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2016 Gmc Sierra 1500 Electrical Problems

4 owner-reported electrical complaints from NHTSA data

4
Complaints
1
Fires
Apr 2019Dec 2025
Date Range

Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.

Owner Complaints (4)

criticalELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY
FireFiled: Nov 2025

Your vehicle's rear window defroster caught fire and began smoking while the car was warming up after a remote start. The fire self-extinguished, but about 45 seconds later your driver's side rear window shattered from the heat. This is a known defect related to a thermal event in the defroster unit. The fix will likely involve replacing the rear window defroster assembly and possibly the rear window glass.

NHTSA #: 11701194
highELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY
Filed: Dec 2025

While idling with the rear window defroster on, you noticed smoke coming from the rear window, which then shattered without warning. You disconnected the defroster fuse to stop the problem and drove home safely. The defroster repair may involve replacing the rear window heating element or wiring that overheated, or installing a new rear window with an updated defroster system.

NHTSA #: 11702181
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Apr 2020

Your fuel gauge is intermittent and unreliable — sometimes it doesn't display at all when you start driving, may take several miles to activate, or quits unexpectedly while driving. The problem started around 40,000 miles and gets worse after the truck sits for a few days. The gauge works fine sometimes, but you can't predict when it will fail. This likely involves testing or replacing the fuel gauge sender unit or its electrical connections.

NHTSA #: 11321745
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Apr 2019

A FEW MINUTES AFTER STARTING TRUCK WITH REMOTE STARTER (DEFROSTER ON), A PORTION OF THE REAR WINDOW SHATTERED. SEEMS LIKE SEVERAL PEOPLE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM, APPARENTLY CAUSED BY THE DEFROSTER OVERHEATING THE GLASS.

NHTSA #: 11193133

Other 2016 Gmc Sierra 1500 Issues