There is an active recall for the 6.2 L engines, which is what I have and it’s an issue with burning oil and catastrophic engine failure due to rods and bearings. And I just got this vehicle in November and I have already went through 15 quarts of oil in two months so I’m waiting for my engine to blow up going down the road to cause a wreck like has happened to multiple vehicles already and I also have a rod knock now due to this issue so it could be any time now that my engine fails and I end up getting hurt or my family I took it to the Chevy dealership and I have called GM to do an oil consumption test and to put in a claim so that way if it does fail, then it has paperwork to follow, but it is a major safety concern but something needs to be done considering there’s already 600,000 recalls on this issue already there needs to be more for the rest of the people that are having this issue like myself and I’m spending $50,000 on this truck for the engines to fail and me end up dying before something‘s done. and it’s also very distracting as you’re driving down the road and your vehicle tells you that you’re low on all so you have to try to find a way to get off the highway to have someone bring you all so you can continue to drive and it’s not just a cordial. It is up to 5 quarts of all at a time.
2021 GMC Sierra 1500 engine complaints
Page 6 of 14: complaints 131 to 160 of 372, newest first, as owners wrote them.
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that after driving on a trip, the contact noticed that the vehicle had lost 10 MPG after a software update was performed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to Richardson Chevrolet (3825 S Huron Rd, Standish, MI 48658), who confirmed that the vehicle was working as designed. The check engine warning light was reset. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case, and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 57,000.
2021 gmc purchased brand new Truck had complete engine failure lifters and rods were replaced at 7000 miles under factory warranty lost complete engine power GMC says we are not on any recall and they refused to buy back the truck or give me an extended warranty they said this year 2021 with 5.3 doesn’t have engine issues.
Motor was chugging took to a dealership on march 22 was told I had a collapsed lifter I was told my cost would be 4800 gm would cover half which was fine then when the work was done the dealership took it for a test drive while they were on the test drive the motor locked up they originally told me it was a cam bearing later I found out through paperwork that was emailed to me that it was a main bearing which is consistent with the recall but my vin number hasn’t came up it’s a 2021 gmc sierra 1500 with a l87 6.2 and it cost me 6200 I was 10,000 miles out of warranty
I own a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 equipped with the 6.2L L87 V8 engine and 10-speed transmission. The vehicle exhibits the following issues: Persistent lifter ticking noise audible from the driver-side wheel well, even when the engine is warm. Rough idle that is noticeable at stops and low-speed conditions. Transmission shifting problems, specifically harsh or delayed shifts when downshifting from 3rd to 2nd gear during deceleration. These symptoms raise concerns about potential lifter failure and transmission defects. I am aware of GM’s recall (25V‑274) and the federal safety agency Engineering Analysis EA25007, but my vehicle’s build date (January 2021) currently falls outside the official recall window. Given the similarity of symptoms to those under investigation, I believe my vehicle may be affected by the same defect. Safety Concern: The rough idle and shifting hesitation could lead to unexpected loss of power or unsafe driving conditions, especially during deceleration or merging. Request: Please include this complaint in EA25007 and consider expanding the recall to cover earlier builds. I am willing to provide service records, videos, and additional documentation upon request.
Faulty lifters replaced on passenger side. Had only 25000 miles on engine. GM extended warranty on thousands with this engine but not mine. Have only 28000 miles on truck and just turned 5th year so warranty is void. GM should extend warranty on all vehicles with this engine.
Traveling on interstate going at the posted speed limit and turned off the interstate onto my exit turn and vehicle engine started knocking and engine shut off oil warning light came on all while trying to stop the vehicle at the cross traffice stop sighn and ended up stopped in the middle of another highway barley missing the cross traffic coming at me from both directions. This happened at i94 and county highway 34 at barnesville minnesota exit. This sudden engine failure nearly killed me and the 2 vehicle drivers that nearly struck my truck from both directions. Gmc would not help me with my repair of over $11000.00 dollars for a new crate motor from gmc. Siting my truck did not fall under the l87 recall. Failure rod bearings and crank bearings with a ton metal shavings in the oil and filter. No warning this was going to happen. My truck had 95000 miles on it when it nearly killed me and others. Independent service center johnsons auto repair in moorhead mn installed the new crate motor from luther gmc fargo nd.
Complete engine power loss.
The coolant control valve has failed on two occasions—once during the warranty period and again approximately 18 months later, outside of warranty. Each failure resulted in continuous fan operation and fluctuating engine temperatures. Failed on around June 2024 and again December 17, 2025
mechanical and electrical issues with my GMC Sierra Elevation Duramax Diesel, purchased in 2021. Despite multiple dealership visits, diagnostic evaluations, repairs, and software updates, these issues persist and have significantly impacted the reliability and safety of the vehicle. In December 2025, my vehicle was taken to the dealership for diagnostics and a third software update intended to resolve recurring engine-related faults. Throughout 2025, the check engine light illuminated on approximately 30 occasions, confirmed by at-home diagnostic scans. The same diagnostic code related to the 1) SCR NOx Catalyst Efficiency Below Threshold Bank 1 Catalyst 2 P2C7A - Engine I 2) Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Cooler Efficiency Below Threshold P14D9 - Engine has appeared repeatedly since the vehicle was first purchased in 2021. Additionally, on approximately 15 occasions in 2025, the vehicle failed to start. When pressing the ignition button, the engine screeched while attempting to turn over for 20 to 45 seconds, after which the vehicle powered off entirely. After waiting approximately 10 minutes, the vehicle would then start normally. Notably, during these no-start events, no check engine light or diagnostic code appeared, and the engine light and starting failure have never occurred simultaneously. hese same concerns were explicitly explained to service technicians during the most recent recall repair in 2025. I was informed that a software update would resolve the issue. However, the problems have continued. A similar frequency of failures occurred throughout 2024. At that time, GMC advised that the issue was likely the vehicle’s battery. Acting on this recommendation, I had the battery replaced at my expense in October 2024 by the dealership. This repair did not resolve the issue. From the time of purchase in 2021 through January 2024, these same symptoms occurred approximately 10 times, demonstrating a long-standing and unresolved defect.
Had a "Trans Hot Warning" light. Dealership said it was internal valve body failure. They said there is recall on this for other engine types even though this is same issue. I think GMC needs to expand their recall.
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine seized. The contact was unaware of a warning light being illuminated. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced an unknown engine recall; however, the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact was advised to report the failure to the federal safety agency Hotline. In addition, the contact was informed that the VIN for the vehicle was a Canadian VIN, and the mileage was displayed in kilometers. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact had received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was taken to the dealer where an inspection was performed on the engine. The contact was informed that the vehicle had passed the inspection, and the mechanic added a higher viscosity oil, installed an oil fill cap, replaced the oil filter, and updated the Owner's Manual. The contact stated that the remedy failed to address or repair the possible defect with the engine. The contact stated that the remedy resulted in a higher cost for oil changes, and fuel economy had decreased from 21 miles per gallon to 18 miles per gallon. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and the contact was provided a case number. The contact stated that the vehicle had not been repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
Heard a ticking noise then check engine light started blinking along with service esc and parking brake. Took it to the dealer and I had a bad lifter again. I was previously repair for lifters under warranty a little over 2 years ago.
On 10/21/2025 as I was traveling on the highway in Kansas at 60 mph, the vehicle lost power and the engine went into limp mode immediately reducing the speed dramatically. Multiple warning lights flashed on the screen. I was able to get the truck to the side of the highway. The vehicle never started again. I was informed by the dealer that the vehicle would need a new engine.
The engine is knocking and running rough. I took it to Christian Brothers Automotive in Newnan Ga and the advised engine replacement.
I purchased a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali (VIN: [XXX] ) from J.C. Lewis Ford in Pooler, Georgia. The dealership did not disclose an active federal safety recall (the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 24V-xxx / GM XXX) related to engine connecting rod and crankshaft defects that can result in sudden engine failure and loss of propulsion. The Blue Certified delivery document they had me sign includes a section requiring disclosure of any open recalls, but they left the recall section blank and checked that all recalls were explained to me. No disclosure of any recall occurred during the sale. The vehicle developed engine problems within days and is currently in GMC service. The nondisclosure put me at risk of driving a vehicle with a known safety defect. I am reporting this as a dealer nondisclosure of a federal safety recall. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact's grandson owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that after the vehicle was purchased from a private seller and driven 258 miles, while his grandson was merging off the exit ramp, the engine seized. The low oil pressure warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated prior to the failure. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The contact scanned the vehicle and retrieved DTCs: P0011, P0016, P006DD, and P0521, stored DTCs: P06DD P0011, and permanent DTCs: P0011 and P0016. The engine was replaced by the contact. The local dealer was contacted for parts. No further information was available. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 100,148.
I just surpassed my extended warranty (5 year/100,000 miles) by a couple of thousand miles and my coolant control valve has gone out. The problem is so common that the part is on back order for months at a time. GM says that they issued special coverage for 2020-2022 models, but my dealer is telling me that my VIN is not covered. They want to charge me $2,400 to replace it. This is insane. It’s a very common problem that they know about and it’s going to almost break me. We need help!
Engine burning oil and blowing white smoke out tail pipes. Have to add oil every 1500 miles or sooner if towing. Has been an issue since first oil change. Vehicle is now at 88057 miles
While traveling to work at 75mph, a sudden an unexpected malfunction of internal engine components caused a loss of propulsion.
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact received the recall letter for the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact called the local dealer, who confirmed there was no information from the manufacturer to move forward. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact had not experienced a failure.
I am an active U.S. Air Force member. My 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 failed GM Recall N252494003 on Sept 29, 2025 (L87 engine loss of propulsion). GM states this defect can cause sudden engine failure and loss of propulsion, increasing crash risk. Despite the confirmed failure, Ocean Cadillac (Miami, FL) told me to keep driving the unsafe vehicle and refused all Courtesy Transportation. The Service Manager admitted in writing that the engine failed, the defect can cause loss of propulsion, and the replacement engine is delayed under GM National Control for up to 3 months — yet they still denied me a loaner or rental. His statements contradict the GM documents he attached: • GM Bulletin DCS7222 says Courtesy Transportation CAN be provided during L87 recall downtime and dealers MUST consider loaners/rentals. • GM FAQ N252494002 says Courtesy Transportation IS available for this recall. • GM FAQ lists recall symptoms (check engine light, hesitation, high RPM, reduced power) — NOT battery drain. • GM states: “If the engine fails, the vehicle WILL lose propulsion.” Ocean Cadillac ignored these rules and put me back on the road in a known unsafe vehicle. As an American manufacturer, GM has a responsibility to protect American drivers. Their failure to follow recall procedures placed me, my family, and other motorists at risk. I request the federal safety agency investigate whether GM/Ocean Cadillac are complying with recall safety requirements and whether customers are being told to drive unsafe vehicles after confirmed failures.
I was traveling home from work and lost all power to the vehicle while driving. No warning lights, check engine lights came on. I was able to cross traffic and park it in a business place. I had it towed to a chevy dealership for diagnostic. They said that the timing chain came off and i would need a new engine. I had it towed to a auto mechanic shop for a second opinion and they gave the same result. The vehicle is only 4 years old with 92,000 miles on it. When i lost all power to the vehicle, I did not hear any strange noises.
Took the vehicle to the dealer because of an engine noise. It had issues with the valves knocking when it had around 1000 miles. I took it in and now the truck has around 67,000 miles and I’m being told it needs a new engine because of a bent rod in the engine. I was told that I need a new engine. Previously I had a lot of other issues with the front wheel hubs clicking. But, this truck didn’t even make it to 5 years and now it needs an engine.
I own this 21 GMC Sierra with a 6.2L. This vin is not part of your current recall. But my truck is at a dealership waiting on a replacement engine. I was told that the engine locked up in the bay. Not sure if any lights came on before the engine failed, the dealer did not go into that much of detail. The truck is sitting outside waiting on the engine, not sure if gm made then do any failure analysis or just said its a 6.2 were sending an engine.
My wife was driving at highway speeds with all are kids when the trucks motor suddenly loss all power all check engine lights illuminated and what I'm assuming had major engine failure causing rod knock.
On [XXX], at approximately 15,873 miles and while on the freeway approximately 30 miles from my home, my GMC Sierra 1500 with the L84 engine experienced a failure of the DFM lifter assembly. This required a significant engine disassembly and the replacement of multiple valvetrain components. This repair was performed at Gold Rush Chevrolet in Auburn, CA, as documented in the enclosed service invoice. GM has issued Technical Service Bulletins and product communications addressing similar lifter failures in Gen V small-block V8 engines with DFM/AFM, including Service Update N212353840, PIP5776, #19-NA-219, and related updates. Industry coverage and owner reports and current Class Action Lawsuits indicate that these failures can recur, even after initial repairs, due to the high cycling frequency of the DFM lifters. Given the nature of the defect and GM’s documented acknowledgement of the issue, I am requesting that GM extend the powertrain warranty coverage for the engine and related valvetrain components for a period of 10 years,100,000 miles as a goodwill policy adjustment. A warranty extension would ensure customer confidence and protect against the significant cost of a repeat failure. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
After having transmission issues which was replaced under warranty, within 300 miles, the engine failed. The vehicle has now been sitting at the dealership since October 7, 2025 waiting for a replacement engine. There is no timeline available for the replacement engine as they are currently backordered. Absolutely ridiculous.
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V27400 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the vehicle failed an inspection. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the contact was advised that parts were not yet available. The contact was advised that it was unsafe to release the vehicle to the contact with the recall unrepaired. The contact was advised that the repair would take two weeks for completion. The contact stated that the vehicle had been at the dealer for more than two months. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue but provided no assistance. The contact stated that he needed the vehicle to use. The contact was advised that the vehicle was number 1,000 on the list for the repair. The failure mileage was 71,000.
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