The vehicle dossier US · 2016
2016 GMC
SIERRA 1500Problems & recalls
341 distinct owner reports in the NHTSA snapshot. Brakes appears in 106 of them. Explore what was reported—and which official actions are on file.
01 / Owner-reported evidence
What owners reported.
Categories attached to 341 distinct reports. A report can mention more than one component, so category totals can overlap.
See original component labels
These are reports made to NHTSA, not verified diagnoses. More reports can reflect more vehicles, more time on the road, or greater reporting activity.
The reporting timeline
When reports arrived.
Reports by year filed, not by the year a problem occurred. Showing the latest 11 years with reports.
47,000 miles is the median among 187 reports with usable mileage. The middle half spans 30,500–70,000 miles.
This describes the submitted reports. It does not predict when a vehicle will fail.
02 / Official safety campaigns
7 recall campaigns on file.
A campaign can cover only certain production dates or configurations. The count does not tell you whether an individual car has an open recall.
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATORCampaign 21V504000
Reported concern
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2016 GMC Sierra 1500, 2500, 3500, and Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks. The roof-rail air bag (RRAB) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator, or the inflator sidewall may rupture.
Manufacturer’s stated response
Dealers will replace the left and right side RRAB modules, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed on August 18, 2021. Owners will receive a second notice when the remedy is available. Phase I owner notification letters were mailed on May 5, 2022. Phase II owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on May 31, 2022. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. This recall supersedes NHTSA recall number 20V-736. GM's number for this recall is N202324251.
Manufacturer campaign: N202324251
Read campaign 21V504000 at NHTSAAIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATORCampaign 20V736000
Reported concern
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2016 GMC Sierra 1500 and Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and 2015 GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500, and Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 trucks. The roof-rail air bag (RRAB) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator.
Manufacturer’s stated response
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the RRAB modules on the left and/or right side, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on December 22, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. Note: GM filed a new recall, number 21V-504 that supersedes this recall. All vehicles previously recalled under 20V-736 will now be repaired under the new recall number 21V-504. GM's numbers for this recall are N202309680, N202309681, and N202309682.
Manufacturer campaign: N202309680
Read campaign 20V736000 at NHTSASERVICE BRAKESCampaign 19V761000
Reported concern
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, and GMC Yukon, and 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles equipped with a 5.3-liter engine, a 3.08-ratio rear axle and four-wheel drive. If a wheel-speed sensor fails, while the vehicle is traveling between 41 and 60 mph in four-wheel or automatic mode, the Electronic-Brake Control Module (EBCM) software may activate the driveline-protection system.
Manufacturer’s stated response
GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the EBCM, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N192261050.
Manufacturer campaign: N192261050
Read campaign 19V761000 at NHTSASERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUMCampaign 19V645000
Reported concern
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Cadillac Escalade, 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, 2015-2018 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon vehicles. The amount of vacuum created by the vacuum pump may decrease over time.
Manufacturer’s stated response
GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Electronic Brake Control Module, free of charge. The recall began October 8, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N192268490.
Manufacturer campaign: N192268490
Read campaign 19V645000 at NHTSASEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONERCampaign 17V437000
Reported concern
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse and Chevrolet Spark EV, Caprice PPV and SS vehicles, 2014-2017 Buick Encore and Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles, 2015-2016 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Trax, Suburban and Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL vehicles, and 2015-2017 GMC Sierra HD 2500 and 3500 vehicles. While being previously remedied for recall 16V-651, the affected vehicles may not have received the complete software update necessary to remedy the recall condition. Without the update, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.
Manufacturer’s stated response
GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2017. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 17287.
Manufacturer campaign: 17287
Read campaign 17V437000 at NHTSASEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONERCampaign 16V651000
Reported concern
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD, 3500 HD, Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Sierra 2500 HD and 3500 HD, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles and 2014-2017 Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500, Trax, Caprice Police Pursuit Vehicle, GMC Sierra 1500, Buick Encore, and 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse, Chevrolet Spark EV and SS vehicles. In the affected vehicles, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.
Manufacturer’s stated response
GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 13, 2016. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 16007.
Manufacturer campaign: 16007
Read campaign 16V651000 at NHTSASUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARMCampaign 16V256000
A do-not-drive advisory is recorded. Verify applicability immediately with NHTSA or the manufacturer.
Reported concern
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and 2016 Cadillac Escalade, Cadillac Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Sierra, GMC Yukon and GMC Yukon XL vehicles. The front upper control arms may have inadequate welds near the control arm bushing.
Manufacturer’s stated response
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the left and right front upper control arms and realign the vehicle, free of charge. The recall began on May 18, 2016. Until the repairs have been made, owners are advised not to drive their vehicles. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 42190.
Manufacturer campaign: 42190
Read campaign 16V256000 at NHTSA03 / The manufacturer’s record
Instructions. Updates. Responses.
1,212 distinct communications list this model-year. Showing the latest 12. A matching model-year does not establish that every engine, trim or reported symptom is covered.
PIP4902WThis preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.NHTSA ID 11037253
This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 11037253 at NHTSAPIT5099JPI to help diagnose A/C concernNHTSA ID 11035340
PI to help diagnose A/C concern
Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 11035340 at NHTSAPIT5509NThis PI provides diagnostic tips for diagnosing electric trailer brakes issues.NHTSA ID 11035308
This PI provides diagnostic tips for diagnosing electric trailer brakes issues.
Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 11035308 at NHTSAPIT5509MThis PI provides diagnostic tips for diagnosing electric trailer brakes issues.NHTSA ID 11032777
This PI provides diagnostic tips for diagnosing electric trailer brakes issues.
Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 11032777 at NHTSAPIT3271QThis preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.NHTSA ID 11030974
This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.
Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 11030974 at NHTSAPIP6104This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect.NHTSA ID 11030092
This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect.
Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 11030092 at NHTSAPIP4902VThis preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.NHTSA ID 11030091
This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 11030091 at NHTSAPIT6483This preliminary information communicates an issue with aftermarket LED headlights causing IPC warning messages and MIL along with several low speed lan DTCs.NHTSA ID 11028700
This preliminary information communicates an issue with aftermarket LED headlights causing IPC warning messages and MIL along with several low speed lan DTCs.
Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 11028700 at NHTSAPIT6400AThis PI Communications information on an alternative product dealers can use to perform 19-NA-255: Wax Coating on Frame Peeling, Metal Shows Corrosion/Rusting due to issue with getting product from current supplier listed in th…NHTSA ID 11027698
This PI Communications information on an alternative product dealers can use to perform 19-NA-255: Wax Coating on Frame Peeling, Metal Shows Corrosion/Rusting due to issue with getting product from current supplier listed in the bulletin.
Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 11027698 at NHTSAPIP5700GThis PI communicates the proper part numbers for transmission connectors and internal harness to prevent confusion when orderingNHTSA ID 11027689
This PI communicates the proper part numbers for transmission connectors and internal harness to prevent confusion when ordering
Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 11027689 at NHTSAPIP4902UThis preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.NHTSA ID 11027601
This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 11027601 at NHTSAPIT5984AThis Preliminary information communicates a diagnostic tip for an issue where the starter stays engaged after the engine starts. Dealers are to suspect/monitor the crankshaft position sensor.NHTSA ID 11026863
This Preliminary information communicates a diagnostic tip for an issue where the starter stays engaged after the engine starts. Dealers are to suspect/monitor the crankshaft position sensor.
Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 11026863 at NHTSARecords below contain the NHTSA bulk summary unless a document-reviewed explainer is linked. A service bulletin is not a safety recall or a promise of a free repair. Records may be revised or superseded; verify the current document with the manufacturer.
04 / Agency investigations
Official inquiries.
An investigation is an inquiry into a potential concern. Its presence does not establish a defect, and a closed case does not certify a car’s condition.
Brake Vacuum Pump FailurePE18012
On November 20, 2018, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened PE18-012 to investigate instances of sudden onset of a hard brake pedal that could result in extended stopping distance due to an issue with the brake assist vacuum pump in model year (MY) 2014 through 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 and Chevrolet Silverado 1500 series pickup trucks and MY 2015 through 2016 Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, and GMC Yukon SUVs.If the brake assist vacuum pump fails to operate as intended, the amount of brake power assist supplied to the driver can be significantly reduced, extending the subject vehicle stopping distance. GM stated that the root cause of pump failures was due to foreign debris such as oil sludge in the engine oil. GM stated that this debris can become trapped by the oil inlet filter screen. Under normal operation, this screen allows a small amount of oil into the brake vacuum pump. The foreign debris can, over time, clog the pump which can cause a loss of lubrication and a reduction in the amount of vacuum produced leading to a hard pedal and extended stopping distance.On December 13, 2018, GM issued a Special Coverage (N182202780) for the brake vacuum pump issue in MY 2014-2017 trucks and 2015-2017 SUVs on the K2XX platform for 6 years or 72,000 miles. Special Coverage repair includes the replacement of the vacuum pump and vacuum pump belt. Consumers received notification of the coverage via mail. On September 6, 2019, GM notified NHTSA that it was conducting safety recall 19V-645 which reprograms the electronic brake control module (EBCM) and included approximately 3.5 million trucks and SUVs. In October 2019, GM extended the terms of special coverage N182202780 to 10 years or 150,000 miles as well as now including the entire scope of recall 19V-645. In October 2020, GM expanded the scope of coverage N182202780 to include the MY 2018 Escalade and 2019 Tahoe.The remedy implemented in GM recall 19V-645 appears to be sufficient in addressing the safety-related concerns of this issue. Loss of vacuum assist now occurs at a progressive rate as well as there being a more timely warning of a brake problem to the driver through the driver information center (DIC). In view of the recall action and revision to the special coverage, this Preliminary Evaluation is closed. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by new circumstances. The ODI reports cited above are available for review online at NHTSA.gov under the identification numbers in the attached document.
Recorded closure: Apr 10, 2022
Campaign reference in the source: 19V645000
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