The GMC Sierra is a pickup truck that has been around for years. It’s one of the most affordable trucks on the market, and it’s no surprise that buyers are attracted to its all-round capability and affordability.
So how many miles can a GMC Sierra last? A quick check online showed vehicles available with mileages between 400,000 and 500,000, with the earliest model being from 1994. These were a mix of Sierra 1500 and 2500 models.
This is a testament to the quality of GMC’s truck. The most important factor in determining how many miles your pickup can last is taking care of it properly, which includes regular maintenance.
The Sierra has undergone some changes in recent years, with more demanding customers leading to a need for better fuel efficiency numbers as well as safety features like lane detection warning systems and adaptive cruise control.
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Is a GMC Sierra a reliable truck?
This is hard to answer definitively, since the quality of pickups varies from model to model.
It’s important to note that a Sierra is always reliable in the sense that it will get you where you need to go with minimal hassle, but its reliability as compared to other GMC models may depend on factors like how well it was taken care of and how often it was serviced.
What are the worst years for the GMC Sierra?
When looking at the GM Sierra 1500, the worst year by far for complaints is the 2014 production year. The main problem reported for these models is centred around the performance of the headlights, with some owners reporting how difficult it is to use the vehicle for night driving.
This is certainly an unusual complaint for a relatively new production year, as headlight technology has advanced in recent years.
What are common problems with the GMC Sierra?
The GMC Sierra is a very reliable vehicle. There are, however, things that can go wrong with all vehicles no matter how good the manufacturer might be. If you buy a used Sierra there are some common problems you’ll likely encounter at some point – here’s what to look out for:
#1: Engine Issues
The engine is one of the most expensive parts of your vehicle to fix. GMC Sierra trucks are known for their solid engines that can last hundreds of thousands miles if properly maintained, but you should still be wary. If it’s a used truck, then there’s always a chance the previous owner didn’t maintain it as well as they should have.
#2: Transmission Issues
The transmission is another expensive part of your vehicle to fix. GMC Sierra trucks use a tough four-speed automatic transmission that can last hundreds of thousands of miles if properly maintained, but it’s still something to look out for if you’re buying a used truck. Look for slipping or grinding in the transmission, as that’s a sign of trouble.
#3: Electrical Issues
The electrical system in GMC Sierra trucks is pretty solid overall, but there are some things to look out for. If the truck has been sitting around for a long time without being run then the battery may be dead when you first try and start it up again. GMC Sierra trucks also don’t have the best electrical systems, so if you’re looking at a used one then be sure to check all the fuses and wires for any loose connections or places where they may need to be tightened down.
#4: Body Rust
GMC Sierra trucks are known for having body issues with rust, generally around the rear wheel wells and undercarriage. If you’re looking at a used Sierra then check out these areas specifically for rust, because if the previous owner didn’t treat it well then that can be an expensive part to fix later on down the road.
Conclusion
The GMC Sierra is a great truck for the money. It’s loaded with safety features, it has good fuel efficiency and its interior can be customized to suit your needs if that matters to you. If you’re in the market for a new pickup truck, then we would recommend looking into this model before making any final decisions on which vehicle to buy.
