Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2014 GMC Sierra 1500
The 2014 GMC Sierra 1500 has notable issues in steering, brakes, and electrical systems, as seen in recalls and complaints. However, evidence is limited for some areas, making inspection crucial for potential buyers.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2014 GMC Sierra 1500 has 9 NHTSA recall campaigns and 743 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
NCAP overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars, averaged across 6 NHTSA-tested trims.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #21V245000 Driver's Seat Belt Tensioner Cable May Separate NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V761000 Software Error May Cause Unintended Braking NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V645000 Vacuum Pump May Decrease Power Brake Assist NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #18V267000 Fire Extinguisher May Be Clogged or Inoperable NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #17V437000 Frontal Air Bags May Not Deploy NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #17V414000 Temporary Loss of Electric Power Steering (EPS) NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #16V651000 Frontal Air Bags May Not Deploy NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #16V209000 Driver's Seat Belt Tensioner Cable Can Separate NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #14V007000 Overheating Of Exhaust Components may cause Fire NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Steering 156 complaints
- Exterior Lighting 148 complaints
- Service Brakes 139 complaints
- Electrical System 129 complaints
- Unknown or Other 91 complaints
- Engine 69 complaints
Of the 743 complaints on file, 25 report a crash and 7 a fire; across all 743 complaints, owners report 16 injuries and 1 death (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Temporary loss of power assist
How to check: Test steering at low speeds for ease and responsiveness.
Reduced vacuum and performance
How to check: Listen for unusual noises and check for firm brake pedal.
Lighting failures
How to check: Inspect all exterior lights for functionality.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for exhaust noise or rough idle.
Red flag: Loud exhaust or rough idle.
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Check for warning lights on the dash.
Red flag: Dashboard warning lights on.
- 03
Low-speed maneuvers
What to check: Test steering for smoothness and power assist.
Red flag: Hard steering or no assist.
- 04
Moderate speeds
What to check: Feel for brake firmness and noise.
Red flag: Soft brakes or grinding noise.
- 05
Acceleration
What to check: Observe pickup and engine noise changes.
Red flag: Sluggish pickup or loud engine noise.
- 06
Highway speeds
What to check: Monitor stability and any vibrations.
Red flag: Unstable drive or strong vibrations.
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the vacuum pump been replaced?
- Any steering repairs done recently?
- Have there been any electrical issues?
- Has this truck been in any accidents?
- Are there any current recalls not addressed?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Service and maintenance records
- Previous recall work documentation
- Vehicle history report
- Owner's manual
- Title and registration
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2014 GMC Sierra 1500 at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2014 GMC Sierra 1500? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.