FaultScore

GMC Sierra 1500 electrical problems

1,178 of the 11,357 complaints filed about the GMC Sierra 1500 are about the electrical system — 10% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 2014.

1,178

Complaints

10%

Share of all complaints

11

Crashes

49

Fires

Electrical System complaints by model year

Median failure at 140,000 miles

Median failure at 191,064 miles

Median failure at 57,000 miles

Median failure at 90,000 miles

Median failure at 143,500 miles

Median failure at 62,000 miles

Median failure at 252,000 miles

Median failure at 72,151 miles

Median failure at 51,804 miles

Median failure at 70,000 miles

Median failure at 82,000 miles

Median failure at 43,000 miles

Median failure at 57,880 miles

Median failure at 65,000 miles

Median failure at 100,993 miles

Median failure at 124,000 miles

Median failure at 100,500 miles

Median failure at 55,499 miles

2014 Sierra 1500 128 10.9%

Median failure at 63,200 miles

Median failure at 46,000 miles

Median failure at 66,000 miles

Median failure at 53,000 miles

Median failure at 36,000 miles

Median failure at 7,997 miles

Median failure at 5,050 miles

Median failure at 15,725 miles

Median failure at 51,000 miles

Median failure at 12,000 miles

Median failure at 19,170 miles

Median failure at 16,000 miles

Median failure at 300 miles

What owners said

2025 GMC Sierra 1500 Spring, TX

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.

2015 GMC Sierra 1500 Stonewall, LA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

From time to time since I got the vehicle, the lights flicker inside and out. I've had the alternator changed but it continues. Then when pressing the lock button on the key fob the horn sounds as if it has a shortage. Sometimes its loud and sometimes it's barely heard.

NHTSA complaint #11758124 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2011 GMC Sierra 1500 Porterville, CA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

ABS Randomly turns on with the traction control light… All windows except for driver window will not go down and sometimes it does not unlock or lock sometimes. It started the beginning of 2022 and has got worst over the years. It is available for inspection. Safety has been and issue because whenever it rains it can lose control on the road haven’t had the money to fix it so don’t really drive it right now.

NHTSA complaint #11756351 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2012 GMC Sierra 1500 Clovis, NM

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

June 29, 2025, Driving on the St. Francis loop in Amarillo, TX, brake lights start flashing, the warning sounds happening, no brakes. I had already slowed down to 35-45 mph due to road construction ahead. I weaved through the cones and as soon as possible, hit the ditch and then coasted to a stop. (I didn’t think about the emergency brake, in my panic.) I turned the vehicle off and called my husband. I decided that I wasn’t pulled over far enough over in the ditch, so I started the pickup again. The lights and warning signals for the brakes were gone and when I pressed on the brake pedal, there were brakes again. I drove home at 35 mph, knowing I could use the emergency brake at that speed, if needed, and had brakes all the way home. GMC Bender repaired truck. After driving approximately 3 miles since repaired, our daughter took the truck to Grease Monkey. She was at the garage door; employee said the pickup didn't need an oil change. She backed out and didn’t have brakes (no warning lights or sounds) and as the truck continued backing, it hit the Grease Monkey sign at the east end of their lot and broke it, knocked the sign over. An employee walked over to see what happened, she told him that she didn’t have brakes. He sat in the pickup seat and pushed on the brakes and said, yes, you don’t have brakes! The police were called, and the officer who showed up took pictures, gave us his card, talked with my husband and talked to the Grease Monkey boss. August 6, 2025, I called GMC Bender Service Department (11 mins. 8 secs.) I told them what had happened. They sent a tow truck to bring the pickup back to their shop. September 16, 2025, my husband texted me saying GMC Bender said that the pickup shows another EBS Modulator Fault. No new parts… used one would be $1293 installed. A week to get it here, no guarantees. There's more details, but the vehicle cannot be repaired to guarantee brakes will work properly. Please help us know what to do next.

NHTSA complaint #11756257 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2023 GMC Sierra 1500 Cleveland, OH

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

My 2023 GNC Sierra 1500 has experienced a recurring electrical and safety-related malfunction on multiple occasions while driving. The dashboard and warning lights intermittently flash on, and off and numerous warning messages appear simultaneously. During previous occurrences, warnings included power steering service, safety restraint system, check engine and transmission related messages, including a message instructing me to pull over and shut the vehicle off. During one occurrence, the electric power steering assist stopped working while I was driving. The vehicle was taken to an authorized GMC dealership multiple times while under the factory warranty. The dealer replaced the Brake System Control Module and performed vehicle-wide software/programming updates. When the problem continued, the dealer contacted GM Technical Assistance. The Dealer subsequently diagnosed an intermittent open circuit involving the electric power steering rack-and-pinion/steering gear assembly and replaced the complete steering gear assembly. Despite these repairs, the malfunction has occurred again, during another occurrence while driving on the freeway, the dashboard flashed on and off and multiple warning lights and messages repeatedly appeared, similar to the condition that occurred before the steering gear was replaced. The vehicle currently has approximately 55,000 miles. The condition remains intermittent despite multiple repair attempts. I am concerned that this recuring electrical or vehicle communication failure could again cause loss of power steering assistance or affect other safety-related vehicle systems while driving.

NHTSA complaint #11755734 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2026 GMC Sierra 1500 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.

2023 GMC Sierra 1500 at 34,500 miles Winthrop, MA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2023 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the instrument panel shut off without warning. The vehicle was restarted, and the panel remained blank with white streaks across the screen. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, and the dealer associated the failure with the instrument cluster. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 34,500.

NHTSA complaint #11754418 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2022 GMC Sierra 1500 St. Augustine FL, FL

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

My truck is intermittently having the camera display a warning code. While in reverse or while towing and trying to use the surrounding cameras. It happens randomly and almost caused accidents in parking lots. While towing I use it for lane changes and with non towing mirrors it’s a very dangerous issue that could cause an accident especially on the highway

NHTSA complaint #11754012 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2026 GMC Sierra 1500 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.

2026 GMC Sierra 1500 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.

2021 GMC Sierra 1500 Indianapolis, IN

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I am submitting supplemental evidence regarding my 2021 GMC Sierra (VIN [XXX]) for Recall Query RQ26001, Campaign 25V-274. Despite multiple repair attempts, my vehicle remains unsafe and non-compliant with GM Service Bulletin N252494002. The recall remedy was performed deficiently. [XXX] Northeast Buick GMC installed a remanufactured short block instead of the required complete engine, reused the original seized-engine oil pan (which continues to leak), and failed to address critical electrical damage. Documentation proves they deleted Labor Operation 14BUZ (Engine Electrical) after their technician noted a blown mega fuse. A second dealer, Penske Chevrolet, subsequently deleted Labor Operation 77CVZ01 from my repair order, demonstrating a systemic pattern of ignoring recall-required repairs. Electrical damage has cascaded, resulting in a burnt fuse block and active faults P0615, P0617, P26E4, P26E6, U0623, and U0284. More critically, within 24 miles of my last service, the vehicle developed a new, severe safety failure: the "Service Brake Pad Monitor" system failed, accompanied by a red "Service System" dashboard alert and a noticeably spongy brake pedal. These brakes were recently serviced, yet this failure introduces a new risk of crash not present prior to the recall "remedy." GM Executive Resolution Case XXX has provided no resolution, reimbursement, or safety assurance, ignoring all deadlines since XXX. I possess extensive documentation, including service orders showing deleted labor operations and diagnostic logs. I request this update be integrated into the investigation of RQ26001, as the current remedy is demonstrably ineffective and has exacerbated safety hazards. The manufacturer’s refusal to remediate these issues, despite my compliance, leaves me with an unsafe vehicle and significant financial loss. I am prepared to provide all supporting records to substantiate this complaint. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11750329 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2025 GMC Sierra 1500 Mahtomedi, MN

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Interior Electrical System / Center Console Wireless Charging Pad The plastic housing surrounding the factory wireless phone charging pad in the center console has visibly melted and deformed. The damage is localized to the area directly above/around the induction charging coil, with no similar heat damage to adjacent console plastics, indicating the wireless charging module itself is the heat source. I stopped using this charging location upon noticing the deformation. This appears to be a component overheating defect that poses a potential fire risk if left in continued use. I am not aware of an existing recall or technical service bulletin covering physical melting of this component (existing GM bulletins address intermittent charging function only, not heat damage to plastic). Requesting this be documented and investigated.

NHTSA complaint #11749350 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2021 GMC Sierra 1500 De Pere, WI

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I own a 2021 GMC Sierra AT4 3.0L Duramax (VIN [XXX]). The vehicle has codes P1098 (Coolant Control Valve Performance) and P129F which coincides with the first code. My dealer believes this is consistent with an Engine Coolant Control Valve failure. I understand Special Coverage XXX exists for this issue, but I've been told my VIN is not included. My truck has the exact engine, symptoms, and diagnostic codes addressed by Special Coverage N252508341, but my VIN is excluded. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11748812 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2026 GMC Sierra 1500 Diamondhead, MS

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

No sound at different times. No way to reset issue. TSB issued May 14, 2026 for known issue. As of July 6, no estimate on repair. Blinkers make no sounds, Onstar can call but you cannot hear them. In event of accident, no communication.

NHTSA complaint #11748779 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2014 GMC Sierra 1500 Rock Springs, WY

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Truck shut off and would not turn back on. Negative battery cable so hot it burned skin off. Would not start, tried to start clicking sound, radio blipped for a moment.

NHTSA complaint #11747926 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2024 GMC Sierra 1500 Middletown, DE

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

My 2024 GMC Sierra Denali Ultimate 1500 experienced a catastrophic powertrain failure that created a serious safety hazard. On XXX, while driving at highway speeds, the truck unexpectedly shifted into neutral, causing an immediate loss of propulsion. During this event, the electrical system was also affected. The battery power dropped, power steering assistance was lost, and due to the electronic push-button start system, the vehicle could not be restarted while in this condition. This placed me and surrounding motorists at significant risk of a crash. I initially brought the vehicle to Point GMC, where I was advised no issue was found. After the problem continued, I returned on XXX and a dealership technician rode with me. During the test drive on [XXX], the truck again shifted into neutral, confirming the defect. The vehicle was then towed to the dealership, where diagnostics revealed DTC P0016. I was informed the engine had seized and required a complete engine replacement. The engine was replaced by an authorized GMC dealership in New Jersey. After only about 2,000 miles, the check engine light returned and the vehicle began experiencing additional electrical issues. This is a Denali Ultimate, the highest trim level, with advanced electronic systems, making these recurring failures especially concerning. To date, the vehicle has been inspected by three authorized GMC dealerships, and I have opened multiple cases with GMC Corporate. Despite repeated repair attempts, the manufacturer has not provided a permanent resolution. I continue to experience recurring engine and electrical issues and no longer have confidence in the safety or reliability of this vehicle. Given the repeated failures, loss of propulsion, loss of steering assistance, inability to restart the vehicle, and lack of resolution after multiple dealership visits and an engine replacement, I believe this matter warrants investigation by NHTSA. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11747534 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2023 GMC Sierra 1500 Menominee, MI

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Traveling had an engine light come on. stopped at a dealer they inspected found multiple errors reset engine light and said continue home. when home bring into my dealer. Got home that night went to start truck, all kinds of errors started popping up on the dash, vehicle would not turn over at all. Had to call wrecker to have brought into shop. First issue could not put the truck into neutral at all, so they had to pull in park to put unto the bed of wrecker (that seems to be a very poor design of the truck). Brought truck into shop received a call two days later that it is fixed and working fine. Went to the shop asked what the problem was, told there is a ground strap under the truck that is like the main part to make sure everything works regarding electronics. The dealer has had to repair many of these ground straps, they are exposed to the elements and come loose I was told. They had two other GMC trucks in the shop with the same issue that day. the ground strap is exposed to the elements do not understand why this would not be covered just like a battery lead to stop from corroding and have to clean it or replace it. Not to mention there is no where in the service manual I can find about any maintenance that needs to be done with it. Appears to be a very bad design from the car manufacture.

NHTSA complaint #11747281 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2021 GMC Sierra 1500 Sedalia, MO

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

When I put the vehicle in park, the dash warning says it is not in park or shift to park. The components continue to work. I have taken it to the dealership and according to the service manger, this is a very common occurrence in these trucks. This seems to me that it would be a very serious safety issue if one assumes their vehicle is in park and it is actually not. The shift to park warning is a safety warning to alert the driver it is not in park so the vehicle doesn’t roll off and hit someone (especially a child playing in the driveway). Assuming that alert is just a malfunction could get someone killed. I did notice that this was considered a safety recall for some models of GMC vehicles but not others. I’m not sure why there hasn’t been a recall on these trucks when the service manager specifically said they are having this issue on a lot of trucks.

NHTSA complaint #11746746 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2025 GMC Sierra 1500 Independence, MO

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

While driving at highway speed, my 2025 GMC Sierra suddenly began slowing down without warning and lost propulsion. When I pressed the accelerator, there was no acceleration response. The vehicle felt like it was braking or dragging instead of accelerating, creating a serious crash risk in traffic. A warning message appeared instructing me to “Put in neutral and restart truck.” I followed the instruction, but the vehicle would not restart. It sounded like it was attempting to start, but it would not start normally. A “Service ESC” warning also appeared. The vehicle was towed by AAA to a GMC dealership and remains available for inspection. The dealership provided a diagnostic trouble code report showing active codes: C2A07 Engine Control Module Indicated Torque Signal Malfunction; U0101 Lost Communication with Transmission Control Module; U0131 Lost Communication with Power Steering Control Module; U0140 Lost Communication with Body Control Module; U0146 Lost Communication with Central Gateway Module; U160F Lost Communication with Brake System Control Module 1 on CAN Bus 1; U1611 Lost Communication with Engine Control Module on CAN Bus 2; and U3003 Battery Voltage Circuit Voltage Below Threshold. The vehicle had approximately 22,000 miles at the time of the incident. The failure has not been repaired at the time of this complaint. The concern appears to involve a safety-related electrical, propulsion, powertrain, ESC/brake, and module communication failure that caused sudden loss of propulsion, no acceleration response, warning messages, and a no-start condition.

NHTSA complaint #11746696 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2019 GMC Sierra 1500 Clio, MI

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I am retired and have always bought GM vehicles which are taken care of with required oil changes etc. This one I have only owned 25,000 mi each year (I have owned two years). So, when purchased it has high 50,000 miles not sure of exact, and it has only been driven 2 years. When calling escalation at GM, they act as though it doesn't matter and too bad. 110,000 miles and the truck needs a new motor. This is what we are told and 10,000 more than the initial 1500 to tear it down. This truck is not broken due to us, this is a problem with the manufacturer and the responsibility needs to be addressed. My husband has a heart issue and he almost didn't make it home. I'm not accepting that nothing be done, since next we need a lawyer and a media appointment. This isn't right when you see thousands of people with the same GMC Sierra trucks online with complaints of the same valve and motor issues. This needs completely replaced and not by a customer, by the manufacturer. How can 1500 people new wrong on one sight stating the same as we have had. This person who is responsble for reporting and making sure we are safe needs to be fired. I am writing my representatives, senators etc to let them know this is going on. No one should pay for the mistakes of bad engineering. PERIOD.

NHTSA complaint #11746005 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other GMC Sierra 1500 problems