2017 GMC Sierra 1500 Engine Problems

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The contact owns a 2017 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle started losing motive power. The accelerator pedal was depressed and the engine revved; however, the vehicle failed to respond as intended. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over, and after several attempts, the vehicle restarted. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to a local dealer and failed to exceed 10 MPH. The dealer was able to diagnose the vehicle and determined that the torque converter had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle started vibrating and stalled. The contact stated that again, there were no warning lights. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and drove the vehicle back to the same dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the fuel injectors had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the fuel injectors failed, and the contact had taken the vehicle to a different dealer. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed but was difficult to depress. The contact allowed the vehicle to coast and was able to pull off the road. The contact slowed down to approximately 2 MPH and was able to use the parking brake to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was turned off and restarted to reset the braking functionality. The contact was out of town and took the vehicle to a dealer to be diagnosed and repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 24,000.

NHTSA ID

11688303

Incident

Sep 19, 2020

Mileage

24,000 mi

In November 2023, my lifters collapsed and I had multiple bent pushrods on my vehicle due to the active fuel management system, leading me to become stalled in my vehicle on the middle of the road with no way of getting off the roadway safely. I have had multiple issues with this vehicle, and know many other who have as well. I had been compliant with all routine and preventative maintenance to this point, and I know that this will lead to injuries or fatalities due to these issues that GM is aware of, yet will not do anything to rectify the situation.

NHTSA ID

11682028

Incident

Nov 23, 2023

To whom this may concern, This gmc truck with the 6.2 has had constant engine issues regarding the lifters failure causing the engine to destroy itself internally I’ve had to get it repaired every 3 Months on average there’s also a class action lawsuit that applies only to the 2025-2020 years however they are the exact same engine in the 2017. The transmission is not in sync with the motor having a late take off or sounds like the gears are grinding between shifting

NHTSA ID

11679331

Incident

Aug 8, 2025

Gear slipping since I’ve had the truck. Replaced parts of motor, new transmission installed and still gear slipping entering the second gear. A big jolt happens every time I accelerate and when I slow down about the 10 mph mark it jolts again. Spent well over $10,000 on major truck repairs. I just don’t understand how this truck has 0 recalls. My truck is similar to all of the v8 Sierras of that year and I strongly feel it should have been recalled due to the gears slipping and not enough power.

NHTSA ID

11677376

Incident

Jul 4, 2018

i have 2017 gmc sierra 1500 6.2l engine i have maintain my service on this vehicle and now facing a complete engine failure due to the poor design of the engine by gmc. i have spoken with alot people and dealer mechnics and they all agree gmc and chvrolet know that this is a bad design but refuse to acept responsiblity for it. there are tousands of people with this same issue we cant fight this on our own we need your help please.

NHTSA ID

11676523

Incident

Jul 27, 2025

Lifters and rollers failed. Vehicle is at a repair facility and it has been confirmed that the rollers on the cam seized causing metal shavings to build up in the oil. No symptoms or warning lights showed up before the problem was identified.

NHTSA ID

11668036

Incident

Apr 9, 2025

My truck is currently experiencing the connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components that may have manufacturing defects that has lead to engine damage and engine failure. My truck is currently being looked at a shop for this exact issue. GM recently recalled more than 597,000 vehicles due to engine failures, according to you, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The recall however only lists vehicles within the years of 2021-2024. My vehicle has the same engine 6.2L V8 gas as the recall and I don't find it a coincidence that I have the same EXACT engine experiencing the same EXACT issue! I attempted to speak to GM but they just kept saying my vehicle is not listed on the recall and refuse to investigate this. I included my conversation with them.

NHTSA ID

11659219

Incident

May 2, 2025

Vehicle went into limp mode. 36 check engine codes popped up all related to cam shaft and lifter issues. Vehicle was taken to a shop and it has been determined that the passenger side lifters and rollers have sized due to the active fuel management system. This is the L86 GM 6.2 liter motor, that has developed the same issues that the L87 motor is being investigated for. There where no tail tail signs or check engine lights that were on prior the the lifter failure.

NHTSA ID

11655335

Incident

Apr 7, 2025

first we had coil issues then it turned out to be the lifters now we are being told we need a new 6.2l v8 engine.

NHTSA ID

11654106

Incident

Mar 29, 2025

The contact owns a 2017 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that on four separate occasions while driving at highway speeds, the vehicle shut off with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that after each failure, the vehicle was towed to a dealer and the contact was informed each time that the failure was related to the active fuel management system. The manufacturer was notified of the failure after the first failure and the contact was informed that the repair would be covered under warranty. The contact stated that each time that the vehicle was towed to a dealer, the lifters and pushrods were replaced under warranty; however, the failure returned almost a month after each repair. After the most recent failure, the dealer pushed the manufacturer to replace the engine. The vehicle was repaired; however, the contact expressed a fear of driving the vehicle due to the repeated failures. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

NHTSA ID

11652046

Incident

May 1, 2017

Mileage

60,000 mi

#6 cylinder AFM lifter failure. Inspected by a technician.

NHTSA ID

11641029

Incident

Jan 28, 2025

Diving my 2017 GMC SIERRA 1500 down the road and all of a sudden it had a big bang in motor,luckily only going 35 miles an hour. Had a slight tick in engine which I had gotten after most recent service visit, and had scheduled to take back to dealer. When I had checked it with a scanner, it only showed a P0700/P0711 code which was for transmission, otherwise no other lights or codes until that day when check engine light came on. Immediately stopped driving and pulled in parking lot and had car towed to dealer that day, [XXX]. They had called me back on [XXX], and said that they had to go further into engine for diagnosis, for extra charges. They called back next day and said that there was a camshaft failure that led to bent rod and metal in engine. Only fix was to replace engine. I then went and talked to them about cost and cause of failure, which is what I previously have stated. I then put in a call to GMC CUSTOMER CARE about the issue, and what they could do to help with issue, because no engine should fail with that few miles on it. Stated also that I had bought vehicle used with factory warranty still on it , and had all service since done at a GMC DEALERSHIP, and that they had all my records. And also, that the previous owner more than likely had all service done at a GMC dealership since it was all under warranty at the time. My service request with them is number [XXX]. My basis is on TSB Bulletin No: 20-NA-142 and Bulletin No: 15-06-01-002M . Which shows that GMC Corporation was aware of issues. At moment I am awaiting response from GMC. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11639784

Incident

Jan 17, 2025

On Friday, December 6, 2024, my “check engine light” illuminated on my 2017 GMC Sierra pickup. The engine is the gasoline version of the 5.3 liter. I took my truck to Brogden Buick/GMC in Olathe, KS. They informed me the trouble code was 219a, indicating there was a problem with the fuel/air ratio. On Monday, December 9, 2024, I was contacted and informed the fuel injectors needed to be replaced at a cost of approx. $2700. Based upon research I’ve conducted GM’s fuel injectors have been a service concern since approximately 2014. Service bulletin DCS5097 (N182198000-Special Coverage Engine Fuel Injector) was issued on July 26, 2019 that included my engine configuration. However, this particular bulletin does not appear to cover my Kansas based vehicle. I just had my vehicle at Brogden for a previous check engine light two weeks ago. This required replacing the fuel cell pressure sensor at just over $700. These repairs seem to be related. I’m reading that 2023 and 2024 Chevrolet and GMC trucks are also having fuel injector issues. This seems to be an ongoing problem that GM does not appear to be appropriately addressing. My truck is relatively low mileage with only 58,786 miles. It has never towed, is garage kept and is maintained in a pristine condition. I’ve never experienced fuel injector issues any any previously owned vehicle .

NHTSA ID

11630226

Incident

Dec 6, 2024

When driving the truck sometimes all the gauges start to go out and go back and forth all the dash lights go on an the whole truck goes to low power an only goes about 10miles per hour you pull over and let it cool down for about 20to30 minutes and can start the truck and drive off again took it’ to the dealer for a plug in and he said no code is showing up and can not help me its been doing this for 1and a half years

NHTSA ID

11627865

Incident

Nov 28, 2024

lifter going bad

NHTSA ID

11621542

Incident

Oct 22, 2024

The contact owns a 2017 GMC 1500 Denali equipped with Land Spider Tires, Tire Line: Wild Traxx, Tire Size: 35x121/2/R22, DOT: (N/A). The contact stated that while diving at various speeds and turning, the tires were rubbing against the sidewall. The coolant line blew out. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the thermostat and Oxygen sensor needed to be placed. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000. The tire failure mileage was 130,000.

NHTSA ID

11612355

Incident

Jun 1, 2023

Mileage

130,000 mi

The contact owns a 2017 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle unintendedly decelerated. The vehicle hesitated and was shaking abnormally while accelerating. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine had failed due to the pistons misfiring and then collapsing. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 99,000.

NHTSA ID

11611223

Incident

Aug 6, 2024

Mileage

99,000 mi