NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2026 GMC Sierra 2500 Safety Ratings
The 2026 GMC Sierra 2500 scores 99 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), 1 recall, and 6 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2026 GMC Sierra 2500 achieves an Exceptional rating with a NHTSA Safety Index of 99/100. This near-perfect score reflects a strong safety profile, supported by its defect record and the inclusion of standard crash-avoidance technology across all trims, according to published NHTSA data.
The 2026 GMC Sierra 2500 holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 99/100 and a 5-star NHTSA frontal crash rating, according to 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 2500 ranks 9 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
| NHTSA Safety Index | 99 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 stars |
| Rollover risk | 0% |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 6 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 9 of 72 Sedans tested for 2026 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2026 GMC Sierra 2500?
The 2026 GMC Sierra 2500 maintains an Exceptional standing in the NHTSA Safety Index, scoring 99 out of 100 points. This consistency mirrors the 2025 model year's performance. The vehicle achieved a perfect 70 out of 70 points for crash protection and 10 out of 10 for avoidance technology. Its defect record contributed 19 of a possible 20 points, with the single deduction stemming from an active recall related to equipment documentation. The frontal crash rating stands at the program's maximum of 5 stars. Side and rollover ratings remain unrated; this absence of data does not indicate a performance outcome. Six owner complaints have been registered, none alleging crashes, fires, injuries, or fatalities. However, two unverified reports each in the Steering and Electrical System categories warrant monitoring as more data becomes available for this model year.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2026 GMC Sierra 2500 perform in crash tests?
The 2026 GMC Sierra 2500 achieved a 5 out of 5-star rating in the frontal crash test, the highest score awarded by NHTSA for that category. However, comprehensive safety data for this model year is incomplete. Side impact and rollover evaluations for the Sierra 2500 remain unrated. This absence of assessment should not be taken as an indicator of either strong or weak performance in these specific areas.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 22032
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2026 GMC Sierra 2500 have any recalls?
The 2026 GMC Sierra 2500 carries one recall campaign this model year, tied to equipment documentation, specifically owners, service, and other manuals, affecting a broad group of GM vehicles including this Sierra 2500. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is indicated in the available NHTSA data for this campaign.
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 2500?
Six owner complaints have been reported to NHTSA for the 2026 GMC Sierra 2500. The top alleged problem areas are Steering and the Electrical System, each with two reports, followed by single unverified allegations involving Tires, Engine, Fuel and Propulsion System, and Service Brakes. These are unverified consumer allegations, not established facts.
6 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2026 GMC Sierra 2500?
An active documentation recall for the 2026 GMC Sierra 2500 warrants immediate attention from prospective owners; the VIN should be checked against NHTSA's recall lookup tool to confirm remediation. As a current model year, the available data will evolve, and additional recalls or owner complaints may yet be lodged with federal safety regulators.
- The 2026 model year carries exactly one NHTSA recall, covering equipment documentation manuals across a broad group of GM vehicles, with no park-outside or do-not-drive instruction attached.
- NHTSA's frontal crash test awarded the 2026 Sierra 2500 a 5-star rating, the program's top score, while side and rollover assessments are listed as not rated for this model year.
- The Safety Index of 99/100 is unchanged from the 2025 model year, with the single-point deduction from the defect record category attributable to the one active recall on file.
- Six unverified owner complaints have been reported to NHTSA, with Steering and Electrical System as the most frequently cited categories, none alleging a crash, fire, injury, or fatality.
RANKINGSWhere the 2026 GMC Sierra 2500 places
The 2026 GMC Sierra 2500 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2026 GMC Sierra 2500 safety questions
Was the 2026 GMC Sierra 2500 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2026 GMC Sierra 2500, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 99 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 2500 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2026 GMC Sierra 2500 earned 5 out of 5 stars for frontal. Its measured rollover risk is 0%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2026 GMC Sierra 2500 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2026 GMC Sierra 2500. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2026 GMC Sierra 2500?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 6 owner complaints are on file for the 2026 GMC Sierra 2500. 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 2500 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 22032), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the GMC Sierra 2500 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 9 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.