The present study investigates the effect of stacking sequence on the failure loads (strength) and modes of pinned-joints glass-fiber reinforced epoxy composite laminates. Specimens with [0/90]_2S, [15/-75]_2S, [30/-60]_2S and [45/-45]_2S stacking sequences were investigated both experimentally and numerically. A series of ASTM tests were performed on unidirectional [8]₀ glass-fiber reinforced epoxy composite laminate to determine the properties of the single lamina that was needed for the finite element analysis. A 3D progressive damage model was built with the aid of ABAQUS software, failure criteria and property degradation rules to simulate the problem. The results showed that the [0/90]_2S laminate has the highest ultimate strength. The minimum bearing and ultimate strength was observed for [30/-60]_2S laminate. Loading the specimens up to the ultimate value lead to shear-out failure mode for [0/90]_2S, [15/-75]_2S and [30/-60]_2S stacking sequences, while specimens with [45/-45]_2S stacking sequence are characterized by bearing failure mode. The experimental and numerical results agree well with a maximum Euclidean error norm of 8.57%.