Chevrolet Sierra Problems by Year
NHTSA has 33 owner complaints and 0 safety recalls on file for the Chevrolet Sierra, across 5 model years (1999–2003). The 1999 model year has the most complaints (11). The most reported problem area overall is service brakes, hydraulic.
Chevrolet Sierra years to avoid? What the complaint data shows
These model years drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical Sierra year: 1999. Look at what owners reported before buying one, and check the VIN for open recalls.
Model years with the most complaints
- 1999 Sierra: 11 complaints, 0 recalls
- 2001 Sierra: 9 complaints, 0 recalls
- 2000 Sierra: 9 complaints, 0 recalls
Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold or how long each year has been on the road, so newer and less popular years naturally have fewer complaints. Use them to spot problem patterns, not as a safety ranking.
Most common Chevrolet Sierra problems (all years)
| Problem area | Complaints | Model years | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 11 | 4 | 2 |
| Steering | 5 | 4 | 0 |
| Suspension | 4 | 3 | 0 |
| Electrical System | 3 | 1 | 0 |
| Service Brakes | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Exterior Lighting | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Power Train | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Tires | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Engine | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Equipment | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Fuel System, Other | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Seats | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Structure | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Visibility | 1 | 1 | 0 |
All Chevrolet Sierra model years
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls | Crash rating | Top problem | Compared with other years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 Sierra | 2 | 0 | — | Service Brakes | |
| 2002 Sierra | 2 | 0 | — | Exterior Lighting | |
| 2001 Sierra | 9 | 0 | — | Engine | |
| 2000 Sierra | 9 | 0 | — | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | |
| 1999 Sierra | 11 | 0 | — | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | Far more complaints than other years |
More from Chevrolet: all Chevrolet models · Chevrolet VIN decoder
Frequently asked questions
Which Chevrolet Sierra years should you stay away from?
By NHTSA complaints, 1999 (11) drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical Sierra year. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, and newer years have had less time to collect complaints.
What is the biggest problem with the Chevrolet Sierra?
Service Brakes, Hydraulic, with 11 complaints across 4 model years.
How many recalls does the Chevrolet Sierra have?
0 safety recalls across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.