GMC SIERRA 1500 · model year

2026 GMC SIERRA 1500

29 NHTSA complaints, and 1 active recall for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2026GMCSIERRA 1500 carries 29 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall Not Rated/5 rating, with 4/5 front crash, Not Rated/5 side crash, and 4/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2026 SIERRA 1500 is engine with 10 filings, followed by power train (8) and electrical system (3). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 1 active recall campaign, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 2 investigation files overlapping the 2026 SIERRA 1500. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

29
Complaints
0
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

29 filings

Crashes Reported

0 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

NHTSA NCAP overall: Not Rated/5 — Not rated · Front: 4/5 · Side: Not Rated/5 · Rollover: 4/5

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
ENGINE10
POWER TRAIN8
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM3
UNKNOWN OR OTHER2
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM2
VISIBILITY/WIPER1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC1
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL1
LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST1

Recalls (1)

26V11400026/02/2026

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

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Recent Complaints

20260219ENGINE

Vehicle stalled in busy intersection in McKinney Texas , unable to start are shift into a neutral position on transmission to remove from extreme dangerous intersection, sheriff advised that road side assistance that was contacted is not going to be in time (90min)to keep from causing an ongoing traffic backup , sheriff dispatched their own towing service to resolve the situation from getting extremely dangerous .vehicle and my wife was towed to McKinney Buick gmc dealership.

20260219ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Vehicle stalled in busy intersection in McKinney Texas , unable to start are shift into a neutral position on transmission to remove from extreme dangerous intersection, sheriff advised that road side assistance that was contacted is not going to be in time (90min)to keep from causing an ongoing traffic backup , sheriff dispatched their own towing service to resolve the situation from getting extremely dangerous .vehicle and my wife was towed to McKinney Buick gmc dealership.

20260219POWER TRAIN

Vehicle stalled in busy intersection in McKinney Texas , unable to start are shift into a neutral position on transmission to remove from extreme dangerous intersection, sheriff advised that road side assistance that was contacted is not going to be in time (90min)to keep from causing an ongoing traffic backup , sheriff dispatched their own towing service to resolve the situation from getting extremely dangerous .vehicle and my wife was towed to McKinney Buick gmc dealership.

20260215POWER TRAIN

Odd noise from bell housing area at 1200 miles that went with engine rpm. Took the truck in to the dealer and they said they couldn't recreate it but to bring it back in if it returned. Jan 27th at 5200 miles on the truck, I was driving down the highway at 60mph and got a reduced acceleration message on the dash along with a check engine light. Brought it to the dealer and was informed it was a bad thrust bearing and needed and engine and turbo replacement. Still waiting for the truck to be done.

20260215ENGINE

Odd noise from bell housing area at 1200 miles that went with engine rpm. Took the truck in to the dealer and they said they couldn't recreate it but to bring it back in if it returned. Jan 27th at 5200 miles on the truck, I was driving down the highway at 60mph and got a reduced acceleration message on the dash along with a check engine light. Brought it to the dealer and was informed it was a bad thrust bearing and needed and engine and turbo replacement. Still waiting for the truck to be done.

20260212POWER TRAIN

My 2026 GMC AT4 3.0L Duramax had a catastrophic engine failure on Sunday, February 8, 2026. It went into reduced acceleration and also fault code PO6DD. Thankfully I was not on a highway. The truck would not run over 45 MPH on flat ground, and then by the time I got it to a safe location 5 miles away it would not run over about 30MPH. This obviously resulted in the truck being towed to a dealership. I have been told the entire engine will be replaced. Upon further reading, I suspect this is a thrust bearing failure that is a well-known issue in this LZ0 Duramax engine. What I have read, this issue is occurring mostly on trucks built from May-Sept 2025, and my truck has a 7/2025 build date. This could have been major safety hazard if the engine had failed in a major freeway/highway.

20260212POWER TRAIN

I am submitting this complaint regarding a recurring transmission issue in my vehicle. The transmission consistently jerks and shifts erratically, particularly in the morning during initial operation when at cruising speeds of about 50-75 mph. This behavior occurs when the transmission temperature is below approximately 100°F and happens on a daily basis. The gear changes feel harsh and abrupt, kind of like it doesn’t know what gear to be in its raising concerns about both drivability and long-term transmission reliability. I brought the vehicle to an authorized dealership for inspection. After evaluating the issue, the dealer informed me that the behavior was due to the vehicle being in “Sport Mode.” However, this explanation does not resolve the concern, as the severity and consistency of the jerking appear abnormal and occur regularly under the same temperature conditions. Given the persistent nature of this problem and its potential safety implications — especially duri

20260209ENGINE

The contact owns a 2026 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal sound and failed to accelerate as needed. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and remained with the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 6,000.

Mileage: 6,000

20260205ENGINE

"Vehicle exhibits a severe RPM flutter and rhythmic harmonic vibration at idle. These symptoms are consistent with manufacturing defects in the connecting rod and crankshaft currently under NHTSA RQ26001 and EA25-007 investigations for the GM 6.2L L87 engine. The defect presents a substantial risk of sudden engine seizure and loss of propulsion while driving. Vehicle is currently out of service at Jim Curley GMC for its first repair attempt. The dealer has stated repairs will not begin for several days."

20260127ENGINE

Total engine failure at highway speed with loss of propulsion . Catastrophic engine loss with 3,000 miles . GMC never fixed the problem with the 6.2 l87 like they said

20260123FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL

GMC SUPER CRUISE MALFUNCTION NO WARNING BEFORE SUPERCRUISE SHUTS OFF PASSING A CAR ON FOUR LANE HIGHWAY (SUPER CRUISE ENABLED) SUPER CRUISE SHUT OFF AND TRUCK CONTINUED HEADING FOR THE CENTER GAURD RAIL.(I CAUGHT IT BEFORE IT BECAME AN INCIDENT). SUPER CRUISE ABRUPTLY SHUTS OFF (NO WARNING) AND WITHIN A COUPLE THOUSAND FEET IT TURNS ON. MY FIRST TIME USING SUPERCRUISE AZ HIGHWAY 87 N BOUND JUST BEFORE RYE AND AZ HIGHWAY 260 BETWEEN PAYSON AND CHRISTOPHER CREEK I CALLED MY DEALERSHIP BUT IT WAS LIKE UH HUH OK I'LL LET GM KNOW.- NO SUPPORT! THE ONLY INDICATOR IS ON THE STEERING WHEEL A RED,GREEN OR YELLOW LIGHT.RED IS OFF-GREEN IS ACTIVE, AND YELLOW LIGHT NO SERVICE. RED LIGHT COMES ON AND SEAT VIBRATES SUPERCRUISE DROPS OUT.

20260123LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST

GMC SUPER CRUISE MALFUNCTION NO WARNING BEFORE SUPERCRUISE SHUTS OFF PASSING A CAR ON FOUR LANE HIGHWAY (SUPER CRUISE ENABLED) SUPER CRUISE SHUT OFF AND TRUCK CONTINUED HEADING FOR THE CENTER GAURD RAIL.(I CAUGHT IT BEFORE IT BECAME AN INCIDENT). SUPER CRUISE ABRUPTLY SHUTS OFF (NO WARNING) AND WITHIN A COUPLE THOUSAND FEET IT TURNS ON. MY FIRST TIME USING SUPERCRUISE AZ HIGHWAY 87 N BOUND JUST BEFORE RYE AND AZ HIGHWAY 260 BETWEEN PAYSON AND CHRISTOPHER CREEK I CALLED MY DEALERSHIP BUT IT WAS LIKE UH HUH OK I'LL LET GM KNOW.- NO SUPPORT! THE ONLY INDICATOR IS ON THE STEERING WHEEL A RED,GREEN OR YELLOW LIGHT.RED IS OFF-GREEN IS ACTIVE, AND YELLOW LIGHT NO SERVICE. RED LIGHT COMES ON AND SEAT VIBRATES SUPERCRUISE DROPS OUT.

20260123ENGINE

I heard a loud metallic knock that was not consistent with normal engine noise. I noticed the oil pressure was on the lower end of the scale but not abnormal based on how it is displayed. I decided to take the vehicle to the dealer ASAP for an oil change (that was coming due) and discuss with them. I drove roughly 20 miles from start of noise until delivery at the dealer. The truck gave me a "Reduced Acceleration, drive with caution" message 10 miles prior to the dealership but no associated lights, engine codes, check engine light or associated alerts on the myGMC app. Dealership found oil pressure ranging between 4-8 psi, and a failed oil pressure control solenoid, heavy metal debris in the oil pan including parts of the thrust bearing and oil squirter. Entire engine and turbo replacement was required. Truck had 143 hours on the engine and 6,300 miles. It was produced in August of 2025 with a purchase date of 17 October 2025. Produced: 8/25 Purchased: 10/17/25 Failed: 12/30/2

20260123POWER TRAIN

I heard a loud metallic knock that was not consistent with normal engine noise. I noticed the oil pressure was on the lower end of the scale but not abnormal based on how it is displayed. I decided to take the vehicle to the dealer ASAP for an oil change (that was coming due) and discuss with them. I drove roughly 20 miles from start of noise until delivery at the dealer. The truck gave me a "Reduced Acceleration, drive with caution" message 10 miles prior to the dealership but no associated lights, engine codes, check engine light or associated alerts on the myGMC app. Dealership found oil pressure ranging between 4-8 psi, and a failed oil pressure control solenoid, heavy metal debris in the oil pan including parts of the thrust bearing and oil squirter. Entire engine and turbo replacement was required. Truck had 143 hours on the engine and 6,300 miles. It was produced in August of 2025 with a purchase date of 17 October 2025. Produced: 8/25 Purchased: 10/17/25 Failed: 12/30/2

20260121ENGINE

2026 GMC Sierra Elevation X31 with 3.0 Duramax Diesel engine, 132-miles, thrust bearing 1.53-mm out of tolerance requiring engine and turbo replacement. Engine build date 25219 (07 AUG 2025), vehicle assembly date August 2025, purchased 10 OCT 2025, entered service for engine and turbo failure on 11 NOV 2025, returned 10 JAN 2026.

20260121FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

2026 GMC Sierra Elevation X31 with 3.0 Duramax Diesel engine, 132-miles, thrust bearing 1.53-mm out of tolerance requiring engine and turbo replacement. Engine build date 25219 (07 AUG 2025), vehicle assembly date August 2025, purchased 10 OCT 2025, entered service for engine and turbo failure on 11 NOV 2025, returned 10 JAN 2026.

20260121POWER TRAIN

2026 GMC Sierra Elevation X31 with 3.0 Duramax Diesel engine, 132-miles, thrust bearing 1.53-mm out of tolerance requiring engine and turbo replacement. Engine build date 25219 (07 AUG 2025), vehicle assembly date August 2025, purchased 10 OCT 2025, entered service for engine and turbo failure on 11 NOV 2025, returned 10 JAN 2026.

20260115POWER TRAIN

26’ GMC Sierra 1500 AT4 3.0l Duramax experiencing Harsh shifting occurring sporadically while accelerating and deceleration. More frequent and severe during quick deceleration. Severe clunking/rear wheel lock up while reversing. Very repeatable. Truck was a dealer demo and had 2400 miles on it when I bought it last week. Took it in to the dealer today and they said I need a complete new transmission.

20260111ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

2026 Sierra 1500 AT4 with 3.0L Duramax Diesel. Three major issues. 1. 2960 miles, thrust bearing failure caused low oil pressure and internal damage. Vehicle needs complete engine replacement. The truck is still at the dealer with no ETA on engine arrival and replacement. 2. Vehicle has severe electrical issues. battery replaced on second day of ownership due to over charge and smoking. The truck would randomly lose the ability to produce sound through infotainment system on start. This includes warning sounds and audible turn signal sound. Dealer said it’s caused by faulty Amp which was replaced. 3. The truck shut off (full system shutdown) and the transmission failed over to neutral while driving on the highway and failed to restart. Barely restarted on second attempt. Dealer has no idea why it is doing it. However the vehicle was throwing multiple code related to transmission module failure, brake module failure, transmission module failure, etc.

20260111ENGINE

2026 Sierra 1500 AT4 with 3.0L Duramax Diesel. Three major issues. 1. 2960 miles, thrust bearing failure caused low oil pressure and internal damage. Vehicle needs complete engine replacement. The truck is still at the dealer with no ETA on engine arrival and replacement. 2. Vehicle has severe electrical issues. battery replaced on second day of ownership due to over charge and smoking. The truck would randomly lose the ability to produce sound through infotainment system on start. This includes warning sounds and audible turn signal sound. Dealer said it’s caused by faulty Amp which was replaced. 3. The truck shut off (full system shutdown) and the transmission failed over to neutral while driving on the highway and failed to restart. Barely restarted on second attempt. Dealer has no idea why it is doing it. However the vehicle was throwing multiple code related to transmission module failure, brake module failure, transmission module failure, etc.

Compare 2026GMCSIERRA 1500 to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2026 GMC SIERRA 1500 have?
The 2026 GMC SIERRA 1500 has 29 NHTSA complaints, 0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2026 GMC SIERRA 1500?
The 2026 GMC SIERRA 1500 received an overall NHTSA safety rating of Not Rated/5, front crash rating of 4/5, side crash rating of Not Rated/5, and rollover rating of 4/5.
Are there any recalls for the 2026 GMC SIERRA 1500?
Yes, the 2026 GMC SIERRA 1500 has 1 recall(s). The most common affected component is EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2026 GMC SIERRA 1500?
The most-complained component for the 2026 GMC SIERRA 1500 is ENGINE with 10 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include POWER TRAIN and ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
Is the 2026 GMC SIERRA 1500 safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. The 2026 GMC SIERRA 1500 has an NHTSA safety rating of Not Rated/5. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.