AI Damage2016 GMC Sierra 3500: common problems
The maker issued 524 service bulletins for this year. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Technical service bulletins (TSB)
- 524
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Equipment | 0 | 0 | 147 |
| Engine and cooling | 0 | 0 | 94 |
| Electrical system | 0 | 0 | 87 |
| Powertrain | 0 | 0 | 60 |
| Engine | 0 | 0 | 54 |
| Wheels | 0 | 0 | 32 |
| Fuel system | 0 | 0 | 24 |
| Structure | 0 | 0 | 20 |
| Steering | 0 | 0 | 19 |
| Suspension | 0 | 0 | 17 |
| Visibility | 0 | 0 | 16 |
| Tires | 0 | 0 | 15 |
| Service brakes | 0 | 0 | 12 |
| Exterior lighting | 0 | 0 | 5 |
Comparison
What to check before buying
- Engine and cooling. Radiator and fan after a frontal hit, coolant level and condition, overheating.
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Powertrain. Shift quality under load, harsh shifts, transmission codes, CV joints.
- Engine. Cold start, unusual noises, oil leaks and engine codes.
Manufacturer service bulletins
Bulletin titles as filed with NHTSA.
- This PI provides Diagnostics tips on how the LIN bus works and how to diagnosis it
- This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance
- PI to help diagnose A/C concern
- This PI provides diagnostic tips for diagnosing electric trailer brakes issues
- This Preliminary information communicates information on a hydraulic rush type noise from the power…
This Preliminary information communicates information on a hydraulic rush type noise from the power steering gear. This noise is a characteristic of the new Active Hydraulic Assist System RPO NV8 and no repairs should…
- This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size…
- This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a…
This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect.
- This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician that some owners of…
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician that some owners of Heavy Duty Trucks and Utilities may ask if they can lower their tire pressures. Tire pressures being set to the…
- This preliminary information communicates an issue with aftermarket LED headlights causing IPC warning…
This preliminary information communicates an issue with aftermarket LED headlights causing IPC warning messages and MIL along with several low speed lan DTCs.
- 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.
- This service bulletin provides information on Tire Sidewall Irregularities
- This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced…
This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced after severe internal engine damage.
NHTSA lists 524 bulletins for this year; the 12 newest are shown here.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2016 GMC Sierra 3500?
There are no owner complaints in the NHTSA data for this year; the data comes from 524 manufacturer service bulletins.
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2016 GMC Sierra 3500?
NHTSA lists 524 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 2016 GMC Sierra 3500 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 2016 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 2026-11-04.