Owners have filed 152 complaints
about the 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 with NHTSA between 2025 and 2026.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 25 of 31 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 20
Against the median year of the GMC Sierra 1500. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 0
0% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
100% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2026 compares with every other GMC Sierra 1500
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
538.5%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
753.8%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
17.7%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Sep 2025peak 38Sep 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2026 GMC Sierra 1500
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
1
investigation is
still open.
EA26005Opened 20 Aug 2026Still openENGINE
Loss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedy
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 reca...
Recalls on the 2026 GMC Sierra 1500
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
26V289000
POWER TRAIN:TRANSFER CASE (4-WHEEL DRIVE)
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.
Risk: Front or rear wheel lockup increases the risk of a crash.
26V114000
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
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.”
Risk: 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.
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Mesa, AZ
ENGINE
At just below 5,000 miles of use, my new 2026 GMC Sierra At4 (6.2L V8 engine) is currently undergoing a total engine replacement arising from traces of metal being detected in the oil filter. Although covered by GMC Warranty since it is essentially a brand-new vehicle, I wanted to report this issue as it is most likely part of the large GM recall pertaining to this L87 engine since I am concerned this is related to ongoing 6.2L L87 engine failure investigation. It is expected to be out for around 4-6 weeks with a new engine incoming and would want to be covered if the new engine fails in the future with any issues relating to this case.
NHTSA complaint #11764094 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Paducah, KY
ENGINE
on Friday the 11th the vehicle quit running had to be towed and left me stranded in the middle of an intersection. This is a second vehicle from GM with the 6.2 L engine that has done this to me. The dealer says it’s catastrophic engine failure, and they’re gonna replace the engine. I was told that GM Edward repaired this issue but is still selling brand new trucks with this motor that has this failure, they can lead people stranded in very compromising positions.
NHTSA complaint #11764203 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jonestown, TX
ENGINE
Was driving the vehicle and started making a loud knocking noise and had a loss of power.
NHTSA complaint #11763861 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 700 milesAurora, MO
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2026 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated to maintain automotive power and was a potential safety risk for his wife and children. The message "Shift to Park and Restart Vehicle” was displayed. The vehicle was shifted into park(P) and back into drive(D) as a temporary fix. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer on several occasions to be diagnosed; however, the cause of the failure was unknown. The failure mileage was approximately 700.
NHTSA complaint #11763117 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Willow Springs, NC
ENGINE
Rattling, knocking sound from the 6.2 ltr motor. Dealer verified engine failure, needs to be replace. Engine failed with only 4770 miles. Never made it to the first oil change.
NHTSA complaint #11762965 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chattanooga, TN
ENGINE
Complete engine failure. Had to get the engine replaced with only 2,700 miles on it. Back in the shop on 9/5 to fix the engine again.
NHTSA complaint #11762681 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Corpus Christi, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The infotainment system keeps having the sound completely shut off. The radio, GPS, blinker system sound will not work.
NHTSA complaint #11762558 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hazel Green, AL
ENGINE
Three times this has happened. Most recently Pulling in drive and jumps out of drive to park with a jerk and stops.
NHTSA complaint #11762573 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Conway, AR
POWER TRAIN
The contact owned a 2026 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while slowly driving up a slightly inclined driveway and making a left turn, the engine shut off. The contact stated that either the parking brake activated, or the vehicle suddenly decelerated. The contact stated that the failure had occurred several times, with three identical vehicles, including the loaner vehicle provided by the dealer. During the failure, the messages, "Press Start" and "Service Transmission" were displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was later traded in for an identical vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure.
NHTSA complaint #11762072 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 500 milesLenexa, KS
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2026 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission independently shifted to park or neutral. The contact stated that the failure had occurred while driving at slow speeds. The contact stated that during one failure, the brakes independently activated, and the vehicle shut off. The contact stated that while attempting to restart the vehicle, the vehicle started. The contact stated that the failure was persistent. The dealer was made aware of the failure by phone. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the diagnostic result was not provided. The failure mileage was approximately 500.
NHTSA complaint #11761844 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 29 milesConway, AR
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2026 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while slowly driving up a slightly inclined drive port and making a left turn, the vehicle shut off and the parking brake was activated or the vehicle suddenly decelerated. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on several occasions with three separate identical vehicles, including the loaner vehicle provided by the dealer. During the failure, the messages "Press Start" and "Service Transmission" were displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 29.
NHTSA complaint #11761966 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Orient, OH
ENGINE
XXX Pulling into Mason Park - Truck Shot down while driving. Went into Park (immediate stop) 2 of my Kids were in the truck at the time. Restarted truck and loud Noises. Immediately backed into parking space shut down and towed. Sent to dealership XXX Called spoke co/ Mark. [XXX] had tech. look at truck. expressed My concerns and Should Never occurred @ 6788 miles. Expressed Something Needs done. Recommend contact GMc. - Call GMC, Crated a Case #XXX. Engine replaced after 2 months. No one checked the transmission or had explained why it went into park while in operation.Refused to look at any other concerns. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11761659 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Saint Joseph, MO
ENGINE
We were told when we purchased our 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 that all the engine problems have been remedied. Purchased our new truck January 3, 2026 put 2001 miles on the truck went on June 29. The engine suddenly just stopped while driving on the highway. We were able to pull over unable to ever get it to start forced to have it towed to a nearby GMC dealer where it has been ever since were told it had to have a complete new engine put in we have corresponded with General motors on three different occasions we still sit with no offer as we did apply for a lemon law buyback but General Motors continues to sell these vehicles which is very deceptive and misleading as this situation was not remedied in any 25 or 26 models.
NHTSA complaint #11760716 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Toms River, NJ, NJ
ENGINE
Took ownership of this vehicle on XXX. 6.2 motor build date XXX at Tonawanda plant. Currently have 10,600 miles on vehicle. First and second oil changes at GMC facility T&T Coast Buick, GMC located in [XXX] First at 4,441 miles, oil part number 19420077. Second oil change at 8,379 miles, oil part number 19420077 This oil part number is for 5W-30. ACDelco bulk engine oil (Dexos1 Gen2 Full Synthetic 5W-30). The correct oil was not used. From what I have read this is a GM "oil trap" so if there is a problem with the motor GM can deny warranty coverage because the wrong oil was used. I have not adressed this with the dealership yet. If there is a 6.2 motor problem with my vehicle in the future am I going to be denied coverage? I am worried. I also have the extended warranty. Thank you. [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11760724 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sartell, MN
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Learned that GMC engines may have an issue. We haven't had one as yet.
NHTSA complaint #11760243 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kingsford, MI
ENGINE
While driving through city traffic at approximately 35 mph the truck engine made a quick loud noise and then immediately shutoff. The power steering went out and then I was unable to pull off the road completely as the engine would not start back up. This truck is a 2026 with 9,000 miles, 6.2L motor. After being towed to a GM Service facility it was determined that the motor had blown up on the truck. A vehicle shutting off while driving down the road is an extreme safety concern in my opinion.
NHTSA complaint #11760220 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 7,500 milesMatawan, NJ
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2026 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted and the vehicle decelerated to 10 MPH. No warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled over to the shoulder of the road, and the vehicle was towed to a local dealer. The vehicle remained with the dealer for additional diagnostic tests and unknown recurring failure codes. In addition, the contact stated that the failure worsened and occurred while his wife, sister-in-law, niece, and child were present inside the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 7,500.
NHTSA complaint #11759680 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Milford, MI
ENGINE
This truck has the GM L87 6.2L engine that is currently on recall for 2021- 2024 model years, but recently the NHTSA is looking into post engine replacement failures and 2025-26 model year issues. My engine at 7,000 miles failed for rod bearings. Same issues reported years ago and 100k engines ago. GM has not fixed the problem, its still happening.
NHTSA complaint #11759857 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Meridian, ID
POWER TRAIN
Bought the vehicle brand new at the end of april. 2 weeks later and at 557 miles, the engine had a lifter failure and needed to be replaced. One day after picking it up after the engine replacement, a fuel injector went bad and needed to be replaced. About 2 days ago, the check engine light lit up, and the GMC app said it was a code for the transmission system (popped on after attempting to remote start the vehicle, although the light did shut off on its own the next day after a software update on the vehicle)
NHTSA complaint #11759297 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Meridian, ID
POWER TRAIN
I bought the vehicle brand new in april 2026. On May 3rd, approximately 2 weeks after I bought it, I experienced a lifter failure that caused metal to get into the oil pan/engine and the engine needed to be replaced. About a month later after repairs were complete, I picked up my vehicle on a Friday night, and the very next morning, had issues again. Took it back to the dealer and a fuel injector went bad and needed to be replaced. I recently attempted to use the remote start feature and as soon as it fired up, the engine cut out. I went to start it again and the check engine light came on. My GMC app said the code was transmission related, although it cleared on its on the next morning after a software update.
NHTSA complaint #11759298 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Weatherford, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The truck has lost power unexpectedly while driving, and lately I've also noticed some lag when I accelerate. The truck is available to be inspected. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The truck suddenly lost power while I was driving and told me to restart the vehicle. Losing power unexpectedly almost caused me to get stuck in an intersection and could have caused an accident in a busy shopping center. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? No. I took it to the GMC dealership after the second time it happened, but they couldn't get it to do it again and said there were no codes showing. They told me to bring it back if it happens a third time. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Yes. I took it to the GMC dealership to have it checked after the second power-loss issue happened. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? When it lost power, the truck prompted me to restart the vehicle. I have also recently started noticing some lag when accelerating and starting the vehicle. There was no warning before it happened.
NHTSA complaint #11759373 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Meridian, ID
ENGINE
Bought the vehicle brand new at the end of april. 2 weeks later and at 557 miles, the engine had a lifter failure and needed to be replaced. One day after picking it up after the engine replacement, a fuel injector went bad and needed to be replaced. About 2 days ago, the check engine light lit up, and the GMC app said it was a code for the transmission system (popped on after attempting to remote start the vehicle, although the light did shut off on its own the next day after a software update on the vehicle)
NHTSA complaint #11759297 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Meridian, ID
ENGINE
I bought the vehicle brand new in april 2026. On May 3rd, approximately 2 weeks after I bought it, I experienced a lifter failure that caused metal to get into the oil pan/engine and the engine needed to be replaced. About a month later after repairs were complete, I picked up my vehicle on a Friday night, and the very next morning, had issues again. Took it back to the dealer and a fuel injector went bad and needed to be replaced. I recently attempted to use the remote start feature and as soon as it fired up, the engine cut out. I went to start it again and the check engine light came on. My GMC app said the code was transmission related, although it cleared on its on the next morning after a software update.
NHTSA complaint #11759298 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Clearwater, FL
ENGINE
rocker arms replacement at 5,000 miles on my truck. Palm Harbor Tasca GMC
NHTSA complaint #11759354 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Weatherford, TX
ENGINE
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The truck has lost power unexpectedly while driving, and lately I've also noticed some lag when I accelerate. The truck is available to be inspected. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The truck suddenly lost power while I was driving and told me to restart the vehicle. Losing power unexpectedly almost caused me to get stuck in an intersection and could have caused an accident in a busy shopping center. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? No. I took it to the GMC dealership after the second time it happened, but they couldn't get it to do it again and said there were no codes showing. They told me to bring it back if it happens a third time. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Yes. I took it to the GMC dealership to have it checked after the second power-loss issue happened. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? When it lost power, the truck prompted me to restart the vehicle. I have also recently started noticing some lag when accelerating and starting the vehicle. There was no warning before it happened.
NHTSA complaint #11759373 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.