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The GMC Sierra 3500HD Years To Avoid


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We've rounded up seven GMC Sierra 3500HD years to avoid based on commonly-reported problems. Check out which ones (and the most reliable GMC Sierra 3500HD years instead).

Silver GMC Sierra 3500HD towing a load
Source: Flickr

Those looking for a full-size truck will find what they’re looking for in the GMC Sierra 3500HD. It’s a highly capable truck offering many model years on the market. Those who want to make the wisest choice for their vehicle need to know which selections stand out. You might ask yourself - what are the GMC Sierra 3500HD years to avoid?

If you want to learn more about the worst versions of the GMC Sierra 3500HD, you’re in the best place to learn more. The more comprehensive your understanding, the easier to make the right decision. Read on to learn more about the versions of the car to avoid, which are safe to purchase, and other helpful tidbits. 

Quick Answer: Avoid GMC Sierra 3500HD Years 2004, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2018, 2020, and 2023.

There are several significant GMC Sierra 3500HD years to avoid if you want to make an intelligent purchase. Refrain from the 2004, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2018, 2020, and 2023 choices. Luckily, there are ample other years to choose from to keep your overall costs as low as possible. 

Which Year Models of GMC Sierra 3500HD are Safe to Buy Used?

Not every version of the GMC Sierra 3500HD is one to avoid. Several years have paid their dues on the market and are dependable and practical.

Here are the best selections for this vehicle:

  • 2001 GMC Sierra 3500HD
  • 2002 GMC Sierra 3500HD
  • 2006 GMC Sierra 3500HD
  • 2007 GMC Sierra 3500HD
  • 2008 GMC Sierra 3500HD
  • 2009 GMC Sierra 3500HD
  • 2010 GMC Sierra 3500HD
  • 2011 GMC Sierra 3500HD
  • 2012 GMC Sierra 3500HD
  • 2016 GMC Sierra 3500HD
  • 2021 GMC Sierra 3500HD
  • 2022 GMC Sierra 3500HD

These offer an excellent experience on the road. 

These have minimal complaints and cost much less than the worst years to keep in excellent condition. For the best technology, we highly recommend the 2021 or 2022 iterations. 

Which Year Models of GMC Sierra 3500HD to Avoid?

Unfortunately, there are also some unfortunate selections. Several years don’t make the mark for this full-size truck.

Here are the worst choices for the GMC Sierra 3500HD:

  • 2004 GMC Sierra 3500HD
  • 2013 GMC Sierra 3500HD
  • 2014 GMC Sierra 3500HD
  • 2015 GMC Sierra 3500HD
  • 2018 GMC Sierra 3500HD
  • 2020 GMC Sierra 3500HD
  • 2023 GMC Sierra 3500HD

You won’t maximize your investment with these selections.

If you must go with one of the worst years of the GMC Sierra 3500HD, avoid the 2013 version of the vehicle. It has some critical troubles in areas like the engine and the transmission. 


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Common GMC Sierra 3500HD Problems

No car is free from its issues. No matter which you purchase, it’s vital to know some troubles you could encounter. These could appear in any model year of the vehicle.

According to repairpal.com, here are some troublesome spots in the GMC Sierra 3500HD:

  • Check engine light
  • Gas cap issues
  • Faulty spark plugs

Keep your eyes peeled for these unfortunate areas.

The better you care for your vehicle, the less likely you will encounter these troubles in your GMC Sierra 3500HD. However, it isn’t improbable - the second you notice something, take your vehicle in for repairs. 

GMC Sierra 3500HD Problem Counts by Year

First-hand experience is an excellent way to learn more about a car before buying. By looking at the complaints by model year, you can easily make the right choice. 

According to carcomplaints.com, here are the reported numbers of troubles by year:

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Are GMC Sierra 3500HDs typically reliable?

One big question to consider when looking at the GMC Sierra 3500HD years to avoid is the general dependability of the vehicle. Is the GMC Sierra 3500HD typically dependable, or does it have an unfortunate history with drivers?

According to repairpal.com, the GMC Sierra 3500HD receives a dependability score of 2.55. This number places the truck 11th out of 17 full-size trucks, which is on the back end of the spectrum. It also has ownership costs that are typically higher than average.

This car costs more to maintain than other selections and must go in more often than usual for critical repairs. It isn’t a vehicle you can depend on.


THE MOST RELIABLE YEAR FOR THE GMC SIERRA 3500HD

There are five generations of the vehicle, which means there are plenty to choose from. In that case, you might want to land on the most reliable GMC Sierra 3500HD year.


How much does a used GMC Sierra 3500HD typically cost?

If you want a GMC Sierra 3500HD and want to invest in a used version, you will access quite the price range. Used versions of this full-size vehicle range from $14,980-$129,995. The cost varies depending on the state of the car, trim levels, and features added to the vehicle. 

Is the GMC Sierra 3500HD a good car to purchase?

Unfortunately, even knowing the GMC Sierra 3500HD years to avoid, we don’t recommend this truck unless you have the money to purchase it new. It doesn’t have ideal dependability scores and is a pricey choice. 


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FAQs: GMC Sierra 3500HD Years to Avoid

Q: Which GMC Sierra 3500HD years should I avoid?

Several years don’t meet the standard for an excellent full-size truck investment. Keep away from the 2004, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2018, 2020, and 2023 selections. 

Q: Did any of the GMC Sierra 3500HD years to avoid have other significant issues?

While problems don’t abound in this truck, some significant issues can be a problem for potential owners. Some of the least dependable selections have trouble with the engine, transmission, and heating and cooling system.

Q: Are newer GMC Sierra 3500HD models more reliable?

There is an excellent mix of reliability across all model years of the GMC Sierra 3500HD. Several newer years are more dependable, including the 2016, 2021, and 2022 selections. 

Q: Is the GMC Sierra 3500HD a good car to purchase?

We don’t recommend the GMC Sierra 3500HD as a vehicle investment. It isn’t very dependable and is an expensive investment.



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