Run a free NHTSA vPIC decode on a GMC Sierra VIN to confirm the model year and engine, then see which of the 144 NHTSA recall campaigns for 1990–2026 cover that year.
VIN prefix1GT3GT2GT1GD
Free decode plus the NHTSA recalls for its model year. 17 characters, no I, O or Q.
GMC Sierra
About the GMC Sierra
GMC has sold the Sierra in the US since the 1990 model year, and there have been five generations. The Gen 1 came first (1990–1998); Gen 2 (1999–2007), Gen 3 (2007–2013), Gen 4 (2014–2018) followed, and the Gen 5 took over for 2019–2026. Across those years NHTSA lists 144 vehicle recall campaigns and 15,535 owner complaints. The 2015 has the most complaints of any model year (919). EPA rates the Gen 1 at 12–20 mpg combined, while the Gen 5 gets 14–26 mpg. A free VIN decode gives you NHTSA vPIC’s record for the car (model year, engine, plant) and the NHTSA recalls for its model year. It won’t show theft, flood or lemon-law history.
US model years1990–2026
GenerationsGen 1 · Gen 2 · Gen 3 · Gen 4 · Gen 5
NHTSA recall campaigns144
Owner complaints15,535 at NHTSA
Auction lot photo, for illustration
Generations
GMC Sierra generations
Five generations since the 1990 model year. The Gen 2 (1999–2007) has the most owner complaints, the Gen 4 (2014–2018) the most recall campaigns (48).
NHTSA has 144 campaigns on file for Sierra model years 1990–2026, and the 2015 shows up in more of them than any other year (23), ahead of the 2014 (22). Move the line to your model year to see which apply.
2019
Air bag inflator, fire risk or do-not-drive/park-outside advisorySafety recallCanada only
Pick a row
What to ask
Source: NHTSA recall database, vehicle campaigns only; row text is NHTSA’s summary. A listed year does not mean every car is covered, so check the VIN.
Canada rows: Transport Canada recalls database. Transport Canada recalls that match an NHTSA campaign are folded into that row by VinNumber.net; rows with the Canadian flag have no NHTSA match. Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada · Transport Canada.
Owner reports · NHTSA complaints
What GMC Sierra owners report
Owner summaries + NHTSA data
Complaints peak with the 2015 (919 of 15,535). Tap any bar or generation.
15,535NHTSA complaints, 1990–2026
664mention a crash
216mention a fire
485injuries reported
Owner complaints by model yearGen 5: 4,003 complaints · most for the 2019 (718)
Its first model year, the 2019, drew more complaints than any other (718 of 4,003). Owners across the generation name engine and cooling most often (1,882 mentions), then powertrain (862).
Top complaint areas · Gen 4
Mentions in 3,114 complaints, 2014–2018.
Brakes687
Powertrain (transmission, driveline)588
Electrical system448
Exterior lighting399
Steering395
Engine and cooling388
Crashes 115Fires 50Injuries 74
2014–2018 (Gen 4)
NHTSA data summary
By area, nothing stands out. Brakes lead with 687, with the powertrain (588) and the electrical system (448) close behind. Of the five model years, the 2015 (919) and 2014 (891) drew the most complaints.
Top complaint areas · Gen 3
Mentions in 2,378 complaints, 2007–2013.
Air bags1,048
Structure and body297
Electrical system211
Engine and cooling163
Brakes109
Powertrain (transmission, driveline)109
Crashes 74Fires 30Injuries 92
2007–2013 (Gen 3)
NHTSA data summary
The 2008 stands out. On its own it has 555 of the ’s 2,378 complaints (23%), and owners across the generation name air bags most often (1,048 mentions), then structure and body (297).
Top complaint areas · Gen 2
Mentions in 4,564 complaints, 1999–2006.
Brakes2,304
Electrical system521
Powertrain (transmission, driveline)309
Engine and cooling294
Steering292
Structure and body211
Crashes 314Fires 71Injuries 188
1999–2007 (Gen 2)
NHTSA data summary
Brakes owns this generation. Its 2,304 mentions are more than twice the next area, electrical system (521). Complaints peak with the 1999, its first model year, at 813 of 4,564.
Top complaint areas · Gen 1
Mentions in 1,476 complaints, 1990–1998.
Visibility (glass, wipers, mirrors)485
Brakes361
Powertrain (transmission, driveline)139
Steering131
Seats97
Engine and cooling75
Crashes 82Fires 29Injuries 63
1990–1998 (Gen 1)
NHTSA data summary
Visibility leads the list with 485 mentions, yet no other Sierra generation has it among its six most-mentioned areas. Complaints peak with the 1997 (345 of 1,476).
What Sierra owners report across recent generations
Owner summary
2019–present (5th generation)
Engine trouble leads NHTSA complaints for the 2019, where owners describe lifter failures, oil loss and, on some 6.2-liter trucks, a seized engine or replacement. CarComplaints ranks a check engine light with shaking and a recommended engine replacement first for 2019, followed by brake system failure and transmissions that slip, kick or engage harshly. A 2025 recall covers 2021–2024 trucks with the 6.2-liter V8 for connecting rod or crankshaft defects that can cause engine failure, and a 2019 recall fixed brake module software that could disable stability control and ABS without a warning. [1][2][3]
2014–2018 (4th generation)
Lighting is the largest NHTSA complaint category for the 2014, with owners saying the headlights are too dim to see the road well, and CarComplaints ranks terrible headlights first for 2014, followed by a leaking A/C condenser and air conditioning that stops working. Owners also report the power steering cutting out briefly during low speed turns, which a 2014 recall addressed. Another recall reprogrammed the brake module on 2014–2018 trucks because vacuum pump output could drop over time and reduce brake assist. [4][5]
2007–2013 (3rd generation)
Owner trouble looks lighter on this generation. NHTSA complaints for the 2011 are dominated by the recall that replaces front passenger air bag inflators on 2007–2011 trucks sold or registered in certain states, with some owners waiting for parts, and others describe frame rust and broken door handles. CarComplaints has a modest number of reports for 2011, led by a hesitating transmission, a cracked dashboard and a knocking sound. A 2011 recall also covered rear axle cross pins that could fracture and lock the axle. [6][7]
✓
What to check before buying
Run the VIN through the NHTSA recall lookup for the passenger air bag inflator on 2007–2011 trucks, the brake assist recall on 2014–2018 trucks and the 6.2-liter engine recall on 2021–2024 trucks.
Ask for records of lifter or engine work and transmission service.
On the drive, listen for ticking or knocking, feel for harsh or slipping shifts, test the headlights and air conditioning, and look under older trucks for frame rust.
Counts: NHTSA complaints file, records to October 1, 2026, one count per complaint; areas are NHTSA component groups.
Owner summary updated September 25, 2026.
Owner opinions · Reddit
What GMC Sierra owners say on Reddit
Summarized from public threads
Sierra 1500 owners on Reddit share plenty of trouble-free stories, with several 2019 to 2024 trucks at 20,000 to 65,000 miles needing only routine care, and one friend's 6.2 said to be past 275,000 miles. The worry hanging over the forum is lifter and engine failures on the 6.2 V8, plus a batch of 3.0 diesels with a crank defect. A 2.7 four-cylinder owner reports about 23 mpg on the highway and good reliability, but cabin rattles and radio glitches annoy several owners.
Pros
Many owners report tens of thousands of miles with only routine care
2.7 turbo four praised for fuel economy and reliability
3.0 diesel owners like its power and efficiency
Cons
Lifter and engine failures reported on the 6.2 V8
Crank defect on some 3.0 diesels with long waits for new engines
EPA lists 759 Sierra versions for model years 1990–2026 (gas, diesel, hybrid, electric and natural gas). The lowest tailpipe CO₂ is 392 g/mi, for the 2021 diesel. Electric versions have none at the tailpipe. Pick a model year and powertrain to see each version.
Gen 11990–1998
12–20 mpg · CO₂ 494–741 g/mi
Gen 21999–2006
11–18 mpg · 9 MPGe natural gas · CO₂ 494–808 g/mi
Gen 32007–2013
14–22 mpg · CO₂ 404–635 g/mi
Gen 42014–2018
17–20 mpg · CO₂ 447–537 g/mi
Gen 52019–2026
14–26 mpg · 64–68 MPGe electric · CO₂ 0–635 g/mi
2025
19combined MPG
468CO₂ grams per mile (tailpipe)
$3,550EPA yearly fuel cost
6/10Smog rating
1 = worst · 10 = cleanest
4/10Greenhouse gas rating
California LEV-III SULEV30 · Federal Tier 3 Bin 30Emission standard
Cleanest gas version of 2025: Sierra 2WD · Auto 8-spd, 4 cyl, 2.7 L, Turbo — 19 MPG · 468 g/mi
Best (lowest) CO₂ by model year
GasDieselHybridElectricNatural gas
Annual fuel cost is EPA’s estimate at its current fuel-price assumptions (15,000 miles a year, 55% city driving), so older years are priced at today’s fuel prices. Smog rating and emission standard can differ by sales area (federal vs. California); both are shown. Greenhouse-gas ratings start with the 2013 model year. Source: fueleconomy.gov.
Alternative fuels · DOE
Sierra alternative-fuel versions
DOE data
2 heavy-duty alternative-fuel GMC Sierra listings in the Department of Energy’s Alternative Fuels Data Center.
Sierra 2500/3500 HD · Biodiesel (B20) · Pickup
Sierra 3500 HD Cab Chassis · Biodiesel (B20) · Vocational/Cab Chassis
Take 2019–2026. NHTSA lists 41 recall campaigns for the Sierra, against 88 for the Ford F-150 and 47 for the Chevrolet Silverado. Pick a range to compare.
GMC SierraGen 3
Model years 2007–2013
NHTSA recall campaigns
19
NHTSA owner complaints
2,378
EPA combined mpg
14–22
Engines (EPA)
6-cyl 4.3 L · 8-cyl 4.8–6.2 L
Also listed
hybrid
Drive (EPA)
AWD/4WD, RWD
Most-reported complaint areas (NHTSA)
Air bags 1,048
Structure and body 297
Electrical system 211
Ford F-150
Model years 2007–2013
NHTSA recall campaigns
13
NHTSA owner complaints
8,980
EPA combined mpg
12–19
Engines (EPA)
6-cyl 3.5, 3.7, 4.2 L · 8-cyl 4.6–6.2 L
Also listed
turbo
Drive (EPA)
AWD/4WD, RWD
Most-reported complaint areas (NHTSA)
Powertrain (transmission, driveline) 3,130
Engine and cooling 1,915
Electrical system 1,016
Chevrolet Silverado
Model years 2007–2013
NHTSA recall campaigns
21
NHTSA owner complaints
5,209
EPA combined mpg
14–22
Engines (EPA)
6-cyl 4.3 L · 8-cyl 4.8–6.2 L
Also listed
hybrid
Drive (EPA)
AWD/4WD, RWD
Most-reported complaint areas (NHTSA)
Air bags 2,436
Structure and body 553
Electrical system 518
GMC SierraGen 4
Model years 2014–2018
NHTSA recall campaigns
48
NHTSA owner complaints
3,114
EPA combined mpg
17–20
Engines (EPA)
6-cyl 4.3 L · 8-cyl 5.3, 6.2 L
Also listed
hybrid
Drive (EPA)
AWD/4WD, RWD
Most-reported complaint areas (NHTSA)
Brakes 687
Powertrain (transmission, driveline) 588
Electrical system 448
Ford F-150
Model years 2014–2018
NHTSA recall campaigns
44
NHTSA owner complaints
9,067
EPA combined mpg
13–25
Engines (EPA)
6-cyl 2.7–3.7 L · 8-cyl 5.0, 6.2 L
Also listed
turbo, diesel
Drive (EPA)
AWD/4WD, RWD
Most-reported complaint areas (NHTSA)
Powertrain (transmission, driveline) 2,995
Engine and cooling 1,735
Brakes 1,101
Chevrolet Silverado
Model years 2014–2018
NHTSA recall campaigns
49
NHTSA owner complaints
5,503
EPA combined mpg
17–20
Engines (EPA)
6-cyl 4.3 L · 8-cyl 5.3, 6.2 L
Also listed
hybrid
Drive (EPA)
AWD/4WD, RWD
Most-reported complaint areas (NHTSA)
Brakes 1,283
Electrical system 1,034
Powertrain (transmission, driveline) 1,002
GMC SierraGen 5
Model years 2019–2026
NHTSA recall campaigns
41
NHTSA owner complaints
4,003
EPA combined mpg
14–26
Engines (EPA)
4-cyl 2.7 L · 6-cyl 3.0, 4.3 L · 8-cyl 5.3, 6.2 L · Electric
Also listed
turbo, diesel
Drive (EPA)
AWD/4WD, RWD
Most-reported complaint areas (NHTSA)
Engine and cooling 1,882
Powertrain (transmission, driveline) 862
Electrical system 613
Ford F-150
Model years 2019–2026
NHTSA recall campaigns
88
NHTSA owner complaints
5,251
EPA combined mpg
12–25
Engines (EPA)
6-cyl 2.7–3.5 L · 8-cyl 5.0, 5.2 L · Electric
Also listed
turbo, diesel, hybrid, supercharged
Drive (EPA)
AWD/4WD, RWD
Most-reported complaint areas (NHTSA)
Powertrain (transmission, driveline) 2,093
Electrical system 883
Engine and cooling 749
Chevrolet Silverado
Model years 2019–2026
NHTSA recall campaigns
47
NHTSA owner complaints
4,990
EPA combined mpg
14–27
Engines (EPA)
4-cyl 2.7 L · 6-cyl 3.0, 4.3 L · 8-cyl 5.3, 6.2 L · Electric
Also listed
turbo, diesel
Drive (EPA)
AWD/4WD, RWD
Most-reported complaint areas (NHTSA)
Engine and cooling 1,972
Powertrain (transmission, driveline) 1,442
Electrical system 919
NHTSA recalls (vehicle campaigns for all powertrain versions; equipment and tire campaigns left out), complaints (not sales-adjusted) and 5-Star overall ratings for the latest year rated for all three; EPA mpg, engines and drive. Rivals: same EPA class, picked by VinNumber.net.
GMC Sierra VIN number location
Where to find the VIN on a Sierra
Tap a spot. Every location should show the same 17 characters.
Sierra shares its platform with the Silverado and carries the VIN in the same four locations: dashboard plate through the windshield, frame rail near the front axle, door jamb sticker, and cab corner behind the driver's door. The Gen 5 generation starts with the 2019 model year; the VIN’s 10th character (K for 2019) shows which side of that line a car falls on.
The title, registration and insurance card show the VIN as well. All locations should match.
FAQ
Common GMC Sierra VIN questions
Which GMC Sierra model years have the most owner complaints?
The 2015 leads with 919, ahead of the 2014 (891) and 1999 (813). Those first two alone make up 12% of the 15,535 Sierra complaints filed with NHTSA, not adjusted for sales.
How many recalls has the GMC Sierra had?
NHTSA’s recall records show 144 vehicle campaigns for model years 1990–2026, leaving out equipment and tire campaigns. By generation, Gen 4 leads with 48. Then come the Gen 5 (41), Gen 2 (40), Gen 3 (19) and Gen 1 (15), and a campaign can span two generations.
Which GMC Sierra recalls are high risk?
15V-324, 21V-504, 26V-611 and 24V-756 cover air bag inflators that can rupture. 20V-011, 21V-050, 21V-052, 21V-053, 21V-054, 21V-051, 20V-736, 18V-868 and 1 more cover air bag inflator modules and how they deploy. NHTSA’s record names a fire risk in 95V-026, 98V-187, 06V-289, 04V-376, 05V-455, 08V-441, 10V-240, 14V-407 and 15 more. Do-not-drive advisories came with 14V-246, 16V-256 and 26V-289. Park-outside advisories came with 21V-758. Each should show as closed on a VIN check.
Which Sierra generation am I looking at?
By US model year, the Gen 1 is 1990–1998 and the Gen 2 1999–2007. Gen 3 spans 2007–2013, Gen 4 2014–2018 and Gen 5 2019–2026. Read the year off the VIN’s 10th character (K is 2019).
What fuel economy does the GMC Sierra get?
It varies. EPA rates the 2019–2026 Gen 5 at 14–26 mpg combined, depending on engine and drive, up from 12–20 mpg for the 1990–1998 Gen 1 (fueleconomy.gov).
How does the GMC Sierra compare with the Ford F-150 and Chevrolet Silverado on recalls?
For 2019–2026 models the Sierra has 41 NHTSA recall campaigns. The Ford F-150 has 88, the Chevrolet Silverado 47. Complaints run 4,003, 5,251 and 4,990 in that order, with no sales adjustment.
