POWER TRAIN:TRANSFER CASE (4-WHEEL DRIVE)
2026 GMC Sierra 1500
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
NHTSA has issued a “do not drive” advisory affecting this model year.
Campaign 26V289000. Confirm whether your specific vehicle is covered using its VIN before acting on this.
Check your VIN on NHTSA.govOverview
Our database contains 150 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2026 GMC Sierra 1500, most frequently naming the engine, powertrain (other) and electrical categories. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 215 manufacturer communications are on file.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Complaint activity over time
When owners filed reports about this model year
View as table
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Sep 2025 | 1 | 1 |
| Oct 2025 | 1 | 2 |
| Dec 2025 | 3 | 5 |
| Jan 2026 | 7 | 12 |
| Feb 2026 | 10 | 22 |
| Mar 2026 | 8 | 30 |
| Apr 2026 | 7 | 37 |
| May 2026 | 8 | 45 |
| Jun 2026 | 10 | 55 |
| Jul 2026 | 12 | 67 |
| Aug 2026 | 28 | 95 |
| Sep 2026 | 36 | 131 |
| Oct 2026 | 16 | 147 |
| Nov 2026 | 3 | 150 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Engine10251.3%
- Powertrain (other)3517.6%
- Electrical2211.1%
- Driver assistance126.0%
- Fuel system115.5%
- Brakes52.5%
- Steering42.0%
- Body & structure21.0%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Safety recalls
2 campaigns cover this model year
Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.
Check a VIN on NHTSA.govEQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
Safety investigations
NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.
Loss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedy
On January 16, 2026, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Recall Query RQ26001. This investigation was opened to assess the remedy effectiveness of Recall 25V-274. ODI has received complaints alleging engine failure in vehicles after the recall remedy had been completed, whether that remedy involved an oil viscosity change or a complete engine replacement. General Motors (GM) issued Recall 25V-274 to address concerns of engine failure in the L87 engines produced between March 1, 2021 and May 31, 2024. GM cited the root cause as a supplier manufacturing and quality issue. GM’s recall remedy for Recall 25V-274 consisted of two different repairs, either an oil viscosity change or an engine replacement, based on the results of the remedy inspection procedure. ODI continues to receive reports of engine failures after the completion of the recall remedy. To date, ODI has received 499 complaints alleging post-remedy engine failure in vehicles subject to Recall 25V-274, 473 of which involved an oil viscosity change and 26 a complete engine replacement. Additionally, ODI has received 191 reports of L87 engine failures in engines produced after the production period cited in Recall 25V-274. GM reported receiving 6,953 complaints of post-remedy engine failure. ODI is opening this Engineering Analysisto continue investigating complaints of post-remedy engine failure. ODI is expanding the scope of this Investigation to include engines produced after the production period cited in the recall. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
Recent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
See attached document for complaint.
- NHTSA ID
- 11775968
- Incident
- Aug 6, 2026
My radio continues to suddenly reduce volume by approximately 70%. The volume will then come back for a second, then back down again. This can go one for several hours while on a trip, then suddenly back to normal. I have owned this truck for less than 3 months and have about 2500 miles on it. I was informed by a GM Service Technician that this has been an issue that GM is aware of but yet no remedy.
- NHTSA ID
- 11775344
- Incident
- Oct 29, 2026
Subject: General Grabber Tire Failure at 13,464 Miles I am reporting a catastrophic General Grabber tire failure on my 2026 GMC Sierra at 13,464 miles\. I am concerned that the failure may involve a defect in materials or workmanship and am requesting that it be recorded and reviewed as a potential safety defect\. The tire is a General Grabber HTS60, size 275/60R20\. Photos of the failed tire are available\. I can provide the tire’s DOT identification number if needed\. After the failure, we contacted a GMC dealership in [XXX], and attended an appointment at Bergstrom in [XXX]\. We received conflicting information from the dealerships and GMC customer service about warranty coverage\. Because I needed a usable vehicle and could not wait for the warranty dispute to be resolved, I purchased a replacement tire from Walmart and my husband installed it\. My safety concern is that this tire suffered a catastrophic failure at only 13,464 miles\. The cause has not been confirmed, and I would like NHTSA to assess this report alongside any similar complaints\. Please advise what additional information or documentation would assist your review\. [XXX] Phone: [XXX] Vehicle: 2026 GMC Sierra Mileage at failure: 13,464 Tire: General Grabber HTS60, 275/60R20 INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- NHTSA ID
- 11774996
- Incident
- Oct 30, 2026
Three different times now (most recent: 10/22/2026), I have had my truck completely shut off when coming to a stop on the highway/interstate. I always have auto start/stop disabled when I drive. When it happens, a message shows on the dash that says press start button. No other codes or check engine light. Thankfully it has started every time, but this is obviously a serious safety concern. After the second time it happened, I had the dealer (Woodhouse Buick GMC Omaha) look at it on 9/14/2026, but they couldn't find anything since there were no codes. I'm not sure if it is an electrical issue or this is related but my audio will stop working at times as well. Nothing from the radio or any blinker sounds. Sometimes it's static with a high pitch noise. 2026 GMC Sierra Elevation 5.3 EcoTec3 v8 10 speed
- NHTSA ID
- 11773272
- Incident
- Oct 22, 2026
The contact owns a 2026 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was stopped, the GPS was not operating as intended. The system failed to update after 15 minutes. The vehicle was difficult to start and had failed to start on another occasion. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, and an update was forced and the battery was charged. The vehicle was scheduled for a fourth repair. The failure mileage was approximately 7,329.
- NHTSA ID
- 11772895
- Incident
- Oct 18, 2026
- Mileage
- 7,329 mi
While driving the truck it randomly shuts down, message on dash says shift to park to restart. No check engine light comes on or any other message. When it does this, the truck goes into park. It has been to the dealership 3 times and has not been fixed!
- NHTSA ID
- 11772705
- Incident
- Oct 15, 2026
I had driven about 30 minutes on the Interstate at highway speeds and had just exited the Interstate and the truck made a horrible noise, shut off, and the transmission threw itself into park at about 10 mph. At this time, the engine did not want to restart, but did eventually and I had a check engine light on, but I was able to move the truck out of the intersection so that I could be towed to the dealership. Prior to the incident, there were no check engine lights and the vehicle had only been serviced at a GMC dealership. I was very uncomfortable with the way the truck stopped and slammed into park. I am happy that no one was behind me, but it could have been bad. The vehicle has not been inspected yet to my knowledge.
- NHTSA ID
- 11772611
- Incident
- Oct 20, 2026
I am writing to formally request that General Motors repurchase my 2026 GMC Sierra 1500, currently with approximately 9,445 miles, due to a serious and unresolved mechanical defect that poses a significant safety risk. Since purchasing this vehicle, I have experienced four separate incidents involving a complete and unexpected loss of engine power, causing the truck to become inoperable. In each instance, the vehicle suddenly lost propulsion and came to a stop without warning. While three of these events occurred while operating the vehicle near my residence, one incident occurred while I was attempting to merge onto a highway. Fortunately, traffic conditions at the time prevented a collision or serious injury. However, the sudden loss of power while entering a highway created an extremely dangerous situation and exposed both myself and other motorists to substantial risk. The vehicle has now been at the selling dealership for nearly one month while technicians attempt to diagnose and repair the issue. To date, I have not been provided with a definitive root cause or a permanent corrective action. The lack of resolution, combined with the recurring nature of the defect, has resulted in a complete loss of confidence in the vehicle's safety and reliability. My concerns are heightened by information suggesting that similar issues may have been experienced by owners of comparable GMC Sierra vehicles. Regardless of the ultimate root cause, the fact remains that my truck has repeatedly exhibited a condition that can unexpectedly disable the vehicle while in motion, creating an unacceptable safety hazard. I purchased this truck with the expectation that it would provide safe, dependable transportation. Unfortunately, after four loss-of-power events and an extended period in the repair facility without a successful resolution, I no longer believe this vehicle can safely fulfill that purpose.
- NHTSA ID
- 11772182
- Incident
- Sep 9, 2026
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
This Preliminary Information provides diagnostic tips and guidance for situations where key fobs cannot be learned or programmed successfully.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming on. Technician may find Diagnostic Trouble Codes B3055, B3
Beginning with 2026 model year production, the floor console/armrest lamp design was changed by removing the tilt-switch ball. As a result, the lamp remains illuminated when the floor console compartment lid is closed. The BCM turns the lamp off after the ignition is switched off to prevent battery rundown. This PI is to inform dealers of the change in the lamp and operation of the lamp following repairs.
This document assists GM dealer technicians with diagnosing torque converter concerns to ensure torque converter replacement is necessary. The torque converter part number will be placed on order restriction, and the technician will be asked to follow 25-NA-148 before requesting a part through PQC.
This PI is to instruct dealer on diagnostic procedures that need to be completed prior to replacing a radio or IPC display
This Preliminary information communicates that it is normal for the tailgate to drop faster than it used to after the GM Accessory Kicker Audio System is installed.
Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.
Compare model years
Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations | Issue Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2026Viewing | 150 | 2 | 1 | 56.8 |
| 2025 | 130 | 1 | 1 | 52.7 |
| 2024 | 384 | 1 | 5 | 57.4 |
| 2023 | 516 | 3 | 5 | 64.3 |
| 2022 | 607 | 6 | 5 | 66.7 |
| 2021 | 603 | 7 | 5 | 69.3 |
| 2020 | 485 | 12 | 3 | 69.2 |
| 2019 | 662 | 10 | 2 | 67.9 |
| 2018 | 305 | 7 | 0 | 55.6 |
| 2017 | 357 | 6 | 0 | 55.9 |
| 2016 | 344 | 8 | 1 | 59.6 |
| 2015 | 721 | 9 | 2 | 59.4 |
| 2014 | 744 | 9 | 2 | 57.7 |
| 2013 | 116 | 3 | 2 | 54.1 |
| 2012 | 107 | 3 | 2 | 54.7 |
| 2011 | 284 | 5 | 2 | 55.2 |
| 2010 | 168 | 4 | 2 | 55.6 |
| 2009 | 234 | 4 | 2 | 54.8 |
| 2008 | 381 | 2 | 3 | 57.1 |
| 2007 | 263 | 3 | 3 | 57.8 |
| 2006 | 145 | 2 | 0 | 48.5 |
| 2005 | 177 | 3 | 0 | 48.2 |
| 2004 | 212 | 5 | 0 | 47.9 |
| 2003 | 180 | 4 | 0 | 52.3 |
| 2002 | 166 | 4 | 2 | 61.9 |
| 2001 | 140 | 5 | 2 | 59.5 |
| 2000 | 181 | 3 | 2 | 56.5 |
| 1999 | 158 | 4 | 2 | 57.1 |
| 1998 | 59 | 4 | 0 | 53.3 |
| 1997 | 83 | 5 | 0 | 43.4 |
| 1996 | 5 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 1995 | 3 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 1994 | 13 | 0 | 0 | 29.4 |
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.