Last updated: 2026-04-20
GMC Reliability Ratings — Every Model Ranked
GMC offers generally reliable vehicles, though reliability varies across models and years. Most GMC models fall within the "Good" range, making them a reasonable choice for buyers who prioritize dependability.
GMC Best Year Score Comparison
Each bar shows the best single model year score for that GMC model. Longer bars indicate higher peak reliability.
GMC Model Rankings
Scores below are averaged across all tracked model years. The “Best Year” column shows which year scored highest.
| # | Vehicle | Best Year | Score | Rating | Recalls | Complaints / 10k | Maint. Rating | Est. Repair Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | GMC Canyon | 2024 | 72/100 | Good | 12 | 0.8 | 3 | $548/yr |
| 2 | GMC Terrain | 2025 | 72/100 | Good | 19 | 10.2 | 3.5 | $558/yr |
| 3 | GMC Acadia | 2025 | 69/100 | Good | 17 | — | 3 | $734/yr |
| 4 | GMC Sierra 1500 | 2025 | 67/100 | Good | 42 | 15.4 | 3.5 | |
| 5 | GMC Yukon | 2025 | 67/100 | Good | 56 | 21.0 | 3.5 | $747/yr |
GMC Models
GMC Canyon
3rd gen (2023–2024)
The GMC Canyon, spanning model years 2018 to 2026, holds an average reliability score of 83 out of 100, indicating excellent reliability. Common issues reported by owners include powertrain and electrical system problems, particularly in earlier model years like 2018 and 2019, with repair costs averaging $548 annually, aligning with the midsize truck category.
GMC Terrain
3rd gen (2025–present)
The GMC Terrain, covering model years 2018 to 2026, has an average reliability score of 76/100, categorized as good. Commonly reported issues include power train and electrical system malfunctions, with varying severity across different model years.
GMC Acadia
3rd gen (2024–2023)
The GMC Acadia, covering model years 2018 to 2026, holds an average reliability score of 70/100, indicating good reliability with some notable issues in specific areas. Common problems reported by owners include power train and electrical system issues, particularly in earlier models, with repair costs averaging $734 annually, which is higher than the midsize SUV average of $573.
GMC Sierra 1500
5th gen (2019–present)
The GMC Sierra 1500, covering model years 2018 through 2026, holds an average reliability score of 83/100, indicating an overall excellent reliability reputation. Data shows that while earlier models like 2019 and 2020 faced issues primarily with engines and power trains, leading to higher complaint rates and recalls, more recent models such as 2025 and 2026 exhibit significant improvements with minimal complaints and no recalls.
GMC Yukon
2nd gen (2015–2023), facelifted 2020
The GMC Yukon, covering model years 2018 to 2026, shows a reliability score averaging 72 out of 100, categorized as good, with repair costs slightly below the full-size SUV average at $747 annually. Data indicates common issues with the engine and powertrain, particularly in models from 2021 to 2023, where engine failures and transmission problems are frequently reported, leading to higher complaint rates for those years.
Common GMC Problems
Top complaint categories across all GMC models, based on owner-reported issues to NHTSA.
GMC by Category
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are GMC cars reliable?
- GMC vehicles have an average reliability score of 69/100 ("Good") across 5 models and 8 years in our database. GMC offers generally reliable vehicles, though reliability varies across models and years.
- What is the most reliable GMC?
- Based on our data, the highest-scoring GMC model-year is the 2025 GMC Sierra 1500 at 80/100. Scores can change as new recalls and complaints are filed. See our full GMC reliability rankings for the latest data.
- How much does it cost to maintain a GMC?
- Annual repair costs for GMC models range from $548 to $747 based on independent reliability data. Costs vary significantly by model and year.
- Which GMC models should I avoid?
- Based on our data, these GMC models are statistical outliers within their model lines: 2023 Canyon (66/100), 2018 Terrain (66/100), 2020 Acadia (62/100), 2019 Sierra 1500 (60/100), 2021 Yukon (55/100). These have higher recall counts or complaint volumes relative to their siblings.
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How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
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