GMC Sierra Complaints
15,732 consumer complaints on file.
- #11658330May 1, 2025STRUCTURE:BODY
While on freeway going 75 mph, GMC installed soft tonneau cover came loose from forward anchor points and starting flapping loudly in wind and without quickly stopping would have flown off truck and hit surrounding vehicles.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11658334May 1, 2025ENGINE
My vehicle suddenly stopped working in the middle of an intersection. A screen notification prompted me to restart it, so I pulled over safely, as there were no other vehicles nearby. However, I worry about the potential danger if this had happened on a freeway. After waiting, I tried restarting the vehicle, but it still wouldn’t work. The next day, I received an email from Carfax about an open recall for my vehicle due to engine issues, matching the symptoms I was experiencing. I scheduled an appointment for 4/28, and had the vehicle towed to Elk Grove Buick GMC. At GMC, they couldn’t offer immediate solutions, needing to diagnose the vehicle first. This process took about four days. During this time, I was advised to contact GM, as the vehicle was affected by the recall. I submitted a case to GM on April 28th, requesting compensation for a rental or loaner vehicle, a truck for my business needs. Without it, my business operations would suffer, leading to revenue loss. The dealership’s diagnosis found the engine seized due to a failed bearing. GM contacted me about the recall, initially mentioning the lemon law and a potential buyback, which I hadn’t considered. After I expressed a desire to repair the vehicle, they contacted the dealership for more information. GM later clarified that the vehicle wasn’t covered under the recall, citing the cause and symptoms as not meeting the recall’s criteria. This seems contradictory, as a failed engine doesn’t necessarily contradict the recall. GM stated they couldn’t provide a remedy, leaving me responsible for repair costs, and noted my vehicle’s 70,000 miles exceeded the power train warranty. Recall claims dealerships will inspect and, if necessary, repair or replace the engine. It’s confusing why my vehicle isn’t covered for repairs or assistance under this recall despite the engine failure. What is the law in terms of warranty as I was under the impression that warranty status is irrelevant in an active recall vehicle.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11657874April 30, 2025ENGINE
Shut off in traffic twice
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11657881April 30, 2025ENGINE
Engine locked up
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11657912April 30, 2025ENGINE
I have had two engine failures within 2 years of buying a new GMC truck. The first occurred at 24,181 miles whereas i found engine failures is an all to common occurrence with these 5.3 liter engines, failures are wide spread, tons of complaints can be found with a simple internet or youtube search. The second engine failure occurred at 45,517 miles, again with lifer falling apart. Several service bulletins have been issues including reworking vehicles on dealers lots to replace faulty components but in my case i had over 16000 miles so they put the same parts in again and did not touch the other side which then failed two years later at in my case both were attributed collapsed lifter. This is a safety concern, there is no indication this is about to occur. The vehicle loses power, shakes, instrument panel lights up with various different warning lights. If you are passing another vehicle and this occurs it can be frightening as you have no idea what is happening and why you are no longer accelerating if you are passing some vehicles. The value of these vehicles is now also diminished, who wants a GM vehicle with two engine failures with 45k miles? No one, because it more than likely going to keep occurring until the engine is damaged beyond repair.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11657920April 30, 2025ENGINE
The contact owns a 2016 GMC Sierra 3500. The contacted stated that while her husband was attempting to start the vehicle, the contact stated that after five minutes the engine independently failed while the vehicle was running. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel system and fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact was transferred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11657927April 30, 2025ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
On April 21, 2025 around 11pm, I was entering my neighborhood, I was slowing to a stop, the truck shut off, shifted to neutral on its own. Clusters were still on though, no error codes other than instruction to turn ignition back on. I tried for over 20 minutes with no luck. I placed the truck in park and shut it off after that I couldn't get it change back to neutral. Was on the phone with onstar and recorded it. Eventually it turned on with check engine light, made it home. On April 22, 2025, I dropped it off at Classic Buick GMC 16835 Katy Fwy, Houston, Texas 77094. Service rep informed me I will require a new engine as there are metal shavings in the oil filter as a result of worn cam shaft bearings. They have had the truck at their shop since the incident.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11657932April 30, 2025ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2019 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormally loud sound and was shaking abnormal. The vehicle lost motive power and failed to restart. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence, and the battery was replaced, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who determined that lifter #7 had no compression and that the crankshaft was bent. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic, who also determined that the crankshaft was bent and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000 .
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11657963April 30, 2025ENGINE
3.0 LM2 Duramax engine failed at 91,000 miles. It needs a new engine and they are available with a 2-3 week wait time. The engine failure has been inspected and confirmed by the dealer. No symptoms or check engine lights were on prior to the failure. Problem first appeared 03/2025.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11657986April 30, 2025POWER TRAIN
A valve spring broke while going around 40 mph. Was not accelerating when it happened. Destroyed the piston, head and cracked the block. Once apart found the AFM lifter had started to wipe a lobe on the cam. Engine shut off after running real rough luckily my son was able to pull over. Truck had regular service and taken good care of. My favorite truck I have ever had. Had 137,000 miles on the odometer. This could have ended badly.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11657998April 30, 2025ENGINE
My gmc truck was stopped on a red light on a city street and suddenly the engine just shuts off, I have to restart the truck. This is not the first time that it did that. I can't imagine if this does happen on the freeway.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11658004April 30, 2025ENGINE
I was with my two kids about to go on the highway as I accelerated at the speed of the 60 mph the truck completely shuts down I managed to move to the right shoulder my miraculously had to wait for a tow truck for 3 hours. Got truck towed to the dealership they told me it needed an engine and its back order took them 4 weeks to get ot done 2 days later check engine light came back on I was told only a misfire. I was without my truck for another 2 weeks. All this happened back in January of 2025
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11658005April 30, 2025ENGINE
With all the GM engine problems being recalled, the known issue witht he AFM/DOD on all the models 2013 and up on 5.3L and 6.2L engines should have been recalled. The valves are known to collapse and nending push rods, causing damage to the cam shaft. This can cause ht eengine not to run. The symptoms and possible icidents include the same as the current recall NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000. My engine has been repaired twice now due to this AFM/DOD issue. I have all the paperwork from GM dealer that repaired it. I will upload the first repair, I need to scan the second repair. The engine is now making the ticking valve sound ans the vehicle is services regularly. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? AFM/DOD valves collapse causing enegine damage. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Lack of power while driving, loud engine knock Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, by the dealer Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Insepcted by the dealer, and only the damaged parts replaced, not all the valves that can still collapse. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No warning, engine light came on due to misfire on both incidents.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11658007April 30, 2025ENGINE
Trucks engine died going down the interstate no warning lights just died. Had it towed to the GM dealer where they told me the engine failed and the oil pan was full of metal. This was after I spent $5000 at the same dealer repairing it because it wouldn’t start. It’s at Ross downing gmc in Hammond Louisiana now for the 2nd week.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11658010April 30, 2025ENGINE
While driving on the interstate at approximately 80 mph the engine sounded like it started revving to its max and then it lost power and would not go anymore so I had to try and get to the side of the highway before the momentum stopped. There was no warning lights, indications, or recall notices that this was going to happen. And then had to wait about 2 hours for a tow truck on the side of the interstate. Then the dealership said my engine was seized up and they put a new motor in which took about 2 weeks and they wouldn't give me a loaner vehicle so my husband had to drive approx 3 hours to pick up me and my daughter. I no longer have my invoice that the dealership gave me after the repairs were performed. So after that I was leary of that happening again and traded the vehicle and took a huge loss in trade value not too long after the incident.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11658027April 30, 2025ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
While driving my truck with my wife and two young boys, the truck engine completely shut off while operating it. We were stuck in the middle of the road and had to cautiously wait until we could move the vehicle out of the way. The engine locked up. Now they are trying to repair the engine with the same exact engine that is on recall and potentially put me and my family in the same dangerous position.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11658056April 30, 2025POWER TRAIN
Q1: Engine lost propulsion Q2: I was stuck in middle of highway Q3: Yes, engine needs replacement Q4: Dealer Q5: No, check engine light came on once lost of power
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11657701April 30, 2025STRUCTURE:BODY, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE
I am the original owner of a 2014 GMC Sierra 1500 (VIN: [XXX] ) and began experiencing serious mechanical and electrical issues while the vehicle was still under warranty around 40,000 miles. These included engine RPM fluctuations at idle, vibrations under acceleration above 65 MPH, and intermittent misfiring — all symptoms that are now believed to be early indicators of defective lifters or valve train components. I also experienced repeated electrical failures including a rear turn signal malfunction due to melting/corroded taillight sockets, a thumping rear-end noise, differential knocking, and body panel issues (hood lifting at highway speeds). These were reported multiple times to authorized GMC dealers (Mike Haggerty GMC and Rizza GMC), but I was told there was no issue or no repairs were made. GM refused to assist when I escalated the issue in 2017 via a detailed email, despite all problems occurring within the warranty period. I’m now dealing with a persistent ticking sound from the engine and loss of power, which matches widespread reports of lifter failure in GM’s 5.3L/6.2L V8 engines. These failures pose both a mechanical and safety risk due to stalling, misfiring, and potential electrical fires (in my case, from a failed taillight socket). A class action lawsuit ([XXX], et al. v. General Motors LLC) has been filed regarding these known defects, yet GM has not issued a recall. I’m filing this complaint to add my case to the record and urge NHTSA to investigate these issues. I have full documentation of the original complaint and am willing to provide it upon request. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11657706April 30, 2025ENGINE
While driving on the interstate and picking up speed from 50mph, the vehicle suddenly shuts off without any warnings and causing a safety issue of stopping immediately in traffic in the middle of the expressway.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11657713April 30, 2025ENGINE
Engine failed while driving on the interstate. No warning lights and no known mechanical issues. Dealership maintained vehicle. Towed to nearest GMC dealership to be inspected and repaired. Tech told me before looking at it that it was probably an engine failure. He disclosed that my model engine was problematic and engine failure was common. He was right. My family could have been killed had I not been able to guide a powerless vehicle off the road out of traffic. A replacement engine was quoted for 15k. However GM did not have any and no eta on when they would. A used engine with 80,000 miles and only a 12,000 miles warranty was offered for 11k. I could afford neither as I’m still paying 1k a month for the vehicle. They are recalling vehicles with the same engine but only back to 2021. I’ve spent over 15k to get my truck back functional. I believe good morning should be held accountable. This known issue was never disclosed to me pre purchase or I would not have paid 80k for a truck to last only 120,000 miles
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0