2026 GMC Sierra 1500 · symptom sheet
Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing
- 54owner reports
- 4,300median miles
- 0involved a crash
Newest report Sep 28, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
86 of the 128 complaints on this car are about the engine. 54 of those describe engine failure, which makes it the most reported problem on the 2026 Sierra 1500.
Tick what matches of 54 reports
Engine failure on other Sierra 1500 years
Report counts are for each model year on its own, so a newer car has had less time to collect them. Model years with too few reports of it for a sheet: 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018.
What this problem usually is
These are the reports nobody wants to file. The engine started knocking or ticking, the oil light came on, and then it seized or had to be replaced. Some owners had the replacement covered under warranty or an extension, and plenty were told they'd pay. Several narrower sheets split this group into knocking, seized engines and rod bearing failure.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the engine (51 reports).
Recalls and investigations
No recall on the engine covers the 2026 model year as of Oct 2, 2026.
NHTSA investigations into the engine on the Sierra 1500
Loss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedy. Open.
Loss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedy. Closed aug 20, 2026.
Loss of motive power due to engine failure. Open.
Loss of motive power due to engine failure. Closed oct 23, 2025, led to recall 25V-274.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 2,980 and 7,000 miles, from the 38 reports that gave a mileage.
What owners wrote
“Complete engine failure. Had to get the engine replaced with only 2,700 miles on it. Back in the shop on 9/5 to fix the engine again.”
Filed Sep 8, 2026 · 2,700 miles
“This truck has the GM L87 6.2L engine that is currently on recall for 2021- 2024 model years, but recently the NHTSA is looking into post engine replacement failures and 2025-26 model year issues. My engine at 7,000 miles failed for rod bearings. Same issues reported years ago and 100k engines ago. GM has not fixed the problem, its still happening.”
Filed Aug 26, 2026 · 7,000 miles
“Engine died while driving at higher speed on interstate. Barely able to pull to emergency lane before truck stopped. No warning of any issues with it. Had towed to dealership. Dealership confirmed 6.2 engine was faulty. Engine replaced under warranty. Truck only had 1207 miles on it when engine died.”
Filed Jul 31, 2026 · 1,207 miles
“Sudden catastrophic engine failure with only 6000 miles on vehicle on May 26, 2026. 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X with known defective 6.2L L87 V8. Had to coast across three lanes of traffic to get to other median as highway location was on large curve. Someone very easily could have been hurt or killed.”
Filed Jul 2, 2026 · 6,000 miles
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 0 of 54 reports involved a crash. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.
File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation. How reports land on this sheet.
Guide Taking it to a shop? How to describe this problem so it gets found
Other problems on this car
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 39 reports