General Motors introduced the GMC Sierra 1500 in 1962, along with the Chevrolet Silverado. Since its introduction, the Sierra 1500 has helped GM maintain its position as one of the best-selling American brands.
Though both of them are identical in the present, Sierra was considered the luxurious version of Silverado in the past. Sierra is the least problematic among all the vehicles introduced by GM.
GM has redesigned and upgraded the Sierra 1500 within its five generations. However, all the model years aren’t equal in terms of reviews, ratings, complaint numbers, and reliability. If you are considering buying a GMC Sierra 1500, you should know the best and worst model years to buy.
Based on the user reviews, ratings, complaint numbers, and recalls, the best year for GMC Sierra 1500 are 2012, 2016, 2018, 2020, and 2021. These model years have good user ratings with the fewest user complaints and recall histories. Let us discuss these 5 model years and discover why they are considered the best model years.
Currently, there are 5 generations of the GMC Sierra:
- 1st Gen (1988–1998)
- 2nd Gen (1999–2002)
- 2nd Gen Facelift (2003–2006)
- 3rd Gen (2007–2013)
- 4th Gen (2014–2015)
- 4th Gen Facelift (2016–2018)
- 5th Gen (2019–2021)
- 5th Gen Facelift (2022–present)
Also read the difference between gmc sierra 1500 and 2500.
1. Best Year for GMC Sierra 1500: 2012
According to J.D. Power, it is positioned #2 in the list of the best large light-duty pickup trucks of 2012. According to USNews, the 2012 GMC Sierra 1500 is #1 in the 2012 full-sized pickup truck category.
The 2012 GMC Sierra 1500 comes with a standard 4.3L V6 engine. There are also 4.8L V8, 5.3L V8, and 6.2L V8 engine options. Except for the standard V6 variants, other engines can run on ethanol fuel. The engines can produce 195–403 horsepower and 260–417 lb-ft of torque. It can reach 0–60 mph in 6.9–9.6 seconds, which varies for different engines.
The 2012 GMC Sierra 1500 is equipped with a 4-speed automatic and a 6-speed automatic transmission. There are three drivetrains: RWD, 4WD, and AWD.
Gas mileage of the 2012 GMC Sierra 1500 is 12–15 mpg in city areas and 18–22 mpg on highways.
The towing capacity of the 2012 GMC Sierra 1500 is up to 10,700 pounds when properly equipped.
The 2012 GMC Sierra 1500 has the latest technology support and great safety features.
Moreover, the 2012 GMC Sierra 1500 has the fewest complaints compared to its competitors.
2012 GMC Sierra 1500 Ratings
Edmunds consumer rating: 4.1 out of 5.0
J.D. Power reliability rating: 89 out of 100
Kelley Blue Book ratings: 4.6 out of 5.0 (consumer) and 3.7 out of 5.0 (expert)
2. 2016 GMC Sierra 1500
According to J.D. Power, it is positioned #4 in the list of the best large light-duty pickup trucks of 2016. According to USNews, the 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 is ranked #4 in the 2016 full-sized pickup truck category.
The 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 comes with a standard 4.3L V6 engine. Other available options are 5.3L V8 and 6.2L V8 engines. The engines can produce 285–420 horsepower and 305–460 lb-ft of torque. It can reach 0–60 mph in approximately 7 seconds.
The 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 is equipped with a 6-speed automatic and an 8-speed automatic transmission. There are two drivetrains: 4WD and RWD.
Gas mileage of the 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 is 15–18 mpg in city areas and 21–24 mpg on highways.
The maximum towing capacity of the 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 is up to 12,000 pounds.
The 2016 GMC Sierra has standard technological features and state-of-the-art safety protocols.
2016 GMC Sierra 1500 Ratings
Edmunds consumer rating: 3.9 out of 5.0
J.D. Power reliability rating: 75 out of 100
Kelley Blue Book ratings: 4.2 out of 5.0 (consumer) and 4.1 out of 5.0 (expert)
3. 2018 GMC Sierra 1500
According to J.D. Power, it is positioned #2 in the list of the best large light-duty pickup trucks of 2018. According to USNews, the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 is #2 in the 2018 full-sized pickup truck category.
The 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 comes with a standard 4.3L V6 engine. 5.3L V8 and 6.2L V8 engines are also available to choose from. Only the V6 engine is capable of running on ethanol fuel. Those engines can produce 285–420 horsepower and 305–460 lb-ft of torque. The 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 can reach 0–60 mph in 6.7 seconds.
The 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 has a 6-speed automatic and an 8-speed automatic transmission. There are two drivetrains: 4WD and RWD.
Gas mileage of the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 is 15–18 mpg in city areas and 20–24 mpg on highways.
The maximum towing capacity of the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 is up to 12,500 pounds.
2018 GMC Sierra payload capacity is very high, approximately 2,240 pounds.
In terms of payload capacity, GMC Sierra is better than Chevy Silaverdo.
The 2018 GMC Sierra is equipped with standard technological features that will fulfill all your needs. Also, the safety features are incredible, like in other model years.
2018 GMC Sierra 1500 Ratings
Edmunds consumer rating: 3.5 out of 5.0
J.D. Power reliability rating: 74 out of 100
Kelley Blue Book ratings: 4.2 out of 5.0 (consumer) and 4.0 out of 5.0 (expert)
4. 2020 GMC Sierra 1500
According to J.D. Power, it is positioned #1 in the list of the best large light-duty pickup trucks of 2020. According to USNews, the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 is #৪ in the category of 2020 full-sized pickup trucks.
The 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 comes with a standard 4.3L V6 engine. There are also optional 2.7L turbocharged I4, 3.0L turbo diesel, 5.3L V8, and 6.2L V8 engines. Those engines can produce 277–420 horsepower and 305–460 lb-ft of torque. The truck can reach 0–60 mph in 6.5 seconds.
The 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 is equipped with a 6-speed automatic, an 8-speed automatic, and a 10-speed automatic transmission. There are two drivetrains: 4WD and RWD.
The fuel economy of the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 is 15–20 mpg in city areas and 20–23 mpg on highways.
The maximum towing capacity of the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 is up to 12,100 pounds with proper equipment.
The 2020 GMC Sierra has advanced safety features and standard technological features for entertainment and stuff.
2020 GMC Sierra 1500 Ratings
Edmunds consumer rating: 3.7 out of 5.0
J.D. Power reliability rating: 86 out of 100
Kelley Blue Book ratings: 4.0 out of 5.0 (consumer) and 4.3 out of 5.0 (expert)
5. 2021 GMC Sierra 1500
According to J.D. Power, it is positioned #1 in the list of the best light-duty pickup trucks of 2021. According to USNews, the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 is ranked #4 in the 2021 full-sized pickup truck category.
The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 comes with a standard 4.3L V6 engine. There are also optional 2.7L turbocharged I4, 3.0L turbo diesel I6, 5.3L V8, and 6.2L V8 engines. Those engines can produce 277–420 horsepower and 310–460 lb-ft of torque. The truck can reach 0–60 mph in 6.5 seconds.
The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 has a 6-speed automatic transmission and optional 8-speed automatic and 10-speed automatic transmissions. There are two drivetrains: 4WD and RWD.
Gas mileage of the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 is 14–22 mpg in city areas and 20–26 mpg on highways.
The maximum towing capacity of the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 is up to 11,800 pounds with proper equipment.
The 2021 GMC Sierra has standard technological features for entertainment, security, etc. The advanced safety features will also fulfill all your needs.
2021 GMC Sierra 1500 Ratings
Edmunds consumer rating: 3.0 out of 5.0
J.D. Power reliability rating: 84 out of 100
Kelley Blue Book ratings: 4.0 out of 5.0 (consumer) and 4.2 out of 5.0 (expert).
GMC Sierra 1500 Years to Avoid
According to the user reviews and complaint numbers, these are the GMC Sierra 1500 model years to avoid:
- 2005 GMC Sierra 1500
- 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
- 2014 GMC Sierra 1500
- 2015 GMC Sierra 1500
- 2017 GMC Sierra 1500
Among those, the 2014 GMC Sierra 1500 has the most complaints. However, the 2015 GMC Sierra 1500 is considered the worst model year because of higher maintenance costs and problems with lower mileage.
GMC Sierra 1500 Complaints Number
|
GMC Sierra 1500 Model Years |
User Complaint Numbers
(Source: carcomplaints) |
User Complaint Numbers (Source: NHTSA) |
|
2002 |
23 | N/A |
| 2003 | 37 |
N/A |
|
2004 |
63 | N/A |
| 2005 | 40 |
N/A |
|
2006 |
24 | N/A |
| 2007 | 42 |
332 |
|
2008 |
49 | 456 |
| 2009 | 29 |
273 |
|
2010 |
32 | 210 |
| 2011 | 56 |
349 |
|
2012 |
28 | 45 |
| 2013 | 40 |
154 |
|
2014 |
353 | 771 |
| 2015 | 252 |
697 |
|
2016 |
31 | 29 |
| 2017 | 65 |
294 |
|
2018 |
25 | 161 |
| 2019 | 45 |
220 |
|
2020 |
11 | 115 |
| 2021 | 12 |
89 |
|
2022 |
N/A | 48 |
| 2023 | 1 |
20 |
GMC Sierra 1500 Reliability
According to Repairpal, the reliability rating of the GMC Sierra 1500 is 3.5 out of 5.0, which makes it the third-most reliable truck out of 17 full-size trucks.
The average total cost of maintenance and repair on a GMC Sierra 1500 is $727 annually, which is lower than the average maintenance cost of a full-size truck.
The GMC Sierra 1500 comes with a 3-year/36,000-mile limited warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
There have been no safety-related issues or recalls from the NHTSA. Also, NHTSA gave a 5-star rating to the GMC Sierra 1500 for safety.
The GMC Sierra 1500 is packed with the latest technological features, including infotainment, driving assistance, and safety features.
Moreover, the Sierra 1500 is a good-looking truck that can fulfill all your needs.
So, there is no doubt that the GMC Sierra 1500 is a reliable truck.
GMC Sierra 1500 Recalls
|
GMC Sierra 1500 Model Years |
GMC Sierra 1500 Recall Numbers (Source: NHTSA) |
|
2007 |
6 |
| 2008 |
4 |
|
2009 |
5 |
|
2010 |
5 |
| 2011 |
7 |
|
2012 |
2 |
| 2013 |
6 |
|
2014 |
21 |
| 2015 |
20 |
|
2016 |
0 |
| 2017 |
5 |
|
2018 |
3 |
| 2019 |
10 |
|
2020 |
10 |
| 2021 |
4 |
|
2022 |
2 |
| 2023 |
1 |
Conclusion
Although some GMC Sierra 1500 model years are very good, with fewer complaints and recalls, there are many happy users who are satisfied with the truck. The GMC Sierra 1500 is a good choice if you consider buying a full-size pickup truck. However, the price is high, and some model years have problems. If money is not a problem, you can go for the best years to get the best value for money.