Overall rating (best variant)
Safety ratings
2026 GMC SIERRA 1500 PU/EC N/A 4WD
- Lane departure warningStandard
- Forward collision warningStandard
- Electronic stability controlStandard
2026 GMC SIERRA 1500 PU/EC N/A RWD
- Lane departure warningStandard
- Forward collision warningStandard
- Electronic stability controlStandard
2026 GMC SIERRA 1500 PU/RC N/A 4WD
- Lane departure warningStandard
- Forward collision warningStandard
- Electronic stability controlStandard
2026 GMC SIERRA 1500 PU/RC N/A RWD
- Lane departure warningStandard
- Forward collision warningStandard
- Electronic stability controlStandard
2026 GMC SIERRA 1500 PU/CC N/A 4WD
- Lane departure warningStandard
- Forward collision warningStandard & Optional
- Electronic stability controlStandard
2026 GMC SIERRA 1500 PU/CC N/A RWD
- Lane departure warningStandard
- Forward collision warningStandard & Optional
- Electronic stability controlStandard
Crash test videos & photos
No public crash-test footage is available for this vehicle.
Recalls (2)
⚠ Do not drive this vehicle — urgent recall
NHTSA has flagged a recall on this vehicle as severe. Contact a dealer immediately; recall repairs are free.
- POWER TRAIN:TRANSFER CASE (4-WHEEL DRIVE)Campaign 26V289000 · 07/05/2026Do not drive
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2026 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, and GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles with four-wheel (4WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), and certain 2015-2020 Suburban, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Yukon, Yukon XL, and Tahoe vehicles. A component missing from the drivetrain transfer case may cause the front and/or rear wheels to lock up without warning to the driver.
Risk: Front or rear wheel lockup increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the remedy is completed. Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the transfer case assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 18, 2026. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223. GM's number for this recall is N262557620. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on May 7, 2026.
- EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUALCampaign 26V114000 · 26/02/2026
General Motors has decided that certain 2027 Chevrolet Bolt EV, 2025-2026 Cadillac OPTIQ, Chevrolet Colorado, Equinox EV, GMC Canyon, 2026 Buick Enclave, Envision, Cadillac CT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade IQ, Escalade IQL, LYRIQ, VISTIQ, Chevrolet Blazer EV, Corvette Convertible, Corvette Coupe, Corvette Convertible E-Ray, Equinox, Silverado 1500, 2500, 3500, Silverado EV, Suburban 1500, Tahoe, Traverse, GMC Acadia, Hummer EV Pickup, Hummer EV SUV, Sierra 1500, 2500, 3500, Sierra EV, Terrain, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The radio may not have been set to the correct status to download the electronic owner's manual during production. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, “Occupant Protection.”
Risk: Without an owner's manual to consult, owners may not know how to safely use and operate the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Fix: Dealers will reset the vehicle radio, which will facilitate automatic download of the electronic owner’s manual, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 16, 2026. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-866-467-9700, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223. The manufacturer's number for this recall is N252540430. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on February 26, 2026.
Owner complaints
Most-reported areas
- ENGINE25
- POWER TRAIN7
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM4
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM4
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER3
- VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL1
Read individual complaints (34 most recent)
These are unverified consumer reports filed with NHTSA, shown as submitted.
- 09/07/2026· UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The infotainment system keeps having the sound completely shut off. The radio, GPS, blinker system sound will not work.
- 09/07/2026· ENGINE
Three times this has happened. Most recently Pulling in drive and jumps out of drive to park with a jerk and stops.
- 09/03/2026· POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2026 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission independently shifted to park or neutral. The contact stated that the failure had occurred while driving at slow speeds. The contact stated that during one failure, the brakes independently activated, and the vehicle shut off. The contact stated that while attempting to restart the vehicle, the vehicle started. The contact stated that the failure was persistent. The dealer was made aware of the failure by phone. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the diagnostic result was not provided. The failure mileage was approximately 500.
- 09/03/2026· POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2026 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while slowly driving up a slightly inclined drive port and making a left turn, the vehicle shut off and the parking brake was activated or the vehicle suddenly decelerated. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on several occasions with three separate identical vehicles, including the loaner vehicle provided by the dealer. During the failure, the messages "Press Start" and "Service Transmission" were displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 29.
- 09/02/2026· ENGINE
XXX Pulling into Mason Park - Truck Shot down while driving. Went into Park (immediate stop) 2 of my Kids were in the truck at the time. Restarted truck and loud Noises. Immediately backed into parking space shut down and towed. Sent to dealership XXX Called spoke co/ Mark. [XXX] had tech. look at truck. expressed My concerns and Should Never occurred @ 6788 miles. Expressed Something Needs done. Recommend contact GMc. - Call GMC, Crated a Case #XXX. Engine replaced after 2 months. No one checked the transmission or had explained why it went into park while in operation.Refused to look at any other concerns. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- 08/30/2026· ENGINE
We were told when we purchased our 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 that all the engine problems have been remedied. Purchased our new truck January 3, 2026 put 2001 miles on the truck went on June 29. The engine suddenly just stopped while driving on the highway. We were able to pull over unable to ever get it to start forced to have it towed to a nearby GMC dealer where it has been ever since were told it had to have a complete new engine put in we have corresponded with General motors on three different occasions we still sit with no offer as we did apply for a lemon law buyback but General Motors continues to sell these vehicles which is very deceptive and misleading as this situation was not remedied in any 25 or 26 models.
- 08/30/2026· ENGINE
Took ownership of this vehicle on XXX. 6.2 motor build date XXX at Tonawanda plant. Currently have 10,600 miles on vehicle. First and second oil changes at GMC facility T&T Coast Buick, GMC located in [XXX] First at 4,441 miles, oil part number 19420077. Second oil change at 8,379 miles, oil part number 19420077 This oil part number is for 5W-30. ACDelco bulk engine oil (Dexos1 Gen2 Full Synthetic 5W-30). The correct oil was not used. From what I have read this is a GM "oil trap" so if there is a problem with the motor GM can deny warranty coverage because the wrong oil was used. I have not adressed this with the dealership yet. If there is a 6.2 motor problem with my vehicle in the future am I going to be denied coverage? I am worried. I also have the extended warranty. Thank you. [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- 08/28/2026· ENGINE
While driving through city traffic at approximately 35 mph the truck engine made a quick loud noise and then immediately shutoff. The power steering went out and then I was unable to pull off the road completely as the engine would not start back up. This truck is a 2026 with 9,000 miles, 6.2L motor. After being towed to a GM Service facility it was determined that the motor had blown up on the truck. A vehicle shutting off while driving down the road is an extreme safety concern in my opinion.
- 08/28/2026· UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Learned that GMC engines may have an issue. We haven't had one as yet.
- 08/26/2026· ENGINE
This truck has the GM L87 6.2L engine that is currently on recall for 2021- 2024 model years, but recently the NHTSA is looking into post engine replacement failures and 2025-26 model year issues. My engine at 7,000 miles failed for rod bearings. Same issues reported years ago and 100k engines ago. GM has not fixed the problem, its still happening.
- 08/26/2026· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2026 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted and the vehicle decelerated to 10 MPH. No warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled over to the shoulder of the road, and the vehicle was towed to a local dealer. The vehicle remained with the dealer for additional diagnostic tests and unknown recurring failure codes. In addition, the contact stated that the failure worsened and occurred while his wife, sister-in-law, niece, and child were present inside the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 7,500.
- 08/25/2026· POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Bought the vehicle brand new at the end of april. 2 weeks later and at 557 miles, the engine had a lifter failure and needed to be replaced. One day after picking it up after the engine replacement, a fuel injector went bad and needed to be replaced. About 2 days ago, the check engine light lit up, and the GMC app said it was a code for the transmission system (popped on after attempting to remote start the vehicle, although the light did shut off on its own the next day after a software update on the vehicle)
- 08/25/2026· POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I bought the vehicle brand new in april 2026. On May 3rd, approximately 2 weeks after I bought it, I experienced a lifter failure that caused metal to get into the oil pan/engine and the engine needed to be replaced. About a month later after repairs were complete, I picked up my vehicle on a Friday night, and the very next morning, had issues again. Took it back to the dealer and a fuel injector went bad and needed to be replaced. I recently attempted to use the remote start feature and as soon as it fired up, the engine cut out. I went to start it again and the check engine light came on. My GMC app said the code was transmission related, although it cleared on its on the next morning after a software update.
- 08/25/2026· ENGINE
rocker arms replacement at 5,000 miles on my truck. Palm Harbor Tasca GMC
- 08/25/2026· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The truck has lost power unexpectedly while driving, and lately I've also noticed some lag when I accelerate. The truck is available to be inspected. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The truck suddenly lost power while I was driving and told me to restart the vehicle. Losing power unexpectedly almost caused me to get stuck in an intersection and could have caused an accident in a busy shopping center. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? No. I took it to the GMC dealership after the second time it happened, but they couldn't get it to do it again and said there were no codes showing. They told me to bring it back if it happens a third time. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Yes. I took it to the GMC dealership to have it checked after the second power-loss issue happened. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? When it lost power, the truck prompted me to restart the vehicle. I have also recently started noticing some lag when accelerating and starting the vehicle. There was no warning before it happened.
- 08/25/2026· ENGINE
Truck milage at the time of engine failure was 9,101. Well past the break in period for towing. We were towing a car trailer 2,000 pounds less the max towing capacity for the truck and going less than the posted speed limit. The truck was also in tow haul mode. The truck dash flashed oiled heating hot. We tried to pull over on the highway then the truck lost all power and overheated. Our trailer was not all the way off the highway, so a WY State Trooper pulled behind us and kept his lights flashing for 3 hours until a tow truck came. Truck could not be placed in neutral, so it had to be dragged onto the flat bed ramp of the tow truck. Truck was towed to the Gillette WY GMC dealership that same day. On Monday we were informed that the engine failed and needed to be totally replaced. The GM dealer cannot tell us how long it will take to get the new engine or how long we will be without the truck. This is the 6.2 V8 which GM assured buyer's of 2026 vehicles that the engine failures reported on previous year vehicles had been rectified on the new models. Less than 10,000 and the engine failed.
- 08/24/2026· ENGINE
Engine completely failed and had to be replaced
- 08/24/2026· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2026 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that intermittently there was no sound while the turn signals were activated, and the radio and incoming calls failed to be audible. The issue often lasted all day or for an hour or two before returning to normal. The contact associated the failure GM Technical Service Bulletin: PIT6406 (or PIT6406F), but the dealer stated the vehicle was not included in the bulletin and refused further diagnostic tests. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to reprogram the Audio Control Module (ACM) because the software was outdated, despite the vehicle being brand new. The reprogramming was completed; however, the failure was not resolved. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The failure mileage was 3,657.
- 08/23/2026· ENGINE
This engine has used more than 2 quarts of oil since purchased in November of 2025. It has 12,000 miles on it. The exhaust pipes are covered in black soot from oil burn. It scares me to drive it, $87,000 retail vehicle worth about nothing with a bad engine. Terrible
- 08/22/2026· ENGINE
Catastrophic failure of engine while exiting the interstate.
- 08/21/2026· UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I purchased this new 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 on 07/16/2026. Beginning shortly after delivery, the vehicle began intermittently losing ALL audio, including the audible turn-signal indication. The condition now occurs approximately once every 3–4 vehicle starts/uses. When the failure occurs, there is no audio from the infotainment system, radio, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, or speakers, and there is no audible turn-signal sound. Because the failure also eliminates audible driver feedback from the turn signals, I am concerned this is not simply an entertainment-system issue. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The vehicle was presented to Ed Morse Sawgrass Auto Mall, an authorized GMC dealer, after the condition occurred again on approximately 08/20/2026. The dealer advised me that the vehicle already has the applicable software programming and that GM is aware of the condition. The Service Manager advised me in writing that GM currently instructs the dealer to recover/reset the radio and not replace the radio or amplifier because GM is working on a permanent correction. Restarting the infotainment system, Safe Mode, disabling Quick Startup, and allowing the vehicle to completely power down have not permanently corrected the condition. A full shutdown may temporarily restore the audio, but the failure returns. There are no warning lamps or messages before the failure. The audio simply does not function when the vehicle is started. The vehicle currently has approximately 976 miles. There has been no crash, fire, injury, or fatality. I have also formally reported the condition to GMC Customer Assistance. GMC Case #108458085.
- 08/21/2026· ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I bought a new GMC Sierra 1500 Denali with the 6.2L V8 engine in December of 2025. 7 months later, I was driving home from work. When the car started, it sounded a little louder, but not out of the ordinary. I started driving and got a strange rattle when I was getting on the highway at around 65MPH. I pulled off at the next exit and checked my fluids, checked under the car to see if anything was caught that was causing the rattle. All pressures and fluids were normal. I had Onstar run a system diagnostic. The diagnostic read normal. I got back on the highway and drove about 20 miles at 75mph. The rattling continued. 20 miles later, the check engine light came on. I had onstar run a diagnostic and came back stating “engine and transmission system problem” with two error codes. One code said “An issue has been detected in the Variable Valve Timing System adjust the timing of fuel delivery for more efficient engine operation”. The other code said “An issue has been detected in the Ignition System which oversees the timing and spark necessary to ignite fuel in your engine” Both error codes said to fix within one day. The GMC dealership was on the way home so I was going to stop there and see what they could do. I never made it to the dealer. About 2 minutes after the diagnostic, while doing 75mph on the highway, I hit the accelerator and the car did not speed up. The engine then shut off while I was in the left lane doing 75 mph. The electronics stayed on and the dash stated “press start to start engine.” I pulled over to the side of the highway and put the car in park and attempted to restart the engine. The engine never turned over again. I could not get the engine to start. I could not shift the car to neutral to have it rolled up on to the tow truck. My truck was towed to the GMC dealership and they are now replacing the engine under warranty. Will upload any maintenance paperwork once engine is replaced.
- 08/20/2026· POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
Vehicle: 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4 (3.0L LZ0 Duramax Diesel) Current Mileage: ~16,500 miles Check Engine Light Status: NO Check Engine Light active Description of Incident & Symptoms: •Interstate Incident: While driving at highway speeds, a severe drivetrain vibration occurred (felt like a rear wheel weight flew off). •Dashboard Warnings: Within 5 minutes, intermittent "Traction Control" and "Forward Collision Warning" alerts appeared on the dash, accompanied by a sudden drop in engine power. •Engine Noise & Idle: Once safely pulled over, the engine exhibited a loud mechanical knock and a very rough, unstable idle. •Extended Crank: After shutting the engine off and waiting a few minutes, restarting the truck took roughly twice as long as normal (long crank/delayed start)
- 08/16/2026· ENGINE
Sudden catastrophic engine failure occurred at 7400 miles, 2026 GMC Sierra1500 Denali with 6.2L engine. Driver and 3 children in vehicle headed to school when engine suddenly failed while driving on the roadway. No warning or vehicle symptoms prior. We were told the truck needs a total engine replacement- on a brand new vehicle. It has been nearly 9 weeks with no resolution or repair from GM. The truck was towed to the GM dealership it was purchased from on June 18th and it remains sitting in their service department lot with no timeline for repair or replacement.
- 08/14/2026· ENGINE
The contact owns a 2026 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle started decelerating unintendedly. The message “Engine Power Reduced” was displayed. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and opened a case. The approximate failure mileage was 6,028.
- 08/12/2026· ENGINE
The contact owns a 2026 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle slowed down unexpectedly. The vehicle then lost power while stopped at a traffic light. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was turned off and restarted, and the vehicle operated as intended. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that there were metal shavings inside the oil pan and the engine needed to be replaced. The engine was replaced twice. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 3,202.
- 08/09/2026· ENGINE
Driving on the highway near Rockport, WA, when vehicle suddenly loss propulsion, engine light appeared, and vehicle went into transport mode enabled. Without causing an accident, I was able to pull to the side of the road. Once I put vehicle in park, it shut off and displayed, “Tranport Mode On. Vehicle would not start and was towed home. My son-in-law was able to disable transport mode, but vehicle still will not start. Will notify dealership on Monday.
- 08/09/2026· ENGINE
Driving on the highway near Rockport, WA, when vehicle suddenly loss propulsion, engine light appeared, and vehicle went into transport mode enabled. Without causing an accident, I was able to pull to the side of the road. Once I put vehicle in park, it shut off and displayed, “Tranport Mode On. Vehicle would not start and was towed home. My son-in-law was able to disable transport mode, but vehicle still will not start. Will notify dealership on Monday.
- 08/09/2026· ENGINE
2026 Denali, 6.2, failed after getting off express way while on my way for a fishing get away and pulling my boat. NO warning lights, noises, nothing. Came to a stop sign and at the last second slammed into park. Dash went black, 10 seconds later would come back on and try to start, then the dash goes black. Sheriff pulled up 20 or so minutes later and told my wife to get back into the vehicle as she was directing semis and other cars to go around. Towed to a chevy dealership 13 miles away. After Running tests on the truck, came up blown engine. 7600 miles. 5 hours later we left with a loaner and able to continue on with our plans. I do thank the dealership for their help and loaner. 23 business days later they delivered my truck to my house and returned in the loaner. After all my investigating on these engines, I will not be buying another one. Time for GM to invest some of their profits into finding the problem!
- 08/07/2026· ENGINE
I have a 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 with the 6.2L engine. I purchased it on [XXX]. On [XXX] with 13,000 miles on the truck the engine started making a bad noise from the lower end of the motor. I immediately took it to the dealer Randy Wise Buick GMC in Fenton Michigan. They diagnosed it as a spun bearing and had to replace the engine. I just got it back today August 7th 2026 INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- 08/06/2026· POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2026 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while her husband was driving approximately 10 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly shut off and independently shifted into park(P). The contact stated that previously, while the vehicle was idling in a parking lot, with air conditioner activated, the Auto START/STOP feature engaged, and the vehicle shut off. The message “Service Transmission” was displayed. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer and was diagnosed with transmission failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 2,000.
- 08/05/2026· POWER TRAIN
I am submitting this complaint to report what I believe is a serious safety-related defect involving the General Motors 6.2L L87 V8 engine installed in my 2026 GMC Sierra Denali. On July 10, 2026, while driving on a public highway near Bogata, Texas, the engine suddenly began making severe mechanical noises before catastrophically failing without warning. The engine seized completely while the vehicle was in motion. At the time of failure, the truck had only 13,517 miles. The sudden loss of engine power left my wife and me stranded on the roadside. Had this occurred while crossing an intersection, merging into traffic, passing another vehicle, towing a trailer, or traveling in heavier traffic, the consequences could have been far more serious.
- 08/04/2026· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I was driving on 96 W. in slow traffic on the freeway when the vehicle put itself in neutral and shut off
- 07/31/2026· ENGINE
Engine died while driving at higher speed on interstate. Barely able to pull to emergency lane before truck stopped. No warning of any issues with it. Had towed to dealership. Dealership confirmed 6.2 engine was faulty. Engine replaced under warranty. Truck only had 1207 miles on it when engine died.