2010 GMC Sierra 1500: common problems

Owners of the 2010 GMC Sierra 1500 filed 168 complaints with NHTSA, most often about air bags and structure. Details by component below, with sources.

Key figures

Owner complaints: 168
involving a crash: 2

What fails most often

1 Air bags 46% of all complaints
2 Structure 20% of all complaints
3 Engine 7% of all complaints
4 Electrical system 6% of all complaints
5 Fuel/propulsion system 4% of all complaints
6 Vehicle speed control 4% of all complaints
7 Engine and cooling 2% of all complaints
8 Powertrain 2% of all complaints

Circle size and colour show each component’s share of NHTSA complaints. Schematic only, not a drawing of the exact model.

Air bags: 77 complaints (46% of all), 2 of them with a crash reported by the owner.
Structure: 34 complaints (20% of all).
Engine: 11 complaints (7% of all).
Electrical system: 10 complaints (6% of all).
Fuel/propulsion system: 6 complaints (4% of all).

Symptoms owners describe

How many of the 168 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).

rust, corrosion11 · 7%
warning lights, check engine9 · 5%
door locks, latches, handles7 · 4%
windows, sunroof7 · 4%
knocking, grinding or other noise6 · 4%
airbag warning light5 · 3%
loss of power / limp mode4 · 2%
smoke, burning smell, fire3 · 2%
vibration3 · 2%
A/C or heater2 · 1%

Components owners complain about

Component	Owner complaints	involving a crash
Air bags	77	2
Structure	34	0
Engine	11	0
Electrical system	10	0
Fuel/propulsion system	6	0
Vehicle speed control	6	0
Engine and cooling	4	0
Powertrain	4	0
Seats	3	0
Steering	3	0
Suspension	3	0
Exterior lighting	2	0
Seat belts	2	0
Visibility	2	0

What owners report

Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.

The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, he became aware that there was a crack on the top of the infotainment system on the dashboard. The contact stated that a month later, the vehicle was taken to a dealer for the recall repair.
Structure · 2026-08-21 · NHTSA complaint #11758457
With no warning truck just started jumping in neutral after take off from red light litterly almost getting hit from behind and on coming traffic and than I let off the gas pedal than it jerks back in gear and doesnât want to stop and wants to jerk to keep moving like transmission wonât stop pulling had to turn…
Vehicle speed control · 2025-12-11 · NHTSA complaint #11704537
Got a call the next day from auto service center that the frame off the truck is completely rusted and that it was unable to be lifted up for service. They stated that the vehicle was unsafe to drive and that any hard bump, speed bump or over correction could cause the frame to fall out.
Structure · 2025-10-23 · NHTSA complaint #11695162
Over the last 3 years we have had ongoing issues with our truck going into limp mode. We have spent thousands of dollars at dealerships and mechanics trying to troubleshoot the issue.
Engine · 2023-09-07 · NHTSA complaint #11543308
The contact was unsure if any warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the entire subframe was rusted and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure.
Structure · 2023-02-14 · NHTSA complaint #11507257
The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to niles sales and service ([address], key west, [ZIP]) where it was diagnosed with the seat needing to be replaced.
Seats · 2021-03-09 · NHTSA complaint #11399920
While driving approximately 55-60 mph, the instrument panel indicators flickered on and off, the tachometer and other gauges became inoperable, and the vehicle lost power. Additionally, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to respond.
Electrical system · 2019-05-16 · NHTSA complaint #11208055
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 gmc sierra 1500. While driving various speeds and shifting gears, the vehicle made a loud abnormal noise under the hood. There were no warning indicators illuminated. An unknown local dealer was notified and did not assist. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired.
Powertrain · 2019-04-05 · NHTSA complaint #11194169

When owners complained

NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.

20102
20115
20122
20132
20142
201513
201638
201741
201821
201913
202010
20219
20221
20234
20241
20252
20262

Comparison

By complaint count this model year ranks 2,387 of 36,656 model years in the NHTSA data (top 7% most complained about).

On average one model year of the Sierra 1500 has 266 complaints (34 years in the data). This year has 168, below average.

What to check before buying

Air bags. Check the SRS light, stored codes and airbag/curtain status after any impact.
Structure. Rails, pillars, panel gaps, signs of pulling or welding.
Engine. Cold start, unusual noises, oil leaks and engine codes.
Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.

Other years of this model

Questions and answers

What are the most common problems with the 2010 GMC Sierra 1500?

Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: air bags, structure, engine. Total complaints: 168. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: rust, corrosion (7%), warning lights, check engine (5%), door locks, latches, handles (4%).

How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2010 GMC Sierra 1500?

NHTSA lists 0 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.

Should I buy a 2010 GMC Sierra 1500 from a US auction?

Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.

Other 2010 models

Read also

Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-05.