GMC Sierra 1500 owners have reported 1,768 problems related to engine and engine cooling (under the engine and engine cooling category). The most recently reported issues are listed below. Also please check out the statistics and reliability analysis of GMC Sierra 1500 based on all problems reported for the Sierra 1500.
The lifter on my gm sierra at4 truck with a 6. 2l (l87) engine collapsed and damaged the engine shafts and cylinders in the block. While driving, the engine started to lose power, and a ticking noise started to occur. I pulled the car over to the side of the road and called the dealer, which told me to have the truck towed into the dealership. Metal was found in the oil. The entire engine has to be replaced for $12k. I have a life time oil change service with the dealer an also an extended warranty, but my mileage was over the warranty by 6k miles. The warranty ended at 106k miles and actual milage was 113k. I reached out to my dealer and also to gm to discuss goodwill assistance and gm pushed back indicating they cannot do anymore. I asked the rep to esalate the ticket.
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all problems of the 2019 GMC Sierra 1500
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Engine failure at random while operating. Dealership stated vehicle blew engine block fuse and crankshaft is now seized.
The contact owns a 2019 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving 55 mph, the low oil pressure message was displayed. The engine oil cooler line had detached, and oil was leaking from the vehicle, causing the engine to seize. The contact associated the failure with general motors customer satisfaction program: n212326940. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a claim. The failure mileage was approximately 96,182.
The vehicle stopped dead in traffic and would not restart. No warning lights. This is a huge safety hazard. Had to be towed to a dealership. The dealership and other diesel shops said the issue is a known catastrophic cp4 fuel pump failure. The fuel pump shreds and metal shavings are found throughout the fuel system. Requires a full fuel system replacement. . . Quotes have been obtained from gm dealership and local diesel mechanics, ranged from $15,000-$17,000. There is a known fix and could have been solved by replacing the fuel pump with an alternative one, without putting us in a dangerous situation. There is also a settled class action lawsuit directly associated to this fuel pump and issue, however the vehicle was purchased in GA and therefore not included. Based on the VIN the truck would be included if sold within a qualifying state. Gm corporate and dealers know about this problem and the safety risk, but are not even suggesting the fuel pump conversation as a repair. They are putting customers in dangerous situations and leaving them with high bills.
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all problems of the 2016 GMC Sierra 1500
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The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the "add oil to engine" message was displayed. The vehicle was driven to an autozone within two minutes and turned off. Upon inspection of the engine oil level, the contact observed that the dipstick was completely dry. The dealer was notified of the issue, and an appointment was scheduled for an oil consumption test. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle had been serviced for a routine oil change on April 21, 2026, at 53,590 miles. The contact related the failure to NHTSA action number: rq26001(engine). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 56,802.
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all problems of the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500
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I own a 2021 GMC sierra at4 3. 0l duramax (VIN [xxx]). The vehicle has codes p1098 (coolant control valve performance) and p129f which coincides with the first code. My dealer believes this is consistent with an engine coolant control valve failure. I understand special coverage xxx exists for this issue, but I've been told my VIN is not included. My truck has the exact engine, symptoms, and diagnostic codes addressed by special coverage n252508341, but my VIN is excluded. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).
Catastrophic engine failure while traveling 40 mph. Dealership diagnosed as cylinder walls being scorched and rods blown through. No warning signs existed - just had a loud thud before the check engine light started flashing and grinding sound started coming from engine.
2026 denali, 6. 2, failed after getting off express way while on my way for a fishing get away and pulling my boat. No warning lights, noises, nothing. Came to a stop sign and at the last second slammed into park. Dash went black, 10 seconds later would come back on and try to start, then the dash goes black. Sheriff pulled up 20 or so minutes later and told my wife to get back into the vehicle as she was directing semis and other cars to go around. Towed to a chevy dealership 13 miles away. After running tests on the truck, came up blown engine. 7600 miles. 5 hours later we left with a loaner and able to continue on with our plans. I do thank the dealership for their help and loaner. 23 business days later they delivered my truck to my house and returned in the loaner. After all my investigating on these engines, I will not be buying another one. Time for gm to invest some of their profits into finding the problem!.
The contact owns a 2019 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving at 55 mph, the vehicle made an abnormal rumbling sound and stalled. All the warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a nearby independent mechanic, who determined that the engine lifter and cylinder had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that there was no recall coverage. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 98,003.
Complete engine failure while driving on a highway. While cruise was set, the truck emitted a sound and sensation like we had run over something on the highway. Within a few minutes the engine started ticking. The cruise was disengaged which thru the truck into neutral. No dashboard sensors were illuminated. We were able to get off the highway but the truck would not restart. Truck was towed to nearest dealer who has confirmed engine failure.
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all problems of the 2023 GMC Sierra 1500
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While driving vehicle the engine lost power and shut off in traffic. There were no warning signs of issues at that time. The dashboard went blank and then reappeared and the truck was in park. After that the truck would not shift gears. The truck was towed to the dealership and found to have had catastrophic engine failure.
I haven’t even owned my truck for2years.
I believe I had a lifter failure as I was traveling up sr 393. Safety issue as vehicle lost power. Vehicle is at dealership now and confirmed possible lifter collapse. No dashboard lights were on or any power issues prior.
The contact owns a 2020 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while accelerating from a complete stop on several occasions, an abnormal clicking sound was heard from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a failed fan belt pulley. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, while parked on one occasion, an abnormal clicking sound and a loud bang were heard from the engine compartment, and the vehicle stalled. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle, but it failed to turn over. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where a failed valve spring was diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,127.
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all problems of the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500
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The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while turning the ignition on, the "service parking brake" message was displayed, and the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, the engine ran rough. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine lifters needed to be replaced; however, the dealer could not diagnose if there was further engine damage until the lifter repair was completed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 72,530.
The contact owns a 2019 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the engine seized. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact stated was informed that the engine failure was caused by rod bearing failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 115,000.
The contact owns a 2019 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at 25 mph, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the engine started knocking. The contact pulled over immediately and contacted an independent mechanic, who recommended continuing to continue driving at a slow speed. The contact resumed driving to the residence. The contact's son, who was a highly skilled mechanic, diagnosed that the left bank lifters had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted several times and informed that the VIN was not included in a recall and referred the contact to the manufacturer for assistance. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 83,000.
I was driving at normal highway speed. I exited the highway and started to deceleration for an upcoming traffic light. The engine started making a lot of noise. The 6. 2l engine has 31k miles on it. Oil changes have been completed at the dealership where I purchased the sierra denali. I called the dealership and the service writer could hear the engine noise. He asked if I could get it to the dealership which was about 15 miles away. I tried but the truck stopped about 7 miles from the dealership. They told me to call the onstar service and get a tow. The dealership said it will take about six weeks to get a new engine. In the meantime I'm making payments on an eighty thousand dollar vehicle I can't use. Someone needs to hold gm accountable for the lack of urgency in getting this problem fixed!.
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all problems of the 2024 GMC Sierra 1500
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Since purchase of my 1500 sierra 6. 2l on 10feb2021, the vehicle has always appeared to burn an excessive amount of oil which is consistent with gm’s 6. 2l engines and has created safety issues leading to sweeping recalls on this engine model from 2021-2024. I have been informed that the engine was consistently down 2+ qts of oil at every recommended oil change (approximately every 5000mi) although gm literature indicated that this level of consumption was usual in their 6. 2l engine. In a jan26 oil change at approximately 35,000mi I was told that my engine was down over 3qts of oil. On 17feb2026 I took my vehicle into my chevy/GMC dealership to request an oil consumption test at ~35, 089mi. On 30jun2026 I returned to the dealership for my 2000mi check-in, at ~37,800mi, and was informed that my vehicle had failed the consumption test. With over 600,000 vehicles recalled since 2024 in the 6. 2l category, my vehicle/VIN has never been associated with a recall. Despite having minimal miles on this engine, I am now financially penalized for repairs because I had just exceeded the initial powertrain warranty and my extended warranty would not cover a pre-existing condition. Gm’s 6. 2l engines have pre-existing issues from the factory and represents a danger to consumers and the driving public because of these failures.
I bought the truck with 2 miles , shut off on me within 1,300 miles wouldn’t turn on , supposedly it was a bad fuse that was burned out , second time it shut off on me again , all my sensors were going off and on and truck wouldn’t turn back on , they told me they couldn’t figure out the problem evaczue they had disconnected the battery and it erased all the codes 3rd time , they changed my oil and they forgot to torque the screw back correctly and all the oil spilled and cost my engine to lock up and mess up , they replaced the motor with a new one 4th time , supposedly it needs a replacement for a catalytic converter which is being replaced now as we speak or sometime this week.
Complete failure on cylinder 3 after afm system caused lifter collapse in 5. 3l v8. Lifter fell into cam shaft and scored the shaft at 55mph. Truck started surging and shaking violently. Truck shaking had me swerve to the side of the road as I was coming up on a crosswalk with golf cart about to cross the road. Vehicle was inspected at atwater gm in aitkin, mn and component failure was identified. Two weeks later I paid $14,149 to have a complete engine replacement. There was absolutely no indication that this event would take place. Just months before I took this truck from [xxx] to [xxx] and back without an issue. Gm should be held responsible for a complete lack of safety due to faulty afm engines. Not only did this endanger my safety, but I also had to withdraw from my 401k to pay for the outrageous cost of a new engine replacement because of a single point of failure. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).
Engine seized on june29th while driving on I 64 . (6. 2 l87) due to oil line failure. Engine replaced on July 18th, 2026. New engine started leaking oil from camshaft and gasket on August 10th 2026, back in GMC shop on august12th 2026 for repairs, still waiting parts today. Sudden failure on road in traffic inspected by GMC southpoint. No indication prior to failure and shut down completely. Could not do anything to move vehicle out the road.
Engine knocking. Engine being replaced under warranty due to premature bearing failure. Picotest was performed prior to my purchase with 12800 miles. 0w40 oil being used at the time of failure. At the dealer now getting the engine replaced.
The vehicle has about 38000. The warrantee expired about 6 months ago. About three weeks ago I started the engine, it sounded like a cement mixer filled with rocks. I had it taken to my dealer. They investigated the problem and determined that it has bad lifters and bent push rods. The dealer told me that it is a known problem but it is not covered by the current 6. 2l engine recall.
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? the engine/powertrain failed. The vehicle is a 2025 GMC Sierra 1500 equipped with the 6. 2l v8 engine. The engine developed a severe knocking noise and loss of power at approximately 5,545 miles. The vehicle was taken to the gm dealership, where an engine replacement was approved. The failed engine/component may be available for inspection through the dealership or gm, depending on whether it has already been removed or returned to the manufacturer. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? the engine failure created a safety concern because the vehicle experienced reduced power/loss of propulsion while being operated. This could have put me and other drivers at risk because a sudden loss of engine power can make it difficult to safely maintain speed, merge, tow, or move the vehicle out of traffic. The issue occurred at very low mileage and without enough warning to prevent the failure. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? yes. The problem was confirmed by a gm dealership. The dealer diagnosed the engine failure and gm approved an engine replacement under warranty. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? the vehicle was inspected by the gm dealership. Gm was involved in approving the engine replacement under warranty. To my knowledge, the vehicle has not been inspected by police or insurance representatives. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? prior to the failure, the vehicle developed a severe engine knocking noise and reduced power/lack of power. These symptoms appeared shortly before the engine failure at approximately 5,545 miles. I do not recall any specific warning lamps or messages before the failure, unless the dealership records.
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all problems of the 2025 GMC Sierra 1500
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My motor has a catastrophic failure. Started sputtering and squealing.
While traveling at highway speed during rush hour commute, the vehicle lost engine power and stalled. While coasting, I tried to restart the engine several times without success. Before coming to a stop, I attempted to get to the shoulder safely. Unfortunately, a portion of the vehicle was left partially in the lane and on the shoulder. Once I was completely stopped, I tried to put the electronic shift control into neutral so I could push the vehicle safely to the shoulder. The shifter would not allow me to shift into neutral and other override methods researched failed to work. I continued to try and restart the vehicle without success. I was in an unsafe position during rush hour commute for about 50 minutes until roadside assistance arrived and loaded and towed the vehicle. There was no warning of the issue prior to the incident. A code (p129f-fuel pump driver control module speed signal incorrect) was produced after the stall occurred via my GMC app. My vehicle was towed to my local dealership for service, but have not received the vehicle back at the time of reporting.
On June 25, 2026, at approximately 84,000 miles, while traveling approximately 60-65 mph on highway 121 in a posted 65 mph zone, driving my 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 at4 equipped with the 6. 2l l87 engine, multiple warning messages suddenly appeared, including “check esc,” “check parking brake,” “check brakes,” and “check engine. ” the engine began operating abnormally. I drove directly to sewell GMC because I was concerned that the engine could fail or the vehicle could lose propulsion while in traffic. There was no crash, fire, or injury. Sewell GMC inspected the vehicle and confirmed catastrophic internal engine damage. The technician found metal debris in the engine oil and oil pan, damaged internal bearings, and camshaft/lifter damage. Sewell advised that the complete engine must be replaced. The vehicle remains at the dealership, has not yet been repaired, and the engine and failed components should be available for inspection. Before this incident, I had not experienced warning lights or symptoms indicating that an imminent catastrophic engine failure would occur. Gm and the dealership advised that my VIN is not included in the current l87 engine recall because the engine was built in 2020. However, the diagnosed bearing damage, metal contamination, and catastrophic engine failure appear similar to the engine failures addressed by that recall. I am reporting this because an unexpected internal engine failure while driving creates a serious risk of loss of propulsion and a collision.
2026 GMC Sierra 1500 at4x with 3898 miles. Driving 71mph on state highway on flat grade road. Lost power and vehicle shut down after pulling off the road. No previous lights or warning signs prior to power loss. Vehicle would not start afterwards. Onstar diagnostics sent ecm engine and transmission system code p0016. Had vehicle towed 100miles to gm dealership. Upon inspection of vehicle, the service department contacted me the following day and said the the vehicle needed an entire engine replacement according to gm cooperate. I asked if it had anything to do with the 6. 2l v8 l87 engine problems from previous recall years of 2021-2024. Service tech stated yes it was more than likely the same issue. Very unhappy with my new gm vehicle purchase. Will have to have a full engine replacement before my first oil change!.
My 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 at4 equipped with the 6. 2l engine experienced an internal engine/lifter failure. The vehicle was inspected by an authorized GMC dealership. The dealership documented damaged lifters, including rough edges and visible signs of friction, and advised that the camshafts on these vehicles can also have issues. I was provided estimates for both a lifter repair and complete engine replacement. Due to the possibility of additional internal engine/camshaft damage and the risk of having to repeat the lifter repair, complete engine replacement was recommended. The dealership is replacing the engine with a gm remanufactured engine, part #19420611, carrying a 3-year/100,000-mile warranty. The customer-paid repair is approximately $9,400 plus applicable taxes and shop charges because my 2019 vehicle/VIN is not currently included in the existing l87 engine recall. I am submitting this complaint because NHTSA is currently investigating failures involving 6. 2l l87-equipped vehicles outside the existing recall population. I believe this failure should be documented and considered as part of the investigation into whether the affected vehicle population should be expanded. I have requested the dealership provide the technician's complete diagnosis and documented cause of failure and can provide additional information when received.
On xxx I started on a 3 hour trip with my daughter in the truck. My vehicle lost power and started knocking in the engine compartment. We were going over a very big bridge([xxx]) from [xxx] to [xxx]. I had to coast off the highway and made it to a park. Truck would not restart and would not go into neutral. Waited 5 hours for aaa and was drug onto the flat bed truck because it would not go into neutral. It was then towed to the dealership(union park GMC) in [xxx], where they had to drag it off the flat bed truck. Truck was evaluated and determined by the technicians that it needed a new engine(6. 2 l v8). Engine was tested and passed in October 2025. Still waiting on a new engine to be installed(today is xxx). GMC knows there are issues with these engines failing and continue to sell to the consumer. I am currently paying for a truck that I am not able to drive. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).
My 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 denali with l87 6. 2l v8 suffered a catastrophic, silent seizure at 108,000 miles. Driving at highway speeds, warning light stating shift to neutral and press start, engine completely shut off and would not turn back on. I was in the car with my 3 children about to make a turn across a 4 lane highway. I was able to recognize that there was power loss quickly enough that we were safely within the turn median, and fortunately a "good samaritan" stopped to assist us in getting across the highway into a parking lot. I hate to think what would have happened had this power loss occurred during the turn. There was no warning light, sound or other issue prior to this occurring. The vehicle has been meticulously maintained with all services occurring at my local GMC dealership. We had the truck towed to the dealership who confirmed the engine needs to be replaced.
While driving, the vehicle experienced a sudden and momentary loss of power, similar to briefly applying the brakes, after which power resumed. This was followed by a progressively louder squealing noise. I pulled over to investigate, at which point the engine shut off and a low oil pressure warning appeared on the dashboard. The vehicle would not restart. The vehicle was then towed to a dealership, where initial inspection suggested the issue may be related to the l87 recall involving the crankshaft bearing.
I am retired and have always bought gm vehicles which are taken care of with required oil changes etc. This one I have only owned 25,000 mi each year (I have owned two years). So, when purchased it has high 50,000 miles not sure of exact, and it has only been driven 2 years. When calling escalation at gm, they act as though it doesn't matter and too bad. 110,000 miles and the truck needs a new motor. This is what we are told and 10,000 more than the initial 1500 to tear it down. This truck is not broken due to us, this is a problem with the manufacturer and the responsibility needs to be addressed. My husband has a heart issue and he almost didn't make it home. I'm not accepting that nothing be done, since next we need a lawyer and a media appointment. This isn't right when you see thousands of people with the same GMC sierra trucks online with complaints of the same valve and motor issues. This needs completely replaced and not by a customer, by the manufacturer. How can 1500 people new wrong on one sight stating the same as we have had. This person who is responsble for reporting and making sure we are safe needs to be fired. I am writing my representatives, senators etc to let them know this is going on. No one should pay for the mistakes of bad engineering. Period.
My vehicle began exhibiting symptoms consistent with a failed engine coolant flow control valve. The check engine light illuminated, and diagnostic testing indicated a fault related to the coolant control valve system. In addition, I experienced abnormal cooling system operation, including the engine cooling fans continuing to run after the vehicle was shut off. Vehicle was tested few times in auto zone these symptoms affected the normal operation of the vehicle and are consistent with the condition described in special coverage n252508341. Based on the diagnostic findings and vehicle symptoms, I believe my vehicle qualifies for coverage under this program. I respectfully request that my vehicle be inspected and evaluated under special coverage n252508341 and that any eligible repairs be performed according to the terms of the coverage program.