GMC Sierra Complaints (2017)

481 consumer complaints on file.

#11715507February 4, 2026
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
check engine light and traction control light on. vehicle undriveable. took to dealer code P0304 lifters need to be replaced
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11713933January 28, 2026
ENGINE
My L86 Engine had 250,000 plus miles and the engine went out. So we decided to rebuild the engine due to the truck being paid off and the cost of a new engine is much cheaper than a new truck. After the first rebuild the engine last around 10K miles. We pulled the engine back apart to find out that the crank bearings were shot along with the brand new GM crank that was purchased. After doing research, there was no enough clearance between the GM bearings and the GM crank. Basically the same issue that the L87 is having. After doing more research it determined by the part number on the crank and the part number GM provides on their website that the L86 and the L87 (engine with current recall) take the same crank. Therefore my L86 due to GM only making the L87 crank now and it replaces the original L86 crank we had to replace the engine a second time. I believe this relevant to all the L87 issues and any L86s that are being rebuilt. We ended up having to purchase aftermarket crank bearings to get the correct clearance on the second new GM Crank that was purchased. Truck is now running good now.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11713202January 25, 2026
POWER TRAIN
After 38,000 miles and 8 years of normal service (mix of city, highway, and 10% towing), my 8L90 transmission began to shudder occasionally. The problem first became apparent when driving slightly uphill, on cruise control at about 50 mph, or while slightly accelerating on a flat road, with no load in the box, and no trailer. It felt like I was driving across a rough patch of asphalt or rumble strips. Every half mile or so, it would shudder. Slowing down or speeding up stopped the rumble. The problem proved not to be caused by tires, U-joints, or AFM. The problem in fact was caused by defective GM transmission fluid, which was sold as "sealed for life", and rated for 200,000 miles, as factory-installed. That proved to be BS. If not repaired, this problem would lead to transmission lockup and/or lack of propulsion, which could contribute to a vehicle crash. The problem was solved by installing AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid, Product Code: ATLTP-CA. If GM properly cared for their customers, to make up for false advertising at the time of purchase, GM should publish and pay for GM Service Bulletin #20-NA-142, for all 8L90 owners, instructing owners to replace their transmission fluid every 5 years or 40,000 miles, whichever comes first.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11713207January 25, 2026
POWER TRAIN
My vehicle has lurched forward upon the first engine start of the day, under no throttle, on several occasions, throughout the life of my vehicle. Shortly after starting my 6.2 engine in my garage, if I shift my 8L90 transmission into Drive as soon as the engine RPMs settle to idle, the vehicle will lurch forward, screeching the tires. Luckily, I had my foot on the brake hard enough such that no one was injured. The harsh transmission shift into drive is dangerous, possible injuring passengers or my garage door. I've learned that if I wait 5 to 10 seconds, allowing the engine to idle (while the transmission oil becomes pressurized ??), then the shift into drive is normal, without any lurch.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11712853January 23, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE
My truck is affected by GM’s engine block‑heater safety recall (NHTSA 21V‑496 / GM N212329840) addressing a risk of short circuit and potential engine‑compartment fire at the heater cord/terminal connection. GM’s interim action has been to remove/disable the block‑heater cord, which my dealer did, and then marked the recall “completed.” As a result, the NHTSA VIN tool shows 0 unrepaired recalls, even though no actual repair/restored functionality exists and GM continues to advise owners not to use the block heater until parts are available. Safety concern / impact: I live in a cold‑weather area and purchased this diesel expecting a functioning block heater for reliable cold starts. Disabling the heater has removed an intended cold‑weather safety/starting aid for multiple winters without a final fix. GM’s bulletin explicitly allowed dealers to disable the cord to close the recall, rather than provide a repair, leaving owners without the feature indefinitely. Suspiciously, I have also had to replace glow plugs on this truck sooner than traditional wear / failure rates would demand - including one glow plug that has been replaced twice in short span of time (should have lasted years). I continue to monitor GM’s recall portal; still no parts/remedy schedule. Please review whether GM’s chosen remedy—disabling a safety‑related feature and closing the recall—is adequate and within a reasonable time under the Safety Act. If not, I request NHTSA open a Recall Query into remedy adequacy and timeliness so owners receive a real repair (replacement heater/cord/connector) or appropriate alternative remedies.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11711990January 19, 2026
ENGINE
6.2L lifter failure camshaft destroyed. Complete top end rebuild cost me $8500. Same problem as the previous recall.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11707975December 31, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Started car via remote start. When I went out to the car I noticed smoke in the cab. I then observed the rear power slide window to be smoking and further discovered the rear defroster wires the be smoldering creating considerable smoke. The tempered glass then began to spider and completely cracked. There is a former recall on the rear slide window involving fire hazards and the wiring components. It should also be noted that our 9 month old’s car seat is directly below the window and defroster wiring were the smoldering took place. No warnings lamps were observed prior to the incident.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11707915December 30, 2025
POWER TRAIN, ENGINE
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked and slammed into the intended gear. The check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had persisted, and the vehicle had failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the drive was rough, and there was an abnormal rumbling sound coming from the engine. The contact stated that the engine misfired. The vehicle was taken to several unknown locations for diagnostic tests, and it was confirmed that the transmission and the engine had failed. The contact was informed that metal shavings were found in the transmission fluid. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The contact was provided with the manufacturer's TSB Number: 20-NA-138; however, the vehicle was not covered. The manufacturer was notified of the failure; however, the manufacturer was unable to locate the Warranty Administration Service Bulletin. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11702779December 3, 2025
POWER TRAIN
Transmission Hard shifts 1-2 or 2-3 Delayed engagement into Drive/Reverse Shudder at 30–60 mph Slipping under light throttle Clunk when stopping The risk I've described to the dealer is that the hard shifts at stop and go in heavy traffic situations could cause and accident. Yes the issue has been confirmed at the dealer and they replaced the transmission. That did not resolve the issue. It has not been inspected. No warnings.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11702201December 1, 2025
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a tapping sound coming from the engine compartment, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact also stated that the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the lifter rod had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 126,581.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11699840November 17, 2025
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that after remote starting the vehicle, upon entering the vehicle, the contact became aware of a burning odor in the interior of the vehicle. In addition, the contact noticed smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle, and the back glass was fractured. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a failed defrost resistor. The contact was informed that the defrost resistor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the contact stated that five years prior, a recall repair was performed, and the defrost resistor was replaced under the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 109,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11698620November 10, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Sierra Denali. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was shuddering and vibrating. The contact pulled over and opened the hood with the engine running. The contact stated that there was an abnormal ticking sound coming from the engine. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the fuel injectors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the vehicle was still running rough. The contact was advised by the mechanic that the fuel injectors needed to be reprogrammed, and the vehicle was taken to a dealer. The dealer reprogrammed the fuel injectors, but the vehicle was still running rough. The dealer had not opened the engine up to diagnose the failure; however, the dealer thought that there might be a failure with connecting rods. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11696323October 29, 2025
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. No warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the RPM increased quickly. The contact stated that the failure occurred while driving on a busy highway. The contact drove the vehicle across a four-lane highway to get the vehicle to the shoulder of the road. The contact stated that the transmission had seized. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where the vehicle was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact referenced an unknown recall with a similar failure description; however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 128,177.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11695735October 27, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES
I loose brake pedal at low speeds seen gm has recall for vacuum pump but shows mine not in recall
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11694024October 17, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN, STEERING
Driving in town going 20mph and the truck shut down not allowing for braking or gas and the steering locked up. Placed the vehicle in neutral, shut the truck off and turned it back. Was able to continue driving. Attempted to have the dealership we bought it from run a diagnostic and the battery was replaced but it continues to shut down at random times. Took the truck to a local auto shop after this happened again, another diagnostic was run, I am waiting the report to confirm what was done.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11692464October 9, 2025
ENGINE
Truck was in park idling and it started to run really rough so I turned it off. Wouldn’t start again. Now it needs a new motor.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11688844September 22, 2025
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Sierra 3500. The contact stated that while shifting from park(P) to drive(D), the engine revved, but the vehicle failed to move forward. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a certified mechanic, who determined that the vehicle needed to be diagnosed by a dealer. The mechanic was able to shift the transmission into manual drive mode, allowing the contact to drive the vehicle to the residence. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact back to the dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11688303September 19, 2025
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle started losing motive power. The accelerator pedal was depressed and the engine revved; however, the vehicle failed to respond as intended. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over, and after several attempts, the vehicle restarted. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to a local dealer and failed to exceed 10 MPH. The dealer was able to diagnose the vehicle and determined that the torque converter had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle started vibrating and stalled. The contact stated that again, there were no warning lights. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and drove the vehicle back to the same dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the fuel injectors had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the fuel injectors failed, and the contact had taken the vehicle to a different dealer. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed but was difficult to depress. The contact allowed the vehicle to coast and was able to pull off the road. The contact slowed down to approximately 2 MPH and was able to use the parking brake to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was turned off and restarted to reset the braking functionality. The contact was out of town and took the vehicle to a dealer to be diagnosed and repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 24,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11688158September 18, 2025
STEERING
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and coming to a stop, the steering wheel seized. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that while attempting to make a turn, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 118,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11685816September 8, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The OnStar system has failed, which eliminates collision detection
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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