NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2026 GMC Sierra 1500 Safety Ratings
The 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 scores 91 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 2 recalls, and 55 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 achieves a NHTSA Safety Index of 91/100, positioning it in the Exceptional band. This high score is particularly noteworthy considering the two active recall campaigns, one of which includes a critical park-outside directive. The vehicle received full marks for its avoidance technology, and crash-test performance from NHTSA was strong across the board.
The 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 received a NHTSA Safety Index of 91 out of 100 and an NHTSA overall crash-test rating of 5 out of 5 stars, based on federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 72 Sedans from 2026 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 ranks 37 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 91 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 19.1% |
| Recalls on file | 2 (includes park-outside) |
| Owner complaints | 55 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 37 of 72 Sedans tested for 2026 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2026 GMC Sierra 1500?
The 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 marks a notable jump in safety standing, rising 10 points from the 2025 model year's index of 81 to 91 this year, crossing from the Strong band into Exceptional. That gain is anchored by a near-perfect crash protection sub-score of 66 out of 70 and a full 10 out of 10 for avoidance technology, reflecting the standard fitment of forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control across the lineup. The defect record sub-score of 15 out of 20 is the only meaningful drag on the index, and it is directly tied to the two active recall campaigns. The more serious of the two, a transfer case issue in the four-wheel-drive system shared with several other GM platforms, carries an explicit park-outside directive, which is the most urgent safety classification NHTSA assigns. The 55 owner-reported complaints, led by engine and powertrain allegations, are unverified but warrant monitoring as the model year matures. Overall, the 2026 Sierra 1500 posts the strongest federal safety profile this nameplate has shown in recent years, with the open park-outside recall as the primary unresolved concern.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 perform in crash tests?
The 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 achieved an overall 5-star safety rating from NHTSA, demonstrating strong performance in collision scenarios. Both frontal and side impact protection earned 5 out of 5 stars. The rollover assessment is the single area for improvement, with a 4-star rating and a 19-percent rollover risk. The Sierra 1500 did, however, pass the dynamic tip test with a "No Tip" result.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 21847
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 have any recalls?
Two recalls are active for this model year. The first involves the powertrain transfer case in the four-wheel-drive system and carries a park-outside or do-not-drive directive, meaning owners should not garage this vehicle near structures until the remedy is complete. The second covers an owners and service manual equipment issue affecting documentation accuracy.
POWER TRAIN:TRANSFER CASE (4-WHEEL DRIVE)26V289000
Risk: Front or rear wheel lockup increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the remedy is completed. Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the transfer case assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 18, 2026. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223. GM's number for this recal
Reported 2026-05-07
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL26V114000
Risk: Without an owner's manual to consult, owners may not know how to safely use and operate the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will reset the vehicle radio, which will facilitate automatic download of the electronic owner’s manual, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 16, 2026. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-866-467-9700, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223. The manufacturer's number for this recall is N252540430. Vehicle
Reported 2026-02-26
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2026 GMC Sierra 1500?
Owners have filed 55 unverified allegations with NHTSA. The most frequently alleged components are the Engine, cited in 37 reports, and the Power Train, cited in 15. Forward Collision Avoidance, Steering, Electrical System, and Unknown Or Other categories each account for smaller shares. No crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths are alleged.
55 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2026 GMC Sierra 1500?
For the 2026 GMC Sierra 1500, the unresolved transfer case recall remains a critical safety concern. Prospective owners must prioritize verifying remedy completion through NHTSA's VIN lookup tool. This step is essential before purchase or operation of any affected vehicle from this model year.
- The 2026 Sierra 1500 carries an active park-outside or do-not-drive recall tied to the four-wheel-drive transfer case, the most urgent safety classification NHTSA assigns, and remedy completion should be verified by VIN before the vehicle is garaged or operated.
- The Safety Index rose 10 points year over year, from 81 in 2025 to 91 in 2026, the largest single-year gain reflected in MotorCaliber's data for this nameplate, driven by improved crash protection and perfect avoidance technology scores.
- NHTSA awarded the 2026 model 5 out of 5 stars overall, with rollover the only category below perfect at 4 stars and a 19-percent rollover risk, a figure buyers of any full-size pickup should weigh.
- Of the 55 unverified owner complaints filed with NHTSA, 52 allege engine or powertrain concerns, a concentration worth tracking as the model year accumulates more field data.
RANKINGSWhere the 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 places
The 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2026 GMC Sierra 1500 safety questions
Was the 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2026 GMC Sierra 1500, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 91 out of 100, placing it in the Exceptional band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 19.1%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 2 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2026 GMC Sierra 1500, including a park-outside or do-not-drive campaign, which is the most serious class of recall. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2026 GMC Sierra 1500?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 55 owner complaints are on file for the 2026 GMC Sierra 1500. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Sierra 1500 years
Rivals in Sedan (2026)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Acura Integra | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2026 Acura Integra Type-S | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Honda Accord | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2026 Lexus IS 350 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Subaru Impreza | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 21847), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the GMC Sierra 1500 2026.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 37 of 72 in the Sedan class for 2026.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.