Before the Sierra became its own full-size truck model in 1988, the name was used to describe an available trim on other GMC trucks. The GMC Sierra has done well in sales despite stiff competition from the likes of RAM, Ford and Toyota, with over 295,000 units sold in 2023, according to GoodCarBadCar.net. There are many versions of the Sierra, such as the 1500, hybrid and heavy-duty models such as the 2500 and 3500.

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We recently strapped in behind the wheel for spring 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali Ultimate Review and left impressed by this luxury car. While GMC’s latest offerings are great, there are also some great past models worth checking out. Although not every production year of the Sierra is a good choice when looking for a used pickup truck.

The GMC Sierra 1500 has changed over each generationand in terms of reliability, some of the best options are 2006, 2012 and 2020 truck models. The worst years in terms of problems for this GMC are by far 2014 and 2015, with problems such as poor headlight performance, climate control issues, and knocking engine noises.

According to Kelly blue book, owners rate the 2006 Sierra 1500 a very positive 4.6 out of 5 starswith around 94% recommendation score. Several owners remarked on the impressive longevity of their truck, which offers particularly predictable and stable performance. Another driver with experience behind the wheel in the 2006 iteration jokingly excessively“(You) could take the engine out of this thing and throw it in the Atlantic, fish it out 30 years later, then fill the gas tank with peanut butter and it would start right up.” The base engine for the 2006 Sierra 1500 is a 4.3-liter V6, with beefier options like a 4.8-liter V8 for more power.

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Complaints on this particular Sierra averaged near the six-figure milestone, with the most significant being rust on the brake lines, per CarComplaints.comand the 2006 Sierra has received some of the least critical reviews of its 18 years of production. Consumer reviews on Edmunds.com also shines with a rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars, with a perfect rating from more than half of owners.

One of the complaints from owners of some of the earlier Sierra models was noise and ride comfort. With options like the posh Denali trim, this 2012 Sierra was not only more lavish on the inside but also offered a more refined and quiet driving experience. Owners commented that the Denali provided an improved and smooth ride that complemented the upscale interior amenities. Some even compared the ride of the Denali to a premium sedan, which is high praise for a rugged pickup truck.

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When it comes to safety National Highway Traffic Safety Administration lists only 2 recalls and gave the 2012 Sierra 1500 rear-wheel drive model 4 out of 5 stars in overall frontal crash protection. One driver had the misfortune of testing the Sierra’s safety measures with a horrific accident, and reported“We were sandwiched between two other vehicles at a stop light. Our 2012 GMC did everything it was expected to do from a safety standpoint and saved us from much worse injuries.”

The 2020 Sierra offered one of the the prime years of the 6.6 Duramax engineL5P, in the powerful variants. With around 91% of owners recommending this year Cars.comit scored highly in every category, from comfort and performance to reliability and value. JD Power was awarded the 2020 Sierra with the title of America’s Most Reliable Full-Size Truck after 3 years of ownership.

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Drivers praised the 2020 model’s engine options, ergonomic seating and quiet ride. Another advantage highlighted by the owners of this Sierra was the innovative and cutting-edge technology built into it, which makes the driving experience more simple and easy. We confirmed this feeling with ours 2020 GMC Sierra HD Reviewcalling it a “traction engineering powerhouse.”

When looking at the different production years, the 2020 has even fewer complaints CarComplaints.com than the 2006 model, with only a few reports of infotainment issues and one report of a rear window leak. Even after 4 years, sites like Repairpal.com list zero complaints for 2020 truck.

For an excellent used full-size pickup, don’t give the 2014 or 2015 Sierra a second thought. These models received the most complaints, with owners reporting problems with the air conditioning and engine, as well as problems with the headlights.

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According to reviewers on Consumer Reportsthey experienced several headaches with their 2014 Sierra climate control system relating to the compressor, fan and leaks that, among other things, formed the dilemma. Unfortunately, repairs for some reached upwards of $1100, making it a costly problem to fix.

The 2015 Sierra unfortunately suffered from an odd mechanical noise from the engine and proved quite expensive to repair in some cases. One owner found out that their Sierra required new lifters, and since the vehicle was no longer under warranty, the total cost was over $5,000. Other drivers have been plagued by gearbox problems this year, with gears slipping, requiring extensive rebuilds or a new gearbox.

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Both 2014 and 2015 share several complaints about the headlights in all systems. Owners describe their problems with statements as“You really notice how bad these lights are when the roads are wet. You can barely see the road ahead.” Another driver suggested that the headlights were so inept that an ordinary household flashlight could provide a better view of the road ahead. So many owners dealt with problems driving at night that GM was hit with a class action lawsuit in 2015, alleging that drivers and pedestrians were unsafe because of the poor headlights.