GMC known issues by model
By CarWhere Research · Updated
CarWhere documents 47 GMC problems and 27 NHTSA safety recalls across 5 models — Sierra 1500, Yukon, Acadia, Terrain and Canyon — organized by generation and engine. Each entry lists affected model years, symptoms, what to check on a used vehicle before buying, and the sources behind it.
| Model | Generations covered | Documented issues | NHTSA recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| GMC Sierra 1500 problems | GMT900 (2007–2013), K2XX (2014–2018), T1XX (2019–present) | 10 | 6 |
| GMC Yukon problems | GMT900 (2007–2014), K2XX (2015–2020), T1XX (2021–present) | 10 | 5 |
| GMC Acadia problems | 1st gen (2007–2017), 2nd gen (2017–2023), 3rd gen (2024–present) | 9 | 5 |
| GMC Terrain problems | 1st gen (2010–2017), 2nd gen (2018–2024), 3rd gen (2025–present) | 9 | 6 |
| GMC Canyon problems | 2nd gen (2015–2022), 3rd gen (2023–present) | 9 | 5 |
GMC Sierra 1500 problems
The Sierra 1500 shares its documented problems with the Silverado. The headline item is recall 25V-274 for the 6.2L L87 on 2021–2024 trucks, which hits many Denali and AT4 models. Older trucks carry AFM/DFM lifter failures, 5.3L oil burning on 2011–2013 models, 8-speed shudder and a 2014–2018 brake-assist recall.
GMC Yukon problems
The Yukon shares its documented problems with the Tahoe and Suburban. The headline item is recall 25V-274 for the 6.2L L87 on 2021–2024 models, which covers many Denali and AT4 SUVs. Earlier Yukons carry 5.3L oil burning, AFM/DFM lifter failures, 8-speed shudder on 2015–2017 Denali, A/C condenser leaks and a brake-assist recall.
GMC Acadia problems
The best-documented GMC Acadia problem is timing chain stretch on 2007–2014 models with the 3.6L V6, and 2007–2009 Acadias can lose reverse from a cracked transmission wave plate. First-generation models carry air bag and liftgate recalls, 2017–2019 models can show a false "Shift to Park" message, and 2024+ 2.5L turbo models are under a stalling investigation.
GMC Terrain problems
The most widely documented GMC Terrain problem is excessive oil consumption on 2010–2013 models with the 2.4L four-cylinder, traced to worn piston rings. The 3.0L V6 can stretch timing chains, 2010–2017 models have wiper and headlight recalls, and 2018–2024 Terrains carry driveshaft, transmission, air bag module and door striker recalls.
GMC Canyon problems
GMC Canyon problems mirror the Chevy Colorado: torque-converter shudder on 2017–2019 trucks with the 3.6L V6 and 8-speed, harness chafing on the 2.8L Duramax, and 2015 power steering recalls. The 2023+ Canyon's 2.7L turbo has GM bulletins for harness chafing near the turbo, and AT4X AEV trucks carry a passenger air bag recall.
Confirm how a used GMC was ordered before you buy.
Engine, transmission and packages decide which issues apply. The CarWhere build sheet decodes a GMC VIN into the factory-ordered option codes (RPOs) on record — engine, transmission, axle and packages. $9.99, instant.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common GMC problems?
They depend on the model and powertrain. Across the 5 GMC models covered here, the most documented items are passenger front air bag inflator recall (non-desiccated psan) on the Sierra 1500; passenger front air bag inflator recall (non-desiccated psan) on the Yukon; timing chain stretch on the 3.6l v6 on the Acadia. Each model page lists issues by generation with sources.
How do I check a GMC for open recalls?
Enter the 17-character VIN on NHTSA’s recall lookup or GMC’s owner site, or ask a dealer to run it. Recall repairs are free. CarWhere’s known-issues pages list major recall campaign numbers by model and generation.
Are known issues the same as years to avoid?
No. Known-issues pages explain specific, documented mechanical problems and recalls. Years-to-avoid research ranks model years by owner-complaint volume reported to NHTSA, so the two answer different questions and are linked from each model page.
Sources
Each model page lists its own sources. Key references:
- NHTSA recalls database — National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
- GM newsroom — General Motors
More GMC tools
- GMC tools & data hub
- GM engines guide (LS, LT, Duramax)
- GMC trim levels explained
- GMC model histories
- Free GMC VIN decoder
- GMC window sticker by VIN
- GM options by VIN
- GM RPO option codes
- GMC specs by model
- GMC reliability
Independent reference compiled by CarWhere — not affiliated with or endorsed by General Motors. Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac, Corvette, Duramax, Vortec and the model names are trademarks of their owner.