2017 GMC Sierra 1500 Owner Complaints

When I accelerate the vehicle, the gears shifts every 10mph when it shouldn’t. It does it all the way up to 60mph. It has been an on going problem since we got the truck

NHTSA ID

11753626

Incident

Nov 15, 2017

Truck was started using auto start and I drove roughly a mile down the road smelt burning and looked in the back seat, I saw smoke and promptly pulled to the side of the road shut the vehicle off then I heard a loud pop and saw the back drivers side window shattered.

NHTSA ID

11737629

Incident

May 13, 2026

Dear Sir, I currently own a 2017 GMC Denali that had a potentially catastrophic failure with one of the alloy wheels that are on my vehicle. Mileage about 110,000 I recently went to have new tires installed on my vehicles when the tire shop manager came from the work area and said that he could not put a new tire on my one wheels. The reason the tire store could not put a tire on that wheel is because two of the spokes on the alloy wheel were broken. There were three spokes between the broken spokes. The are 12 spokes on the wheel and the two broken spokes were non adjoining. They were not next to each other. There were good spokes between the broken spokes. With a close inspection of the wheel there is no scuffing or impact damage to the wheel either on the outside of the wheel or the inside that would cause this failure. The spokes just cracked. The fact that the two broken spokes are not next to each other would seem to indicate that this was a manufacturing defect. I am writing to go on record of this failure of the alloy wheel on my truck. If someone would like to inspect the wheel, please contact me to arrange for a time to look at it. I have attached pictures of the wheel with the broken spokes. Regards, [XXX] You can see the cracked spokes at the 12:00 and 7:00 position on the wheel towards the center of the wheel. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11735522

Incident

Mar 28, 2026

I drive this vehicle on higher speed roads to work everyday. Roads also used by large tractor trailers and like larger vehicles. I was told by dealer that I had broken exhaust manifold studs at a previous oil change. While driving the truck it seemed to lose power for a short time but I was in traffic and assumed the loss of power at that time was related to a possible exhaust leak.I scheduled a appointment to have the repairs addressed. When I picked up the vehicle I was told that there was a ticking noise in the top of the motor. They stated it was the lifters and needed to be repaired for $7136 dollars. I researched the problem and found out how big of an issue this is specifically for the owners of the 6.2l (L86) engine. Highly concerned I schedule the repair and dropped the vehicle off. Shortly after the dealer called and stated the vehicle had bent push rod collapsed lifters damage to the cylinder head, camshaft and worn camshaft bearings now cost are $14350 or replace engine for $17000. I chose to replace top end. The next day I was called back and was told the bearing on the cam journals were down to brass and I would need new engine. Cost in just 24 hours not are $22000. This vehicle was maintained by this dealer also for all fluid changes. The belief is all the failures were related to the active fuel management system. (going from 8 to 4 cylinders ).

NHTSA ID

11732205

Incident

Mar 2, 2026

The contact owns a 2017 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal tapping sound coming from the vehicle. The check engine warning light and an unknown warning light were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had occurred while traveling out of state. The dealer was made aware of the failure, and the contact was informed that the repair was not covered under recall. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with lifters failure. The contact was informed that the lifters and camshaft needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the lifter's failure had damaged the camshaft. The vehicle was being repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 99,700.

NHTSA ID

11728246

Incident

Mar 17, 2026

Mileage

99,700 mi

The rear window on my 2017 GMC Sierra shattered unexpectedly without any impact. The vehicle had been remote started in very cold weather and the rear window glass suddenly shattered while the truck was parked. There was no rock strike or external damage that would explain the failure. I later learned about GM Customer Satisfaction Program N192265660 regarding rear window defroster thermal events affecting certain 2014–2019 GMC Sierra and Chevrolet Silverado trucks. Based on the sudden failure and the conditions at the time, this appears consistent with that issue. The Auto Rear Defog feature in the vehicle settings was turned off, however the truck had been started using the remote start feature when the glass shattered. Photos of the shattered window are available. I am submitting this report because the rear window defroster system may cause the glass to overheat and shatter unexpectedly.

NHTSA ID

11725091

Incident

Mar 17, 2026

Rear glass window shattered due to the defroster getting too hot. Some smoke was noticed

NHTSA ID

11723547

Incident

Mar 9, 2026

The contact owns a 2017 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the defrost was turned on, but the defrost failed to function as intended. There was a loud pop, and there was brown and yellow smoke in the rear of the vehicle. The contact turned off the defroster. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the roadway. The contact exited the vehicle and inspected it. The contact stated that the rear driver's side sliding glass was fractured. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or a dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,200.

NHTSA ID

11722013

Incident

Mar 2, 2026

Mileage

90,200 mi

While the 2017 GMC Sierra was warming up via remote start, I noticed a smell of smoke as I walked by the passenger side of the truck. Then I heard a loud bang as I was walking around the rear of the truck. As I entered the truck from the driver's door I saw the back window, passenger side, shattered. The vehicle was then turned off. According to our dealership the vehicle was looked at under recall N192265660 and deemed safe in May of 2020. A call was placed to GM who said the recall expired in 2022. An offer was made by for payment assistance by the GM representative but could not say how much until we pay the dealership for a diagnostic. This is a know issue by GM. The location of the shattered window is situated inches behind where my child's head would have been had she been in the vehicle.The smell of smoke is extremely concerning because where there's smoke there's fire.

NHTSA ID

11720780

Incident

Feb 26, 2026

While using the rear defrost my daughter smelled burning. Moments after the smell the rear window exploded. This is a sliding three part window and it shattered on the passenger side. My daughter was hit by the exploding glass.

NHTSA ID

11715880

Incident

Jan 2, 2026

check engine light and traction control light on. vehicle undriveable. took to dealer code P0304 lifters need to be replaced

NHTSA ID

11715507

Incident

Dec 15, 2025

While sitting at a stop sign heard a loud bang and truck lunged forward as if we were rear ended . Actually thought we were . Drove about 20 miles and transmission went out . Even though i had foot on brake truck still went forward . Had to have transmission replaced at $6421.58 in Florida while on vacation . Have researched on internet and found several cases exact same thing . Even shop that did work said GM had a problem but was doing nothing as of yet .

NHTSA ID

11715495

Incident

May 21, 2024

My L86 Engine had 250,000 plus miles and the engine went out. So we decided to rebuild the engine due to the truck being paid off and the cost of a new engine is much cheaper than a new truck. After the first rebuild the engine last around 10K miles. We pulled the engine back apart to find out that the crank bearings were shot along with the brand new GM crank that was purchased. After doing research, there was no enough clearance between the GM bearings and the GM crank. Basically the same issue that the L87 is having. After doing more research it determined by the part number on the crank and the part number GM provides on their website that the L86 and the L87 (engine with current recall) take the same crank. Therefore my L86 due to GM only making the L87 crank now and it replaces the original L86 crank we had to replace the engine a second time. I believe this relevant to all the L87 issues and any L86s that are being rebuilt. We ended up having to purchase aftermarket crank bearings to get the correct clearance on the second new GM Crank that was purchased. Truck is now running good now.

NHTSA ID

11713933

Incident

Oct 15, 2025

My vehicle has lurched forward upon the first engine start of the day, under no throttle, on several occasions, throughout the life of my vehicle. Shortly after starting my 6.2 engine in my garage, if I shift my 8L90 transmission into Drive as soon as the engine RPMs settle to idle, the vehicle will lurch forward, screeching the tires. Luckily, I had my foot on the brake hard enough such that no one was injured. The harsh transmission shift into drive is dangerous, possible injuring passengers or my garage door. I've learned that if I wait 5 to 10 seconds, allowing the engine to idle (while the transmission oil becomes pressurized ??), then the shift into drive is normal, without any lurch.

NHTSA ID

11713207

Incident

Feb 14, 2017

After 38,000 miles and 8 years of normal service (mix of city, highway, and 10% towing), my 8L90 transmission began to shudder occasionally. The problem first became apparent when driving slightly uphill, on cruise control at about 50 mph, or while slightly accelerating on a flat road, with no load in the box, and no trailer. It felt like I was driving across a rough patch of asphalt or rumble strips. Every half mile or so, it would shudder. Slowing down or speeding up stopped the rumble. The problem proved not to be caused by tires, U-joints, or AFM. The problem in fact was caused by defective GM transmission fluid, which was sold as "sealed for life", and rated for 200,000 miles, as factory-installed. That proved to be BS. If not repaired, this problem would lead to transmission lockup and/or lack of propulsion, which could contribute to a vehicle crash. The problem was solved by installing AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid, Product Code: ATLTP-CA. If GM properly cared for their customers, to make up for false advertising at the time of purchase, GM should publish and pay for GM Service Bulletin #20-NA-142, for all 8L90 owners, instructing owners to replace their transmission fluid every 5 years or 40,000 miles, whichever comes first.

NHTSA ID

11713202

Incident

Oct 15, 2024

6.2L lifter failure camshaft destroyed. Complete top end rebuild cost me $8500. Same problem as the previous recall.

NHTSA ID

11711990

Incident

Apr 28, 2023

Started car via remote start. When I went out to the car I noticed smoke in the cab. I then observed the rear power slide window to be smoking and further discovered the rear defroster wires the be smoldering creating considerable smoke. The tempered glass then began to spider and completely cracked. There is a former recall on the rear slide window involving fire hazards and the wiring components. It should also be noted that our 9 month old’s car seat is directly below the window and defroster wiring were the smoldering took place. No warnings lamps were observed prior to the incident.

NHTSA ID

11707975

Incident

Dec 31, 2025

The contact owns a 2017 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked and slammed into the intended gear. The check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had persisted, and the vehicle had failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the drive was rough, and there was an abnormal rumbling sound coming from the engine. The contact stated that the engine misfired. The vehicle was taken to several unknown locations for diagnostic tests, and it was confirmed that the transmission and the engine had failed. The contact was informed that metal shavings were found in the transmission fluid. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost.  The contact was provided with the manufacturer's TSB Number: 20-NA-138; however, the vehicle was not covered. The manufacturer was notified of the failure; however, the manufacturer was unable to locate the Warranty Administration Service Bulletin. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

NHTSA ID

11707915

Incident

Jan 16, 2024

Mileage

80,000 mi

Transmission Hard shifts 1-2 or 2-3 Delayed engagement into Drive/Reverse Shudder at 30–60 mph Slipping under light throttle Clunk when stopping The risk I've described to the dealer is that the hard shifts at stop and go in heavy traffic situations could cause and accident. Yes the issue has been confirmed at the dealer and they replaced the transmission. That did not resolve the issue. It has not been inspected. No warnings.

NHTSA ID

11702779

Incident

Dec 13, 2021

The contact owns a 2017 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a tapping sound coming from the engine compartment, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact also stated that the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the lifter rod had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 126,581.

NHTSA ID

11702201

Incident

Dec 1, 2025

Mileage

126,581 mi

The contact owns a 2017 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that after remote starting the vehicle, upon entering the vehicle, the contact became aware of a burning odor in the interior of the vehicle. In addition, the contact noticed smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle, and the back glass was fractured. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a failed defrost resistor. The contact was informed that the defrost resistor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the contact stated that five years prior, a recall repair was performed, and the defrost resistor was replaced under the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 109,000.

NHTSA ID

11699840

Incident

Oct 25, 2025

Mileage

109,000 mi

The contact owns a 2017 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. No warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the RPM increased quickly. The contact stated that the failure occurred while driving on a busy highway. The contact drove the vehicle across a four-lane highway to get the vehicle to the shoulder of the road. The contact stated that the transmission had seized. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where the vehicle was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact referenced an unknown recall with a similar failure description; however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 128,177.

NHTSA ID

11696323

Incident

Oct 6, 2025

Mileage

128,177 mi

I loose brake pedal at low speeds seen gm has recall for vacuum pump but shows mine not in recall

NHTSA ID

11695735

Incident

Oct 1, 2025

Driving in town going 20mph and the truck shut down not allowing for braking or gas and the steering locked up. Placed the vehicle in neutral, shut the truck off and turned it back. Was able to continue driving. Attempted to have the dealership we bought it from run a diagnostic and the battery was replaced but it continues to shut down at random times. Took the truck to a local auto shop after this happened again, another diagnostic was run, I am waiting the report to confirm what was done.

NHTSA ID

11694024

Incident

Mar 7, 2025

Truck was in park idling and it started to run really rough so I turned it off. Wouldn’t start again. Now it needs a new motor.

NHTSA ID

11692464

Incident

Oct 6, 2025