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Engine & cooling

2026 GMC Sierra 1500 Engine problems

Owners have filed 61 complaints about the 2026 GMC Sierra 1500's engine & cooling with NHTSA - 72% of all its complaints, most recently on November 11, 2026. They describe 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries. Stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating, head gaskets, timing chains and engine failure.

Complaints
61
Recalls
0
Crashes
1
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
0

Engine complaints

Engine & cooling

Engine knocking and failure

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11777398
Engine & cooling

See attached document for complaint.

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 11775968
Electrical systemEngine & cooling

Three different times now (most recent: 10/22/2026), I have had my truck completely shut off when coming to a stop on the highway/interstate. I always have auto start/stop disabled when I drive. When it happens, a message shows on the dash that says press start button. No other codes or check engine light. Thankfully it has started every time, but this is obviously a serious safety concern. After the second time it happened, I had the dealer (Woodhouse Buick GMC Omaha) look at it on 9/14/2026, but they couldn't...

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find anything since there were no codes. I'm not sure if it is an electrical issue or this is related but my audio will stop working at times as well. Nothing from the radio or any blinker sounds. Sometimes it's static with a high pitch noise. 2026 GMC Sierra Elevation 5.3 EcoTec3 v8 10 speed

Filed Incident Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 11773272
Transmission & drivetrainElectrical systemEngine & cooling

While driving the truck it randomly shuts down, message on dash says shift to park to restart. No check engine light comes on or any other message. When it does this, the truck goes into park. It has been to the dealership 3 times and has not been fixed!

Filed Incident Power train · Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 11772705
Engine & cooling

I had driven about 30 minutes on the Interstate at highway speeds and had just exited the Interstate and the truck made a horrible noise, shut off, and the transmission threw itself into park at about 10 mph. At this time, the engine did not want to restart, but did eventually and I had a check engine light on, but I was able to move the truck out of the intersection so that I could be towed to the dealership. Prior to the incident, there were no check engine lights and the vehicle had only been serviced at a GMC...

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dealership. I was very uncomfortable with the way the truck stopped and slammed into park. I am happy that no one was behind me, but it could have been bad. The vehicle has not been inspected yet to my knowledge.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11772611
Engine & cooling

I am writing to formally request that General Motors repurchase my 2026 GMC Sierra 1500, currently with approximately 9,445 miles, due to a serious and unresolved mechanical defect that poses a significant safety risk. Since purchasing this vehicle, I have experienced four separate incidents involving a complete and unexpected loss of engine power, causing the truck to become inoperable. In each instance, the vehicle suddenly lost propulsion and came to a stop without warning. While three of these events occurred...

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while operating the vehicle near my residence, one incident occurred while I was attempting to merge onto a highway. Fortunately, traffic conditions at the time prevented a collision or serious injury. However, the sudden loss of power while entering a highway created an extremely dangerous situation and exposed both myself and other motorists to substantial risk. The vehicle has now been at the selling dealership for nearly one month while technicians attempt to diagnose and repair the issue. To date, I have not been provided with a definitive root cause or a permanent corrective action. The lack of resolution, combined with the recurring nature of the defect, has resulted in a complete loss of confidence in the vehicle's safety and reliability. My concerns are heightened by information suggesting that similar issues may have been experienced by owners of comparable GMC Sierra vehicles. Regardless of the ultimate root cause, the fact remains that my truck has repeatedly exhibited a condition that can unexpectedly disable the vehicle while in motion, creating an unacceptable safety hazard. I purchased this truck with the expectation that it would provide safe, dependable transportation. Unfortunately, after four loss-of-power events and an extended period in the repair facility without a successful resolution, I no longer believe this vehicle can safely fulfill that purpose.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11772182
Transmission & drivetrainBrakesEngine & cooling

On 10/15/2026 I was making a slow right-hand turn up a slight incline into a parking lot when the vehicle braked very hard and the transmission made a grinding noise. I looked at the dashboard, and it was showing that the truck shifted into park while I was driving. The electronic brake engaged as well. I tried putting the truck back into drive, but it would not go into drive. On the dash there was a Service Transmission warning. The push to start engine button still had the green LED on as if the vehicle was...

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running. I pushed the start engine button and the engine started (I didn't realize until now that the engine had shut off). At this point the truck would shift into drive. Another point of note is that I had turned off the Auto Stop feature. I do this every time I start my trip. The truck will be looked at on 10/16/2026 by the dealership. I did report the problem to the service department of the dealership. This incident was the first time it ever happened and there was no warning.

Filed Incident Power train · Service brakes · EngineNHTSA 11771425
Acceleration & cruise controlEngine & cooling

I was approaching an intersection about to make a left turn as the turn signal was flashing yellow and my truck just stopped accelerating. If i had taken that turn i would have got hit and most likely cause a huge pile up because the amount of traffic going through. I put my hazard lights on and tried shifting my truck into park, and then back into drive, and it would not accelerate. I had to turn my truck off and on a few times for it to accelerate. There were no warning lights on my dash and the truck is brand new.

Filed Incident Vehicle speed control · EngineNHTSA 11770641
Transmission & drivetrainElectrical systemEngine & coolingCrash

5/08/2026: I stopped outside my garage. I then placed the truck in park and exited the vehicle while running. I went inside my garage and several minutes later, heard a crash. The truck had driven forward while unattended, and crashed into the corner of my garage, causing damage to both the building and the truck. Truck indicated it was still in park upon reentry. 5/11/2026 In a separate incident 3 days later, while driving at approximately 50mph, truck engaged in an automatic braking event with no discernible...

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cause. Simply applied what felt like 100% braking for a split second, then released. 5/12/2026: Truck taken to GMC for investigation. No codes in any modules detected. 9/20/2026: Vehicle reports transmission fault, states it should not be driven. 9/21/2026: Towed to GMC dealer. Found codes P17A8 and P189D and diagnostic code 6906361, internal fault within gearshift control module. Requested GMC pay for damage resulting from collision, as clearly the unattended driving appeared related to gearshift control, but was refused. GMC stated that unattended driving was not possible and did not result from the detected failures.

Filed Incident Power train · Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 11769781
Electrical systemEngine & cooling

We bought the vehicle on February 28th and on March10th my husband was driving on his way to work on the I95 highway and the engine shut down. My husband was in the middle of the highway with a speed limit of 65. Traffic was able to slow not to cause any more accidents however he had to be towed and GM replaced the engine. Because it had not been 30 days in the shop. Due to GM abiding by Lemon laws we were not able to qualify for a buy back. We have been fighting with them ever since. I was able to get a...

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reimbursement of my first car payment. However, my husband is a general contractor and is absolutely terrified to accept jobs far away because we don't know when the truck engine might give up again. All of the charging ports stop working a couple of weeks ago, we had to take it in for repairs. This is a $78,000 vehicle with 4 miles on it when we purchased it. I don't know what it is worth now because the engine was replaced with in 10days of purchasing it. I need help!!!!!!!!!!

Filed Incident Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 11769460
Engine & cooling

Engine had catastrophic failure at only 1,433 miles driven. Incident happened on the interstate and truck was required to be towed to the dealer. Dealer said engine replacement is necessary.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11769298
Transmission & drivetrainEngine & coolingFuel system

While driving on a public road, the 6.2L L87 V8 stalled without warning. There was heavy smoke and an oil trail of about 300 yards behind the truck. The engine would not restart, and the transmission would not shift into neutral. The truck was moved a short distance off the road and towed the next day to the selling GMC dealer. Odometer was 4,663 miles. Oil life remaining was 38 percent. The truck was stock, with no modifications, and was operated on premium fuel. No warning lamp was noticed before the stall. The...

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failed engine is at the dealer and currently under inspection. The dealer inspection is not finished, and no written cause has been provided. This is a sudden loss of propulsion. Please associate this report with Engineering Analysis EA26005 concerning connecting-rod and crankshaft failures in the GM 6.2L L87 engine.

Filed Incident Power train · Engine · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11769243
Engine & cooling

On September 29, 2026, I was driving my GMC Sierra 1500 on the highway at approximately 15 mph due to construction when the truck suddenly lost acceleration. Engine warning messages appeared, the vehicle automatically shifted into neutral, and the engine completely shut off while I was driving. A message instructed me to restart the engine. I attempted to restart it, and the truck eventually turned back on, although it was difficult to start. I was able to carefully drive the vehicle home. This was extremely...

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concerning because the sudden loss of propulsion and engine shutdown occurred while I was on a highway and could have caused a serious accident, especially at normal highway speeds or in heavier traffic. I took the truck to Cavender GMC on September 30, 2026, for inspection and diagnosis. Still pending on results. I am especially concerned because there are ongoing NHTSA investigations, consumer complaints, and litigation involving certain General Motors vehicles and reported engine failures that can result in sudden loss of propulsion. Some reported incidents involving GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles describe symptoms similar to what happened to my truck, including loss of acceleration, shifting into neutral, engine shutdown, warning messages, and the need to restart the vehicle. I understand that my truck may not necessarily be affected by the same issue or included in any lawsuit. However, because of the similarities, I am requesting that GMC and Cavender GMC thoroughly investigate whether this incident is related to any known engine, powertrain, electrical, software, or safety issue affecting this vehicle. I am requesting that the underlying cause be identified and properly repaired before the vehicle is considered safe to return to service. My primary concern is safety, and I need confidence that the truck will not unexpectedly lose propulsion, shift into neutral, or shut off again while I am driving.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11769188
Engine & cooling

The 6.2L engine died at 8,300 miles. It took the dealership 6 weeks and would not give me a repurchase lease buyback. They put a new engine in, but I'm hearing that they didn't really fix the problem and this is just a new version.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11768920
Transmission & drivetrainEngine & cooling

The powertrain/transmission is malfunctioning. The vehicle shutters, vibrates, and surges forward when coming to a stop, as if it wants to take off on its own. These symptoms began within the first couple of days after purchasing the vehicle on [redacted]. The valve body was replaced, but the issue continues. The vehicle is available for inspection. GM Case Number: [redacted] Dealership TAC Case: [redacted] This creates a serious safety risk. When stopping, the truck shutters and unexpectedly tries to lunge...

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forward, which could cause a collision with another vehicle or pedestrian. The unpredictable movement makes it dangerous at intersections, stop signs, and in traffic. The dealership has reproduced the issue multiple times and performed diagnostics, but the shuttering and surging continue. The vehicle was last inspected around [redacted]. On [redacted], I called GM to speak with [[redacted]] for an update on when a GM representative/technician would inspect the truck. I was told the case had been closed even though no resolution or inspection occurred, and [[redacted]] never called me back. No other agencies have inspected it. There were no warning lamps. Symptoms began within days of purchase and include shuttering, vibration, surging forward when stopping, and inconsistent acceleration. These symptoms occur daily and have worsened over time. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Incident Power train · Unknown or other · EngineNHTSA 11768529
Engine & cooling

Dealer confirmed 6.2 V8 engine failed at a little over 4000 miles. Dealer stated it was the bottom of the engine. Probably the same failure the 21-24 recall is for.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11768111
Engine & cooling

I was driving home on the evening of September 12th 2026 and when I exited the interstate and came to a stop at the traffic signal my vehicle died and I had to have it towed. There was no way to flat tow because we couldn't get it into neutral without the vehicle's engine running. Once the vehicle's engine died it would not restart. Had this happened while still on the interstate causing my vehicle to be disabled in the lane of travel it could have been deadly since it was 10 p.m. in the evening and dark outside. Anyhow had the vehicle towed to the dealership for diagnosis and the engine spun #7 rod bearing which ruined the entire engine at just 15,182 miles.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11767996
Transmission & drivetrainEngine & coolingFuel system

Truck was sold to me and the dealership said the truck did not have the defect and the oil was changed to a thicker oil as a precaution. 4,000 miles later the engine failed, was diagnosed as catastrophic engine failure due to the known recall, and was replaced, new engine is now making the same rod knocking noise.

Filed Incident Power train · Engine · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11767598
Engine & cooling

I purchased this vehicle on May 28th 2026. At that time I was told there were no problems with the 6.2L engine. The problems they have had didn't affect the 2026 Denali 1500 6.2L's. After hearing about numerous 25's and 26's engine failures I decided to have my first oil change at 1540 miles. I asked the dealership to give me the oil filter so I could open it and examine it. I found excessive metal in the filter, indicating to me that the engine is failing. I contacted the dealer, they told me to go to GM Customer...

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service. They told me there is nothing they can do unless the check engine light comes on or there is noise in the engine or it blows up. In which case people have reported traffic hazards getting to the side of the road without power or even the rear wheels locking up. One incident shows the vehicle had a fire and completely burned up. I made a vacation trip without incident and put another 825 miles on the truck, at which time I swapped out the oil filter and opened it up and found more metal particles. Common sense tells me that the engine is self destructing and will at some point fail. The manner in which that happens is the safety issue. I have reported this issue to the dealer and GM and they say just keep driving it. Putting myself and my family at risk. I know I am not the first one to have a bad engine in my new GMC Denali. There are just way too many defective engines in these vehicles to feel safe after buying such and expensive vehicle. Don't get me wrong, I love the truck!! I just would like to know it has a dependable engine to keep me safe while driving it!!

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11767261
Engine & cooling

2026 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali 6.2L , with 3550 miles; started ticking and another mile to get home started knocking, had truck for less than a month, had it towed to the dealer they said will get a new engine, they can't even five me a time frame for the new engine replacement.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11767225
Engine & cooling

2026 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali 6.2L , with 3550 miles; started ticking at 45 MPH and another mile to get home started knocking, had truck for less than a month; no warning lights. I had it towed to the dealer. They said it needed a new engine, no time frame for repair.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11767221
Engine & cooling

With 10000 miles on my 6.2 liter the engine failed. Cause was main bearing failure. Needed full engine replacement.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11767126
Engine & cooling

2026 GMC Sierra SLT with 3.0 Duramax diesel engine. While driving down the road with the cruise set to 55 MPH on 8/29/26, the engine started to run rough. I slowed down, but this did not seem to help; I sped up, and the problem persisted no matter what I did. Service traction control and service ESC displayed on the dash. I drove to the dealership; their service department was closed because it was Saturday. I took my salesman for a ride so he could witness the issue firsthand. He confirmed something was not right,...

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and they put me into a loaner vehicle. The truck has 848 miles on it. Service diagnosed it as a fuel issue in cylinder 2, replaced the injector, but the issue did not go away. GM TAC team advised replacing the motor; that is what I am currently waiting on. The dealer has the motor and is awaiting the install.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11766683
Transmission & drivetrainEngine & cooling

While turning right and at a slight incline the truck engine turned off, the transmission made a grinding noise, the truck went into neutral and the dash stayed "Press Start Button". This is the second time this has happened within 5000 miles of the struck being purchased. Several others have reported the exact same issue on Facebook forums.

Filed Incident Power train · EngineNHTSA 11766519
Engine & cooling

The contact owned a 2026 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while accelerating from a red light at 15 MPH, the vehicle sputtered and shook before finally moving forward. The contact stated the failure was a recurring failure. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Action Number: EA26005 (ENGINE). The dealer was contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 160.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11765942

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Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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