RoadVitals

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.gov
Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
150
+9 complaints in 30 days
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
2
Latest May 7, 2026
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
1
1 currently open
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
1

Overview

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.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

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.gov
26V289000NHTSA advisory: do not drive

POWER TRAIN:TRANSFER CASE (4-WHEEL DRIVE)

May 7, 2026
66 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: Front or rear wheel lockup increases the risk of a crash.
The remedy: 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.
General Motors, LLCManufacturer number N262557620View on NHTSA.gov

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

Feb 26, 2026
5,861 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.”
The 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.
The remedy: 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.
General Motors, LLCManufacturer number N252540430View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

EA26005OpenEngineering Analysis

Loss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedy

Opened Aug 20, 2026

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.

ENGINE

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Engine
Filed Nov 5, 2026

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA ID
11775968
Incident
Aug 6, 2026
Electrical
Filed Nov 3, 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
Tires & wheels
Filed Nov 1, 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
ElectricalEngine
Filed Oct 23, 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
Electrical
Filed 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
ElectricalEnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Oct 21, 2026

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
Engine
Filed Oct 21, 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
Engine
Filed Oct 19, 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.

PIT6015D

This Preliminary Information provides diagnostic tips and guidance for situations where key fobs cannot be learned or programmed successfully.

PIC5650N

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

PIT6564

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.

PIP6127C

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.

PIC6629G

This PI is to instruct dealer on diagnostic procedures that need to be completed prior to replacing a radio or IPC display

PIT5909D

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

GMC Sierra 1500 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2027000—
2026Viewing1502156.8
20251301152.7
20243841557.4
20235163564.3
20226076566.7
20216037569.3
202048512369.2
201966210267.9
20183057055.6
20173576055.9
20163448159.6
20157219259.4
20147449257.7
20131163254.1
20121073254.7
20112845255.2
20101684255.6
20092344254.8
20083812357.1
20072633357.8
20061452048.5
20051773048.2
20042125047.9
20031804052.3
20021664261.9
20011405259.5
20001813256.5
19991584257.1
1998594053.3
1997835043.4
1996500—
1995300—
1994130029.4

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.