Power Train Problems of GMC Sierra 1500 - part 1

I was driving north/east on [xxx] just outside of [xxx]. After accelerating to give another driver room to move out of his lane that was ending, I lost propulsion/power. The sierra went into neutral and told me something like "press start to resume". I had to immediately get off the interstate as I was rapidly losing speed. I was able to pull over to the shoulder of the interstate on the right, just before exit 2. After getting the vehicle parked, I was never able to restart the vehicle. The motor would not turn over. The display screens kept cycling between a blank display and a display that looked like the vehicle was on but the engine never turned on. When I tried to start the car, I got a message of "conditions not correct for shift". We could not even get the vehicle into neutral. I used onstar to get state patrol to show up and put lights behind us for safety. Onstar should have a recording of this call. This was on Saturday xxx in the ballpark of 2:30 pm central time. I would imagine the officer also filed a report, but I did not get it. The vehicle was towed to billion GMC in iowa city. Billion GMC said their initial suspicion is the 6. 2l motor failed / locked up on us as this is know issue that is subject of a class action lawsuit. These vehicles are not safe to be on the highway, someone is going to get seriously injured, please do everything you can to get these 6. 2l engines off the road before someone dies. 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 🔎.

Was traveling home and started losing power going up a hill on xxx. The truck was surging, the check engine light came on and an audible warning of no (low?) oil pressure. The truck shut off on a busy interstate highway and barely got onto the shoulder. The tow truck driver had to lay on the ground with part of his body in the lane of travel to place "skids" under the rear tires because there is no way to place this vehicle in neutral for a tow without a special gm tool. When I contacted harry robinson GMC service center in [xxx], they told me that it was no longer a safety recall because the truck had passed diagnostics and new, high viscosity oil was put in the truck xxx. The GMC app says code p0016 which is the dreaded 6. 2l camshaft to crankshaft alignment that accompanies engine component failure. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Ever since I bought this truck new, I noticed a lot of metal shavings and debris in the oil filter every single time I changed the oil. I took it to the dealership multiple times to have this looked into before the engine recall came out. The dealership took pictures of the metal and sent them to a general motors engineer, but the engineer just told them it was "normal. " later on, the truck went in for the official recall inspection, passed the pico test, and nothing was fixed. Then on August 4, 2026, I was driving on a crowded expressway right through a construction zone with absolutely no shoulder to pull over on. Out of nowhere, the truck started hesitating badly, lost power, and the engine started making a really loud knocking noise. It was barely running, and it was incredibly dangerous because there was nowhere to go and traffic was heavy. Luckily, I was able to limp the truck along just far enough to clear the construction zone and pull over safely.

The contact owns a 2026 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while her husband was driving approximately 10 mph, the vehicle unexpectedly shut off and independently shifted into park(p). The contact stated that previously, while the vehicle was idling in a parking lot, with air conditioner activated, the auto start/stop feature engaged, and the vehicle shut off. The message “service transmission” was displayed. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer and was diagnosed with transmission failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 2,000.

Transmission valve body failure. - caused wheels to lockup momentarily and killed the engine with sudden loss of propulsion. Link to video of incident: [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

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I am experiencing ongoing issues with the 6l80e transmission that have significantly affected the performance and reliability of my vehicle. The transmission shifts harshly between gears, hesitates when accelerating, and occasionally slips before engaging. There is also a noticeable shudder during acceleration and inconsistent shifting, especially at lower speeds. These problems have become more frequent over time and raise concerns about the safety and dependability of the vehicle. The transmission does not operate as expected for normal driving conditions, and the issues negatively impact the overall driving experience. I am requesting a thorough inspection of the transmission, an explanation of the cause of these issues, and an appropriate repair or resolution to restore the vehicle to proper working condition.

See all problems of the 2014 GMC Sierra 1500 🔎.

My truck threw the code p0747 for fail valve body. When I do my research its a common problem. Gm is stating my truck isnt covered.

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"while driving, the vehicle suddenly experienced a flashing check engine light, an electronic stability control (esc) warning light, and violent steering wheel vibrations. The vehicle suffered a severe loss of power and misfired, creating an immediate traffic hazard. The dealership diagnosed the issue as a catastrophic mechanical lifter failure on the 5. 3l v8 ecotec engine with dynamic fuel management (dfm). Despite the dealer replacing an entire bank of lifters, the engine continues to misfire and vibrate. This premature valvetrain failure at only 36,000 miles is a known design defect that causes sudden engine stalling and disables critical safety features like stability control while the vehicle is in motion, presenting a severe crash risk. ".

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The contact owns a 2019 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while at a red traffic light, the vehicle accelerated unintendedly, and the vehicle shuddered with an abnormal dinging sound coming from the vehicle. The message "transmission hot - idle engine" was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission was slipping, overheating, and that the transmission needed to be replaced. The contact researched and became aware of a recall; however, the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 126,098.

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When going up my 5% grade driveway the truck has slammed into “park” while moving two times. The car turns off as it slams into park and a “ service transmission” warning is on the dash. It leaves small skid marks from doing this while moving. It has 1790 miles on it. Dealer has had it a week and says they cannot duplicate the issue. Google search seems to indicate many trucks have had the same issues going up an incline.

I was driving on the highway when the vehicle started to make clinking noises. The vehicle started to lose power as I accelerated it would feel like something was pulling me in the opposite direction and the knocking noise would get louder. Ultimately, I had the vehicle towed to a dealership. This vehicle passed the l87 recall not too long ago, and the vehicle is barely used.

My truck is at the dealership for a failed transmission valve body. I was doing some research on this issue and saw recall n242454441. I asked the service writer about this and he said my truck was not covered by the recall. I had all of the same issues as described in the recall. Effects can cause harsh shifting, setting a service engine soon message, reduced engine performance or p0747 diagnostic trouble code. I was driving along when the check engine light came on then a message on the dash said reduced power mode. I barely made it to work then called the dealership and told them I was bringing it in if I could make it. When I tried to take it to the dealership the rear wheels seemed to be locked up when in drive but would move in reverse. After coasting forward in neutral then reversing the wheels seemed to unlock in drive but then I didn’t have reverse. I have the same drive train with the 10 speed transmission. I think this recall needs to be expanded to include my truck as well as countless others for this known issue.

See all problems of the 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 🔎.

Subject: event of engine failure • while driving on a level paved road at 15 miles per hour in a busy area my 2019 GMC sierra denali pickup truck stalled in the middle of a busy street. • truck stalled in a heavy traffic area at an intersection putting myself and passengers in a dangerous area and situation. This obstructed the normal flow of traffic causing a danger to pedestrians and normal vehicle traffic pattern. Each had to go around my disabled truck into oncoming traffic putting them and normal traffic flow at risk. •upon securing a towing service the truck was transported to the nearest gm dealership. This happened on a Friday afternoon and the truck got to the dealership after hours. I returned to the dealership the next morning and was told that they may not be able to check the truck until probably Tuesday. On Monday afternoon I called and they hadn't been able to get to it. I received a call the next day and was informed that the technician at the dealership had put a breaker bar to the crankcase and the engine would not move and therefore the engine is seized. • there were no warning lights that came on prior to the truck stalling in the street. There was no noise prior or any other symptom to give any indication that the truck was not operating in a normal fashion.

Engine light came on while driving and a message on dashboard said service transmission now. Unable to shift soon. Took to dealer and they said it was the park position switch 1circuit high. Had to order part but not knowing how long to get it. Truck only has 12468 miles. Luckily I got it to the dealer ASAP. If I were on the highway or a remote road, I feel that a serious accident would have happened. Having an electronic controlled console shifter not being able to get the truck to shift gears to slow down or stop is a real safety issue. Extended warranty does not cover anything like this. Please look into this. Thank you.

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission was shuddering, especially while driving uphill. The dealer was contacted, and the vehicle was diagnosed and determined to have a failure associated with a gm TSB for the incorrect transmission fluid inside the transmission reservoir. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 38,875.

While driving on xxx I received a message on the dash: service transmission, will not be able to shift soon. I went to the nearest GMC service center, located in [xxx]. Their diagnostics indicated that the gear shift control module needed to be replaced with new pn 86421783. That part was not available until xxx, but old pn 86274946 was available at a few dealersships, and it acould possibly be ordered and arrive sooner than xxx. I was told that driving the truck would be okay, but the part should be replaced as soon as possible. I live over an hour's drive from [xxx], and with the assurance that driving the GMC was okay, I chose to have the part shipped to and replaced at the dealership in [xxx], the nearest one to [xxx]. I drove back to [xxx], stopping at the waldoboro dealership to make an appointment for their inspection of my truck, their troubleshooting the problem, and ordering the necessary parts to repair the transmission. When the part number went into their ordering system, the dealership was advised that no parts were available and no availability date was known. I contacted GMC customer assistance to express my concern and request assistance in locating the parts, but she was also unable to locate the parts or speed their availability. Again, on the assurance that the truck was okay to drive, on xxx I drove to my storage units near [xxx], and when I tried to leave and shifted into reverse the truck would not move. Aaa towed me to the dealership in waldoboro, and the replacement parts search began. Finally, on 7/28/26 I was advised that the part was at the dealership, and on xxx I picked up my repaired GMC truck. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

While towing my trailer the vehicle intermittently slams gears and will hesitate the back tires momentarily to the point of screeching. This has led to close calls being nearly rear ended and having to pull over. This started out as a hard slam while trailering on the highway and has progressively gotten worse. Had into dealership twice to multiple times to try and figure out the issue but it’s not throwing any codes and they can’t get it to duplicate the issues. Nothing can be replaced due to no codes even though they think the valve body is going bad. Leaving the vehicle as a ticking time bomb for failure which could result potentially in a catastrophic incident. Only had the vehicle for one year now has 37k miles on it and have had the ecm, full wiring harness, and multiple sensors replaced already for a different problem early this year that had the truck in the shop for a month.

TSB 19-na-121. My truck is experiencing the exact issues detailed in the listed TSB. Randomly and quite often my truck feels like I am running over speed bumps. This just started about 3 days ago. The truck has been maintained. Oil is changed on time and there was a 100,000 mile service and I just had a 150,000 service done. Currently there are roughly $148,000 miles on the vehicle. Is there a way to have gm cover the costs of the repairs even though my VIN# was not listed. Also I am experiencing sudden power loss which is also mentioned in other bulletins. Basically it feels like the engine hesitates to accelerate.

I am submitting this complaint to report what I believe is a serious safety-related defect involving the general motors 6. 2l l87 v8 engine installed in my 2026 GMC sierra denali. On July 10, 2026, while driving on a public highway near bogata, texas, the engine suddenly began making severe mechanical noises before catastrophically failing without warning. The engine seized completely while the vehicle was in motion. At the time of failure, the truck had only 13,517 miles. The sudden loss of engine power left my wife and me stranded on the roadside. Had this occurred while crossing an intersection, merging into traffic, passing another vehicle, towing a trailer, or traveling in heavier traffic, the consequences could have been far more serious.

I am writing to formally log a safety concern regarding my vehicle’s 6. 2l l87 engine, specifically in relation to the known defects under NHTSA’s ongoing engineering analysis ea25007 (previously preliminary evaluation pe24004). While my vehicle is currently running and has 52,000 miles on the odometer, it falls squarely within the manufacturing window being investigated for premature engine failures due to defective connecting rod bearings and dynamic fuel management (dfm) lifters. My primary concern is the severe safety hazard presented by a sudden, catastrophic engine failure. A sudden seizure or loss of motive power at highway speeds puts myself, my passengers, and other drivers at an immediate risk of a high-speed collision, especially if it occurs without prior warning lights or symptoms. Because gm’s previous engine recalls (such as 24v-418) excluded the 2019 model year despite utilizing the same vulnerable engine family, I am filing this report to urge the NHTSA to expand the recall to include 2019 models. I want my vehicle's VIN documented as part of this vulnerable population so that a proactive, permanent remedy can be mandated before a dangerous highway failure occurs.

Experienced the GMC shudder while driving on the highway. This is a known issue with GMC transmissions valve bodies and torque converters. I would like to know why my vehicle is not on the recall list 2019 GMC? 85,000 miles and has always shifted hard randomly when cold but was unaware of the problem until this shudder became an issue and started looking into it.

The engine went into limp mode as I made turn leaving the damn I was is in town and it was a lot of traffic could’ve been bad if I didn’t pull into the median left me devastated and no crank no start I’ve only had the truck a year it went down a month from when I purchased it.

The contact owns a 2022 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while merging onto the interstate at approximately 65 mph, the rear wheels unexpectedly locked up without warning. The contact stated that the rear wheels remained locked for approximately half a second, causing a sudden reduction in speed and requiring the contact to pull over to the shoulder of the road. The vehicle was driven to a relative's residence and was then towed to a dealer. The dealer had not diagnosed the failure, and no repairs had been performed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was advised that there would be a follow-up. The failure mileage was approximately 32,000.

My truck transmission beed jerking off and on for over a year. One time it lose power when I was driving and could have caused an accident. I took it to the dealership and they said I new a new transmission for $12000. Something just doesn’t seem right about this! I brought a brand new truck thats unsafe and its no recall for my model but other models with the same issue had a recall. I would just like some answers. I feel like I brought a lemon. Thanks for listening.

My truck shudders when driving. It has 78,000 miles on it. It started shuttering around 73,000 miles. I baby my truck and don't do switch backs or hot rod around.

While driving at highway speed, my 2025 GMC sierra suddenly began slowing down without warning and lost propulsion. When I pressed the accelerator, there was no acceleration response. The vehicle felt like it was braking or dragging instead of accelerating, creating a serious crash risk in traffic. A warning message appeared instructing me to “put in neutral and restart truck. ” I followed the instruction, but the vehicle would not restart. It sounded like it was attempting to start, but it would not start normally. A “service esc” warning also appeared. The vehicle was towed by aaa to a GMC dealership and remains available for inspection. The dealership provided a diagnostic trouble code report showing active codes: c2a07 engine control module indicated torque signal malfunction; u0101 lost communication with transmission control module; u0131 lost communication with power steering control module; u0140 lost communication with body control module; u0146 lost communication with central gateway module; u160f lost communication with brake system control module 1 on can bus 1; u1611 lost communication with engine control module on can bus 2; and u3003 battery voltage circuit voltage below threshold. The vehicle had approximately 22,000 miles at the time of the incident. The failure has not been repaired at the time of this complaint. The concern appears to involve a safety-related electrical, propulsion, powertrain, esc/brake, and module communication failure that caused sudden loss of propulsion, no acceleration response, warning messages, and a no-start condition.

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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.

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.

While driving my vehicle, the engine and transmission lost power and the check engine light came on. The vehicle went into limp mode and engine propulsion was limited. Had I been traveling at a faster speed, this would have been very unsafe. After coming to a stop, placing the transmission in reverse did not move the vehicle and there was a grinding noise. I was able to savely move forward in limp mode, but the shifting was harsh. I was able to find an empty parking lot to safely park. The truck was towed to jim winter dealership in jackson mi for inspection.

When pressing on the gas, especially when moderately accelerating, the truck experiences severe shaking, which interferes with acceleration, as well as causing the truck to "jump" when the transmission gear "catches", even while driving. When the truck is at a full stop and the engine is auto off, when it restarts, it does so frequently when it reengages that it causes a physical "jump" in the vehicle, causing the driver's foot to come off the brake pedal. This has been most noticeable since my vehicle hit about 70k miles. I currently have 84k miles. I engaged the dealer and was told the transmission is out of warranty. I see that other GMC sierra models suffer similar problems and recalls have been issued to GMC that they must repair those vehicles. Despite that, my vehicle is not included in any current recall program.

While coasting down or under very light acceleration between 12-20 mph the vehicle has a shudder like driving over a highway rumble strip. While cruising on the highway at 65+ mph, the vehicle has a light shudder or vibration. Vehicle has been checked numerous times for wheel and tire inconsistencies. Brake pads and rotors have also been replaced with no change in issue. Headlights daytime running light changes color from bright white to purple during warm weather. The vehicle has been to 3 different gm dealerships and they acknowledge the issues but do not provide a resolve.

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed, but the vehicle continued to move forward. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact stated that the valve body and torque converter needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the transmission might need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,561. The VIN was unavailable.

Vehicle details: 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 z72 4x4, 5. 3l v8 ecotec3 engine, VIN: [xxx] mileage at time of incident: 220,000 miles location: [e. G. , little rock, arkansas area or specific road/highway – please provide if desired] what happened: the 5. 3l v8 engine’s hydraulic roller lifters failed. One or more lifters collapsed, stuck, or lost proper oil pressure/operation. This led to improper valvetrain function, causing loud ticking/knocking noises, cylinder misfires, significant loss of engine power and performance, and internal engine damage (such as camshaft lobe wear or related components). Component or system that failed or malfunctioned: hydraulic valve lifters (camshaft followers) in the engine valvetrain, associated with the active fuel management (afm) system. The failed lifter(s) and related components are available for inspection upon request. How safety was put at risk: the engine malfunction resulted in sudden or progressive power loss and misfiring while driving. This reduced the vehicle’s ability to accelerate or maintain speed, especially in traffic or on highways, creating a hazardous situation that put my safety and the safety of other road users at risk of collision or breakdown. No accident or injuries occurred , or other symptoms prior to the failure with details recall, e. G. , ticking noise timeline, misfires has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? “yes, confirmed by shop inspection” has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? [yes] additional notes: repair estimate is approximately $20,000 (likely due to extent of internal damage requiring major engine work or replacement). This failure aligns with a well-documented issue in gm 5. 3l engines equipped with afm. Vehicle status parked information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

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The contact owns a 2020 GMC sierra. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission hesitated and shifted unusually rough. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a transmission valve issue. The contact was advised that the power train software needed to be updated. The contact was informed of an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall related to the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.

I was driving down the highway when all of a sudden felt a hesitation and then seen message low oil pressure turn off vehicle and was just able to pull of the exit ramp of the highway when the truck had complete loss of power and then died. . Called dealer right away and was flat bedded to the dealer. . This just happened yesterday (06/08/26).