2026 GMC Sierra 1500
Recalls and owner complaints reported to NHTSA
Compared with the typical (middle) count of 65 complaints across the 5 model-year 2026 half-ton trucks we cover. Best-selling trucks naturally collect more complaints because more of them are on the road.
Price & value
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Owner's manual
Get the free official owner's manual from GMC's manuals and guides page. Choose 2026 Sierra 1500. It covers maintenance schedules, fluids, towing limits and warning lights. Older years may not be listed online.
Recalls
A recall doesn't mean a truck still has the problem. Enter the truck's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or ask a dealer to see whether the repair was done.
Power Train:Transfer Case (4-Wheel Drive)
May 2026 · #26V289000NHTSA warning: do not drive until this recall is fixed.
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.
Read more: details, risk and fix
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.
Risk: Front or rear wheel lockup increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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 [phone removed], Chevrolet customer service at [phone removed] or Cadillac customer service at [phone removed]. 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.
Equipment:Other:Owners/Service/Other Manual
Feb 2026 · #26V114000General 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.
Read more: details, risk and fix
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.”
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.
Fix: 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 [phone removed], Chevrolet customer service at [phone removed] or Cadillac customer service at [phone removed]. 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.
Owner complaints by area
Reports owners filed with NHTSA. They aren't verified, and one complaint can mention more than one area. Tap an area to read the most recent ones.
- Engine46
- Filed Sep 2026
I was driving home on the evening of September 12th 2026 and when I exited the interstate and came to a stop at the traffic signal my vehicle died and I had to have it towed. There was no way to flat tow because we couldn’t get it into neutral without the vehicle’s engine running. Once the vehicle’s engine died it would not restart. Had this happened while still on the interstate causing my vehicle to be disabled in the lane of travel it could have been deadly since it was 10 p.m. in the evening and dark outside. Anyhow had the vehicle towed to the dealership for diagnosis and the engine spun #7 rod bearing which ruined the entire engine at just 15,182 miles.
- Filed Sep 2026
Dealer confirmed 6.2 V8 engine failed at a little over 4000 miles. Dealer stated it was the bottom of the engine. Probably the same failure the 21-24 recall is for.
- Filed Sep 2026 · Also filed under Power Train, Fuel/Propulsion System
Truck was sold to me and the dealership said the truck did not have the defect and the oil was changed to a thicker oil as a precaution. 4,000 miles later the engine failed, was diagnosed as catastrophic engine failure due to the known recall, and was replaced, new engine is now making the same rod knocking noise.
- Filed Sep 2026
2026 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali 6.2L , with 3550 miles; started ticking at 45 MPH and another mile to get home started knocking, had truck for less than a month; no warning lights. I had it towed to the dealer. They said it needed a new engine, no time frame for repair.
- Filed Sep 2026
2026 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali 6.2L , with 3550 miles; started ticking and another mile to get home started knocking, had truck for less than a month, had it towed to the dealer they said will get a new engine, they can't even five me a time frame for the new engine replacement.
- Showing the 5 most recent of 46.
- Power Train14
- Filed Sep 2026
The contact owns a 2026 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving 5 MPH, the vehicle independently shifted into park(P). The check transmission warning light was briefly illuminated. The failure was a recurring failure. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 2,000.
- Filed Sep 2026
engine stall on the highway
- Filed Sep 2026 · Also filed under Engine, Fuel/Propulsion System
Truck was sold to me and the dealership said the truck did not have the defect and the oil was changed to a thicker oil as a precaution. 4,000 miles later the engine failed, was diagnosed as catastrophic engine failure due to the known recall, and was replaced, new engine is now making the same rod knocking noise.
- Filed Sep 2026 · Also filed under Engine
While turning right and at a slight incline the truck engine turned off, the transmission made a grinding noise, the truck went into neutral and the dash stayed “Press Start Button”. This is the second time this has happened within 5000 miles of the struck being purchased. Several others have reported the exact same issue on Facebook forums.
- Filed Sep 2026
Very similar to NHTSA complaints 11752469; 11762072 ; 11761966 ; 11761844; 11755200 while turning left into my 6 degree inclined drive at a slow rate of speed under 5 mph, my 2026 GMC Sierra SLT X31 with 1500 miles suddenly slams into park and shuts down. "Press start" shows on display and am able to start the truck. Twice the "Service Transmission" light has displayed. I took it to the dealer after two incidents and they could not replicate. Since getting it back from the dealer, I've had six more incidents and am taking back to the dealer with more information for them. The last incident, I was prepared for it and felt the truck begin to shut down and slammed on the brake before it shut down.
- Showing the 5 most recent of 14.
- Electrical System7
- Filed Sep 2026
The vehicle lost power after sitting for a week. start up with a jump, but the battery doesn't hold a charge after that.
- Filed Sep 2026 · Also filed under Engine
The contact owns a 2026 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while at a stop light, the engine shut off to save fuel, but after releasing the brake pedal, the engine failed to restart. The contact shifted to park, and the engine restarted. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on several occasions after the fuel saving feature was deactivated. Additionally, the contact stated that the failure had occurred while slowing down and driving over a railroad track and hauling a trailer. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer on several occasions, but the failure was not duplicated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 4,300.
- Filed Sep 2026 · Also filed under Engine
The contact owns a 2026 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle stalled. Additionally, the wheels locked up, and transmission made a screeching sound. The contact was able to restart vehicle after approximately 5 minutes. The failure was recurrent. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, but the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The dealer replaced an unstated module that was damaged during the failure. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 6,000.
- Filed Aug 2026
The contact owns a 2026 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted and the vehicle decelerated to 10 MPH. No warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled over to the shoulder of the road, and the vehicle was towed to a local dealer. The vehicle remained with the dealer for additional diagnostic tests and unknown recurring failure codes. In addition, the contact stated that the failure worsened and occurred while his wife, sister-in-law, niece, and child were present inside the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 7,500.
- Filed Aug 2026 · Also filed under Engine
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The truck has lost power unexpectedly while driving, and lately I've also noticed some lag when I accelerate. The truck is available to be inspected. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The truck suddenly lost power while I was driving and told me to restart the vehicle. Losing power unexpectedly almost caused me to get stuck in an intersection and could have caused an accident in a busy shopping center. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? No. I took it to the GMC dealership after the second time it happened, but they couldn't get it to do it again and said there were no codes showing. They told me to bring it back if it happens a third time. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Yes. I took it to the GMC dealership to have it checked after the second power-loss issue happened. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? When it lost power, the truck prompted me to restart the vehicle. I have also recently started noticing some lag when accelerating and starting the vehicle. There was no warning before it happened.
- Showing the 5 most recent of 7.
- Fuel/Propulsion System6
- Filed Sep 2026 · Also filed under Power Train, Engine
Truck was sold to me and the dealership said the truck did not have the defect and the oil was changed to a thicker oil as a precaution. 4,000 miles later the engine failed, was diagnosed as catastrophic engine failure due to the known recall, and was replaced, new engine is now making the same rod knocking noise.
- Filed Sep 2026
Fuel Filter and High pressure Rail System The truck started shuddering and began to go into limp mode also shifted into neutral byitself No It was inspected by the dealership shop and now insurance Check engine light came on and code P1089
- Filed Aug 2026 · Also filed under Power Train, Engine
Bought the vehicle brand new at the end of april. 2 weeks later and at 557 miles, the engine had a lifter failure and needed to be replaced. One day after picking it up after the engine replacement, a fuel injector went bad and needed to be replaced. About 2 days ago, the check engine light lit up, and the GMC app said it was a code for the transmission system (popped on after attempting to remote start the vehicle, although the light did shut off on its own the next day after a software update on the vehicle)
- Filed Aug 2026 · Also filed under Power Train, Engine
I bought the vehicle brand new in april 2026. On May 3rd, approximately 2 weeks after I bought it, I experienced a lifter failure that caused metal to get into the oil pan/engine and the engine needed to be replaced. About a month later after repairs were complete, I picked up my vehicle on a Friday night, and the very next morning, had issues again. Took it back to the dealer and a fuel injector went bad and needed to be replaced. I recently attempted to use the remote start feature and as soon as it fired up, the engine cut out. I went to start it again and the check engine light came on. My GMC app said the code was transmission related, although it cleared on its on the next morning after a software update.
- Filed Aug 2026 · Also filed under Engine
I bought a new GMC Sierra 1500 Denali with the 6.2L V8 engine in December of 2025. 7 months later, I was driving home from work. When the car started, it sounded a little louder, but not out of the ordinary. I started driving and got a strange rattle when I was getting on the highway at around 65MPH. I pulled off at the next exit and checked my fluids, checked under the car to see if anything was caught that was causing the rattle. All pressures and fluids were normal. I had Onstar run a system diagnostic. The diagnostic read normal. I got back on the highway and drove about 20 miles at 75mph. The rattling continued. 20 miles later, the check engine light came on. I had onstar run a diagnostic and came back stating “engine and transmission system problem” with two error codes. One code said “An issue has been detected in the Variable Valve Timing System adjust the timing of fuel delivery for more efficient engine operation”. The other code said “An issue has been detected in the Ignition System which oversees the timing and spark necessary to ignite fuel in your engine” Both error codes said to fix within one day. The GMC dealership was on the way home so I was going to stop there and see what they could do. I never made it to the dealer. About 2 minutes after the diagnostic, while doing 75mph on the highway, I hit the accelerator and the car did not speed up. The engine then shut off while I was in the left lane doing 75 mph. The electronics stayed on and the dash stated “press start to start engine.” I pulled over to the side of the highway and put the car in park and attempted to restart the engine. The engine never turned over again. I could not get the engine to start. I could not shift the car to neutral to have it rolled up on to the tow truck. My truck was towed to the GMC dealership and they are now replacing the engine under warranty. Will upload any maintenance paperwork once engine is replaced.
- Showing the 5 most recent of 6.
- Unknown or Other4
- Filed Sep 2026
The tailgate opened without my knowledge on my first drive home from the dealer. I was pulling my trailer at the time, when I backed into my driveway it pinched against the trailer and damaged the tailgate. There were no warning lights or anything to tell me it came open. The dealer examined it and found nothing wrong with the systems. It was raining on my way home and I know they've had problems with that in the past. While this incident didn't lead to any accident, it very well could have. I'm a sub-contractor, I haul a lot of tools and product that I rely on that tailgate keeping it all contained. If it comes down without any warning it could easily lead to a major accident.
- Filed Sep 2026
The infotainment system keeps having the sound completely shut off. The radio, GPS, blinker system sound will not work.
- Filed Aug 2026
Learned that GMC engines may have an issue. We haven't had one as yet.
- Filed Aug 2026
I purchased this new 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 on 07/16/2026. Beginning shortly after delivery, the vehicle began intermittently losing ALL audio, including the audible turn-signal indication. The condition now occurs approximately once every 3–4 vehicle starts/uses. When the failure occurs, there is no audio from the infotainment system, radio, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, or speakers, and there is no audible turn-signal sound. Because the failure also eliminates audible driver feedback from the turn signals, I am concerned this is not simply an entertainment-system issue. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The vehicle was presented to Ed Morse Sawgrass Auto Mall, an authorized GMC dealer, after the condition occurred again on approximately 08/20/2026. The dealer advised me that the vehicle already has the applicable software programming and that GM is aware of the condition. The Service Manager advised me in writing that GM currently instructs the dealer to recover/reset the radio and not replace the radio or amplifier because GM is working on a permanent correction. Restarting the infotainment system, Safe Mode, disabling Quick Startup, and allowing the vehicle to completely power down have not permanently corrected the condition. A full shutdown may temporarily restore the audio, but the failure returns. There are no warning lamps or messages before the failure. The audio simply does not function when the vehicle is started. The vehicle currently has approximately 976 miles. There has been no crash, fire, injury, or fatality. I have also formally reported the condition to GMC Customer Assistance. GMC Case #108458085.
- Communication1
- Filed Sep 2026 · Also filed under Power Train
The contact owns a 2026 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while hauling a trailer and making a left turn at 5 MPH, at a busy intersection, the message "Shift to Park" displayed, and the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was restarted. The contact stated that the failure was persistent. The local dealer was notified of the failure by phone. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the telematics module had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 3,900.
- Tires1
- Filed Sep 2026
The contact owns a 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 equipped with Bridgestone Tires, Tire Line: Dueler A/T, Tire Size: 275/60/R20, DOT Number: 17XW09K63. The contact stated that the sidewall around the bead of the four tires were cracked. The tires were dry rotted. The tires were the original equipment. The dealer was notified of the failure in person. The failure mileage was approximately 13,300.
- Fuel System1
- Filed Sep 2026 · Also filed under Gasoline
The contact owns a 2026 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated to maintain automotive power and was a potential safety risk for his wife and children. The message "Shift to Park and Restart Vehicle” was displayed. The vehicle was shifted into park(P) and back into drive(D) as a temporary fix. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer on several occasions to be diagnosed; however, the cause of the failure was unknown. The failure mileage was approximately 700.
- Gasoline1
- Filed Sep 2026 · Also filed under Fuel System
The contact owns a 2026 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated to maintain automotive power and was a potential safety risk for his wife and children. The message "Shift to Park and Restart Vehicle” was displayed. The vehicle was shifted into park(P) and back into drive(D) as a temporary fix. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer on several occasions to be diagnosed; however, the cause of the failure was unknown. The failure mileage was approximately 700.
- Vehicle Speed Control1
- Filed Aug 2026 · Also filed under Power Train, Engine
Vehicle: 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4 (3.0L LZ0 Duramax Diesel) Current Mileage: ~16,500 miles Check Engine Light Status: NO Check Engine Light active Description of Incident & Symptoms: •Interstate Incident: While driving at highway speeds, a severe drivetrain vibration occurred (felt like a rear wheel weight flew off). •Dashboard Warnings: Within 5 minutes, intermittent "Traction Control" and "Forward Collision Warning" alerts appeared on the dash, accompanied by a sudden drop in engine power. •Engine Noise & Idle: Once safely pulled over, the engine exhibited a loud mechanical knock and a very rough, unstable idle. •Extended Crank: After shutting the engine off and waiting a few minutes, restarting the truck took roughly twice as long as normal (long crank/delayed start)
Safety ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings from government crash tests. Ratings differ by cab style and 2WD/4WD, so check the row that matches the truck. Source: nhtsa.gov/ratings.
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| N/A 4WD | Not rated | 4/5 stars | Not rated | 4/5 stars |
| N/A 4WD | 5/5 stars | 5/5 stars | 5/5 stars | 4/5 stars |
| N/A 4WD | 5/5 stars | 5/5 stars | 5/5 stars | 4/5 stars |
| N/A RWD | Not rated | 4/5 stars | Not rated | 4/5 stars |
| N/A RWD | 5/5 stars | 5/5 stars | 5/5 stars | 4/5 stars |
| N/A RWD | 5/5 stars | 5/5 stars | 5/5 stars | 4/5 stars |