GMC Sierra Engine and Engine Cooling Problems
Owners have filed 155 complaints with NHTSA about engine and engine cooling problems on the GMC Sierra across 18 model years. The 2001 model year has the most (22).
- 155engine and engine cooling complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 5mention a crash
- 3mention an injury
- 3related recalls
- 43%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
At what mileage do engine and engine cooling problems happen?
Based on 70 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 155 complaints, 5 mention a crash, 4 a fire, 3 an injury.
GMC Sierra engine and engine cooling complaints by model year
| Model year | Engine and Engine Cooling complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 Sierra | 1 | 2% | 170,000 |
| 2012 Sierra | 1 | 3% | 1,200 |
| 2011 Sierra | 1 | 2% | 65,000 |
| 2010 Sierra | 1 | 3% | 18,460 |
| 2009 Sierra | 1 | 3% | 1,000 |
| 2007 Sierra | 2 | 3% | 33,000 |
| 2006 Sierra | 1 | 2% | 36,000 |
| 2005 Sierra | 9 | 8% | 2,000 |
| 2004 Sierra | 4 | 2% | 26,368 |
| 2003 Sierra | 9 | 4% | 3,750 |
| 2002 Sierra | 22 | 9% | 24,000 |
| 2001 Sierra | 22 | 8% | 46,000 |
| 2000 Sierra | 21 | 5% | 34,000 |
| 1999 Sierra | 17 | 3% | 49,900 |
| 1998 Sierra | 11 | 6% | 79,788 |
| 1997 Sierra | 15 | 6% | 67,000 |
| 1996 Sierra | 11 | 4% | 45,000 |
| 1995 Sierra | 6 | 2% | 145,000 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (3)
Engine and engine cooling:exhaust system
Model years: 2015
Problem: General Motors is recalling certain 2014 model year Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles, and 2015 model year Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV; Chevrolet Silverado HD; and GMC Sierra HD, Yukon, and Yukon XL, equipped with a 4.3L engine or 5.3L engine.
Risk: The overheated exhaust components may melt nearby plastic parts and may result in an engine fire.
Fix: General Motors will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the engine control module, free of charge. The recall began on January 16, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020 and GMC at 1-800-462-8782. General Motors' number for this recall is 14008.
Engine and engine cooling
Model years: 2001
Problem: On certain pickup trucks equipped with an 8.1l v8 engine, the crankshaft position can operate intermittently or fail completely. If the sensor operates intermittently, the ses light may illuminate and the vehicle may run rough. The engine may stall, and if so, may re-start immediately or after a cool down period.
Risk: If the sensor becomes completely inoperative, the engine will quit running and will not re-start. Either of these failures can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the crankshaft position sensor free of charge. The recall began on december 18, 2007. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 and gmc at 1-866-996-9463.
Engine and engine cooling
Model years: 2004, 2005, 2006
Problem: On certain trucks equipped with an 8.1l v8 (rpo l8-vin g) engine have a condition in which the engine fuel rail pulse damper retainer clip may fracture resulting in inadequate retention of the damper.
Risk: If the damper comes loose, a fuel leak may result. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
Fix: Dealers will replace the engine fuel rail pulse damper retainer clip free of charge. The recall began on august 31, 2006. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 and gmc trucks at 1-866-996-9463.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, there was a loud pop in the engine compartment. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road where condensation was observed in the middle of the road. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that…
I have a 2001 gmc sierra that has been losing coolant for about 2 years now. I was told it was a common problem with these trucks just wandering why nothing has been done. *tr
While driving on interstate the engine shut down to 1/2 power and began to shake/vibrate. The top speed then was about 40mph. I finally pulled over and read manual on how to reset it. It worked properly then. This has happened 4 other times. The latest incident happened yesterday, with out using…
Brake fluid leaking all over bottom of truck spraying out i took to a mechanic and had 1000 dollar brake line job done got truck back and abs brakes worked like manual brakes had a sensor and 2 ball joints replaced im being ripped of from a gmc loyal customer i was i guess back to ford or toyota…
2007 gmc crewcab sierra with 5.3 liter ,auto, has had three plastic fuel line failures in last two years. After detecting a fuel odor, gas was found to be dripping/sprayed in the area of the exhaust pipe. Appears to be a fire risk. Same truck was delivered with warped flex plate, and has…
Frequently asked questions
Do all GMC Sierras have engine and engine cooling problems?
No. NHTSA has 155 owner complaints about engine and engine cooling for the GMC Sierra. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the GMC Sierra engine and engine cooling?
Yes: 3 safety recalls list engine and engine cooling. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
Other GMC Sierra problems
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic problems (954)
- Visibility problems (343)
- Service Brakes problems (304)
- Power Train problems (293)
- Steering problems (248)
- Electrical System problems (241)
- Air Bags problems (193)
- Structure problems (193)
See all GMC Sierra problems.