GMC Sierra Complaints (2021)

671 consumer complaints on file.

#11515485April 4, 2023
ENGINE
I was operating my vehicle in northern Minnesota with a temperature well below freezing. Vehicle warning light came on that said "turn off vehicle" which I did. When I went to start it again it would not turn over. It appeared that a large amount of oil had expelled from the vehicle. It was very dangerous as I was in a very remote area with very poor cell service and extremely cold temperatures. I couldn't even run the vehicle to stay warm. The vehicle was towed to the nearest GMC dealership where they examined the vehicle and stated that the seal of the oil filter had blown off. They further stated that the oil filter which was installed by Valvoline was the wrong size. Valvoline tested the Champion oil filter and came back with findings that the filter was the correct size and noted no damage to the filter. Either there is an unknown problem with the GM engine or the Champion oil filter. Each corporation continues to point fingers at each others product.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11511128March 10, 2023
SERVICE BRAKES
I bought a loaner 2021 GM Sierra 1500 in Aug. 2021 from Starling Buick GMC, Venice, FL with 1600 miles on it. I used the Sierra to move items from my houses in my trailer from both FL to PA and PA to FL. On each trip The trailer brake controller would go out while driving. The first time it occurred was on a trip from FL to PA, during this trip it happened at least four times. Upon arrival in PA I took it to Kelly Buick GMC in Allentown, PA. They looked over the vehicle, saw there were codes in history indicating an issue with the trailer brake system but could not replicate it or pinpoint what part of the system was faulty. The dealer told me that GM will not fix it if it is in history only if it is currently giving a code. On the return trip back to FL from PA, same thing several times it occurred, took it back to the selling dealer Starling, and they gave me the same speech as Kelly , can't fix it without a current code. Next trip from FL to PA, same thing took it to Kelly again, same response. Back to FL from PA, same thing, Starling gave me the same response, they can't and won't do anything. I told Starling service rep I guess I need to die before you do anything, she was completely indifferent to my comment and backed GM without any regard for my safety. It is sporadic and inconsistent and obviously only occurs when there is a trailer attached. They said it was my trailer so I took it to a trailer mechanic, we tested it on its own and on another vehicle with no problem. The brake controller failed while hauling a trailer potentially allowing a serious if not deadly accident with improper braking capabilities. Even though two dealers in two different states acknowledge there is an issue they refuse to correct it because they can not replicate it. The brake controller lights would go out as you're driving indicating the brake controller is not connected to the trailer and providing a supplemental braking system. 2022 and 2023 have this issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11508746February 23, 2023
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Less than 5 minutes after my husband and 2 children parked the car and came inside, a neighbor walking rang our doorbell to let us know there was something on fire in our driveway. We ran to the back to find his truck engulfed in flames coming from the engine. We quickly called 911 and exited the house/property. The truck continued to burn with 20-25 foot flames and very black smoke for about 40 minutes until the fire department was able to control the fire. The fire was hot enough that the entire engine was significantly burnt, the seats and steering wheel were gone, the glass shattered and melted, and the tires exploded and melted. Thankfully, everyone was out of harms way and safe through this incident. However, it has been extremely traumatic on my family and neighbors and has taken a lot of time and energy to try to deal with this. The car sat in our driveway for over 2 weeks with a very potent smell causing headaches until GM and our insurance finally investigated. There is damage to our siding, driveway, landscaping, basketball hoop, trampoline, and neighbors fence. The car was only 2 years old and scares me how quickly it went up in flames and how much worse this could have been either 3 minutes earlier or if it was parked in our garage.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11502347January 18, 2023
AIR BAGS, SEAT BELTS
I get a "Service Safety Restraint System" warning sporadically when driving. No known cause and the vehicle has never been in an accident. This started happening after my last service at Capital Buick GMC in Smyrna, GA on January 6th, 2023.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11501848January 15, 2023
ENGINE
2021 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4 6.2L engine, Little over 39000 miles, Purchesed May 2021. This is the second time the vehicle has had this issue. The first time was aprox 15000 miles. I reported the issue to NHTSA-ODI on 6 Dec 2021 tracking # 11442943. I was driving down the interstate I heard a rattling coming from the engine (same as I had heard with the first issue). The check engine came on I ask On Star to do a digonsotic report (see attached report). The report indicated a Fuel Management System issue detected advised to reduce vehicle speed and pay load as possible. I was told by GM certified mechanics that this issue could cause the engine to lock up and come to a complete stop on the roadway. I fill that these vehicle are unsafe to operate under these conditions and may cause serious accidents. GM has known about these issues with these vehicles for several years and has failed to correct the problem.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11501309January 11, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving at various speeds with the ONSTAR/GPS, turn-by-turn driving directions activated, there was an unknown notification flashing on the instrument panel and radio. The speedometer was obstructed and failed to work as needed. The screen sporadically went blank. While depressing the dismiss button on the steering wheel, the button failed to correct the failure. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and the system was rebooted; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer and the contact was informed to turn off the vehicle, open the door, and then restart the vehicle to reboot the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer, Bill Cramer Chevrolet Buick GMC (2251 W 23rd St, Panama City, FL 32405) but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 10,450.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11499765January 2, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My truck’s battery is dead after sitting for a few days. There is a manufacturing deficit causing parasitic draw. This is a safety issue because it leaves us stranded after parking the vehicle for a few days. The General Motors dealership refuses to do it anything about it. They claim it’s normal.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11499821January 2, 2023
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
During winter/snow driving snow accumulates on the headlights and causes a partial to total loss of visibility. This has happened multiple times during winter months. Cleaning the headlights requires exiting the vehicle in a potentially dangerous situation. This may occur after every few miles or less depending on the conditions.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11497706December 16, 2022
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
15000 MILES LIFTER FAILURE IN TRAFFIC HIGHWAY AT SPEED 70 MPH LOST POWER ENGINE FAILED MULTILANE HIGHWAY RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC NO WARNING FAILURE
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11497657December 15, 2022
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I have a 2021 GC Sierra 1500, The guidance lines in the display when in reverse go from non-existent to barely visible and are not usable especially in sunlight. The service man at Miller Chevrolet in Marianna Fla says GMC is aware of the problem, that it was caused by the last update download and will be fixed by another download to correct the problem. He also says the same issue is nationwide and all trucks have the issue which I find hard to believe. 1.If that were true it would be a simple matter of a few lines of code to correct the problem. 2. I have been chasing this problem since October and have now made four trips to the dealership. 3. I cannot believe all trucks have this issue and also I suspect the same backup system is in all GMC vehicles regardless of type. 4. I cannot believe GMC would allow such a problem to exist since the last update download which was months ago. 5. I contacted GMC Customer Care in October after the dealership told me they had no idea what was causing the issue. I have had a case number [XXX] since that time. I was told on the first call that if necessary a Tech would be sent to fix the problem. Today I called asking for a tech to be sent only to be told I had to take it to another dealership and try them before a Tech could be sent! I have two questions, can you help with this and does this qualify as a "lemon law" case? Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. 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
#11497286December 13, 2022
SERVICE BRAKES
All 4 brake rotors are warped according to my local GMC dealership. They also told me all of the inside brake pads are worn twice as much as the outer pads, which in my opinion indicates a manufacturing and/or computer controller issue. Safety is an issue when the inside brake pad wears down to metal while the outers are still over 75% of new thickness. GMC dealer told me they're seeing this on countless Sierra trucks made in the past few years but there is no recall and GMC will not cover it under warranty. First symptom was slight pulsing while braking downhill. 2-3 weeks later my brake pad wear indicator read 82% front, 88% rear. The following day it gave me an error message saying "service brake monitor" so I took it to my GMC dealer which is when they told me my brake pads and rotors all need to be replaced but the truck only had 22800 miles on it at that time. They said it could still be driven and pass inspection. Since then I have contacted GMC about them covering it and I have not made any progress. GMC has had numerous brake issues resulting in recalls in the past 3-6 years but unfortunately this particular issue has not yet reached recall status. I hope this gets resolved before I am forced to pay for brake replacements out of pocket, which nobody should have to do on a vehicle with so little miles on it. The work order invoice I uploaded indicates ""pads at wear limit, both front and rear" but it does not specify what the technician and service advisor told me regarding only the inside pads are worn. However I do have a recording of the service advisor telling me that if needed. You'll also notice that I uploaded a copy of the state inspection done by them that same day which indicates my brake system passed the requirements. Please help.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11494861November 25, 2022
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
Within 100 miles after purchasing this truck from GMC (used with 74K miles)I got messages both on my phone and later through inspection at GMC service center that the DEF system had a problem. The check engine light came on then off as well.I was getting messages saying I only had so many miles before the DEF system needed more fluid even though the tank was full or near full. The dealer here in Tucson indicated there was a bulletin on this problem and ordered parts for the repair. I was informed it was not a recall and I would have to pay over $800.00 for this repair. To date the dealer has had my truck for 2 weeks. Additionally, another message said insufficient coolant flow so they are installing a new coolant pump to be paid for by an after market warranty which I purchased at the time I bought the truck. This repair is over $1000.00
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11493110November 10, 2022
SERVICE BRAKES
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that the grandson was driving in stop-and-go traffic, the braking system suddenly malfunctioned causing the vehicle to crash into the rear of a second vehicle. The grandson was driving approximately 10 MPH when suddenly while pressing the brake pedal to stop the message "brake failure" displayed before the vehicle crashed into the rear of the second vehicle. During the crash, no injuries were reported and a police report was taken at the scene. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who replaced the master cylinder and brake booster and the failure was remedied. The failure mileage was 21,539
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11491956November 2, 2022
SERVICE BRAKES
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 2500. The contact stated while approaching a stop sign and depressing the brake pedal, the brakes were squeaking. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the brake pads needed to be replaced. The brakes on the vehicle were replaced but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to another dealer and the caliper on the front driver’s side was replaced and the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to another dealer who was aware of the issue however, there was no recall for the failure. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 800.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11491179October 27, 2022
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL, ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the dashboard gauges, instrument cluster, and infotainment center malfunctioned and became inoperable. Additionally, while starting the vehicle, there was a loud cranking sound coming from the engine compartment and the vehicle would not immediately start. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, but the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 100.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11489962October 19, 2022
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle went into Limp Mode with the check engine, DEF tank, and emission warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the dealer replaced several unknown sensors; however, the failure recurred. The dealer determined that the computer needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11487673October 3, 2022
STRUCTURE:BODY:TAILGATE
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle, it was discovered that the electronic multifunction tailgate had erroneously opened. Also, during the failure the tailgate struck a scooter lift that was attached to the vehicle. Both the tailgate and the scooter lift were damaged. The contact indicated that the failure had occurred on multiple occasions. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to determine the cause of the failure and the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure. The contact was concerned that if a heavy load was being carried at the time of the failure it might have fallen onto a busy freeway. The failure mileage was 6,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11486201September 24, 2022
VISIBILITY/WIPER, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The driver-side mirror on my 2021 GMC sierra is unusable at freeway speed. When traveling at freeway speed the glass moves due to wind and causes the reflection in the mirror to be blurry. The reflection from the mirror is blurry to the point that I'm unable to identify objects in the mirror and it is difficult to gauge size and closing speed of any objects in the mirror. The issue has been with the vehicle since I purchased it new in June of 2021. The issue has been reproduced by two different dealership service centers and the entire driver-side mirror assembly has be replaced twice with the issue persisting. I have videos showing the issue but they are too large of files to upload on this form.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11485362September 19, 2022
SERVICE BRAKES, STEERING
I start my car and I went to pull off and the steering wheel locked up and I couldn’t turn it and it was just stuck going to sit power steering EC something. And then came home parked the car few days later try driving it and then the ABS brake light came on warning me not to go over 65 mph and my brakes pad feel really loose now.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11481375August 26, 2022
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that he had received an unknown Manufacturer recall notification related to the Back Over Prevention camera. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the recall repair was performed. Upon return of the vehicle, the grid pattern on the camera was very dim and was not visible to the contact while in use. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where he was informed that the recall was performed correctly and that no further repair could be performed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was then referred to Bob Clapper Automotive (3601 E Milwaukee St, Janesville, WI 535460) for further assistance. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the dealer offered no further assistance. The dealer provided the same information as the original dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 7,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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