Which GMC Sierra 1500 years have the most engine problems?

Owner complaints are highest for 2019 and 2021, with 2022, 2020, 2023 and 2024 also well represented. The 2018 model has fewer. The 2025 and 2026 models have few or no complaints, but they have had little time to collect them, so that is not proof they are better.

Is it safe to drive a Sierra with a ticking or knocking engine?

Owners report that knocking or ticking often came before an engine seizure or shutoff. Dealers told some owners not to drive the truck. If you hear a new knock, have it inspected quickly, since a stall at speed can lead to a crash.

Does a recall cover Sierra 1500 engine failures?

Recall 25V274000 covers 2021 to 2024 trucks with the 6.2L V8 for possible connecting rod and crankshaft defects. Owners of 2018 to 2020 trucks say their VINs are not included. Check your VIN in federal recall records.

How much does a Sierra 1500 engine repair cost?

Owners outside warranty report figures of about $11,000 and $11,500 or more for engine replacement. One quotes over $15,000 for a rebuild. Wait times can be weeks or months because replacement engines are back-ordered.

Does the recall fix the engine problem?

For trucks that pass inspection, the remedy adds higher viscosity oil, a new oil fill cap and a new filter. Some owners doubt this fixes the defect, and several report failures after the work. Others say parts were unavailable and repairs were delayed.

Last updated: 2026-10-10

GMC Sierra 1500 Engine Problems

Collapsed lifters and bearing failures are the top engine problem on the GMC Sierra 1500, mostly the 6.2L V8, and they can seize the engine.

Owner complaints: 898
Share of all complaints: 34%
Crash / fire / injury reports: 3 / 2 / 1
Related recalls: 1

Sierra 1500 engine complaints by model year

Complaint counts are highest for 2019 and 2021, followed by 2022, 2020, 2023 and 2024. The 2018 model has far fewer, though owners still report lifter failures. The 2025 model has few complaints, but it is still new, so that count says little yet. Some 2025 owners already report early failures under 5,200 miles. The 2026 model has no complaints, which mostly reflects how little time it has been on the road. Federal recall records cover only 2021 through 2024 trucks.

2018
39 · 2.2/10k sold
2019
172 · 9.3/10k sold
2020
118 · 5.8/10k sold
2021
178 · 8.9/10k sold
2022
144 · 7.5/10k sold
2023
126 · 5.3/10k sold
2024
106 · 4.4/10k sold
2025
15 · 0.5/10k sold

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA under engine, engine and engine cooling. Newer model years have had less time to collect complaints.

What goes wrong

The engine fails fast and with little notice. A tick, tap or knock starts, sometimes with shaking or a loss of power. Then the engine shuts off or locks up, often at highway speed. Dealers most often report failed lifters, a damaged camshaft, worn crankshaft or connecting rod bearings, and metal in the oil. The 6.2L V8 is named most. Many complaints end with a replacement engine, and some say the new engine failed too.

This is a safety problem, not just a repair bill. A truck that dies at 60 or 70 mph can leave the driver without power in traffic. The records include crash reports in 2022, 2023 and 2024, one with an injury, and two fire reports in 2021. Many trucks sit at the dealer for weeks or months because replacement engines are back-ordered. Engine complaints make up about a third of all complaints on this model.

Symptoms owners report

Ticking, tapping or knocking

Most failures start with a tick, tap or knock from the engine. Dealers often trace it to collapsed lifters or worn crankshaft bearings. Some owners say there was no warning light at all, even as the noise got louder.

Sudden stall or seizure

The engine shuts off or locks up while driving, often on the interstate. Owners describe the truck dropping into neutral, steering turning heavy, and the engine refusing to restart. Several report stalls with no warning bell or light.

Power loss and limp mode

Some trucks lose power, shake, or show a reduced acceleration message before failing. Owners also report misfires, rough idle, and heavy shaking with multiple warning lights. Others say the power loss comes and goes before the final failure.

Heavy oil use and metal in oil

Rising oil consumption comes first for some owners. One reports three quarts in two weeks. After failure, dealers often find metal shavings in the oil pan or filter, which points to internal damage.

Failure after repair

Several owners report a second failure after a lifter repair or a replacement engine. Others say the engine failed after the recall inspection and thicker oil. Some say a repeat failure came within a few thousand miles.

Oil line and cooling faults

Less common reports include an oil cooler line coming off at its crimp and draining the oil, leaking radiators, failed coolant control valves, and cracked valve covers. Some of these caused low oil or reduced power warnings.

When the problems start

Failures show up across a wide range. Several 2025 and 2024 owners report engine failure between about 1,188 and 14,000 miles. Others cite 2,872 and 11,000 miles on 2023 and 2022 trucks. Many 2019 and 2018 reports fall near 40,000 to 68,000 miles. Some 2020 and 2024 trucks fail past 80,000 miles, including one 2020 at about 116,000. Low mileage does not rule it out.

Repairs and recalls

Most owners report a full engine replacement, and many wait weeks or months for a back-ordered engine. Out-of-warranty costs quoted include $11,000 and $11,500 or more. Recall 25V274000 covers 2021 to 2024 trucks with the 6.2L V8 for possible connecting rod and crankshaft defects. Dealers inspect the engine and repair or replace it if needed. Trucks that pass get higher viscosity oil, an oil fill cap and a new oil filter. Owners of 2018 to 2020 trucks say they are not covered.

Model years	Campaign	Problem
2021, 2022, 2023, 2024	25V274000	General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with a 6.2L V8 gas engine.…

Checking a used Sierra 1500 for engine problems

Run the VIN through federal recall records and confirm recall 25V274000 work is complete on any 2021 to 2024 truck with the 6.2L V8.
Ask for service records and check for oil changes, oil consumption notes, and any past engine repair or replacement.
Listen to a cold start and idle for ticking, tapping or knocking. Walk away if you hear it.
Check the oil level and look at the oil for metal flecks or a very low level.
Ask the seller if the truck has ever stalled, shaken, or shown a reduced power message.
Have an independent mechanic scan for codes and inspect the engine before you buy.

1 engine recall cover the GMC Sierra 1500. A VIN check shows whether the car you're looking at had its recall work done, plus accident and title history.

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