GMC Sierra 1500 problems and known issues

By CarWhere Research · Updated

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.

CarWhere lists 10 documented Sierra 1500 issues, including 6 NHTSA safety recalls, each with affected years, powertrains, symptoms, pre-purchase checks and a source.

Sierra 1500 generations at a glance

GMC Sierra 1500 generations and the known issues listed for each
GenerationModel yearsIssues on this page
GMT9002007–2013Passenger front air bag inflator recall (non-desiccated PSAN) · 4-speed 4L60-E automatic wear (early GMT900) · Oil consumption on the Gen IV 5.3L (LC9)
K2XX2014–2018AFM/DFM valve lifter failure on the 5.3L and 6.2L V8 · 8-speed automatic torque-converter shudder · Reduced brake assist from the engine vacuum pump (recall) · Unintended one-wheel braking if a wheel-speed sensor fails (recall)
T1XX2019–presentDriveshaft joint weld can separate (recall) · 6.2L L87 V8 connecting rod/crankshaft defect (recall 25V-274) · Rear-wheel lockup from the 10-speed control valve (diesel recall)

GMT900 Sierra 1500 problems (2007–2013)

Passenger front air bag inflator recall (non-desiccated PSAN) (2007–2013)

Safety recall
Generation:
GMT900 (2007–2013)
Years:
2007–2013
Powertrain:
All engines

GM recalled certain 2007–2013 Sierra 1500 trucks because the passenger frontal air bag inflator uses a non-desiccated ammonium nitrate propellant that can degrade after long exposure to heat and humidity and rupture in a crash. The campaign was split by model year and by climate zone (hot, humid states first), so 21V-050 is one of several related campaigns (21V-051 through 21V-054 cover later years). Dealers replace the inflator free of charge.

Symptoms

  • No warning signs; the inflator can look and work normally until a deployment

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask the dealer for the recall repair order
  • Note where the truck has been registered: hot, humid states were prioritized

NHTSA recall: 21V050 (2021-02)

Sources: [1]

4-speed 4L60-E automatic wear (early GMT900) (2007–2010)

Major repair
Generation:
GMT900 (2007–2010)
Years:
2007–2010

Early GMT900 trucks with the older 4-speed 4L60-E are prone to wear under towing and heat; owners and repair shops commonly report a broken reaction sun shell that takes out reverse and some forward gears. GM moved these trucks to the 6-speed 6L80 over the generation, so check which transmission a given truck has.

Symptoms

  • Loss of reverse, 2nd or 4th gear
  • Slipping or flare on the 2–3 or 3–4 shift
  • Burnt-smelling fluid

Check before buying

  • Confirm which transmission is fitted from the glovebox RPO label or build records
  • Test reverse and every forward gear when warm
  • Ask for transmission service or rebuild records

Sources: [2]

Oil consumption on the Gen IV 5.3L (LC9) (2011–2013)

Moderate
Generation:
GMT900 (2011–2013)
Years:
2011–2013

A class action certified in 2020 covered 2011–2014 GM trucks and SUVs with the LC9 5.3L built on or after February 10, 2011, alleging the piston rings did not hold enough tension to keep oil out of the combustion chamber. In October 2022 a federal jury returned a $102.6 million verdict for owners in three states. Excess oil burning can foul plugs and build carbon, and GM ended the engine after 2014.

Symptoms

  • Needing to add a quart or more between oil changes
  • Low-oil warning between services
  • Fouled spark plugs or misfire codes
  • Blue smoke on start-up

Check before buying

  • Pull the dipstick and ask how often oil is topped up
  • Scan for misfire codes and inspect a spark plug if possible
  • Ask whether pistons or rings were ever replaced under warranty

Sources: [3][4]

K2XX Sierra 1500 problems (2014–2018)

AFM/DFM valve lifter failure on the 5.3L and 6.2L V8 (2014–present)

Major repair
Generation:
K2XX and T1XX (2014–present)
Years:
2014–present

Cylinder-deactivation lifters (Active Fuel Management, later Dynamic Fuel Management) can stick or collapse, which usually damages the camshaft as well. A class action filed in 2021 (Harrison v. GM, E.D. Michigan) alleges the lifters on 2014-and-later 5.3L, 6.0L and 6.2L V8s are defective and that GM’s replacement parts share the flaw. GM has not issued a lifter recall, and owners report repairs that involve replacing lifters and the cam.

Symptoms

  • Persistent ticking from the top of the engine
  • Misfire codes, often on one cylinder bank
  • Hesitation, stumbling or loss of power
  • Shudder when the engine switches between V8 and V4/deactivation modes

Check before buying

  • Listen at idle and under light throttle for a lifter tick
  • Scan for stored misfire codes
  • Ask for invoices showing lifter, camshaft or valve-train work

Sources: [5]

8-speed automatic torque-converter shudder (2015–2018)

Moderate
Generation:
K2XX (2015–2018)
Years:
2015–2018

GM bulletin 18-NA-355 addresses a shake or shudder at steady 25–80 mph under light throttle, which owners often compare to driving over rumble strips. GM traced it to torque-converter clutch shudder and prescribes a full fluid exchange to a revised Mobil 1 Synthetic LV ATF HP fluid; topping off or mixing fluids will not fix it. It lists 2015–2018 Sierra models with the L83, L86 and L8B, which includes many 6.2L Denali trucks.

Symptoms

  • Rumble-strip vibration at 25–80 mph with light throttle
  • Shudder that comes and goes as the converter locks
  • Harsh or clunky shifts in some trucks

Check before buying

  • Drive at a steady 40–60 mph on a smooth road and feel for vibration
  • Ask whether the 18-NA-355 fluid exchange (or a converter replacement) was done
  • Check fluid service records

Sources: [6]

Reduced brake assist from the engine vacuum pump (recall) (2014–2018)

Safety recall
Generation:
K2XX (2014–2018)
Years:
2014–2018
Powertrain:
5.3L and 6.2L V8

NHTSA recall 19V-645 covered 2014–2018 Sierra 1500 trucks because the mechanical vacuum pump’s output can drop over time, leaving less power brake assist. About 3.46 million US vehicles were included. Dealers reprogram the Electronic Brake Control Module so the system switches to hydraulic brake assist when vacuum falls; a follow-up recall, 20V-603, added more 2018 trucks and SUVs.

Symptoms

  • Firm brake pedal that needs more effort than usual
  • Longer stopping distance
  • Brake-assist warning messages

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask the dealer for the recall repair order
  • Confirm both 19V-645 and, for 2018 models, 20V-603 are closed

NHTSA recall: 19V645 (2019-09) · 3,456,111 vehicles

Sources: [7][8][9]

Unintended one-wheel braking if a wheel-speed sensor fails (recall) (2014–2018)

Safety recall
Generation:
K2XX (2014–2018)
Years:
2014–2018

Recall 19V-761 covers 2014–2018 Sierra 1500 trucks with the 5.3L, a 3.08 rear axle and four-wheel drive. If a wheel-speed sensor fails between 41 and 60 mph in 4WD or Auto mode, the brake module’s driveline-protection logic can brake the opposite wheel and pull the vehicle to one side. Dealers reprogram the brake module.

Symptoms

  • Sudden pull to one side in 4WD/Auto mode
  • ABS or traction-control warning with a wheel-speed sensor code

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask the dealer for the recall repair order

NHTSA recall: 19V761 (2019-10)

Sources: [7]

T1XX Sierra 1500 problems (2019–present)

Driveshaft joint weld can separate (recall) (2019–2020)

Safety recall
Generation:
T1XX (2019–2020)
Years:
2019–2020
Powertrain:
All engines

Recall 20V-650 covers certain 2019–2020 Sierra 1500 trucks because a driveshaft joint may not have been welded properly and can separate while driving, causing a loss of drive. Dealers replace the driveshaft.

Symptoms

  • Vibration or clunk from under the truck
  • Sudden loss of drive to the wheels

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask the dealer for the recall repair order

NHTSA recall: 20V650 (2020-10)

Sources: [10]

6.2L L87 V8 connecting rod/crankshaft defect (recall 25V-274) (2021–2024)

Safety recall
Generation:
T1XX (2021–2024)
Years:
2021–2024
Powertrain:
6.2L V8 (L87)

GM recalled certain 2021–2024 Sierra 1500 trucks with the 6.2L L87 because connecting rod and crankshaft parts from supplier manufacturing defects can lead to engine damage and failure; the recall covers engines built March 1, 2021 to May 31, 2024. Dealers inspect the engine and repair or replace it; engines that pass get thicker 0W-40 oil, a new oil filter and fill cap, and an owner’s manual update. NHTSA has kept investigating: EA25007 (October 2025) looked at failures outside the recall scope, including 2019–2020 trucks, and EA26005 (2026) is examining failures after the remedy and in L87 engines built after the recall period. Denali, AT4 and AT4X trucks are the Sierras most often fitted with the 6.2L.

Symptoms

  • Knocking or rod-knock noise that rises with rpm
  • Low oil pressure warning
  • Metal debris in the oil
  • Sudden loss of power or engine seizure

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask the dealer for the recall repair order
  • Ask whether the engine passed inspection or was replaced, and confirm 0W-40 oil is being used
  • Listen for knocking on a cold start and under load

NHTSA recall: 25V274 (2025-04) · 597,630 vehicles

Sources: [11][12][13][14]

Rear-wheel lockup from the 10-speed control valve (diesel recall) (2020–2022)

Safety recall
Generation:
T1XX (2020–2022)
Years:
2020–2022

Recall 24V-797 covers 2020–2022 diesel trucks (and 2021 diesel SUVs) because a transmission control valve can fail and lock the rear wheels while driving. Dealers install new transmission software that also detects a bad valve, and GM added special coverage to repair transmissions the software flags. Recall 26V-083 (1,055 vehicles) re-does trucks that received the wrong software under the first campaign.

Symptoms

  • Sudden rear-wheel lockup or skid
  • Transmission warning or limp mode
  • Harsh downshift or bang from the drivetrain

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask the dealer for the recall repair order
  • On 2020–2022 trucks, also confirm 26V-083 does not apply or is complete

NHTSA recall: 24V797 (2024-10) · 461,839 vehicles

Sources: [11][15][16]

Related Sierra 1500 research

This page explains specific mechanical issues and recalls. Which model years drew the most owner complaints is a different question, answered in the years-to-avoid research from NHTSA complaint counts.

Confirm how a Sierra 1500 was ordered before you buy.

Engine, transmission and packages decide which of these issues apply. The CarWhere build sheet decodes a GMC Sierra 1500 VIN into the factory-ordered option codes (RPOs) on record — engine, transmission, axle and packages. $9.99, instant.

GMC build sheet by VIN

Frequently asked questions

Is the Sierra Denali affected by the 6.2L engine recall?

Any 2021–2024 Sierra 1500 with the 6.2L L87 built in the recall window is covered by 25V-274, and the 6.2L is common on Denali and AT4 trucks. Check the VIN to confirm.

Does the Sierra 1500 have the same problems as the Silverado?

Yes. They share platforms, engines and transmissions, so the same recalls, bulletins and lawsuits apply to both.

Do Sierra 1500 lifters fail?

A pending class action alleges AFM/DFM lifters on 2014-and-later 5.3L and 6.2L V8s are defective. There is no lifter recall, so review service records.

What fixes 8-speed shudder on a 2015–2018 Sierra Denali?

GM bulletin 18-NA-355 calls for a full exchange to revised Mobil 1 LV ATF HP fluid.

Which Sierra years burn oil?

GMT900 trucks with the LC9 5.3L, built through 2013, were part of a class action over piston rings that ended in a $102.6 million verdict in 2022.

Sources

Issue descriptions are CarWhere’s own summaries of the sources below. Repair costs are shown only where a source states them and vary by shop and region.

  1. NHTSA recalls: 2009 GMC Sierra 1500 — NHTSA
  2. Chevrolet Silverado 2007–2013: Transmission Problems and Diagnostics — ChevroletForum (secondary reference)
  3. GM Oil Consumption Lawsuit Certified as Class Action — CarComplaints.com
  4. General Motors Hit With $102.6 Million Lawsuit Verdict Over Oil Consumption Engine Issue — Jalopnik
  5. GM Lifter Recall Needed, Says Class Action Lawsuit (Harrison v. GM) — CarComplaints.com
  6. GM Service Bulletin 18-NA-355: shake/shudder during light throttle 25–80 mph (8L45/8L90 TCC shudder) — General Motors (via NHTSA)
  7. NHTSA recalls: 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 — NHTSA
  8. NHTSA recalls: 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 — NHTSA
  9. GM recalls 3.4 million pickups and SUVs over brake pump — FleetOwner
  10. NHTSA recalls: 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 — NHTSA
  11. NHTSA recalls: 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 — NHTSA
  12. Nearly 600,000 Cadillac, Chevy and GMC Vehicles Recalled for Engine Failure — Cars.com
  13. ODI Resume EA25007: loss of motive power due to engine failure (L87 6.2L) — NHTSA
  14. Information Request EA26005-01: L87 6.2L V8 engine failure — NHTSA
  15. Recall acknowledgement 24V-797 (part 573 summary) — NHTSA
  16. GM's 10-Speed Transmission Recall Just Got Even Messier — The Drive

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