Owners have filed 118 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 26 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 — 16
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
225.0%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
562.5%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
112.5%
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 18Aug 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.
Davie, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I purchased this new 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 on 07/16/2026. Beginning shortly after delivery, the vehicle began intermittently losing ALL audio, including the audible turn-signal indication. The condition now occurs approximately once every 3–4 vehicle starts/uses. When the failure occurs, there is no audio from the infotainment system, radio, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, or speakers, and there is no audible turn-signal sound. Because the failure also eliminates audible driver feedback from the turn signals, I am concerned this is not simply an entertainment-system issue. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The vehicle was presented to Ed Morse Sawgrass Auto Mall, an authorized GMC dealer, after the condition occurred again on approximately 08/20/2026. The dealer advised me that the vehicle already has the applicable software programming and that GM is aware of the condition. The Service Manager advised me in writing that GM currently instructs the dealer to recover/reset the radio and not replace the radio or amplifier because GM is working on a permanent correction. Restarting the infotainment system, Safe Mode, disabling Quick Startup, and allowing the vehicle to completely power down have not permanently corrected the condition. A full shutdown may temporarily restore the audio, but the failure returns. There are no warning lamps or messages before the failure. The audio simply does not function when the vehicle is started. The vehicle currently has approximately 976 miles. There has been no crash, fire, injury, or fatality. I have also formally reported the condition to GMC Customer Assistance. GMC Case #108458085.
NHTSA complaint #11758455 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hot Springs, AR
POWER TRAIN
Vehicle: 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4 (3.0L LZ0 Duramax Diesel) Current Mileage: ~16,500 miles Check Engine Light Status: NO Check Engine Light active Description of Incident & Symptoms: •Interstate Incident: While driving at highway speeds, a severe drivetrain vibration occurred (felt like a rear wheel weight flew off). •Dashboard Warnings: Within 5 minutes, intermittent "Traction Control" and "Forward Collision Warning" alerts appeared on the dash, accompanied by a sudden drop in engine power. •Engine Noise & Idle: Once safely pulled over, the engine exhibited a loud mechanical knock and a very rough, unstable idle. •Extended Crank: After shutting the engine off and waiting a few minutes, restarting the truck took roughly twice as long as normal (long crank/delayed start)
NHTSA complaint #11758123 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hot Springs, AR
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Vehicle: 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4 (3.0L LZ0 Duramax Diesel) Current Mileage: ~16,500 miles Check Engine Light Status: NO Check Engine Light active Description of Incident & Symptoms: •Interstate Incident: While driving at highway speeds, a severe drivetrain vibration occurred (felt like a rear wheel weight flew off). •Dashboard Warnings: Within 5 minutes, intermittent "Traction Control" and "Forward Collision Warning" alerts appeared on the dash, accompanied by a sudden drop in engine power. •Engine Noise & Idle: Once safely pulled over, the engine exhibited a loud mechanical knock and a very rough, unstable idle. •Extended Crank: After shutting the engine off and waiting a few minutes, restarting the truck took roughly twice as long as normal (long crank/delayed start)
NHTSA complaint #11758123 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hot Springs, AR
ENGINE
Vehicle: 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4 (3.0L LZ0 Duramax Diesel) Current Mileage: ~16,500 miles Check Engine Light Status: NO Check Engine Light active Description of Incident & Symptoms: •Interstate Incident: While driving at highway speeds, a severe drivetrain vibration occurred (felt like a rear wheel weight flew off). •Dashboard Warnings: Within 5 minutes, intermittent "Traction Control" and "Forward Collision Warning" alerts appeared on the dash, accompanied by a sudden drop in engine power. •Engine Noise & Idle: Once safely pulled over, the engine exhibited a loud mechanical knock and a very rough, unstable idle. •Extended Crank: After shutting the engine off and waiting a few minutes, restarting the truck took roughly twice as long as normal (long crank/delayed start)
NHTSA complaint #11758123 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Leroy, NY
ENGINE
Sudden catastrophic engine failure occurred at 7400 miles, 2026 GMC Sierra1500 Denali with 6.2L engine. Driver and 3 children in vehicle headed to school when engine suddenly failed while driving on the roadway. No warning or vehicle symptoms prior. We were told the truck needs a total engine replacement- on a brand new vehicle. It has been nearly 9 weeks with no resolution or repair from GM. The truck was towed to the GM dealership it was purchased from on June 18th and it remains sitting in their service department lot with no timeline for repair or replacement.
NHTSA complaint #11757259 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 6,028 milesCrossville, TN
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2026 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle started decelerating unintendedly. The message “Engine Power Reduced” was displayed. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and opened a case. The approximate failure mileage was 6,028.
NHTSA complaint #11757030 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 3,202 milesBryan, TX
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2026 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle slowed down unexpectedly. The vehicle then lost power while stopped at a traffic light. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was turned off and restarted, and the vehicle operated as intended. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that there were metal shavings inside the oil pan and the engine needed to be replaced. The engine was replaced twice. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 3,202.
NHTSA complaint #11756457 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Marysville, WA
ENGINE
Driving on the highway near Rockport, WA, when vehicle suddenly loss propulsion, engine light appeared, and vehicle went into transport mode enabled. Without causing an accident, I was able to pull to the side of the road. Once I put vehicle in park, it shut off and displayed, “Tranport Mode On. Vehicle would not start and was towed home. My son-in-law was able to disable transport mode, but vehicle still will not start. Will notify dealership on Monday.
NHTSA complaint #11755698 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Marysville, WA
ENGINE
Driving on the highway near Rockport, WA, when vehicle suddenly loss propulsion, engine light appeared, and vehicle went into transport mode enabled. Without causing an accident, I was able to pull to the side of the road. Once I put vehicle in park, it shut off and displayed, “Tranport Mode On. Vehicle would not start and was towed home. My son-in-law was able to disable transport mode, but vehicle still will not start. Will notify dealership on Monday.
NHTSA complaint #11755699 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Muskego, WI
ENGINE
2026 Denali, 6.2, failed after getting off express way while on my way for a fishing get away and pulling my boat. NO warning lights, noises, nothing. Came to a stop sign and at the last second slammed into park. Dash went black, 10 seconds later would come back on and try to start, then the dash goes black. Sheriff pulled up 20 or so minutes later and told my wife to get back into the vehicle as she was directing semis and other cars to go around. Towed to a chevy dealership 13 miles away. After Running tests on the truck, came up blown engine. 7600 miles. 5 hours later we left with a loaner and able to continue on with our plans. I do thank the dealership for their help and loaner. 23 business days later they delivered my truck to my house and returned in the loaner. After all my investigating on these engines, I will not be buying another one. Time for GM to invest some of their profits into finding the problem!
NHTSA complaint #11755712 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Linden, MI
ENGINE
I have a 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 with the 6.2L engine. I purchased it on [XXX]. On [XXX] with 13,000 miles on the truck the engine started making a bad noise from the lower end of the motor. I immediately took it to the dealer Randy Wise Buick GMC in Fenton Michigan. They diagnosed it as a spun bearing and had to replace the engine. I just got it back today August 7th 2026 INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11755572 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 2,000 milesEl Paso, TX
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2026 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while her husband was driving approximately 10 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly shut off and independently shifted into park(P). The contact stated that previously, while the vehicle was idling in a parking lot, with air conditioner activated, the Auto START/STOP feature engaged, and the vehicle shut off. The message “Service Transmission” was displayed. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer and was diagnosed with transmission failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 2,000.
NHTSA complaint #11755200 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bogata, TX 75417, TX
POWER TRAIN
I am submitting this complaint to report what I believe is a serious safety-related defect involving the General Motors 6.2L L87 V8 engine installed in my 2026 GMC Sierra Denali. On July 10, 2026, while driving on a public highway near Bogata, Texas, the engine suddenly began making severe mechanical noises before catastrophically failing without warning. The engine seized completely while the vehicle was in motion. At the time of failure, the truck had only 13,517 miles. The sudden loss of engine power left my wife and me stranded on the roadside. Had this occurred while crossing an intersection, merging into traffic, passing another vehicle, towing a trailer, or traveling in heavier traffic, the consequences could have been far more serious.
NHTSA complaint #11755053 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
New Hudson, MI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I was driving on 96 W. in slow traffic on the freeway when the vehicle put itself in neutral and shut off
NHTSA complaint #11754782 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
New Hudson, MI
ENGINE
I was driving on 96 W. in slow traffic on the freeway when the vehicle put itself in neutral and shut off
NHTSA complaint #11754782 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
New Hudson, MI
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I was driving on 96 W. in slow traffic on the freeway when the vehicle put itself in neutral and shut off
NHTSA complaint #11754782 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Louisville, KY
ENGINE
Engine died while driving at higher speed on interstate. Barely able to pull to emergency lane before truck stopped. No warning of any issues with it. Had towed to dealership. Dealership confirmed 6.2 engine was faulty. Engine replaced under warranty. Truck only had 1207 miles on it when engine died.
NHTSA complaint #11753938 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Titusville, FL
ENGINE
While traveling from [XXX] to [XXX] for vacation, I was in [XXX], and when I pulled off the interstate and came to a stop sign the vehicle quit. At first, I was unable to restart the Vehicle, but after sometime I got it started and was able to pull it off the road while the engine was making very loud clattering noise and the vehicle would not stay running. Prior to this there were no warning, lights or indications that the engine was going to quit. I checked the engine oil and it was full. I had the vehicle transported to a GMC dealer in [XXX], where it was diagnosed as requiring a new engine. The vehicle is a 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali purchased in December 2025 and has 8,865 miles on it. A little over 4000 miles I had the vehicle oil changed at Starling GMC Titusville Fl. At the time of my service visit, I asked the service writer, [XXX] to check the engine idle because at times it seemed to run a little rough and it quit while pulling in my driveway one day. [XXX] advised me that there is no idle adjustment on the vehicle, so I said I’ll just keep an eye on it. There were never any indications of an engine problem prior to this or even as of now there are no warnings displayed on the instrument panel. I also subscribe to onstar and it indicates everything in the vehicle is normal with no issues. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11753455 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cincinnati, OH
ENGINE
6.2 l just blew up per dealership
NHTSA complaint #11753614 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Harlingen, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The telematics module for the OnStar system continues to stop working, I have had this truck in a dealership service center multiple times for them to reset the system (instead of replacing the defective parts). Along with the infotainment system not working properly (cuts in and out, blinks on/off, delay in actions) Doors unlock while driving, front/rear cameras come on when I stopping at an intersection, I have given them documentation of the diagnostic reports from dealerships
NHTSA complaint #11753107 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Springfield, IL
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
6 month old, 9,000 miles 2026 Sierra 1500 with Duramax 3 liter suffered an engine control module failure 4 hours into a 12.5 hour drive home from family vacation. First a transmission service warning flashed, then an emissions system failure with a forced speed reduction warning. This happened with two children and a dog in the vehicle. OnStar did diagnotics and said I had to see a dealer. Fortunately one was nearby and they determined the engine control module needed to be replaced--but i was 8.5 hours' drive from home with kids and dog and would have had to stay for 2-4 days awaiting parts and repair. I traded the truck at the dealer for a new vehicle and drove that home. This was a major safety concern traveling with children and a dog on a nearly 100 degree day. And it was a brand new vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11752717 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Springfield, IL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
6 month old, 9,000 miles 2026 Sierra 1500 with Duramax 3 liter suffered an engine control module failure 4 hours into a 12.5 hour drive home from family vacation. First a transmission service warning flashed, then an emissions system failure with a forced speed reduction warning. This happened with two children and a dog in the vehicle. OnStar did diagnotics and said I had to see a dealer. Fortunately one was nearby and they determined the engine control module needed to be replaced--but i was 8.5 hours' drive from home with kids and dog and would have had to stay for 2-4 days awaiting parts and repair. I traded the truck at the dealer for a new vehicle and drove that home. This was a major safety concern traveling with children and a dog on a nearly 100 degree day. And it was a brand new vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11752717 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
N Richland Hills, TX
POWER TRAIN
When going up my 5% grade driveway the truck has slammed into “park” while moving two times. The car turns off as it slams into park and a “ service transmission” warning is on the dash. It leaves small skid marks from doing this while moving. It has 1790 miles on it. Dealer has had it a week and says they cannot duplicate the issue. Google search seems to indicate many trucks have had the same issues going up an incline.
NHTSA complaint #11752469 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Houston, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I bought the truck with 2 miles , shut off on me within 1,300 miles wouldn’t turn on , supposedly it was a bad fuse that was burned out , Second time it shut off on me again , all my sensors were going off and on and truck wouldn’t turn back on , they told me they couldn’t figure out the problem evaczue they had disconnected the battery and it erased all the codes 3rd time , they changed my oil and they forgot to torque the screw back correctly and all the oil spilled and cost my engine to lock up and mess up , they replaced the motor with a new one 4th time , supposedly it needs a replacement for a catalytic converter which is being replaced now as we speak or sometime this week
NHTSA complaint #11751712 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Houston, TX
ENGINE
I bought the truck with 2 miles , shut off on me within 1,300 miles wouldn’t turn on , supposedly it was a bad fuse that was burned out , Second time it shut off on me again , all my sensors were going off and on and truck wouldn’t turn back on , they told me they couldn’t figure out the problem evaczue they had disconnected the battery and it erased all the codes 3rd time , they changed my oil and they forgot to torque the screw back correctly and all the oil spilled and cost my engine to lock up and mess up , they replaced the motor with a new one 4th time , supposedly it needs a replacement for a catalytic converter which is being replaced now as we speak or sometime this week
NHTSA complaint #11751712 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.