Which Years Of Used GMC Sierra 1500s Are Most Reliable?

in Reliability
White GMC Sierra 1500 on the street

GMC Sierra by Kevauto - CC-BY-SA-4.0

The GMC Sierra 1500 is a competitive pickup truck made to elevate the truck world. It’s been manufactured since 1999, offering many used selections on the market. If you’re considering a GMC Sierra 1500, it can be tricky to pick the right one. You might question - what is the most reliable GMC Sierra 1500 year on the market?

Dependability is vital in a car, especially if you’re purchasing a truck with the intent to move things from one place to another. It’s tricky to pick the right year, but we have you covered in this department. Read on to learn more about the most reliable GMC Sierra 1500 year, the worst options for your wallet, and other valuable information you should know. 

Most Reliable Years for The GMC Sierra 1500

The GMC Sierra 1500 is a powerhouse truck that comes in three different cab lengths for your convenience. There are many years available, but we’ve narrowed down our top picks to simplify your decision-making process.

Here are the best options for the GMC Sierra 1500:

  • 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  • 2011 GMC Sierra 1500
  • 2012 GMC Sierra 1500
  • 2016 GMC Sierra 1500
  • 2017 GMC Sierra 1500
  • 2018 GMC Sierra 1500

If you’re hunting for the most reliable GMC Sierra 1500 year, these six should be at the top of your list.

These had the fewest customer complaints and garnered the most praise out of any other options from the GMC Sierra 1500. They are worth every penny, and you should be able to find them for a decent price.

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Are GMC Sierra 1500s Generally Reliable?

The GMC Sierra 1500 has had a long lifespan on the market, and many of those years have proven reliable. However, does this ring true for the car in general? Is the GMC Sierra 1500 dependable when combining the reliability of all years?

According to repairpal.com, the GMC Sierra 1500 scores 3.5⁄5, placing it 2nd out of 17 full-size trucks. According to vehiclehistory.com, the GMC Sierra 1500 was reliable from start to finish for many users.

Although the scores for the GMC Sierra 1500 aren’t as high as smaller cars, they are excellent when considering a full-size truck. This car is a beast and offers an ideal experience on the road.

Which GMC Sierra 1500 Years Are the Least Reliable?

We’ve gone over the top-notch years for the GMC Sierra 1500. Now, let’s look at the worst GMC Sierra 1500 years offered.

Here are the worst options on the market for the GMC Sierra 1500:

  • 2001 GMC Sierra 1500
  • 2002 GMC Sierra 1500
  • 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
  • 2005 GMC Sierra 1500
  • 2006 GMC Sierra 1500
  • 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  • 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  • 2009 GMC Sierra 1500
  • 2010 GMC Sierra 1500
  • 2013 GMC Sierra 1500
  • 2014 GMC Sierra 1500
  • 2015 GMC Sierra 1500
  • 2019 GMC Sierra 1500
  • 2020 GMC Sierra 1500


If you’re hunting for the most reliable GMC Sierra 1500 year, avoid these selections at all costs.

Customers reported the most issues in these years. A few of the most common included troubles with the reliability of the engine, terrible transmission experiences, and recalls to name a few.

Are GMC Sierra 1500s Expensive to Maintain?

According to autmoblog.net, the GMC Sierra 1500 costs about $744 to maintain, which is almost $100 over the average for other cars. It’s a costlier investment than some other selections.

The GMC Sierra 1500 doesn’t experience trouble too often, but when it does, there is a higher chance the trouble will be severe. Keep this factor in mind before buying one for your driving needs.

If you own a GMC Sierra 1500, save money on the side in case you happen to run into a need for a costly fix. It will pay off when the need does arise. 

THE GMC SIERRA YEARS TO AVOID

With that cleared up, let’s dive in and take a closer look at the GMC Sierra years to avoid, which models are more reliable than others, and which GMC Sierra models years you should think about buying used.

Which GMC Is Most Reliable?

Maybe you’re searching for a GMC but are focused on reliability as your top priority. Although the GMC Sierra 1500 performs well, others come out on top. Let’s go over some of the best contenders from the brand.

According to motorbiscuit.com, here are the most reliable GMCs:

  • GMC Canyon
  • GMC Terrain
  • GMC Sierra 1500

The iconic GMC Sierra 1500 comes in third out of the top contenders.

GMC has some powerhouses in its lineup. They typically rank well in their trucks for reliability, and that shows in their best offerings.

What Are The Most Common GMC Sierra 1500 Problems?

Some issues tend to appear across all years of the GMC Sierra 1500, good and bad. It’s ideal to know these ahead of time to determine what you can expect as an owner of this massive vehicle.

According to motorbiscuit.com, here are common troubles in the GMC Sierra 1500:

  • 4WD transfer case or sensor failure
  • Heating and AC actuator failure
  • Fuel level sensor malfunction

Ensure you watch for these to avoid letting any damage go on for too long.

You might find these in reliable and unreliable years. However, they are most likely to surface in the worst years of the GMC Sierra 1500.

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Is The GMC Sierra 1500 Worth It?

Although the GMC Sierra 1500 can be pricey to maintain, it’s well worth it if you want a full-size truck in your ownership. It’s roomy, updated, and offers many dependable selections for interested buyers.

If you want the GMC Sierra as your final option, we recommend sticking with the most reliable years. They will serve you well, no matter what you need your full-size truck for in life.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the GMC Sierra 1500 is worth it if you’re willing to keep up with regular maintenance for the machine. We recommend 2004, 2011, 2012, 2016, 2017, and 2018 options as your top picks on the market.

We hope this information was helpful! There are many years available for the GMC Sierra 1500, so our layout should make it much simpler to narrow down your options and pick the most valuable year for your driveway.

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