2018 GMC Sierra 1500 Engine Problems

CUSTOMER STATES: THINKS CRANKSHAFT PULLEY IS LOOSE DUE TO PRIOR WATER PUMP REPLACEMENT-CRACKSHAFT PULLEY HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH WATER PUMP REPLACEMENT. BEFORE INSPECTING/STARTING ENGINE VERIFIED OIL LEVEL-OIL LEVEL IS ON FULL MARK. STARTED ENGINE-LOUD RATTLING/KNOCKING NOISE FROM ENGINE-ENGINE HAS INTERNAL FAILURE-ENGINE REPLACEMENT IS REQUIRED. ALSO HEARING NOISE IN REAREND-CANNOT TEST DRIVE DUE TO ENGINE CONDITION SEVERAL TSB'S ON ENGINE FAILURES WITH 6.2L ENGINES. GM HAS POSSIBLE RECALLS COMING ON 2019-2024 YR MODELS. NOT SURE IF EARLIER MODELS MAYBE INCLUDED UNDERHOOD INSPECTION 1 7003186 06NS 52.50 52.50 LBR-DISC CUST SAT

NHTSA ID

11765804

Incident

Sep 20, 2026

I was backing out of my garage and truck made strange noise and shut off . Tried to restart but just made ding and wouldn't turn over . Dash lights went blank. Had vehicle towed to shop and mechanic stated it was crank and connecting rods after he dropped the oil pan. I ordered new OEM engine and waiting on delivery . Been 5 weeks now since order . Vehicle only has 106,000 miles on it and have had it since 20,000 miles and all maintenance has always been done . Engine can be inspected at shop as new engine has not arrived

NHTSA ID

11765772

Incident

Aug 5, 2026

I own a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 V8 5.3 liter which is at 46, 433 miles. Over the past few weeks I have noticed the transmission having difficulty shifting in first gear and lurching, and making shuddering noises, and as well making a constant ticking noise. After an experienced mechanic had put a diagnostic system onto my truck, his system diagnosed a Transmission Lifter Failure, specifically 2 out of the 8 lifters. A few days later (9-04-26) I took my truck to a certified GMC servicing business (Patriot Chevrolet of Hopkinsville KY 270-886-1207) and had a transmission servicing done. I had told the Customer Service representative Amanda Williams about the ticking and that I thought 2 lifters going bad in the transmission were the source of it. 3 hours later the servicing was done which cost $ 474.43. She did not know if the ticking had stopped or not. I started my engine to head home and the ticking was still happening. Nothing had changed. I got home, parked and have not started the engine since to minimize any further damage. I have become aware that this year, make and model has become infamous for the engine/transmission design and parts failure which has been at the center of thousands of class action lawsuits. I have owned this vehicle since inheriting it from my late father for 2 months before he developed dementia and suffered a broken hip. I have religiously had the oil changed every three months regardless of the mileage, and this is a sealed transmission which cannot be worked on by someone but a certified GMC mechanic, which wasn't a worry because the truck's manual says doesn't need to be worked on unless there seem to be problems. Which is what I did on 9-4-26, hoping that a servicing would fix the issue. During the 5 years that I have owned this truck, I never received ANY sort of notice from GMC that might've hinted at possible Transmission Failures, though GMC has been totally aware of. Sudden power loss dangerous and unfairly expensive to drivers.

NHTSA ID

11762401

Incident

Aug 14, 2026

Head gasket failure and overheating. After fixed, power steering has just failed during driving. Will have to have it towed to shop

NHTSA ID

11756121

Incident

Aug 10, 2026

ENGINE FAILURE, 5/3/22, 23,987 MILES, ALL LIFTERS WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY, ENGINE FAILURE, 7/6/26, 46004 MILES, TOOK TRUCK IN FOR OIL CHANGE AND WHEN RETURNED HAD A TICKING NOISE. DEALERSHIP NOTIFIED ME THAT CAMSHAFT ISSUES AND METAL DETECTED IN OIL. ENGINE NEEDS REPLACED. 6.2 V8 2018. TURPIN MOTORS, GENESEO, IL HAS DONE ALL SERIVCE ON TRUCK. NO WARNING LIGHTS OR CODES. VEHICLE IS IN MY GARAGE AND AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION. I OPENED CASE WITH GM #105652237. DEALERSHIP OPENED CASE ON GM PORTAL ALSO. RESPONSE FROM GM IS THAT TRUCK IS OUT OF WARRANTY

NHTSA ID

11754023

Incident

Jul 6, 2026

Vehicle Details: 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 Z72 4x4, 5.3L V8 EcoTec3 engine, VIN: [XXX] Mileage at time of incident: 220,000 miles Location: [e.g., Little Rock, Arkansas area or specific road/highway – please provide if desired] What happened: The 5.3L V8 engine’s hydraulic roller lifters failed. One or more lifters collapsed, stuck, or lost proper oil pressure/operation. This led to improper valvetrain function, causing loud ticking/knocking noises, cylinder misfires, significant loss of engine power and performance, and internal engine damage (such as camshaft lobe wear or related components). Component or system that failed or malfunctioned: Hydraulic valve lifters (camshaft followers) in the engine valvetrain, associated with the Active Fuel Management (AFM) system. The failed lifter(s) and related components are available for inspection upon request. How safety was put at risk: The engine malfunction resulted in sudden or progressive power loss and misfiring while driving. This reduced the vehicle’s ability to accelerate or maintain speed, especially in traffic or on highways, creating a hazardous situation that put my safety and the safety of other road users at risk of collision or breakdown. No accident or injuries occurred , or other symptoms prior to the failure with details recall, e.g., ticking noise timeline, misfires Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? “Yes, confirmed by shop inspection” Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? [Yes] Additional notes: Repair estimate is approximately $20,000 (likely due to extent of internal damage requiring major engine work or replacement). This failure aligns with a well-documented issue in GM 5.3L engines equipped with AFM. Vehicle status parked INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11743611

Incident

Jun 11, 2026

Incident description: On three occasion I have had the same catastrophic Engine failure putting myself and my family along with the general public in harms way. Starting March of 2022 while driving at approximately 60 MPH on the West Shore Expressway my truck experienced a sudden and total loss of motor power. My engine stalled out and I lost my ability to safety steer and stop my vehicle. This all happened during rush hour while driving in the left lane of traffic. This sudden loss of power forced me to maneuver the vehicle to the right shoulder of the expressway across the right lane of traffic. As there was no shoulder to pull over on the left side of the highway. This created an immediate crash risk for myself and other drivers. Upon inspection at the authorized GMC dealership where I purchased the truck new, a certified mechanic determined that the engine experienced a complete failure requiring replacement or rebuilding of the engine. I paid to have the engine rebuilt at the dealership. The second instance was similar to the above incident. Once again I paid for the repair. The third instance was more dangerous as when my trucks engine failed it almost caused an accident. As of today my truck is still sitting in the dealership for over 6 months and no one from the dealership or manufacturer will give me an answer on what has to be done now. This patter of sudden repeated engine failure clearly indicates a systemic safety defect that extends beyond normal wear and tear. I urge the NHTSA to open a defect investigation into the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 engine systems.

NHTSA ID

11741547

Incident

Mar 1, 2022

The contact owns a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500. While starting the vehicle, it was shaking violently, with reduced power. The vehicle was restarted and worked as designed. Upon research, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Action Number: PE25001 (Engine and Engine and Cooling). The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined there was metal in the engine, and there was a misfire coming from cylinder #2. The mechanic recommended that the engine be replaced. There were loose wires from the ECM, and the failure halted after the mechanic secured the wires. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.

NHTSA ID

11714207

Incident

Jun 1, 2024

Mileage

150,000 mi

I OWN A 2018 GMC SIERRA DENALI ULTIMATE, The truck has the 6.2 engine which had the lifter issue as stated with the current situation. At the time, the truck had 37,000 miles when the issues started. I purchased the truck from Andy Mohr with 8806 miles on it in November of 2019. I worked overseas for the DOD so that’s why the miles are low. After I got it fixed, ($4500 dollars at Hare Chevrolet) I experienced the transmission shake while driving home from work with my children in it. The transmission was shaking so bad the whole cab was rocking.That repair was $3,300. Now, the truck has piston slap and rod issues and currently at Hare Chevrolet for service. I was told I need a full rebuild ($12,000 dollars or a new engine $14000 dollars). As a retired Air Force veteran, I didn’t expect issues like this, especially when I baby the truck and it currently has 40,530 miles. I had regular oil changes and service, yet now stuck with a high class truck that has serious issues that seem to be ignored by GM and Andy Mohr GMC. Andy Mohr sold me an extended warranty at time of purchase but I paid for a year and a half that wasn’t usable. If I had that warranty I would be covered now.But besides that, it’s a Denali, I shouldn’t be having a new engine at 40,530 miles. I am happy that there is an investigation but it needs to be widened because my truck was right before the new model rollout but I am having the same issues. If needed, I have all my receipts and information and will provide the service rep at Hare. The reason why its at Hare vs Andy Mohr is due to me catching them not fully servicing my truck and joy riding my Camaro ZL1 after an oil change before I went home for a funeral.

NHTSA ID

11712288

Incident

Oct 22, 2025

The lifters in my engine collapsed. This caused a push rod to be bent and the cam shaft to be damaged causing thousands to fix. While I was driving. I could feel the engine malfunction causing my speed to significantly decrease. The vehicle was fixed through an independent mechanic. Mechanic stated that the active fuel management system is the cause for the lifter collapse. There was no warning before the failure

NHTSA ID

11711924

Incident

Dec 5, 2025

Engine failure. 6.2l with AFM system Extreme oil consumption Heavy metal in oil Loud ticking 120789 miles Purchase date 05/29/2025 Madras, Oregon Chevrolet Dealer

NHTSA ID

11709032

Incident

Oct 29, 2025

I have 125,000 miles on my truck. I was traveling with my grandkids in the back seat. We were going through a four way stop. My truck started tapping like a lifter issue. The next thing I know is the truck engine light started flashing and car started to shake. Then, my truck lost all power and a big cloud of blue smoke came out of the tail pipe. The truck could not be driven any further. The symptoms: engine tapping, low oil, engine light flashing, shaking, lost all movement, and a cloud of smoke We had to tow my truck to the dealer and they are still accessing the issue. All symptoms are identical to the current recall of the GMC engines.

NHTSA ID

11705013

Incident

Dec 10, 2025

The injector failure in my 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 resulted in repeated misfire conditions (P0300 and P0307), causing the vehicle to lose power unexpectedly while driving. The engine would hesitate, shake, and struggle to accelerate, especially during merging or highway speeds. These symptoms created a significant safety hazard because the vehicle could not reliably maintain speed or respond to throttle input. Sudden power loss in traffic exposes the driver and surrounding motorists to an increased risk of collision, particularly during lane changes, freeway merging, intersection crossings, and passing maneuvers. The dealership confirmed internal injector failure, and the vehicle has been out of service for three months without resolution. This is a safety-critical defect that compromises vehicle controllability, stability, and safe operation on public roads.”

NHTSA ID

11700630

Incident

Nov 19, 2025

2018 GMC Sierra started having shuddering/jerking/jumping problems at around 60k miles. This problem occurs while driving on straight aways, going uphill and while in drive at a stop sign/light. When the gas is accelerated the truck then hesitates and jerks/jumps. We have taken it to the GMC dealership and paid for the diagnostics and were informed “the problem wasn’t severe enough”. The truck has only been serviced by GMC dealership. So after failed attempts with GMC service department we have taken it to a local small auto shop and they automatically said it was the Drive Train and needed to be taken to a transmission shop. We have been GM owners for decades and are so disappointed in the service received from them.

NHTSA ID

11700188

Incident

Nov 18, 2025

I purchased a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 6.2 Denali new. I followed all service requirements including oil changes by GM dealerships. 2025 i noticed my truck power was decreasing. Than I started to hear knocking noses. I took it to a dealership for diagnosis but they couldn't identify anything. Finally it started to skip this is when a dealership diagnose it as being an issue with the active fuel management system. They said my lifters, camshaft, and various other parts was damaged and had to be replaced. Additionally, they said it was a recall on 6.2 engines with the same identical issue but my year wasn't included. The cost to repair approximately 10,000. I really need your attention to this matter! September 10, 2025 my truck placed me and others in danger when it lose engine power. Also my engine light was on for the first time.

NHTSA ID

11696714

Incident

Sep 10, 2025

The contact owns a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while attempting to accelerate from a stoplight, the vehicle hesitated before accelerating. A day later, the failure reoccurred, and the RPMs increased before the vehicle accelerated. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the connecting rod had failed, and there were metal shavings inside the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed that there was no recall on the VIN. The manufacturer opened a case for the failure. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 169,000.

NHTSA ID

11692321

Incident

Oct 8, 2025

Mileage

169,000 mi

The contact owns a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving on a neighborhood road at 40 MPH, the check engine warning light was flashing with an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine, and the vehicle was vibrating abnormally. The contact pulled over and used a diagnostic scanner to perform a diagnostic test on the vehicle. The scanner retrieved DTC: P0301 (Cylinder #1 Misfire). The vehicle was towed to a local dealer to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the lifters, pushrods, camshaft, sparkplugs, and oil pump were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 111,000.

NHTSA ID

11681723

Incident

Aug 13, 2025

Mileage

110,000 mi

The contact owns a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal banging sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact inspected fluids but found no defects with the vehicle. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, where the mechanic discovered that the lifters and cam shaft were defective. Due to the failure, the engine was replaced. The contact stated that recently, the abnormal tapping sound returned. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic, who confirmed that the failure with the lifters had returned. The vehicle was taken to a dealer who confirmed the lifter failure, and the contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was provided a case number. The contact was then referred to the NHTSA to report the failure. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

NHTSA ID

11679813

Incident

May 1, 2024

Mileage

90,000 mi

Radiator cracked along outer edges. Similar to previous TSB’s as released by GM, but my vehicle doesn’t fall under the years covered by that TSB

NHTSA ID

11678969

Incident

Jul 29, 2025

2018 GMC Sierra SLT's electric power steering suddenly stopped working, I almost got killed this issue has been reported by other owners

NHTSA ID

11678809

Incident

Aug 5, 2025

I own a $35,000 2018 gmc Sierra 1500 6.2l V8 4x4 Denali, which is currently down due to engine failure while I was driving down the road.. never had a check engine light on the dash. Haven't had the truck a year before it quit. Rods knocking, crankshaft bearings, loss of power, high rpm with little acceleration. I could have the peddle down to the floor and would barely get to 20 mph.. the motor would jump so bad, you would think it's going to jump out the truck. I have replaced several parts on the truck, including oil pump, filter, solenoid valve sensor, fuel pump, injectors, and sensors, battery, starter a couple times. Did all that replacing for it to get worse and finally quit while driving.. I was stranded in the middle of the road.. IV reported it to the Recall people, but nothing helped. I have taken my vehicle to Express Chevrolet and they did a diagnostic test, which I provided the list they gave me below. When I took it to them, I was using Endurance Warranty, but they denied my claim due to the issues and they didn't cover them. At the time, the motor was still jumping, but smoke was coming out the tailpipe extremely bad, the truck was jerking and jumping. After replacing everything I listed, the truck got worse, started screeching and knocking loudly, loss of engine power, little acceleration. The day the motor quit on me while driving, I got the mph up to about 55-60 and it just quit, and hasn't started back since.

NHTSA ID

11674727

Incident

May 30, 2025

The contact owns a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while his mother was driving 75 MPH on the highway, there was a popping and ticking sound coming from the engine, and while depressing the accelerator pedal the vehicle failed to respond. The driver was able to pull over to the right side of the road and waited for tow truck assistance. A dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was towed the dealer and was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and informed the contact engine would take a while to be ordered. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 58,000.

NHTSA ID

11674096

Incident

Jul 14, 2025

Mileage

58,000 mi

This 2018 GMC Sierra has 100,000 miles on it and in April 2025 the transmission went out and needed a new one. Now in July 2025 the engine has lifter failure leading to the need of a new engine.

NHTSA ID

11670689

Incident

Jul 1, 2025

I've had the vehicle service twice for the same incident power steering shut off in the middle of drive Vehicle shuts down almost smashed into a freeway wall. This has been to the dealership numerous times to fix it and they have not. We are in the tens of thousands of dollars in repair and still nothing is fixed I've had this vehicle for 5 years it's been In the shop for at least 3 I bought it with 30000 miles it only has 61000 on it right now The last repair lasted 10000 miles this repair only lasted 4000 I almost died and was left Is petrified.

NHTSA ID

11670041

Incident

Jun 29, 2025

Transmission has a shudder at lower speeds 1200 RMP area. Has been doing it since I bought the truck a few years ago. Took it back for warranty work and they claim this is a very common problem with this transmission. Claim that flushing the system would repair it, which it has not. Occasionally to will almost go out of gear, I have to try getting off the road safely to shut it off. After a few minutes, start it up and it will be back to normal. Also I’m on my 3rd starter. What appears to be another common issue with this model. Sometimes it fires right up, sometimes it’s very weak and others not at all and requires a jump start. All in all, recalls should’ve already been applied to these models. Pay way to much for junk!

NHTSA ID

11669494

Incident

Jun 26, 2025