1,682 of the 3,415 complaints about the GMC Sierra 1500 (49.3%) concern Engine, making it the model's largest problem area. That share is 2.2× the Engine share across all tracked vehicles.
1,682Complaints · Engine
49.3%Share of complaints
2.22×vs. all vehicles
763Last 12 months
1.2%Share involving a crash or fire
1Related recalls
Analysis
By model year, Engine complaints peak with the 2021 model (334, 61% of that year's complaints) and are lowest for the 2025 model (52). 763 Engine complaints were filed in the last 12 months versus 742 in the 12 months before — a steady pace.
Owners most often describe: “engine”, “lifters”, “oil”, “towed” and “seized”. 21 of these reports (1.2%) describe a crash or fire, with 4 injuries and 0 deaths mentioned.
1 recall campaign relates to this area, most recently campaign 25V274000 (2025-04-24, model years 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024).
Piston 5 dropped compression to 120 the rest were 190-200. The engine failed therefore none of my parking assist sensors were working and I backed into a car because the truck was misfiring.
Engine · 2026-08-24 · ODI 11759264 · Crash
This truck is equipped with the 6.2L L87 and the motor seized up and shut off with no dash light warning and i stalled and rolled over a curb! This is very dangerous and now i have to pay 10k out of Pocket for an engine replacement!
Engine · 2026-03-17 · ODI 11725116 · Crash
I was coming to a stop at a stop a 3 way stop intersection. I parked completely and when I stopped the vehicle just shut down I did not have any warning signs come on prior as I looked at the dash it said place vehicle into park and start.
Engine · 2026-09-02 · ODI 11761482
I am reporting a serious safety concern involving a 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali, 6.2L L87 V8, VIN [XXX]. This vehicle has now experienced two catastrophic powertrain failures at very low mileage.
Engine · 2026-09-02 · ODI 11761755
My vehicle is under the L87 Recall from GM for engine failure. In September 2025 it was given the recall “fix”, different thicker oil. But on July 1 2026, my engine seized while I was driving 60 mph on the highway.
Engine · 2026-09-02 · ODI 11761504
I received a notice months ago for possible engine problems. my dealer checked it out and everything was good except for changing oil from 0W-20 to 0W-40. i was in Atlanta, GA on 8/26 and by the time i got home on 8/27, engine was knocking.
Engine · 2026-09-02 · ODI 11761506
Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, trimmed for length. The ODI number is NHTSA's record identifier.
Related recalls
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL Campaign 25V274000 · 2025-04-24 · Model years: 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with a 6.2L V8 gas engine. The connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the engine, and as necessary, repair or replace the engine. For vehicles that pass inspection, dealers will add higher viscosity oil, install 6 oil fill cap, replace the oil filter, and update the owner's manual. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 18, 2025. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N252494000.
Why modern engines burn oil, and what owner complaints revealThe design choices that make many recent engines consume oil, the warning signs owners describe, what counts as normal, and which tracked models draw the most engine complaints right now.
Frequently asked questions
How common are Engine problems on the GMC Sierra 1500?
1,682 of the 3,415 complaints about the GMC Sierra 1500 (49.3%) concern Engine, making it the model's largest problem area. That share is 2.2× the Engine share across all tracked vehicles.
Which GMC Sierra 1500 model years have the most Engine complaints?
By model year, Engine complaints peak with the 2021 model (334, 61% of that year's complaints) and are lowest for the 2025 model (52).
Is there a recall for GMC Sierra 1500 Engine problems?
1 recall campaign relates to this area, most recently campaign 25V274000 (2025-04-24, model years 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024).