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2026 GMC Sierra 1500

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Limited comparison data

There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.

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How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

Limited mileage data: 13 of 109 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine. Review the 73 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 24 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 11 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

0 crash reports0 fire reports0 injury reports

Engine complaints

73 reports
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Mileage unknown · Feb 28, 2026
Engine

I was out of town and driving on the highway around 75 MPH, when the motor suddenly lost all power. I was driving in the far left lane approaching an overpass. The sudden loss made it next to impossible to make it off the overpass on a very busy freeway safely while trying to navigate many cars trying to pass me . The truck ca…

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I was out of town and driving on the highway around 75 MPH, when the motor suddenly lost all power. I was driving in the far left lane approaching an overpass. The sudden loss made it next to impossible to make it off the overpass on a very busy freeway safely while trying to navigate many cars trying to pass me . The truck came to a complete halt on the white shoulder line, 50' off of overpass SH 31. The truck would not restart or do anything i could not push it any further off road. I excited the e truck and stood off the freeway for my safety, as the truck was on very edge of freeway. GMC Roadside assistance took my truck to nearest dealer. This occurred on a Friday, dealership gave me a loaner car to get home as i was from out of town. They stated it would probably be the following Tuesday maybe Wednesday before they could tell me anything. I never heard from dealership service department, so i called them on Thursday morning and was told my truck motor had seized up and a new motor was needed. Service advisor stated GMC had been contacted and paper work started and I would be getting a new motor. The service advisor also stated that he had called and left a message. We verified my phone number and he had correct number, however I still never receive a call or voice mail. I still have not received any documentation on the failure or a repairs needed.

NHTSA ODI #11721108

Mileage unknown · Feb 27, 2026
EngineSteering

I stopped at a red light in the middle of a 50 mph intersection when the light turned green The engine completely shut off, and it didn’t want to turn back on. I was stuck in the middle of the intersection in a very high risk area, putting myself and other drivers at risk. OnStar diagnostics didn’t report any issues with the tru…

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I stopped at a red light in the middle of a 50 mph intersection when the light turned green The engine completely shut off, and it didn’t want to turn back on. I was stuck in the middle of the intersection in a very high risk area, putting myself and other drivers at risk. OnStar diagnostics didn’t report any issues with the truck. According to their diagnostics, everything should have been running perfectly fine. The motor shut down completely and we weren’t able to shift the truck into neutral in order to try to move out of harms way. There was no warning lights or anything before this happened. The first tow truck driver that came by was told that he was there “in order to do a jumpstart” He ran a diagnostic on both of the batteries and said that they were perfectly fine. Another tow truck had to be dispatched since the first wasn’t equipped to take the truck. In total we were stuck in the middle of the intersection for almost three hours. The amount of times we almost had someone crash into us during that time was very concerning. Dashboard and lights were all working perfectly fine. Auto start stop technology seems to have shut down the motor and was not able to get it to turn back on . This vehicle is a safety hazard.

NHTSA ODI #11720900

Mileage unknown · Feb 23, 2026
EngineFuel/propulsion System

"Vehicle is experiencing symptoms consistent with the 6.2L L87 engine bearing failure investigation (NHTSA Probe January 2026). Despite two repair attempts, the dealer claims 'operating as designed.' I have experienced persistent engine stumble,hesitation, erratic tachometer needle flutter and significant vibrations felt through…

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"Vehicle is experiencing symptoms consistent with the 6.2L L87 engine bearing failure investigation (NHTSA Probe January 2026). Despite two repair attempts, the dealer claims 'operating as designed.' I have experienced persistent engine stumble,hesitation, erratic tachometer needle flutter and significant vibrations felt through the floorboard and seats during operation. These defects substantially impair the use ,value and safety of my vehicle.This is a serious safety concern as it creates a risk of catastrophic engine seizure at highway speeds. Manufacturer has been sent a formal 'Last Chance' letter under NJ Lemon Law." Reference # 1771884

NHTSA ODI #11719813

Mileage unknown · Feb 19, 2026
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train

Vehicle stalled in busy intersection in McKinney Texas , unable to start are shift into a neutral position on transmission to remove from extreme dangerous intersection, sheriff advised that road side assistance that was contacted is not going to be in time (90min)to keep from causing an ongoing traffic backup , sheriff dispatc…

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Vehicle stalled in busy intersection in McKinney Texas , unable to start are shift into a neutral position on transmission to remove from extreme dangerous intersection, sheriff advised that road side assistance that was contacted is not going to be in time (90min)to keep from causing an ongoing traffic backup , sheriff dispatched their own towing service to resolve the situation from getting extremely dangerous .vehicle and my wife was towed to McKinney Buick gmc dealership.

NHTSA ODI #11719035

Mileage unknown · Feb 15, 2026
EnginePower Train

Odd noise from bell housing area at 1200 miles that went with engine rpm. Took the truck in to the dealer and they said they couldn't recreate it but to bring it back in if it returned. Jan 27th at 5200 miles on the truck, I was driving down the highway at 60mph and got a reduced acceleration message on the dash along with a che…

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Odd noise from bell housing area at 1200 miles that went with engine rpm. Took the truck in to the dealer and they said they couldn't recreate it but to bring it back in if it returned. Jan 27th at 5200 miles on the truck, I was driving down the highway at 60mph and got a reduced acceleration message on the dash along with a check engine light. Brought it to the dealer and was informed it was a bad thrust bearing and needed and engine and turbo replacement. Still waiting for the truck to be done.

NHTSA ODI #11718072

6,000 miles · Feb 9, 2026
Engine

The contact owns a 2026 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal sound and failed to accelerate as needed. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repa…

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The contact owns a 2026 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal sound and failed to accelerate as needed. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and remained with the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 6,000.

NHTSA ODI #11716711

Mileage unknown · Feb 5, 2026
Engine

"Vehicle exhibits a severe RPM flutter and rhythmic harmonic vibration at idle. These symptoms are consistent with manufacturing defects in the connecting rod and crankshaft currently under NHTSA RQ26001 and EA25-007 investigations for the GM 6.2L L87 engine. The defect presents a substantial risk of sudden engine seizure and lo…

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"Vehicle exhibits a severe RPM flutter and rhythmic harmonic vibration at idle. These symptoms are consistent with manufacturing defects in the connecting rod and crankshaft currently under NHTSA RQ26001 and EA25-007 investigations for the GM 6.2L L87 engine. The defect presents a substantial risk of sudden engine seizure and loss of propulsion while driving. Vehicle is currently out of service at Jim Curley GMC for its first repair attempt. The dealer has stated repairs will not begin for several days."

NHTSA ODI #11715890

Mileage unknown · Jan 27, 2026
Engine

Total engine failure at highway speed with loss of propulsion . Catastrophic engine loss with 3,000 miles . GMC never fixed the problem with the 6.2 l87 like they said

NHTSA ODI #11713545

Mileage unknown · Jan 23, 2026
EnginePower Train

I heard a loud metallic knock that was not consistent with normal engine noise. I noticed the oil pressure was on the lower end of the scale but not abnormal based on how it is displayed. I decided to take the vehicle to the dealer ASAP for an oil change (that was coming due) and discuss with them. I drove roughly 20 miles fr…

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I heard a loud metallic knock that was not consistent with normal engine noise. I noticed the oil pressure was on the lower end of the scale but not abnormal based on how it is displayed. I decided to take the vehicle to the dealer ASAP for an oil change (that was coming due) and discuss with them. I drove roughly 20 miles from start of noise until delivery at the dealer. The truck gave me a "Reduced Acceleration, drive with caution" message 10 miles prior to the dealership but no associated lights, engine codes, check engine light or associated alerts on the myGMC app. Dealership found oil pressure ranging between 4-8 psi, and a failed oil pressure control solenoid, heavy metal debris in the oil pan including parts of the thrust bearing and oil squirter. Entire engine and turbo replacement was required. Truck had 143 hours on the engine and 6,300 miles. It was produced in August of 2025 with a purchase date of 17 October 2025. Produced: 8/25 Purchased: 10/17/25 Failed: 12/30/2025 Returned with new Engine: 1/23/26

NHTSA ODI #11712965

Mileage unknown · Jan 21, 2026
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train

2026 GMC Sierra Elevation X31 with 3.0 Duramax Diesel engine, 132-miles, thrust bearing 1.53-mm out of tolerance requiring engine and turbo replacement. Engine build date 25219 (07 AUG 2025), vehicle assembly date August 2025, purchased 10 OCT 2025, entered service for engine and turbo failure on 11 NOV 2025, returned 10 JAN 20…

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2026 GMC Sierra Elevation X31 with 3.0 Duramax Diesel engine, 132-miles, thrust bearing 1.53-mm out of tolerance requiring engine and turbo replacement. Engine build date 25219 (07 AUG 2025), vehicle assembly date August 2025, purchased 10 OCT 2025, entered service for engine and turbo failure on 11 NOV 2025, returned 10 JAN 2026.

NHTSA ODI #11712398

Official recalls

2

26V289000 · Power Train:transfer Case (4-WHEEL Drive)

May 7, 2026

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2026 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, and GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles with four-wheel (4WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), and certain 2015-2020 Suburban, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Yukon, Yukon XL, and Tahoe vehicles. A component missing from the drivetrain transfer case may cause the front and/or rear wheels to lock up without warning to the driver.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Front or rear wheel lockup increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the remedy is completed. Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the transfer case assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 18, 2026. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223. GM's number for this recall is N262557620. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on May 7, 2026.

26V114000 · Equipment:other:owners/service/other Manual

Feb 26, 2026

General Motors has decided that certain 2027 Chevrolet Bolt EV, 2025-2026 Cadillac OPTIQ, Chevrolet Colorado, Equinox EV, GMC Canyon, 2026 Buick Enclave, Envision, Cadillac CT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade IQ, Escalade IQL, LYRIQ, VISTIQ, Chevrolet Blazer EV, Corvette Convertible, Corvette Coupe, Corvette Convertible E-Ray, Equinox, Silverado 1500, 2500, 3500, Silverado EV, Suburban 1500, Tahoe, Traverse, GMC Acadia, Hummer EV Pickup, Hummer EV SUV, Sierra 1500, 2500, 3500, Sierra EV, Terrain, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The radio may not have been set to the correct status to download the electronic owner's manual during production. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, “Occupant Protection.”

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Without an owner's manual to consult, owners may not know how to safely use and operate the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will reset the vehicle radio, which will facilitate automatic download of the electronic owner’s manual, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 16, 2026. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-866-467-9700, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223. The manufacturer's number for this recall is N252540430. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on February 26, 2026.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

EA26005 · Loss Of Motive Power Due To Engine Failure Post Recall Remedy

Opened Aug 20, 2026 · No close date supplied

Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Engine

On January 16, 2026, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Recall Query RQ26001.  This investigation was opened to assess the remedy effectiveness of Recall 25V-274. ODI has received complaints alleging engine failure in vehicles after the recall remedy had been completed, whether that remedy involved an oil viscosity change or a complete engine replacement. General Motors (GM) issued Recall 25V-274 to address concerns of engine failure in the L87 engines produced between March 1, 2021 and May 31, 2024. GM cited the root cause as a supplier manufacturing and quality issue. GM’s recall remedy for Recall 25V-274 consisted of two different repairs, either an oil viscosity change or an engine replacement, based on the results of the remedy inspection procedure. ODI continues to receive reports of engine failures after the completion of the recall remedy. To date, ODI has received 499 complaints alleging post-remedy engine failure in vehicles subject to Recall 25V-274, 473 of which involved an oil viscosity change and 26 a complete engine replacement. Additionally, ODI has received 191 reports of L87 engine failures in engines produced after the production period cited in Recall 25V-274. GM reported receiving 6,953 complaints of post-remedy engine failure. ODI is opening this Engineering Analysisto continue investigating complaints of post-remedy engine failure. ODI is expanding the scope of this Investigation to include engines produced after the production period cited in the recall. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.