Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2014 GMC Sierra 1500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2014 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 10 - 15 MPH with the rear defroster activated on the rear powered sliding window, there was a sizzling sound, and started smelling smoke inside the vehicle. The contact pulled over, stopped, exited the vehicle, started inspecting inside the rear of the vehicle; and saw smoke on the driver's side rear of the vehicle, between the window and the seatback. While the contact was bent over trying to ascertain where the smoke was coming from, the driver's side rear window exploded. The contact poured water on the window to put out the smoke. During the explosion the contact sustained a mild concussion and severe earache that lasted for two days; however, medical attention was not needed. The Fire Department and Police Department were contacted and notified of the failure. …
While driving, my wife and I heard a bang, and when she went to turn her head, she noticed that the vehicle was smoking from rear defroster, and the back windshield had smashed. we immediately pulled over and the vehicle did not stop smoking until we turned off the rear defroster. This put our safety at risk as the entire vehicle could've caught fire. When we went to check to see if it had been recalled, Our vehicle did not have any open recalls But we found that there were many other GMC Sierra trucks with this issue. We contacted our local dealer who confirmed that he had seen this happen to other GMC Sierra trucks. There was no warning light Or other indicator that this was going to happen. Unfortunately, Our vehicle was not included under recall N192265660 and we strongly recommend that another investigation is performed to include all 2014 GMC Sierra trucks. …
The contact owns a 2014 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving the vehicle, the steering wheel would violently shake and vibrate before the vehicle shut-off. Later the vehicle was restarted and operated as normal. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 30,000.
The contact owns a 2014 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that upon depression on the brake pedal, the trailer braking system warning message appeared on the instrument panel. The contact also stated that a fuel odor would emit from the vehicle. The vehicle had yet to be serviced or diagnosed. The dealer nor the manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 122,000.
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk?: The truck just stalls and dies without warning, all lights go off inside and outside and all power is lost. From digging on the internet, I found out the problem is due to one or more rusty/defective connection to ground which stops current from flowing and therefore stalls the vehicle and turns everything off. When the truck stalls, power steering and power assisted breaks are not available and this makes the truck very difficult to guide/stop for most people, making it a significant safety risk to occupants as well as others as the likelyhood of a collision increases significantly. In addition, since all electric accessories are disconnected, warning/flashing lights can not be turned on to advise others that the truck has stopped. …
I know this is a well known issue with these trucks. Have had issues with power steering not working at low speeds which they claim it's do to low voltage. This has happened numerous times and then on May 3rd I went to back into my driveway off a busy state route with hills on each end of the road. Put my hazard lights on let three vehicles pass and then I turned the wheel and gave it gas soon as the truck got into the middle of the road it shut off. Everything stopped working no hazard lights for about 10seconds and then I had to put the truck into park turn ignition key off and then back on to restart the truck. Again this is all do to low voltage from what everyone else has said with the same issue. There are no warnings what so every even the voltage meter is fine and the truck doesn't hesitate at all it's like someone disconnected the battery. …
Today I was driving on a residential road and my truck completely stopped while driving. My wheel locked up and I was unable to steer and almost hit another car. This has also happened a few weeks ago while driving on the highway at 70 miles per hour. My vehicle shuts off, I turn the key back and then restart it and I get the following 2 messages: 2 Keys programmed, and Open then close driver window. This is very dangerous and apparently a major problem with other vehicles as I have found the below additional details. This puts my family and others at major risk. I have asked to dealership to look at it but they state they have to keep it for several days and see the issue for themselves, and since it happens so sporadically I cannot be without my vehicle for that amount of time. Apparently it is an issue with the ground wires ands wiring harness. …
At slow speeds, multiple times, I have had the truck completely have an electrical failure and the engine shut off. I have replaced the negative battery cable and ensured all connections are good. This has happened on streets when turning and in parking lots. When this happens all of the screens in the truck flicker and the service stabilitrack light comes on and then everything goes out, to include the engine. Myself, my family, and other drivers have been out at risk when the truck completely shuts off on a street. The dealership has not been able to give me an answer. There are many forums online where the 2014-2018 year models of this and similar GM vehicles have had the same problem. We need a specific fix for this before someone gets seriously injured or killed.
While fixing an exhaust leak on this vehicle, the grounding cable that attaches to the engine block appeared to be chafed, partially crushed, and exposing some copper. The grounding cable runs down the firewall of the passenger side of the vehicle, runs briefly along the frame rail, and passes underneath the exhaust manifold. There is a potential for the cable to not properly ground over time, causing unknown issues. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer or dealer as this vehicle is outside of bumper-to-bumper warranty. A support case was opened with GM, but as an individual, they will not allow me to report the issue with pictures. They require the dealer to be the reporter.
Vehicle started having random electrical problems including dropping out of cruise when signaling a lane change, not starting due to antitheft system error, stabltrak error message, message to raise & lower drivers side window. Ultimately the engine, steering & brakes failed, fortunately at low speed, and we coasted to a stop after the truck ran over a curb. Our safety was at risk as we could have crashed into something. Others safety was at risk as we could have ended up in their vehicle path. The dealer replaced some ground wires, at great expense, and said that usually fixes it. Which tells me that this is a known problem. Can't believe that it isn't a safety recall!
Electrical complaints in other Sierra 1500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2014 GMC Sierra 1500?
NHTSA has 129 complaints about the electrical system of the 2014 GMC Sierra 1500, 17% of the model year's 743 complaints. The component named most often is 12v/24v/48v battery › cables (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2014 GMC Sierra 1500 electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2014 GMC Sierra 1500, though it has 9 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2014 GMC Sierra 1500 electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 64,000 miles, and 13% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 4 fires and 2 injuries to electrical system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.