GMC Sierra 3500 Problems by Year

Source: NHTSA · Updated Oct 7, 2026 · 580 owner complaints analyzed

Years with far more complaints than usual:

NHTSA has 580 owner complaints and 45 safety recalls on file for the GMC Sierra 3500, across 31 model years (1996–2026). The 2020 model year has the most complaints (51). The most reported problem area overall is power train.

Peak: 2020, with 51 complaints
1996: 119961997: 101998: 121999: 1919992000: 262001: 362002: 2020022003: 72004: 242005: 2420052006: 112007: 162008: 2520082009: 52010: 22011: 2020112012: 92013: 142014: 720142015: 312016: 192017: 1320172018: 142019: 132020: 512020512021: 202022: 312023: 2820232024: 502025: 172026: 52026

n = 580 complaints · Source: NHTSA

GMC Sierra 3500 years to avoid? What the complaint data shows

These model years drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical Sierra 3500 year: 2001, 2020, 2024. Look at what owners reported before buying one, and check the VIN for open recalls.

Model years with the most complaints

  1. 2020 Sierra 3500: 51 complaints, 8 recalls
  2. 2024 Sierra 3500: 50 complaints, 3 recalls
  3. 2001 Sierra 3500: 36 complaints, 2 recalls

Model years with the fewest complaints

  1. 1996 Sierra 3500: 1 complaint, 0 recalls
  2. 2010 Sierra 3500: 2 complaints, 5 recalls
  3. 2009 Sierra 3500: 5 complaints, 5 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 GMC Sierra 3500 problems (all years)

Problem areaComplaintsModel yearsCrashes
Power Train93247
Service Brakes85226
Electrical System84280
Service Brakes, Hydraulic59182
Air Bags561810
Engine53202
Steering42192
Fuel/propulsion System34170
Tires32151
Structure30141
Engine and Engine Cooling25160
Exterior Lighting1590
Wheels1493
Fuel System, Gasoline1370
Fuel System, Diesel1180
Vehicle Speed Control1181
Suspension1080
Forward Collision Avoidance951
Visibility991
Visibility/wiper760
Seats652
Back Over Prevention541
Equipment540
Latches/locks/linkages540
Parking Brake531
Seat Belts552
Lane Departure431
Fuel System, Other310
Electronic Stability Control (esc)220
Service Brakes, Air111
Service Brakes, Electric110

All GMC Sierra 3500 model years

Model yearComplaintsRecallsCrash ratingTop problemCompared with other years
2026 Sierra 350052—Power Train
2025 Sierra 3500171—Service BrakesAbout as many complaints as other years
2024 Sierra 3500503—Electrical SystemFar more complaints than other years
2023 Sierra 3500281—Power TrainMore complaints than other years
2022 Sierra 3500313—Electrical SystemMore complaints than other years
2021 Sierra 3500205—Power TrainAbout as many complaints as other years
2020 Sierra 3500518—Power TrainFar more complaints than other years
2019 Sierra 3500137—Service BrakesFewer complaints than other years
2018 Sierra 3500146—Service BrakesFewer complaints than other years
2017 Sierra 3500137—Service BrakesFewer complaints than other years
2016 Sierra 3500197—Service BrakesAbout as many complaints as other years
2015 Sierra 3500317—Electrical SystemMore complaints than other years
2014 Sierra 350073—Fuel/propulsion System
2013 Sierra 3500144—Air BagsFewer complaints than other years
2012 Sierra 350094—Engine
2011 Sierra 3500205—Air BagsAbout as many complaints as other years
2010 Sierra 350025—Electrical System
2009 Sierra 350055—Power Train
2008 Sierra 3500253—Air BagsMore complaints than other years
2007 Sierra 3500163—Air BagsAbout as many complaints as other years
2006 Sierra 3500110—Power TrainFewer complaints than other years
2005 Sierra 3500240—Service BrakesMore complaints than other years
2004 Sierra 3500240—Service BrakesMore complaints than other years
2003 Sierra 350070—Service Brakes
2002 Sierra 3500202—Service BrakesAbout as many complaints as other years
2001 Sierra 3500362—Service Brakes, HydraulicFar more complaints than other years
2000 Sierra 3500262—Service Brakes, HydraulicMore complaints than other years
1999 Sierra 3500191—Service Brakes, HydraulicAbout as many complaints as other years
1998 Sierra 3500122—Service Brakes, HydraulicFewer complaints than other years
1997 Sierra 3500101—Service Brakes, HydraulicFewer complaints than other years
1996 Sierra 350010—Electrical System

More from GMC: all GMC models · GMC VIN decoder

Frequently asked questions

Which GMC Sierra 3500 years should you stay away from?

By NHTSA complaints, 2001 (36), 2020 (51), 2024 (50) drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical Sierra 3500 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 GMC Sierra 3500?

Power Train, with 93 complaints across 24 model years.

How many recalls does the GMC Sierra 3500 have?

45 safety recalls across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.