Engine And Engine Cooling Problems of GMC Sierra 1500 - part 1

Engine knocking, constantly kicking into limp mode, shaking when driving. Taken to GMC and local repair shops. Limp mode will not stop kicking on. Now other issues will mean total engine replacement needed. Mechanic says it’s not worth repairing at this point. Only 109k miles on it.

See all problems of the 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 🔎.

Motor spun a bearing on the crank and the vehicle is needing a new motor. 73,000 miles. Passed the gm recall inspection less than 6 months ago. Vehicle has had regular oil changes and all maintenance done on time. Engine started hard then started knocking. Made it to dealership for diagnostics.

See all problems of the 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 🔎.

I was traveling on the i70 west around the 210 mile marker. I was in the passing lane at high speed when the vehicle without warning switched itself off. The dash showed the “press start” warning, but the vehicle would not restart. I was fortunate that I was around 1/2 a mile from a rest stop area. I was able to glide the vehicle into the rest area. As I slowed close to a stop the vehicle suddenly stopped and applied the park brake. I am a very experienced driver, if my wife was driving, the vehicle shutting down completely in the fast lane could have been catastrophic. The road was busy. The vehicle was locked up in park and was unrecoverable. It had to be dragged sideways out of the area that it had come to a stop, and then dragged onto and off the tow truck. The following morning the dealership confirmed the engine was seized. When I purchased the vehicle, the dealership confirmed that the historic failures on the l87 6. 2l v8 engine were resolved. Clearly not the case.

See all problems of the 2025 GMC Sierra 1500 🔎.

Based on the critical recall and safety concerns for this known issue for the 6. 2 l87 engine failure I am highly concerned that it takes over 171 days to just get an appointment to look at this issue. This is further compounded by the fact I put approx 800-1000 miles a week on my truck and now am worried about having an accident or blowing my truck up.

See all problems of the 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 🔎.

Driving on the interstate at speed and all of a sudden a loss of power, christmas tree of lights on the dash and low oil pressure alarms. Engine now needs replacement.

L87 engine failure 4 months after it passed the recall test. Experienced shuddering and rpm fluctuation with the cruise control set. Was thinking torque converter. Got it replaced under warranty and the the issues were still there. A week after new tc the truck was running very rough driving down the road. Check engine light along with a low oil pressure warning and lost all engine power going 60mph. Would not re fire. Had to coast to a stop with no headlights on only fog lights. Truck is at dealership now will be needing a new engine. P0016 engine code. The truck was in the shop multiple times for misfire and rpm’s jumping and cruise control turning off on its own.

See all problems of the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 🔎.

Lifter failure and camshaft failure twice.

Our truck had just passed 60,000 miles when the engine seized. The recall procedure was completed in January, and the engine passed the test at that time. We were also using the recommended 0w?40 oil. Despite following all guidelines, the engine still failed. This shows that the procedure gm has outlined is not sufficient to determine whether an engine is actually in good condition.

I am filing a complaint regarding a catastrophic engine failure in my 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 equipped with the 6. 2l v8 engine. While driving under normal conditions, the engine suddenly failed without warning and threw a connecting rod, rendering the vehicle inoperable. There were no prior warning signs such as knocking, overheating, oil pressure issues or even a check engine light. The vehicle has been properly maintained, including regular oil changes using manufacturer-recommended 0w-40 oil. This failure created a serious safety concern due to the sudden loss of power while driving, which could have resulted in a dangerous situation, especially at highway speeds or in traffic. I am aware that general motors has issued a recall and/or is aware of similar failures involving the 6. 2l engine in certain 2021 vehicles. However, my vehicle’s build date falls just outside the currently defined recall range, despite experiencing the exact same type of catastrophic failure described in those cases. My build date is 12/20 and the recall was issued for 3/21. Given the similarity of this failure to known issues, I believe this defect extends beyond the currently identified recall population. This raises concerns that additional vehicles, including mine, are at risk of sudden engine failure without warning. I am requesting that national highway traffic safety administration investigate this issue further and consider expanding the recall to include additional affected vehicles outside the current build date range.

The contact owns a 2017 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal tapping sound coming from the vehicle. The check engine warning light and an unknown warning light were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had occurred while traveling out of state. The dealer was made aware of the failure, and the contact was informed that the repair was not covered under recall. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with lifters failure. The contact was informed that the lifters and camshaft needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the lifter's failure had damaged the camshaft. The vehicle was being repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 99,700.

See all problems of the 2017 GMC Sierra 1500 🔎.

Engine failure on March 8, 2026. 2024 sierra denali 1500 VIN [xxx] prior to this incident, the vehicle was taken to the same dealer due to the safety recall. The engine was inspected on November 12, 2025, and I was told that it "passed," with the remedy being a change in oil viscosity. I was driving on March 8, 2026, when I heard some odd noises (clanking and knocking). Shortly thereafter, the engine just stopped in the middle of the road. It would not restart, and as a result, I couldn't put it in neutral to roll it out of the roadway. It remained stuck in park. I was stuck for 2+ hours in the rain, waiting for a flatbed wrecker. Cars were unable to pass in either direction. When the tow truck arrived, I was told it had to be dragged on to the flatbed with sleds due to the transmission being stuck in park. The truck was taken to carl black GMC in roswell, GA. On Monday they confirmed that the engine had seized and needed to be replaced. The repair was completed, and I picked up the vehicle on Friday, March 13. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 🔎.

While driving at 72moh, the engine started to knock/tick and then shifted into neutral indicating to press the start button again. Once I coasted to a stop, the truck shifted into park by itself and indicated to hit the start button again at which point it was completely locked up and inoperable. The vehicle had an engine replaced at 13,000 miles and currently has 54,000 miles on it. It now needs another complete engine replacement. The vehicle also had the recall inspection done in Dec/2025 and found no issues.

To the best of my knowledge… my 2020 GMC sierra denali with a 6. 2l engine and 74,000 miles had a complete engine replacement. One lifter on bank 2 was stuck, and the push rod in the cylinder was bent. The engine made a popping noise when starting. I took it to a gm dealership, where they quoted $9,200 to repair the issue or $9,600 for a brand-new engine with a 3-year/100,000-mile warranty. I know there is open recalls for 21’-24’ models, but I would like some help with mine. This kind of problem shouldn’t happen on a GMC - loaded truck with only 74,000 miles. Thank you!.

See all problems of the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 🔎.

I am the owner of a 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 denali ultimate equipped with the 6. 2l v8 l87 engine (VIN: [xxx] ), purchased new approximately three months ago. I am filing this complaint proactively. I have experienced no engine failure or symptoms to date. However, I am filing based on a documented pattern of l87 engine failures in 2025 and 2026 production vehicles, confirmed by multiple gm dealership technicians, which suggests that the manufacturing defect underlying NHTSA recall 25v-274 may not have been fully resolved by gm’s stated production improvements dated June 1, 2024. Nhtsa recall 25v-274 (April 2025) covered 597,630 vehicles from model years 2021–2024 for catastrophic l87 engine seizure caused by connecting rod bearing failure and crankshaft defects. Gm excluded 2025 and 2026 model year vehicles based on a claimed manufacturing fix. However, multiple 2026 production vehicles have since experienced the same bearing failure at extremely low mileage. Open NHTSA investigation ea25007 is already examining vehicles outside the original recall window, and recall query rq26001 is investigating the adequacy of gm’s remedy. I am requesting that NHTSA consider expanding the investigation scope to include 2025 and 2026 model year vehicles. As a 2026 owner of a $90,000+ truck with the identical engine configuration, I believe my vehicle warrants inclusion in any expanded investigation or recall action. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The contact owns a 2015 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 45 mph, he observed a popping noise beneath him. The contact stopped the vehicle and observed smoke emanating from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle went into limp mode, lost power, and when the brake was depressed, the vehicle did not slow the vehicle down as intended. The contact stated that as he pulled into a parking lot to inspect the vehicle, he observed flames emanating from the hood. The contact stated that he pressed the hood latch, which did not open the hood, and he then exited the vehicle and observed the hood engulfed in flames. The contact mentioned that a store employee brought a fire extinguisher out and attempted to extinguish the flames. The fire department was called and extinguished the fire fully. There was no police report, but the police did come out to assist. The contact sustained a right-hand injury, but medical attention was not needed. The vehicle was then towed to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 124,000.

See all problems of the 2015 GMC Sierra 1500 🔎.

Loss of power, and knocking from the engine while driving. Check brake system, check srs, check parking brake and check engine light flashing came on at the same time. The problem has been reproduced at a mechanics shop and has been determined that cylinder 6 is dead.

Vehicle has 28,000 miles and auto shop states that the engine is blow, it's knocking and vibrating throughout the engine.

Vehicle burns approximately 1 quart of oil every 1000 miles.

While driving on the road the vehicle started sputtering and stalled! we pulled to the side of the road and tried to start the car but it rolled and would not start. We called a a mechanic who had it towed and found out that the fuel pump and the fuel control board had failed. Both have been replaced and the truck seems to be working again. Heard several other persons had this issue with their gcm sierra elevation so we wanted to report since there is currently no recall. Luckily the traffic was not going that fast or we could have had an accident and been seriously injured.

Dangerous lost of propulsion in traffic while my minor daughter was in the vehicle, I was driving my truck that has a 6. 2 engine GMC that is currently being reviewed engineering analysis ea25-007, I bought engine back in October 2025 and incident happen early March 2026 around 10,000 miles.

The failure involved the engine (6. 2l l87 v8), specifically suspected internal components such as the crankshaft and/or connecting rods, as identified in a current recall. The vehicle is currently located at dennis gm in corner brook, newfoundland and is available for inspection. On March 9, while driving the vehicle normally on a main highway, the engine suddenly lost all power without warning. The accelerator became completely unresponsive and the vehicle rolled to a stop in the middle of a main highway. The engine would not restart. Due to the electronic gear selector, the vehicle could not be shifted into neutral, leaving both the truck and trailer immobilized in a live traffic lane. This created a serious safety risk to myself and other motorists, especially as I was in an area without cellular service and could not immediately call for assistance. The problem has not yet been formally diagnosed, as the vehicle remains at the dealership awaiting inspection. However, the symptoms are consistent with known failures described in the recall affecting these engines. The vehicle had previously undergone recall inspection on September 1, 2025 and was cleared at that time. The vehicle has been inspected previously by an authorized gm dealer as part of the recall process, but no defect was identified. It has since been towed to dennis gm following the failure and is pending further inspection. No police or insurance inspections have been conducted. There were no warning lights, messages, or prior symptoms before the failure. The engine failure was sudden and without any indication of an issue beforehand.

Engine shut off while driving and steering wheel wouldn’t let me turn and I drove up on a curb into someone’s yard , there should be a recall on these trucks with the 6. 2l in the year 2019, this is very dangerous I could of injured myself on injured someone else. This needs to be addressed!!.

My 2023 GMC sierra has 60,571 miles for a while now while driving the transmission slips and slams into gears. Recently driving with my kids in the car on highway going 70mph the back brakes locked up multiple times, so scary and dangerous while driving. I now currently have a code p-0747 in the system.

Took it to dealer for engine sound said nothing was wrong 4 days later rod bearing went out while driving. Truck no longer able to drive.

While driving home from phoenix on hwy 95, 30 miles out of tonopah on the way to reno engine propulsion and the complete engine failure occurred while driving at 75 mph. No warning at all. No cell service, had to use onstar to be our savior. Thank god they sent a tow truck, although my wife and I with 2 dogs had to wait 4 hours for the tow truck, while semi’s rolled by us going 80 mph. Dealer performed diagnostics on my truck and has to replace the engine due to engine failure. I had the recall completed in September with the new approved oil and cap. I know this is an ongoing problem with gm’s 6. 2 engine. Complete engine failure while driving at 75 mph. No engine warning sign. Screen went blank. I will no longer trust this truck or have any confidence in the truck once I get it back. I sure hope gm pays for this. This has caused me endless anxiety.

6. 2l engine has well documneted problem with the valvetrane, I have had to fix it 2 times in 3 months. I have pictures and documents from servicing dealerships. Since my ownership, it has always been dealer-serviced. Unexpected catastrophic engine failure, which happened on a major interstate. Gm service technicians know there is a valvetrane issue. This instance, the warning light came on under and overpass, and the truck coasted to a stop just past the end of the on-ramp. A gm (Chevrolet dealership currently has it) and a GMC dealership has serviced it since my ownership.

See all problems of the 2014 GMC Sierra 1500 🔎.

While driving down the highway experienced a partial loss of engine power causing jerky/rough operation, harsh shifting, and unpredictable behavior. Was told by the dealer service manager that it was likely a misfire in one of the cylinders. After diagnostics and servicing that included changing spark plugs, wires, and a full engine service it was later confirmed to most likely be due to a stuck lifter and will require a complete engine replacement. I have subsequently learned that this is a common problem with this l87 engine and may be an early indicator of failing crank bearings associated with a recall for later model years of my same vehicle. Seems to me that recall ought to be expanded to include earlier models with l87 engines.

The 10l80 transmission had a catastrophic failure just outside of the gm warranty. At under 70k miles the pump gears came apart and sent metallic debris throughout the entire transmission and exhaust gaskets converter next to the transmission. These will need to be replaced. I have found multiple cases online with this 10l80 transmission where there has been significant problems with these transmissions blowing up or even causing momentary lockup with the wheels. This transmission is notorious for problems but has not yet been recalled. My mom and nephews were in the vehicle when it broke down putting their safety at risk on the the highway. This problem was confirmed by the GMC dealership here in ruston, la. The dealership has done the mechanical inspection. The engine started making an extremely loud noise and the warning lights did not even come on until I attempted to start it later after the breakdown.

The truck currently has 48000 miles. The 6. 2l l87 engine was replaced at 17000 miles. A few weeks ago, I parked it, went to a ballgame, came back 4 hours later and started the truck. Drove it approximately 500 feet and lights started flashing on the dash. It was running rough, had loos of power, and sounded like a diesel. I immediately shut it off and had it towed to a dealer. The lifter on the number 3 cylinder stuck and bent the pushrod. The dealer replaced all lifters on that side of the engine. This all happened after it was checked for the recall and the thicker oil was put in.

The motor stoped working 6. 2. Left me stranded in the middle of the road. No warning, the engine just gave up and stopped working. As well as the grill flying away and breaking my windshield, this happened last year in February while driving 75 mph.

Driving down the interstate 35 in tarrant county, texas. Engine locked up. Towed to dealership. Dealership determined that engine is locked up. Had dealership verify oil level was okay and they confirmed that it was. Oil had been services two weeks ago. Engine is a 6. 2 l but not the l87 block. Milage on the vehicle is 149,752.

Engine developed a low knock type noise just above idle while beginning to move in the parking lot. It was also noted pulling away from an intersection at low rpm under light acceleration. Oil pressure was normal, 30 psi and approximately 50-60 at cruising speed. Low level knock began earlier in the day but no other symptoms. Oil level was checked and found to be at proper level. At mile 2 into my trip a chirping/ squeak type noise was heard under light throttle and light load at approximately 1500 rpm. The noise stopped when accelerator was released. Rough running sensation followed the noise under the load. Noise returned when the accelerator was pressed and then the engine stopped running while traveling 45-50 mph. Placed the shifter to neutral and attempted to restart, engine rolled slowly for a brief moment and then locked up entirely. Starter only clicks when attempted after that. Vehicle left me stranded with no heat on the shoulder of the highway in the dark in northern michigan on March 5, ambient temp was 28 degrees. Vehicle towed to closest dealership which is also where it was purchased for inspection on 3/6/2026. General motors customer care contacted and case opened. No assistance with repair at time of callback.

Another gm truck afm failing. It failed at 70,000 miles causing p0307 cylinder 7 misfire. No aggressive driving just commuting to work. Truck just got done with a new oil change. It's another to add to the hundreds/thousands seen on reddit threads of all 5. 3/6. 2 afm/dfm that this organization turns a blind eye to.

My vehicle is a GMC Sierra 1500 duramax diesel. The vehicle experienced a failure of the def (diesel exhaust fluid) system, which was diagnosed by the dealership as a failure of the def tank heater. The heater is integrated into the tank assembly, requiring full replacement of the def tank. As a result of this failure, the vehicle became unusable and has been out of service since March 3, 2026. The dealership confirmed that the required part is on national backorder with no confirmed availability date. This condition creates a significant reliability and potential safety concern. When the def system fails, the vehicle can enter a reduced power or speed-limited mode, which may occur during normal driving and could create unsafe conditions in traffic. Additionally, there appears to be a broader pattern of similar failures affecting other vehicles of the same type, combined with extended delays in obtaining replacement parts. The lack of parts availability results in extended periods where the vehicle cannot be safely or reliably operated.

2024 1500 denali 3. 0 duramax diesel engine failed at 57,000 miles. Engine is out of spec per dealer inspection, has an audible ticking noise, an additional audible metal on metal noise, and loss of power. New 3. 0 engine is on back order due to a large volume of engine failures and has no eta on when it will arrive.