RoadVitals

2026 GMC Sierra 3500

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

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.
5
Latest Oct 6, 2026
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 Mar 5, 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.
0
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.
0

Overview

Our database contains 5 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2026 GMC Sierra 3500, most frequently naming the other / unspecified, powertrain (other) and brakes categories. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 174 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

  • Other / unspecified225.0%
  • Powertrain (other)225.0%
  • Brakes112.5%
  • Electrical112.5%
  • Fuel system112.5%
  • Steering112.5%

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
26V129000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP:CONTROL/DRIVE MODULE

Mar 5, 2026
11,807 units potentially affected
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Chevrolet Silverado 3500, and GMC Sierra 3500 vehicles with gasoline engines and dual fuel tanks (RPOs L8T and N2N). The rear fuel pump may not transfer adequate fuel to the front tank, causing an engine stall.
The risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
The remedy: The vehicle's engine control module (ECM) will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 8, 2026. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N262544420. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 5, 2026.
General Motors, LLCManufacturer number N262544420View on NHTSA.gov
26V114000

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

Recent owner complaints

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

Steering
Filed Oct 6, 2026

The contact owns a 2026 GMC Sierra 3500. The contact stated that while driving 2 MPH, the steering wheel failed to function as intended. The contact stated that while making a right turn, the vehicle hesitated. The dealer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the vehicle was operating as designed. The contact stated that the failure was not present when the vehicle was purchased. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 4,000.

NHTSA ID
11769352
Incident
Aug 4, 2026
Mileage
4,000 mi
Other / unspecified
Filed Aug 29, 2026

The vehicle was delivered from the factory with a severe size mismatch between its primary rolling stock and its emergency spare tire. The truck features factory-installed 20-inch wheels and tires but was manufactured and shipped with an undersized 18-inch spare tire assembly secured underneath the bed. On a heavy-duty 3500-series truck built for heavy towing and hauling, utilizing a drastically different tire diameter during an emergency road event forces the rear differential and transfer case to spin at mismatched speeds. This creates an immediate risk of sudden mechanical drivetrain failure, loss of vehicle control, or compromised braking stability while operating under load on public highways. Consumers relying on factory equipment during emergency roadside scenarios should not be exposed to hidden mechanical hazards due to factory assembly omissions. Upon discovering the factory defect, the local dealership attempted remediation by supplying a shop take-off wheel and an aged, three-year-old tire (DOT 2223). This highlights that while individual dealerships scramble to fix these factory omissions with makeshift inventory, consumers purchasing new heavy-duty vehicles are still absorbing compromised, aged safety equipment due to lack of manufacturing quality control. I have also filed a complaint with GM and have requested immediate remediation with a correct new tire and wheel and am waiting for a response.

NHTSA ID
11760574
Incident
Aug 26, 2026
Other / unspecified
Filed Aug 29, 2026

The vehicle was delivered from the factory with a severe size mismatch between its primary rolling stock and its emergency spare tire. The truck features factory-installed 20-inch wheels and tires but was manufactured and shipped with an undersized 18-inch spare tire assembly secured underneath the bed. On a heavy-duty 3500-series truck built for heavy towing and hauling, utilizing a drastically different tire diameter during an emergency road event forces the rear differential and transfer case to spin at mismatched speeds. This creates an immediate risk of sudden mechanical drivetrain failure, loss of vehicle control, or compromised braking stability while operating under load on public highways. Consumers relying on factory equipment during emergency roadside scenarios should not be exposed to hidden mechanical hazards due to factory assembly omissions. Upon discovering the factory defect, the local dealership attempted remediation by supplying a shop take-off wheel and an aged, three-year-old tire (DOT 2223). This highlights that while individual dealerships scramble to fix these factory omissions with makeshift inventory, consumers purchasing new heavy-duty vehicles are still absorbing compromised, aged safety equipment due to lack of manufacturing quality control. I have also filed a complaint with GM and have requested immediate remediation with a correct new tire and wheel and am waiting for a response.

NHTSA ID
11760573
Incident
Aug 26, 2026
BrakesPowertrain (other)
Filed Jul 8, 2026

The contact owns a 2026 GMC Sierra 3500. The contact stated that while driving at 35-40 MPH on the interstate and towing a loaded trailer, the vehicle experienced reduced braking performance. No warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was contacted and informed that the brakes performed differently. Additionally, the dealer stated that the transmission was not downshifting. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 500.

NHTSA ID
11749030
Incident
Jun 2, 2026
Mileage
500 mi
ElectricalFuel systemPowertrain (other)
Filed Jun 16, 2026

Have been driving it on four separate occasions and the engine will start running rough and shut off leaving me with no power brakes or power steering. Once when I was going about 30 miles an hour the other three times when I was coming to a stop with a trailer on just took it in Kendall Chevrolet for the first time they are still working on it but unable to duplicate the problem this is a very serious safety concern for myself and possibly for others that have the same issue

NHTSA ID
11744605
Incident
Jun 10, 2026

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

PIP6142

This Preliminary Information (PI) relays to dealer technicians to inspect the valve lifters during adjustment or repair for a rocker arm concern or an instance of low lift height.

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

PIT6015D

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

PIC6629G

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

N262572131-01

ENGINE

Customer Satisfaction Program. Certain vehicles listed above may have a condition in which the oil galley in the cylinder head was not drilled properly. Dealers are to inspect and if necessary, replace the engine.

PIC6602Y

This Preliminary information communicates to dealers steps to follow to obtain an IOK radio.

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 3500 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2027000—
2026Viewing520—
2025181041.9
2024533054.2
2023281054.2
2022333058.1
2021215152.0
2020518160.5
2019137062.9
2018146049.9
2017137058.6
2016197042.1
2015317154.9
2014731—
2013144151.0
2012941—
2011205150.3
2010251—
2009551—
2008253355.8
2007163352.4
2006110049.4
2005241035.0
2004241038.9
2003710—
2002203157.4
2001363259.7
2000264157.8
1999193049.5
1998124052.4
1997103059.7
1996100—
1995000—
1994000—

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.