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Model Guide2014–2019

GMC Sierra 1500 Pre Purchase Inspection Guide

AFM lifter tick, 8-speed shudder, and Denali trim wear.

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The Sierra shares its engines and frame with the Silverado, but it sells to a different buyer.

Denali trucks carry more equipment, which means more to check and more to go wrong.

Engines you may see
  • 4.3L V6
  • 5.3L V8 (AFM)
  • 6.2L V8 (AFM)
Known problem areas — what we check
Costly Safety Common Verify
AFM lifter collapseCostly

The V8's cylinder-deactivation system can collapse a lifter and damage the camshaft. It shows up as a tick or a misfire.

WE CHECK We listen at idle for a tick and scan for misfire and cylinder-deactivation codes.

8-speed shudderCostly

The 8-speed automatic can shudder, usually from tired fluid.

WE CHECK We road test at light throttle around 30–45 mph and check the fluid condition.

Brake and fuel line rustSafety

Salt-state trucks corrode brake and fuel lines underneath.

WE CHECK We inspect the lines and frame rails for scaling and pitting.

Denali equipment faultsVerify

Denali trucks add magnetic dampers, heated and cooled seats, and more electronics — all extra failure points.

WE CHECK We test every seat function, the dampers, and all the electronics.

AC condenser leakCommon

The AC condenser can leak and the system stops cooling.

WE CHECK We run the AC and check how cold the vent air gets.

Tow and plow historyVerify

Many of these trucks worked hard towing or plowing.

WE CHECK We look for hitch wear, plow mounts, and signs of heavy use.

Focus points
  • Listen for an AFM lifter tick on any V8
  • Road test the 8-speed for shudder
  • Check brake lines on salt-state trucks
  • Test every Denali feature if it has them
  • Look for tow and plow wear
Pre purchase inspection by year

Each year has its own guide — the engines, the transmission, and what changed that year.

2014 GMC Sierra 15002015 GMC Sierra 15002016 GMC Sierra 15002017 GMC Sierra 15002018 GMC Sierra 15002019 GMC Sierra 1500
Safety record (live from NHTSA)
2019 GMC Sierra 1500 · Federal RecordsSource: NHTSA.gov
10
Recalls
616
Complaints
2538
Service Bulletins
Loading the latest federal safety records…
Common service bulletins (TSBs)

A TSB is a note the maker sends to dealers about a known fix. They are not recalls. We check the bulletins so we know what to look for:

Engine & Drivability534

Cold-start noise, drivability, and idle issues for this vehicle. We test for each.

Power Train · Automatic235

Shift quality and transmission fluid updates. We drive every gear.

Electrical & Body1769

Locks, wipers, infotainment, and trim items. Small, but good to know.

Counts are pulled from NHTSA's public Manufacturer Communications file. Full bulletins stay with the maker — we use the summaries to guide the inspection.

Common questions
Is the Sierra the same as a Silverado?
Mechanically they are close, so they share the same things to check. The Sierra usually carries more equipment, and that is more to test.
What is AFM?
It shuts off cylinders to save fuel. A failed lifter can damage the camshaft, so we check for it on every V8.
Where do you inspect?
All 48 states.
Do you pull recalls?
Yes, plus service bulletins.
Buying this one?

We'll check it first

Pre-tagged for the GMC Sierra 1500. One call and a tech is on it.

951-267-8500Call now
More model guides
Ford F-150 2011–2020Honda Accord 2008–2017Toyota Camry 2007–2017Chevy Silverado 1500 2014–2019Subaru Outback 2013–2018Jeep Wrangler 2007–2018BMW 3-Series 2012–2018Ram 2500 2007.5–2018

Request a GMC Sierra 1500 inspection

Pre-tagged for the GMC Sierra 1500.

Details

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Buying a GMC Sierra 1500? Let us check it first.

Engine-specific checks, a live recall pull, and a clear report.

Call 951-267-8500