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Gmc Sierra 3500 — Years to Avoid

Reliability breakdown of every Gmc Sierra 3500 model year. Based on NHTSA owner complaints, federal recalls, and safety investigations.

Model Years
30
Best Years
2004, 2003, 2002, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1997, 1996
2025
15 complaints0 recalls295 TSBs
2024
56 complaints3 recalls773 TSBs
2023
33 complaints1 recalls705 TSBs
2022
37 complaints3 recalls866 TSBs
2021
27 complaints5 recalls1 invest.816 TSBs
2020
71 complaints8 recalls1 invest.886 TSBs
2019
19 complaints5 recalls650 TSBs
2018
19 complaints6 recalls745 TSBs
2017
18 complaints7 recalls624 TSBs
2016
27 complaints6 recalls659 TSBs
2015
40 complaints7 recalls1 invest.865 TSBs
2014
10 complaints3 recalls1 invest.815 TSBs
2013
15 complaints4 recalls1 invest.838 TSBs
2012
15 complaints4 recalls1 invest.770 TSBs
2011
24 complaints5 recalls1 invest.817 TSBs
2010
2 complaints5 recalls1 invest.605 TSBs
2009
7 complaints5 recalls1 invest.495 TSBs
2008
27 complaints3 recalls3 invest.479 TSBs
2007
19 complaints3 recalls3 invest.559 TSBs
2006
14 complaints0 recalls267 TSBs
2005
29 complaints1 recalls228 TSBs
2004Best Year
29 complaints1 recalls172 TSBs
2003Best Year
9 complaints1 recalls165 TSBs
2002Best Year
29 complaints3 recalls1 invest.158 TSBs
2001
44 complaints3 recalls2 invest.164 TSBs
2000Best Year
30 complaints4 recalls1 invest.112 TSBs
1999Best Year
25 complaints3 recalls42 TSBs
1998Best Year
12 complaints4 recalls11 TSBs
1997Best Year
15 complaints3 recalls9 TSBs
1996Best Year
2 complaints0 recalls4 TSBs

How we calculate this

Each year receives a composite risk score based on NHTSA owner complaints, federal recalls, safety investigations, and technical service bulletins. Years scoring more than 2x the model's average are flagged as “years to avoid.” Years in the lowest risk bracket are marked as “best years.” All data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Which Gmc Sierra 3500 Years Should You Avoid?

The Gmc Sierra 3500 shows relatively consistent reliability across model years, with no single year standing out as significantly worse than others.

If you're shopping for a used Gmc Sierra 3500, consider the 2004, 2003, 2002, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1997, 1996 model years — these have the fewest reported issues relative to other years.

30 model years analyzed