GMC Sierra Complaints (2020)

626 consumer complaints on file.

#11698575November 10, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1. The vehicle’s emissions system is malfunctioning, specifically the ECM (Engine Control Module) related to the exhaust emissions system. The diagnostic trouble code is P2C7A, indicating the system is not performing as expected. Key components such as the NOx catalytic converters and diesel particulate filter have been repeatedly replaced, but the issue persists. The vehicle and all replaced components are available for inspection upon request. 2. The malfunctioning emissions system has led to an exhaust leak that allowed exhaust gases to enter the vehicle’s cab. This creates a hazardous environment for both the driver and passengers, exposing them to harmful exhaust fumes. In addition to reduced engine performance, poorer fuel economy, and emissions non-compliance, this exhaust leak poses a serious safety risk by compromising the air quality inside the vehicle. Prolonged operation under these conditions could lead to adverse health effects and further mechanical failures that impact vehicle safety. 3. Yes. The dealership has diagnosed the problem multiple times. The emissions components have been replaced under warranty on two separate occasions. The dealer attributed the fault to fuel quality; however, Fuel distributor debunked these claims. 4. The vehicle has been inspected extensively by the dealership with invoiced repair work replacing key emissions control components. 5. The check engine light and Service Engine Soon (SES) light have been illuminated with the diagnostic code P2C7A since the initial identification of the problem which started 3JUN24
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11698208November 7, 2025
ENGINE
At approximately 54,000 miles had a complete engine failure. Lifter blew apart and damaged crank shaft. Complete engine rebuild. Rebuilt in approximately 3 weeks. 2022 At approximately 138,000 miles had another complete engine failure. Lifter blew apart again, Entire engine was replaced. New engine took 10 weeks to get. Installed in 2 days after recieved. 2025 No symptoms or warning lights present prior to failure.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11697915November 6, 2025
ENGINE
Engine knock, loss of power, engine failure warning, ticking
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11697543November 5, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Coolant control valve and engine cooling fan
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11697489November 4, 2025
ENGINE
While driving at highway speed and attempting to pass another vehicle, I experienced an engine failure; loss of power, noise from engine, and numerous warning messages on the display. At the GM dealer, I was informed that a pushrod (cylinder #2) was bent, the source of the engine noise. Upon further inspection (removal of cylinder heads), it was determined that the cam shaft chrome had begun to flake causing pitting (lobe damage) which in turn caused the pushrod to fail. Had the pushrod broke instead of bent at highway speed, I feel there would have been a catastrophic failure with more severe consequences for my vehicle and others around me. Vehicle was diagnosed and repaired by a certified GM dealer. There were no prior warnings/indications of problem(s). I understand there is a current recall of the GM 6.2L L87 engine for model years 2021-2024. This incident occurred on a model year 2020 GM 6.2L L87, but the issues I experienced are identical to the 2021-2024 engines identified in the recall.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11697009November 2, 2025
ENGINE
I experienced lifter and camshaft failure on my 2020 GMC Sierra equipped with the 6.2L V8 engine at approximately 72,000 km. GMC denied warranty coverage as my factory warranty had expired only four months earlier. The repair cost me nearly $10,000 out of pocket. My vehicle has been meticulously maintained with regular oil changes performed at my local GMC dealer every 5,000 km, and it has always been fueled with premium gasoline as recommended by the manufacturer. The engine failure was sudden and unexpected. All lifters and the camshaft were replaced during the repair. Since the repair, I have noticed intermittent RPM fluctuation under light load conditions. I am currently working with my dealer to diagnose whether this issue is related to the recent engine repair or a transmission flush that was performed at the same time. I am extremely disappointed in GMC’s handling of this situation. Despite this being a well-documented issue with the 6.2L engine, I received no goodwill assistance or warranty consideration from GMC. While my dealer provided a partial discount on parts and labor, I was still responsible for nearly the entire repair cost. I hope GMC and NHTSA will review this matter closely, as owners should not be facing such expensive failures on well-maintained vehicles with this engine.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11696921November 1, 2025
ENGINE
A lifter in my cylinder is bad and damage to my cam shaft. This truck also has the 6.2L engine that was recalled for other GMC Vehicles.My safety was put at risk as I was driving it and it started smoking. I have had 2 different mechanics look at it. One mechanic was an independent business, the other was a certified GMC dealer. There was no warning lamps or messages.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11696307October 29, 2025
ENGINE
Rod bearings spun and engine locked up while driving 70mph on the freeway. I was in traffic, and had to work my way over and off to the shoulder of the road. The engine was diagnosed and replaced by Hiley GMC at a cost of nearly $5,000 out of my pocket. This was at approximately 63,000 miles. Just out of warranty. No loaner vehicle provided. I was without my truck for 2 months. There were no warnings at all. No lights or noises of any kind. Rod bearings spun again on the replacement engine approximately 35,000 mile later. It happened same as before. Driving on the freeway at 70mph, and the engine seized. No power steering, no warning noises or lights. I had to coast across lanes through traffic and onto the shoulder. Diagnosed and replaced by Jerry's GMC. They replaced the motor at no charge except I had to provide the new radiator because it was on backorder. They had the truck for over 3 months and I had no loaner vehicle. With approximately 65,000 miles on the latest engine, a lifter went out. I put it in the shop to have all the lifters replaced, and motor mounts replaced at a cost of $6500. Upon taking the truck for a test drive, the engine seized in traffic under an overpass and blocked one lane of traffic. The shop dropped the oil pan to check it out, and, lo and behold, this engine has spun rod bearings again. There is definitely a serious and dangerous problem with the L87 6.2L. Being a 2020, it is not currently included in the recall, but it needs to be included. I spun bearings the first time in August of 2021. I was hoping it was just bad luck. I hadn't heard of all the instances at the time. I've never had a major engine failure prior to this model, and this one has failed 3 times in the same truck with meticulous maintenance.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11696129October 28, 2025
ENGINE
The check engine light went off and started blinking. The engine started making ticking noise. I pulled over. The check engine light kept blinking. I had the truck towed to the Chevy Dealership. They found damage to the lifter and camshaft. They had the truck for over 2 weeks. Luckily I purchased the extended warranty. But the repair still cost me 1,200.00 dollars out of pocket. And cost the warranty company over 9,000.00 dollars
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11696142October 28, 2025
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2020 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. In addition, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine. Multiple warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to coast to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The engine was repaired. Most recently, while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal, with an abnormal sound coming from the engine. Multiple warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the camshaft, bearings, and lifters in cylinder #4 had failed. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. However, no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 19,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11695951October 27, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
Tick sound coming from underneath. Also fumes smell. Dealership found it to be the exhaust system. Said the muffler valve is bad. Quoted me $2000 for repair. Never heard of a exhaust system failure in only 5 years. Very unsatisfied with this.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11695675October 26, 2025
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I heard a ticking noise coming from the engine compartment. I took it to the dealership that I purchased the truck from and that have been using consistently for service. I was told that the noise was coming from a lifter on the driver's side of the engine and, on further investigation, it was determined that the camshaft had been damaged. I was told that it could seize up as I was driving and that my safety and those with and around me would be at risk. At 85,000 miles, the engine had failed and would have to be replaced. There was no prior warning or no check engine light and the vehicle has been in for oil changes and all maintenance at the dealership. The new engine cost me $15000 including diagnosis and towing.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11694578October 20, 2025
ENGINE
I noticed a ticking sound in my 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 SLT 5.3 Liter on 10/15/2025 after it was serviced at an Authorize Buick GMC Dealership on 10/13/2025. I made an appointment and returned the vehicle to the dealership for further inspection on 10/17/2025. I was informed later that day that my truck has lifters and camshaft failure. If my truck had stalled or stopped on the express way, myself and others safety could have been at risk. My truck has only been looked at by the dealership at this time, and it is available for inspection upon request. There were no warning lights, check engine lights, messages or symptoms prior to the failure. I did get a low oil level message in April 2024 when the dealership stated they must not have put the correct amount of oil in my truck during an oil change on 1/29/2024. They inspected my truck and assured me there was no damage done to my Engine from this issue. I have recently learned there is a recall for GM Vehicles manufactured between 2021 and 2024 with the 6.2L engine installed. I am not sure why this recall does not include 2020 trucks with the 5.3L engines installed. Apparently, the same problems exist with these engines also. I received an estimate for repair approximately $13,000 which can increase once the engine is town down and inspected further. Any assistance you can provide would be greatly appreciated.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11694051October 17, 2025
ENGINE
The engine failed completely while driving. On the day of the incident, I started my 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4, and immediately upon cranking, the engine began knocking loudly. I shut the vehicle off right away to prevent further damage and called a wrecker service to have it towed to Marianna Chevrolet, GMC. No warning lights or messages prior to the incident. The weather was clear and dry, and the truck was parked on level ground at the time. There were no prior warning lights, leaks, or unusual noises before this event. The vehicle has been well-maintained, with oil changes performed regularly every 4,000 miles at a local auto shop (though receipts are not available). The brakes were replaced earlier in 2025. Marianna Chevrolet, GMC inspected the vehicle and estimated the repair cost at $12,700 due to what appears to be a major internal engine failure.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11693845October 16, 2025
STRUCTURE:BODY
Known defect with 2019 and now 2020 GMC sierra trucks. Design was updated for 2021+ which has corrected the seal failure defect. GM has issued a service bulletin to dealers about how to repair the problem. Back window is leaking water. Defective seal noted by GM. GM is only covering the cost of repair if. Vehicle is still under 3/36 warranty. If outside your warranty cost from dealer to owner is $2500 to $6000. A known design failure GM recognized and took steps to change the design for future. Vehicles but will not stand behind vehicles that have this defect. Would like the cost to the repair fall back to GM to cover. Bulletin # 18NA383 [XXX] 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
#11693509October 15, 2025
ENGINE
43000 miles 2020 gmc sierra with lifter engine issues. Oil change made every 3k miles
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11693652October 15, 2025
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2020 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving approximately 40-60 MPH, the transmission hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with transmission control module (TCM) failure. The contact was informed that the TCM needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V797000 (POWER TRAIN); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 75,200.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11693313October 14, 2025
ENGINE
6.2L V8 engine in 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4 suffered two lifter failures, which damaged crankshaft and sent metal shards throughout engine and oil. Total engine replacement required. This issue is subject to a recall for 2021 - 2024 model years and the recall should extend to 2020 model years. Vehicle was traded without functioning engine at a significant loss in value for new vehicle, and is not available for inspection. Vehicle was inspected by service department at GMC dealership and traded to a different GMC dealer. No prior indications of problems or warning lights until engine failure occurred while driving.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11693346October 14, 2025
POWER TRAIN
Torque converter in my transmission we out, causing my gears to grind and lose power. Slight rumbling sound under the front passenger seat, First dealer (Palmen Motors, Kenosha WI) told me there was nothing wrong with the vehicle and no transmission error codes exist. Second dealer (Parks GMC, Greenville SC) indicated that i need a complete new transmission. Part is on backorder for the last 4 weeks and I am without my vehicle. No ETA for new part or any information on why it failed prematurely.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11691992October 8, 2025
ENGINE
the engine seized at 65mph. available for inspection. was left stranded in a limited access area with no cell service. there was no warning, the engine just stopped at highway speed and would not restart. the problem was confirmed by an independent service center. they couldnt identify which component had failed without a costly teardown. occurred at 112,000 miles, past the 100,000 mile powertrain warranty.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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