1,197 of the 11,637 complaints filed about the GMC Sierra 1500 are about the electrical system — 100% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 2014.
1,197
Complaints
100%
Share of all complaints
11
Crashes
49
Fires
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The front grille trim moulding failed and flew off on the highway. Also, the forward collision light on vehicle from the front camera not working and needing to be replaced.
NHTSA complaint #11764036 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Power steering seems to be lost for a second or two at low speeds turning. Happens multiple times a day.
NHTSA complaint #11763463 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
This vehicle has water intrusion for the power steering harness. The system went out one day. Vehicle has 40K miles on it. i bought it less than a year ago as a used vehicle with 30K miles on it. Less than a year later i end up with a $6,500 bill for it.
NHTSA complaint #11763381 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
A GM warranty engine replacement was performed at Heyward Allen GMC in [XXX] on XXX at 70,415 miles. We purchase the vehicle on XXX with 73,904 miles and after driving for a month started having multiple malfunction indicator lights displaying, and experienced a no start condition. We took the vehicle to the Don Ledford GMC dealer in [XXX], and they performed a high level inspection. They found missing mounting brackets, loose wiring harness wires, broken and missing bolts. Issues all related to an engine replacement procedure. Deeming the vehicle unsafe to operate. The origin dealer that was paid through GMC to replace the engine is now refusing any responsibility for resolving these issues. Technicians have video evidence of the workmanship issues, documenting the sub- par repair work performed during the engine change. The vehicle now sits at the Don Ledford GMC dealer awaiting an estimated $4400 repair, before the vehicle is safe to operate on the road. The vehicle has been at the Don ledford dealer since XXX, and is still there today, XXX. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11763072 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
While driving on a divided two lane state highway at approximately 60mph my vehicle suffered a catastrophic engine failure causing immediate loss of power in traffic at highway speeds. I had to negotiate highway traffic to steer the vehicle onto a narrow shoulder and continue under reduced power to a location where the vehicle could remain stopped safely. There were no warning signs and no warning lights prior to the issue. The vehicle was towed to Faulkner GMC where it was eventually inspected and determined to be an engine failure consistent with the open recall affecting GM 6.2 L87 V8 engines. A replacement engine was installed under warranty. Additionally, a defective tailgate switch was discovered and replaced. A prior unrelated incident had occurred where the tailgate switch activated on its own lowering my tailgate while the vehicle was in motion. The tailgate lowered onto the tongue jack of a trailer I was towing causing damage to the tailgate. This issue occurred multiple times throughout my ownership of the vehicle until the switch was replaced. GM acknowledged the switch was found to be defective but refused to take responsibility for the damage.
NHTSA complaint #11763082 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
When updating the vehicle as prompted by the entrainment system the next day when attempting to start the vehicle it did not start. Vehicle had to be jumped then 6 warning lights came on and disappeared shortly after driving.
NHTSA complaint #11763207 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
P2101 Reduced Engine Power Idle instabilitystruggling to idle correctly, hunting/surging slightly, and possibly going into reduced-power protection mode. While driving engine reducing power, struggles then surges forward. Ive taken it to GMC however the techs say they have to experience the situation themselves and are unable to diagnose
NHTSA complaint #11762547 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My vehicle has experienced repeated and unresolved electrical system failures and unexpected loss of power steering assist. The problem involves multiple warning lights, module communication faults, drivability issues, and simultaneous malfunctions affecting systems including power steering, traction control, transmission, four-wheel drive, and other electronic controls. Repair records, diagnostic information, and videos documenting the failures are available for inspection upon request. The most serious incident occurred on August 23, 2026, when the power steering failed unexpectedly while I was driving. The sudden loss of steering assist made the vehicle difficult to control and nearly resulted in a collision with an oncoming vehicle. The failure created a significant safety risk because it impaired my ability to safely steer and control the vehicle. The condition has occurred multiple times over several months and has resulted in repeated dealership visits. Repairs have included replacement an HVAC controller, but the failures have continued. The vehicle has been inspected multiple times by an authorized dealer, and the manufacturer has been notified through an open support case. As of the most recent repair visit, no confirmed root cause or permanent repair had been identified, and the dealership was still working with engineering support to diagnose the issue. Prior to and during these failures, numerous warning lamps and service messages appeared, including warnings related to power steering, traction control, transmission, four-wheel drive, trailer brake system, steering column lock, and tire monitoring systems. In some incidents, the vehicle entered reduced-performance mode. These warning messages first appeared in November 2025 and have continued intermittently despite multiple repair attempts. The recurring and unresolved loss of power steering assist while driving creates an ongoing risk of crash or injury.
NHTSA complaint #11762555 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My 2015 GMC Sierra 1500 recently started having all the symptoms under GM internal recall number 18289. I lose my power steering briefly and the electronics turn off momentarily. I lose dash, AC, radio and GPS. It comes back on within a second or two and only does this during low speed turning. I ran my VIN but it does not show under this recall despite having the correct Make/Model/Year. It is currently at the shop because it isn't safe to drive and I was hoping I could get a reimbursement for the repairs. NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V586000 (GM's Internal Number: 18289)
NHTSA complaint #11760877 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 - The Engine or something electrical, possibly the ECM, failed or malfunctioned, and yes, it is available for inspection. 2 - The vehicle lost power, reduced speed, was hard to steer, and I couldn't put the hazard lights on; this occurred twice while driving on the highway, once I was driving at approx 75 mph. The results could have been catastrophic not only to myself but to others on the road. These two events are not the only times the truck did this. 3 - No. 4 - No. I filed a claim with GM, but it has been approximately a month, and I've received no updates. 5 - No. Further: This event has occurred 6 times. I've taken it to the dealership three. They cannot duplicate the issue, so no repairs have been done. Apparently, approximately 100 codes come up, but they cannot diagnose the problem.
NHTSA complaint #11760654 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
13 unresolved problem codes relating to hard engine starting,rough engine running,vehicle initiating safe mode operation, upon a highway trip. P0016 engine code detected and Onstar messaged for immediate service. No resolution at dealership , after resetting codes an additional 9 are active / pending at 2nd dealership visit. Abnormal engine operation since , dealership advises a hard failure has to occur before a resolution can be instituted. Similar advice from GMC direct phone call in help line.
NHTSA complaint #11760415 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 MPH near the residence with the contact's daughter as a passenger, the vehicle experienced a complete loss of motive power when depressing the accelerator pedal. Several unspecified warning lights illuminated. The contact and the passenger pushed the vehicle to the residence. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the electrical system experienced a severe power loss and the electrical modules were damaged. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000.
NHTSA complaint #11759956 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I pulled up to a local store and parked. Just as I was getting out I saw smoke coming from the upper seatbelt area of the rear drivers side seat inside the cab. I jumped in back to see if there was a fire. As I was trying to pull out the top cushions of the interior roof, trying to locate a possible fire, the rear driver-side window suddenly "exploded" - broke in a web pattern across the entire window. I then broke out the center of the glass in case a fire started. I could smell a burning scent. The, suddenly the rear passenger-side window exploded in the same web pattern across that entire window. When my wife arrived to pick me up she could also smell the scent of burning wire. After researching the internet for this issue, we found out that this is a known issue. We discovered at least 6 websites describing this exact issue - one being a GM Customer Satisfaction Program #N192265660 dated January 2020. Apparently the component that has been determined to have failed is the rear window defrost (particularly in models with an electronic sliding rear center window) overheats and causes the smoke and the window breakage. After our truck being at the dealership for approximately 1 month while GMAC supposedly researched the issue, we received word today verbally (Aug 27, 2026) that they declare this issue is not a manufacturer's defect, and they will not cover the repairs. We have requested written confirmation and haven't yet received it. Not only do we currently have the original warranty on this vehicle, we also purchased the extended warranty for the vehicle. The vehicle was inspected by the dealership from which we purchased the vehicle and they stated they couldn't find any issue that would create the damages that the vehicle incurred. Prior to the incident there were no warning lamps or symptoms of any problem.
NHTSA complaint #11760148 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
There was a mass recall on 2018 GMC Sierras to due to a faulty break pump vaccum. We are experiencing the same problems but for some reason were not included in the recall. We were told to reach out on here as others have to see what can be done as this is a saftety hazard.
NHTSA complaint #11759679 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I am filing a formal safety complaint regarding my 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali (5.3L engine). This vehicle has exhibited a pattern of severe electrical, fuel system, and active safety sensor failures that pose a direct threat to occupant and public safety.At approximately 4,000 miles, the high-pressure fuel injectors suffered an early-stage mechanical failure requiring dealer repair.At approximately 24,000 miles, the vehicle suffered a catastrophic, un-warned total power shutdown while driving in the middle of active, fast-moving 5:00 PM rush-hour traffic on a 100-degree day in [XXX]. The vehicle completely stalled, causing a loss of standard driving capabilities and leaving the occupants stranded without air conditioning or cabin ventilation in an incredibly high-risk, live-traffic environment. The dealership attributed the failure to the fuel pump switch/control module.The vehicle's active safety framework is deeply compromised. The forward-facing front collision camera and its integrated crash-avoidance sensors have completely failed and required a minimum of three (3) separate repair interventions, yet the safety system remains broken and unreliable.The vehicle exhibits phantom electrical bugs. The MultiPro tailgate audio system consistently turns itself on while the vehicle is parked, locked, and closed, hijacking the driver's phone Bluetooth from inside the home. While driving down the road, the internal cabin radio will abruptly cut out and begin blasting audio through the exterior tailgate speakers, creating a severe driver distraction. The dealership has repeatedly dismissed these electrical safety anomalies as untraceable.3. Activating Your Texas Consumer Rights INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11759334 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Our 2020 GMC SIERRA 1500 has suffered catastrophic systems and engine failure including the brakes multiple times for almost 4 years. It has happened in high traffic and on the interstate each time having to be coasted off of the road to come to a rolling stop. There have been nine repair attempts with GM dealers repeatedly stating the issues were repaired and returning our vehicle to us. We began making the CEO and Executive team aware of the potentially deadly safety hazards including the fact that I, [XXX] am disabled and power wheelchair dependent requiring a truck that can carry my power wheelchair. We have sent numerous emails to Ms. [XXX] and the Executive team numerous times informing them in detail, each time, of all issues involved. We started communicating via phone and email with customer care to no avail. All attempts at repair finally ended in complete engine failure leaving us with an estimate to replace the engine of over $13,000. We have also, submitted a detailed complaint to the Attorney General’s Office and after review were given the Case # TCP - XXX. I will attach the Complaint and Addendum sent to the Attorney General along with two of the emails sent to Ms. [XXX] and her team informing her of all issues with the truck. They took no action to actually help us get this truck off of the road knowing it was having catastrophic engine and system failure and that it had to be driven to transport a disabled power wheel dependent with severe medical issues and the medically necessary power wheelchair. I am also attaching the earliest OnStar Diagnostic notice of Engine, Transmission and Emissions system issues from May of 2023. The issues have remained the same from the beginning only worsening though my husband has only driven the truck in town on slower less busy streets learning how to make adjustments such as pumping the brakes and starting and stopping the truck to keep it going. My carrier is installed and yet it is undrivable. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATIO
NHTSA complaint #11759239 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2026 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that intermittently there was no sound while the turn signals were activated, and the radio and incoming calls failed to be audible. The issue often lasted all day or for an hour or two before returning to normal. The contact associated the failure GM Technical Service Bulletin: PIT6406 (or PIT6406F), but the dealer stated the vehicle was not included in the bulletin and refused further diagnostic tests. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to reprogram the Audio Control Module (ACM) because the software was outdated, despite the vehicle being brand new. The reprogramming was completed; however, the failure was not resolved. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The failure mileage was 3,657.
NHTSA complaint #11759066 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The truck when put in parking it still roll forward a little bit. Back up camera can’t not see during night time. Dealership stated they will not solve that problem and tell us to do manually by turn around look back. The suspension really bouncy but the tech stated that is normal. Spoke to other 3rd party tech they said that not normal at all.
NHTSA complaint #11758448 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.