MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index

MODEL

GMC Sierra Ev Bev

NHTSA safety across every GMC Sierra Ev Bev model year we cover.

Across the 1 model year of the GMC Sierra Ev Bev we cover (2026 to 2026), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2026 at 94 on the NHTSA Safety Index. 2 recalls have been issued across those years.

THE MOTORCALIBER REVIEW
MotorCaliber editorial Reviewed against NHTSA data 2026-07-02

The 2026 GMC Sierra EV is a fully electric full-size pickup truck, not a sedan, targeting work-capable buyers and tech-forward truck enthusiasts who want zero-emission capability without sacrificing hauling credibility. Positioned as GMC's flagship electric workhorse, it competes in a fast-growing segment where safety credentials matter as much as range and payload. This is a first-model-year entry worth examining closely.

The 2026 GMC Sierra EV opens its NHTSA safety story on genuinely strong footing. It earns a Safety Index of 94 out of 100, placing it in the Exceptional band, which is a meaningful result for a first-year electric truck in a segment that has historically been mixed on crash-test performance. The star ratings back that up: a perfect 5 out of 5 in both frontal and side crash disciplines, with a respectable 4 out of 5 in rollover. That rollover score is worth noting. Full-size trucks and large electric vehicles carry significant mass, which can complicate rollover dynamics, and a 4-star result here is solid but not perfect. Shoppers who do a lot of highway driving should keep that in mind. On the recall front, two recalls have been issued across the 2026 model year. For a brand-new electric platform, two recalls is not alarming, but buyers should verify that any vehicle they consider has had those remedies applied before taking delivery. Owner complaints are minimal at just four total, with zero reported crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths among them. These are unverified allegations, and the low volume reflects the model's newness as much as anything else. Bottom line: the Sierra EV's crash-test performance is genuinely impressive for a first-year truck. Stay current on recall status and revisit complaint trends as ownership matures.

WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally praise the Sierra EV for its polished interior materials and refined driving character relative to traditional full-size trucks, noting that the electric powertrain delivers a notably smooth and composed ride. Most find the cabin well-appointed and the overall execution surprisingly mature for a first-generation platform, though some note the truck's substantial size demands adjustment for everyday driving.

WHAT TO KNOW
  • The 2026 Sierra EV earns a 94 out of 100 NHTSA Safety Index, placing it in the Exceptional band, with perfect 5-star scores in both frontal and side crash tests.
  • Rollover protection is rated 4 out of 5 stars. The Sierra EV's considerable electric-vehicle mass is a factor shoppers should weigh, particularly for those who frequently drive at highway speeds or on uneven terrain.
  • Two recalls have been issued for the 2026 model year. Because this is a first-year electric truck on a new platform, confirming that all recall repairs have been completed is an essential step before finalizing any purchase.
  • Owner complaints are very low at four total across the covered model year, with zero reported crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths among them. However, the model's newness limits how much this low complaint count can tell us about long-term safety trends, and shoppers should monitor NHTSA data as more vehicles accumulate real-world miles.

Most-recalled year on record: 2026 GMC Sierra Ev Bev with 2 recalls.

BY YEARSierra Ev Bev by model year