Are GMCs Reliable Cars?

Defining reliability is critical to what makes a GMC reliable or not. A reliable car transports you from Point A to Point B with the least fuel but the most versatile powertrain and capabilities. It also offers the safest route with plenty of static and dynamic features to protect you and your passengers. 

The most reliable cars also hold value and resell for a large percentage of their original retail value. Yet quantifying the characteristics of reliability presents a challenge. However, you can turn to the experts at the following resources to determine what makes for a reliable car: 

• The Cost of Car Ownership from Edmunds
• J.D. Power’s Dependability Ratings
• Fuel efficiency ratings from FuelEconomy.gov
• Car Reliability Ratings from RepairPal
• The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) safety ratings

With these resources, you can compare GMC models to see the most reliable ones. 

Reliability ratings only tell part of the story. Keep reading to learn more about the factors contributing to a GMC’s reliability, from dependability and fuel efficiency to safety ratings and average maintenance costs. Up first is the average cost of owning a GMC vehicle. 

1. Cost of ownership 

In addition to learning how to calculate car loan interest rates, you should look into a vehicle’s cost of ownership. This fact will tell you roughly how much you can expect to spend on your car within the first five years of ownership. 

The GMC Canyon is one of the best GMC cars to demonstrate the cost of ownership. Edmunds determined the actual cost of ownership at $53,802, with the majority of that cost due to fueling. Depreciation and financing were the second and third-highest categories. However, the Canyon only required about $2,200 in repairs over the first five years. 

2. Dependability  

The GMC Sierra offered the best resale value in 2022 according to Kelley Blue Book and ranks fifth on their list of the Best Fullsize Trucks of 2023 & 2024. Ford’s F-150 and RAM 1500 took top spots on the best full-size trucks list, with GMC-sister Chevrolet Silverado 1500 models taking third and fourth. 

3. Fuel efficiency 

The words “SUV” and “fuel-efficient” may not seem like they fit together, but with the GMC Yukon, it’s possible. Though GMC doesn’t (yet) have a hybrid or electric variant, the new Chevrolet Silverado EV could quickly change that. And the Yukon lineup may benefit from this electrification as well. 

The 2023 GMC Yukon features several engines, including: 

• A turbocharged diesel 3.0-liter 6-cylinder
• A 5.3-liter V8
• A 6.2-liter V8

Four-wheel drive variants earn a point less than two-wheel drive variants of the same engine type. The 6-cylinder achieves 21 city and 27 highway MPG with a 23 MPG combined rating. Outfit your Yukon with the smaller V8 engine, and you’ll make 15 city and 20 highway MPG with a combined 17 MPG rating. Finally, the larger V8 earns high marks at 14 city and 20 highway MPG, or a combined 16 MPG rating. 

4. Average maintenance costs

Part of learning how to buy your first car is figuring out how to maintain it. The average annual cost of maintaining a GMC is $744, with a 17% probability of severe repairs. The GMC Savana 1500 cargo van ranks fourth out of 21 commercial vans for reliability. Unscheduled repairs typically require only 0.2 visits per year, compared to the average of 0.5 times for commercial vehicles. 

5. Safety features and ratings 

The 2023 GMC Terrain earns a 5-star rating from the NHTSA, with no investigations, recalls, or complaints. This model earns a similar rating from the IIHS, with “Good” ratings in each category except for “Side: updated test,” where it ranks “Marginal.” 

It’s better to consider your options and plan for the future before you google, “Can you return a car after you’ve driven it off the lot?” Here are a few of the most common problems (and their associated years and models) for GMC vehicles.  

1. Dim headlights

The teen years in the 2000s were not good years for GMC headlights. GMC Terrain models between 2010 and 2017 were subject to recalls for dim headlights that didn’t improve with bulb replacement. This same issue plagued the 2014 Sierra 1500 pickup, which deserves its own discussion below.  

2. Engine issues and excessive oil consumption 

The GMC Envoy, Acadia, Sierra, and Terrain have suffered engine issues and excessive oil consumption for years. Prolonged engine issues can quickly cause failure and even damage to the transmission. 

3. Transmission issues 

The 2003, 2005, and 2015 GMC Yukon models suffered from transmission problems. Similar problems plagued the 2010 through 2015 Terrain models and some of the Sierra 1500 pickups throughout the years. 

4. HVAC system 

Nearly every GMC model experiences issues with its HVAC system. The air conditioning condenser on the 2015 Sierra 1500 is known to fail. It seems the Envoy is the only model that escapes this issue. 

5. 2014 GMC Sierra 1500 

The GMC Sierra 1500 in 2014 received the most recalls ever issued for a GMC pickup. With 21 recalls total and over 700 complaints, this year for the GMC star pickup was the worst. The NHTSA lists the following issues for the 2014 GMC Sierra 1500: 

• Airbags
• Backup camera 
• Electrical system
• Electronic stability control (StabiliTrak®)
• Engine and cooling
• Equipment
• Exterior lighting 
• Forward collision avoidance
• Fuel system
• latches/locks/linkages
• Powertrain
• Seats and seatbelts
• Brakes
• Steering
• Suspension
• Tires
• Traction control system
• Vehicle speed control
• Visibility 
• Wheels

If you are looking for a used GMC Sierra, do yourself a favor and avoid this year altogether unless you’re looking for a project car.  

As a brand, GMC earns a 3 out of 5 reliability rating from RepairPal. Though the brand ranks 22 out of 32 overall, the GMC Canyon tops the model list as the most reliable GMC. 

Separating GMC and Chevrolet is like comparing siblings: while GMC certainly champions style, Chevrolet’s lineup can take the brunt of the hard work without breaking a sweat. Some argue that GMCs last longer because consumers purchase them more for show. Yet Chevrolet’s reliability rating is high because the brand offers a seasoned series of SUVs and pickups that take on almost any dirty job.  

GMCs can last for years if you take care of them. Most GMC Sierra 1500s last about 200,000 to 300,000 miles, though some are on the road for longer. 

Comparisons between GMC and Toyota typically consider pickup trucks from both brands, namely the Toyota Tacoma and Tundra and the GMC Canyon and Sierra 1500. Repair Pal compared the Sierra 1500 and Tacoma head-to-head and found them closely matched. The Tacoma has a substantial resale value, but the frequency of repairs favors the Sierra 1500. 

The Toyota Tundra also beats out the GMC Sierra 1500 in terms of power and torque, albeit with a V6. However, some consumers prefer the raw V8 power the Sierra brings, especially considering the MultiPro tailgate and upscale styling this full-size pickup commands. Regarding safety features, both are equally matched on the highest trims.   

Excluding the 2014 GMC Sierra 1500, the GMC lineup fairs well regarding reliability. Many GMC models rank high in their segments and continue to demonstrate their reliable nature. Suffice it to say that each brand suffers from some type of main reliability issue, and GMC is no exception.