Last updated: 2026-03-04

GMC Sierra 1500 Reliability by Year
The GMC Sierra 1500 averages 67/100 across 8 model years, rated good.
GMC Sierra 1500 Reliability Overview
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. This vehicle is best suited for buyers prioritizing reliability, particularly those considering newer models, as they demonstrate fewer reported issues and higher satisfaction scores.
Current generation: 5th gen (2019–present).
Best & Worst GMC Sierra 1500 Years
Best GMC Sierra 1500 Years to Buy
The best GMC Sierra 1500 year is 2025 with a reliability score of 80/100, rated excellent. Other strong picks include 2024 (73/100) and 2023 (69/100).
GMC Sierra 1500 Years to Avoid
The worst GMC Sierra 1500 year is 2019 with a score of 60/100, primarily due to engine (159) issues.
See full GMC Sierra 1500 years-to-avoid analysis →GMC Sierra 1500 Reliability Score Trend
GMC Sierra 1500 reliability has improved in recent years, with newer models scoring an average of 72/100 compared to 63/100 for older years.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 66/100 | Good |
| 2019 | 60/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 63/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 63/100 | Good |
| 2022 | 65/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 69/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 73/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 80/100 | Excellent |
Year-by-Year Reliability
2026 GMC Sierra 1500
0 recalls · 0 complaints
The 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 has excellent reliability. There are 0 recalls and 0 owner complaints on file for the 2026 GMC Sierra-1500.
2025 GMC Sierra 1500
1 recalls · 56 complaints
The 2025 GMC Sierra 1500 has excellent reliability. There are 1 recall and 56 owner complaints on file for the 2025 GMC Sierra-1500. Severity signals include 3 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Engine (13), Power Train (12), Electrical System (11).
2024 GMC Sierra 1500
1 recalls · 242 complaints
The 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 has good reliability. There are 1 recall and 242 owner complaints on file for the 2024 GMC Sierra-1500. Severity signals include 4 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Engine (81), Power Train (40), Electrical System (28).
2023 GMC Sierra 1500
3 recalls · 318 complaints
The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 has good reliability. There are 3 recalls and 318 owner complaints on file for the 2023 GMC Sierra-1500. Severity signals include 4 crash-related complaints and 2 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Engine (106), Power Train (58), Electrical System (34).
2022 GMC Sierra 1500
5 recalls · 439 complaints
The 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 has good reliability. There are 5 recalls and 439 owner complaints on file for the 2022 GMC Sierra-1500. Severity signals include 8 crash-related complaints and 5 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Engine (122), Power Train (73), Structure (72).
2021 GMC Sierra 1500
6 recalls · 420 complaints
The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 has good reliability. There are 6 recalls and 420 owner complaints on file for the 2021 GMC Sierra-1500. Severity signals include 5 crash-related complaints and 6 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Engine (142), Power Train (95), Electrical System (45).
2020 GMC Sierra 1500
11 recalls · 368 complaints
The 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 has good reliability. There are 11 recalls and 368 owner complaints on file for the 2020 GMC Sierra-1500. Severity signals include 10 crash-related complaints and 4 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Engine (108), Power Train (70), Electrical System (44).
2019 GMC Sierra 1500
10 recalls · 523 complaints
The 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 has good reliability. There are 10 recalls and 523 owner complaints on file for the 2019 GMC Sierra-1500. Severity signals include 10 crash-related complaints and 3 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Engine (159), Power Train (106), Electrical System (63).
2018 GMC Sierra 1500
5 recalls · 281 complaints
The 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 has good reliability. There are 5 recalls and 281 owner complaints on file for the 2018 GMC Sierra-1500. Severity signals include 10 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Power Train (111), Engine (33), Electrical System (30).
GMC Sierra 1500 Repair Costs
Reliability Rating
3.5/5
GMC Sierra 1500 Years to Avoid
See which model years have the most problems
Most Reliable GMC Models
Compare all GMC models by reliability
Compare GMC Sierra 1500 With Similar Trucks
The GMC Sierra 1500 competes with other full-size trucks such as Chevrolet Silverado, Ford F-150, and Ram 1500.
Chevrolet Silverado reliability
9 years tracked · 4263 complaints
Ford F-150 reliability
9 years tracked · 5612 complaints
Ram 1500 reliability
9 years tracked · 4051 complaints
Ford F-150 Lightning reliability
5 years tracked · 476 complaints
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the GMC Sierra 1500 reliable?
- The GMC Sierra 1500 has good reliability with an average score of 67/100. Some model years are stronger than others — check individual years before buying.
- What is the best year for the GMC Sierra 1500?
- The best year for the GMC Sierra 1500 is 2025 with a reliability score of 80/100, rated excellent. It has 1 recalls and 56 owner complaints on record. See full 2025 GMC Sierra 1500 analysis →
- What are the GMC Sierra 1500 years to avoid?
- The GMC Sierra 1500 years to avoid include 2019 (60/100). These model years score significantly below the model average due to higher recall and complaint volumes. See the full years-to-avoid analysis for details. See full years-to-avoid analysis →
- How much does it cost to maintain a GMC Sierra 1500?
- Annual maintenance cost estimates are not available for the GMC Sierra 1500. Based on its reliability score and complaint patterns, check individual year pages for repair cost details when available.
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.
See incorrect data? Report an issue