2009 GMC Sierra 1500 engine problems

Filed Aug 18, 2025 · Engine · 56,000 miles · NV

The contact owns a 2009 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at highway speeds, the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. The traction control and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The contact used a code reader and discovered a misfire in cylinder #4, and performed a compression test, which verified that cylinder #4 was failing to maintain compression. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was discovered that there was a failure with the lifter in cylinder #4. The vehicle was not repaired and remained with the dealer for additional diagnostic tests. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact was referred to the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 56,000.

Filed Jun 18, 2025 · Engine · NE

To Whom It May Concern, I am submitting this report regarding repeated engine and valve lifter failures in my 2009 GMC Sierra 1500 with a 5.3L V8 engine, VIN: [XXX] . 1. Component/System Malfunctioned: Both the original engine and a replacement engine—professionally installed by a Chevrolet dealership—experienced valve lifter failure related to the Active Fuel Management (AFM) system. The most recent failure was sudden and unexpected. The engine may be available for inspection upon request. 2. Safety Risk: Engine failure puts driver and passenger safety at serious risk, particularly if the vehicle loses power unexpectedly while in motion. In both instances, the failure created unsafe driving conditions. 3. Reproduction/Confirmation: The issue was confirmed by a Chevrolet dealership during the initial engine failure and again more recently on the current engine, which is now exhibiting the same failure. 4. Inspection Status: The vehicle has been inspected by the same dealership that performed the original engine replacement. To my knowledge, it has not been inspected by GM corporate, police, or insurance representatives. 5. Warning Signs: There were no warning lamps, messages, or clear symptoms prior to the failure. The problem occurred without advance notice and did not provide an opportunity to address it before damage occurred. This is the second engine failure my truck has suffered from the same issue, even after dealership installation of a new motor. I urge the federal safety agency to investigate whether this represents a broader defect in GM 5.3L AFM-equipped engines. It is unacceptable that repeated critical failures can occur in these engines with no warning and no resolution, even after following proper replacement procedures. Thank you for your attention. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Apr 8, 2019 · Electrical, Engine · 103,000 miles · MI

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 gmc sierra 1500. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated and stalled without warning. The vehicle was taken to serra chevrolet cadillac buick gmc (189 stonebridge blvd, jackson, tn 38305, (888) 380-6149) where they replaced the fuel pump module, cleaned the throttle body, replaced the fuel pump sending unit, and reprogrammed the module. The contact stated that the engine power was reduced due to lack of communication with the fuel pump module. Shortly after the repair, all of the warning indicators flashed, which had not occurred prior to the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 103,000.

Filed Sep 18, 2018 · Electrical, Engine · 47,540 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 gmc sierra 1500. While driving 65 MPH, the speedometer and the tachometer gauges fluctuated up and down, the air bag and transmission indicators illuminated, and the engine seized. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified and informed the contact to call a dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 47,540.

Filed Oct 19, 2017 · Engine · 129,000 miles · MS

At around 100,000 miles, the check engine light would come on and indicate low oil pressure. Changing the sensor out did not effect the situation. Changing the oil would help but usually only for around 3,500 miles. The engine was losing oil more than it should. Then at around 129,000 miles, the truck starting shaking because of the engine and the check engine light came on. It was determined to be a cylinder 7 misfire. Changing the coil pack, spark plug, and spark plug wire did nothing. It was determined that the engine was irreparable and needed replacing. Upon research, it appears that this is a fairly common problem among 2008-2012 gm engines with the afm system. Gm should absolutely issue a recall and repair these defective engines or otherwise reimburse the owners for the repairs.

Filed Apr 9, 2017 · Engine · 184,000 miles · AR

Active fuel management failure number 4 cylinder. P0304 dtc. Has a loud ticking noise and a miss on number 4 cylinder. The truck has been maintained and as I researched the problem, it appears to be more likely than not to affect these trucks.

Filed Mar 22, 2017 · Engine · 80,000 miles · MN

At 80000 my truck is going through 4 to 6 qts of oil between oil changes. As a master technician this has got to be the poorest excuse for engineering I have ever come across with this afm system they have. I know several people that have lost an engine by 100000 miles. With todays technology that's a bad joke on the consumer. With shorter intervals and some additive's I have managed to get to 1 qt every 1900 miles and that's as good as it gets.

Filed Nov 22, 2016 · Brakes, Driver assistance · TX

Stability control. The stabilitrack warning appears. All of the gauges go to zero, the power locks engage and disengage, the engine revs and the driver loses control of the truck. This is an extremely dangerous problem. The dealership can't find anything wrong because no codes are showing. This needs to be a major recall. It's a common problem, google it and see how many people have the same issue with no resolution. Force gm to address and resolve this known issue.

Filed Jul 18, 2016 · Engine · AL

Lifter failure! Expensive repair! Common issue on afm 5.3 v8 engines. Driving down hwy. Just had had low oil pressure issues and made necessary repairs the very day before (cleaned small screen that picks up oil to send pressure to dash guage) changed oil at dealership, only to drive truck less than 75 miles and loud knocking in engine occured, truck went into "limp mode" had to be towed to dealership for a full lifter replacement. Again, common problem that should of been recalled/repaired before drivers are left stranded facing huge expensive repair bills.

Filed May 3, 2016 · Engine, Transmission · 74,259 miles · AL

Excessive oil usage, have had it monitored 3 times per gm. Uses oil every 2 thousand miles ,they are aware that these 5.3 v8 are doing so. There is a service bulletin out on this problem, this problem needs to be investigated by our government.