequently cited problem areas are: Power Train (44 reports), Electrical System (42 reports), Service Brakes (34 reports), Engine (27 reports). Based on NHTSA complaints across all model years.

How do I check if my Sierra 3500 has an open recall?

Use the vehicle's 17-character VIN at VinCheckEngine.com. Our free VIN report pulls the latest NHTSA recall data along with auction history, odometer records, and 30+ intelligence signals.

Check a Specific GMC Sierra 3500 VIN

Model-level data shows what can go wrong. A VIN-specific report shows what has gone wrong with a particular vehicle — including auction history, odometer discrepancies, open recalls, accident records, and 30+ intelligence signals.

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