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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
33
Years to Avoid
2020
Best Years
2003, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1997, 1996, 1995, 1994
2026
8 complaints2 recalls170 TSBs
2025
27 complaints1 recalls362 TSBs
2024
80 complaints3 recalls840 TSBs
2023
45 complaints1 recalls742 TSBs
2022
45 complaints3 recalls894 TSBs
2021
28 complaints5 recalls1 invest.841 TSBs
2020Avoid
72 complaints8 recalls1 invest.906 TSBs
2019
20 complaints7 recalls663 TSBs
2018
20 complaints6 recalls756 TSBs
2017
18 complaints7 recalls634 TSBs
2016
27 complaints7 recalls668 TSBs
2015
42 complaints7 recalls1 invest.873 TSBs
2014
10 complaints3 recalls1 invest.820 TSBs
2013
15 complaints4 recalls1 invest.843 TSBs
2012
15 complaints4 recalls1 invest.774 TSBs
2011
24 complaints5 recalls1 invest.821 TSBs
2010
2 complaints5 recalls1 invest.609 TSBs
2009
8 complaints5 recalls1 invest.495 TSBs
2008
28 complaints3 recalls3 invest.479 TSBs
2007
19 complaints3 recalls3 invest.559 TSBs
2006
14 complaints0 recalls267 TSBs
2005
29 complaints1 recalls228 TSBs
2004
29 complaints1 recalls172 TSBs
2003Best Year
9 complaints1 recalls165 TSBs
2002
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
1995Best Year
0 complaints0 recalls4 TSBs
1994Best Year
0 complaints0 recalls3 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?

Based on federal safety data, the 2020 GMC Sierra 3500 is the most problematic year, with significantly higher rates of owner complaints, recalls, and safety investigations compared to other model years.

If you're shopping for a used GMC Sierra 3500, consider the 2003, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1997, 1996, 1995, 1994 model years — these have the fewest reported issues relative to other years.

33 model years analyzed