Used GMC Sierra 1500 3rd Gen (2014–2018): Best & Worst Years, Problems & Prices
Updated · Data: dealer listings, NHTSA complaints and recalls
As of Nov 7, 2026, a used 2018 3rd Gen Sierra 1500 lists for a median $25,372, with 6,464 for sale at US dealers; other 3rd Gen years have too few listings for a median. Our NHTSA complaint analysis flags 2015 as a year to avoid and rates 2016 best within this generation. Owners filed 1,731 NHTSA complaints across the 2014, 2015 and 2016 model years. The most-reported problem areas are exterior lighting, steering and service brakes. NHTSA lists 20 recall campaigns covering 3rd Gen model years.
3rd Gen Sierra 1500 by model year: price and reliability
| Model year | Median price | Median miles | Listings | Reliability | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Sierra 1500 | $25,372† | 109,271 mi | 1,624 | No avoid flag | by year → | 7 |
| 2017 Sierra 1500 | — | — | 1,316 | No avoid flag | by year → | 6 |
| 2016 Sierra 1500 | — | — | 923 | Best year | 50 | 8 |
| 2015 Sierra 1500 | — | — | 1,250 | Avoid | 818 | 9 |
| 2014 Sierra 1500 | — | — | 1,159 | Caution | 863 | 9 |
Complaint counts are NHTSA owner complaints for that model year where our per-year dataset covers it; newer years link to their problems page. † From our earlier depreciation listings study (same method).
Common 3rd Gen Sierra 1500 problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component, summed over the 3rd Gen model years we have component data for.
| Component | Complaints |
|---|---|
| Exterior lighting | 212 |
| Steering | 163 |
| Service brakes | 149 |
| Electrical system | 139 |
| Powertrain / transmission | 80 |
| Engine | 79 |
- Exterior lighting: check low and high beams, brake lights and turn signals, and look for condensation inside the housings.
- Steering: check for a steering warning light, heavy or notchy steering at parking speed, and clunks over bumps.
- Service brakes: check pedal feel, pulling and grinding, look at rotor and pad wear, and ask when the brake fluid was last changed.
- Electrical system: test every light, window, lock, the infotainment screen and the charging system, and have the car scanned for stored fault codes.
Other Sierra 1500 generations
More on the Sierra 1500
GMC Sierra 1500 3rd Gen (2014–2018) FAQ
What are the best years of the 3rd Gen Sierra 1500?
2016, in our NHTSA complaint analysis of the Sierra 1500's model years. Skip 2015.
What years of the 3rd Gen Sierra 1500 should I avoid?
Avoid 2015 — flagged on severity-weighted NHTSA complaints against the Sierra 1500's other model years.
What are the common problems with the 3rd Gen Sierra 1500?
Across 3rd Gen model years, NHTSA complaints concentrate in exterior lighting (212), steering (163), service brakes (149) and electrical system (139). 20 recall campaigns cover these years.
How much is a used 3rd Gen Sierra 1500?
A 2018 lists for a median $25,372 (Nov 7, 2026); other 3rd Gen years have too few listings for a median. 6,464 were listed at US dealers.