Last updated: 2026-03-04

GMC Sierra 1500

1 GMC Sierra 1500 Years to Avoid

Years that score significantly below the GMC Sierra 1500 average of 67/100

The GMC Sierra 1500 years to avoid are 2019 based on reliability scores, NHTSA recalls, and owner complaints. The worst year is 2019 with a reliability score of 60/100. The best GMC Sierra 1500 year to buy is 2025 80/100.

Verdict

The 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 scores significantly below the model average of 67/100. The weakest year is 2019 with a score of 60/100 due to engine (159) issues. The best year to buy instead is 2023 69/100.

See years to avoid ↓See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

GMC Sierra 1500 Years to Avoid

These model years score significantly below the GMC Sierra 1500 average of 67/100.

#YearScoreRatingRecallsComplaintsTop Issue
1201960/100Good10523Engine (159)

Why These Years Should Be Avoided

60
GoodReliability score: 60 out of 100, rated Good

2019 GMC Sierra 1500

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).

10 recalls523 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Engine (159), Power Train (106), Electrical System (63), Service Brakes (53), Steering (40), Unknown Or Other (28)

View full 2019 reliability report →

What Are Common GMC Sierra 1500 Problems?

Top reported issues across all GMC Sierra 1500 model years, based on NHTSA owner complaints.

ENGINE

764 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

POWER TRAIN

565 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

310 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

STEERING

149 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

STRUCTURE

144 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2021

SERVICE BRAKES

140 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

Best GMC Sierra 1500 Year to Buy Instead

69
GoodReliability score: 69 out of 100, rated Good

2023 GMC Sierra 1500

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).

Score: 69/100 (Good)3 recalls318 complaints
View full 2023 reliability report →

All GMC Sierra 1500 Years by Generation

All model years ranked by reliability score, grouped by generation.

GMC Sierra 1500 Reliability Scores by Year

Excellent Good Mixed Risky

Our data covers 2018–2025 model years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What GMC Sierra 1500 years should you avoid?
Based on our data, you should avoid the following GMC Sierra 1500 years: 2019 (score: 60/100). These model years score significantly below the GMC Sierra 1500 average of 67/100.
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 ("Excellent"). It has 1 recalls and 56 owner complaints.
How many recalls does the GMC Sierra 1500 have?
Across all years in our database, the GMC Sierra 1500 has a total of 42 recalls. Recall counts vary by year — check individual model year reports for details.
Is a used GMC Sierra 1500 worth buying?
Yes, especially the 2025 model year, which scores 80/100. Stick to years at or above the model average of 67/100 for the best ownership experience.
What are common GMC Sierra 1500 problems?
The most common GMC Sierra 1500 problems are engine (764 complaints), power train (565 complaints), electrical system (310 complaints). These issues are reported across multiple model years based on NHTSA owner complaint data.
Is the GMC Sierra 1500 reliable long-term?
The GMC Sierra 1500 has an average reliability score of 67/100 across all model years in our database, rated "good". Overall, it is a reliable vehicle, though some model years perform better than others.
Which GMC Sierra 1500 generation is most reliable?
The most reliable GMC Sierra 1500 generation is the 5th Generation (2019–Present) with an average score of 68/100. Compare generations in our all-years-by-generation section above.
Is the 2025 GMC Sierra 1500 a good used buy?
Yes, the 2025 GMC Sierra 1500 is the highest-scoring model year with a reliability score of 80/100 ("Excellent"). It has 1 recalls and 56 owner complaints, making it a solid used buy.

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

1

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.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

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.

4

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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