Engine complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 7 | 64% | 25,000 miles |
| 2019 | 5 | 19% | 26,000 miles |
| 2018 | 5 | 29% | 107,000 miles |
| 2017 | 7 | 9% | 105,000 miles |
| 2016 | 3 | 8% | 39,000 miles |
| 2015 | 4 | 5% | 46,000 miles |
| 2014 | 9 | 8% | 3,000 miles |
| 2013 | 3 | 6% | 11,000 miles |
| 2012 | 6 | 15% | 12,000 miles |
| 2011 | 8 | 11% | 60,000 miles |
| 2010 | 3 | 7% | 46,000 miles |
| 2009 | 4 | 9% | 60,000 miles |
| 2008 | 1 | 1% | 74,000 miles |
| 2007 | 4 | 7% | 83,000 miles |
| 2006 | 1 | 2% | 36,000 miles |
| 2005 | 17 | 14% | 60,000 miles |
| 2004 | 10 | 5% | 90,000 miles |
| 2003 | 12 | 6% | 33,000 miles |
| 2002 | 26 | 10% | 42,000 miles |
| 2001 | 23 | 9% | 50,000 miles |
| 2000 | 22 | 5% | 36,000 miles |
| 1999 | 17 | 3% | 50,000 miles |
| 1998 | 11 | 6% | 80,000 miles |
| 1997 | 16 | 7% | 67,000 miles |
| 1996 | 11 | 4% | 45,000 miles |
| 1995 | 6 | 2% | 145,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2020 GMC Sierra Denali. The contact stated that while stopped at a traffic light with the brake pedal depressed, the vehicle shut off unexpectedly. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact made several attempts to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to restart. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to the dealer where a diagnostic test was performed. The contact was later informed that the engine had seized due to engine bearing failure, and the contact was provided an estimate for a new engine. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) and linked the recall to the failure. The manufacturer was notified about the failure and the recall, and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired and remained with the dealer. …
The contact owned a 2020 GMC Sierra Denali. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The check engine warning light was intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer; however, the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The dealer advised the contact to purchase a new vehicle because the engine would eventually need to be replaced. The contact stated that at approximately 3,000 miles, there was an abnormal odor oil burning odor coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil and approximately 5 quarts needed to be added between scheduled oil changes. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000.
The contact owns a 2019 GMC Sierra Denali. The contact stated that while driving at 30 mph, a "Turn off engine, No oil pressure" message appeared and was accompanied by a warning chime alert. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road and turned off. The contact then observed condensation leaking under the front of the vehicle and condensation in the street leading to the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine oil cooler line detached and the engine oil cooler lines needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to have NHTSA add his vehicle added to an unknown recall. The failure mileage was 77,000.
I received a recall notice May 2019 from maryann l. Combs, vice president global vehicle safety. The local dealership said parts were not available at that time. A few months later, still not available and today, February 25,2020 they are still not available and it seems they May never be available to vehicles in the "southern" states. My truck travels to mn, mt, nd on a regular basis and the problem in question needs to be fixed to keep the engine warm at below zero temperatures. NHTSA campaign id number is 19V328 and recall number was n182206311. Per the letter from ms. Combs use of the current engine block heater cable could result in an engine fire.
The contact owns a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, and while the vehicle was parked, the running boards unexpectedly lowered. Additionally, there was oil leaking from the vehicle, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with camshaft failure. The contact was informed that the camshaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 107,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2018 GMC Sierra denali. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 19V328000 (engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. Soechtin motors GMC located at (603 east kingsbury street, seguin, tx 78155, [phone], was contacted and confirmed that the part was not available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. Parts distribution disconnect.
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Sierra Denali. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was shuddering and vibrating. The contact pulled over and opened the hood with the engine running. The contact stated that there was an abnormal ticking sound coming from the engine. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the fuel injectors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the vehicle was still running rough. The contact was advised by the mechanic that the fuel injectors needed to be reprogrammed, and the vehicle was taken to a dealer. The dealer reprogrammed the fuel injectors, but the vehicle was still running rough. …
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Sierra 2500 Denali. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the knock sensor had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 209,000.
Related recalls (3)
Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system
General Motors is recalling certain 2014 model year Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles, and 2015 model year Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV; Chevrolet Silverado HD; and GMC Sierra HD, Yukon, and Yukon XL, equipped with a 4.3L engine or 5.3L engine.
Remedy: General Motors will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the engine control module, free of charge. The recall began on January 16, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020 and GMC at 1-800-462-8782.
Engine and engine cooling
On certain pickup trucks equipped with an 8.1l v8 engine, the crankshaft position can operate intermittently or fail completely. If the sensor operates intermittently, the ses light May illuminate and the vehicle May run rough. The engine May stall, and if so, May re-start immediately or after a cool down period.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the crankshaft position sensor free of charge. The recall began on December 18, 2007. Owners May contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 and GMC at 1-866-996-9463.
Engine and engine cooling
On certain trucks equipped with an 8.1l v8 (rpo l8-VIN g) engine have a condition in which the engine fuel rail pulse damper retainer clip May fracture resulting in inadequate retention of the damper.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the engine fuel rail pulse damper retainer clip free of charge. The recall began on August 31, 2006. Owners May contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 and GMC trucks at 1-866-996-9463.
NHTSA investigations
Crank position sensor failure - stall
The office of defects investigation (odi) opened a preliminary evaluation (pe06-016) on May 4, 2006 based on eleven vehicle owner questionnaires (voqs) and early warning (ewr) data alleging sudden engine shutdown while driving as a result of crank position sensor failures in my 2001-2002 general motors c/k platform vehicles equipped with 8.1l engines.in response to an information request letter sent by odi, general…
Frequently asked questions
Which GMC Sierra years have engine problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2002 (26), 2001 (23), 2000 (22), 1999 (17) and 2005 (17) model years. Engine complaints make up 10% of all complaints for the 2002.
Is there a recall for GMC Sierra engine problems?
Yes — 3 recalls, including 14V-007 (exhaust system, Jan 13, 2014); 07V-521 (engine and engine cooling, Nov 7, 2007); 06V-289 (engine and engine cooling, Aug 3, 2006). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do GMC Sierra engine problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 49,000 miles; 56% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the engine › gasoline (44 mentions), followed by the engine (40).
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.