I am filing a safety complaint regarding my 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 Limited Denali equipped with the 6.2L L87 V8 engine. My vehicle has developed a persistent engine knocking noise that becomes more noticeable as the engine reaches operating temperature. The knocking continues despite completion of the applicable engine recall work. I am concerned that this condition may be related to the premature internal engine failures associated with the GM 6.2L L87 engine. The continued knocking raises concerns about a possible connecting rod bearing or other internal engine component failure. A sudden engine failure while driving could cause an unexpected loss of propulsion, creating a serious safety hazard, particularly on highways or in heavy traffic. I am requesting that the federal safety agency investigate whether the completed recall remedy adequately addresses vehicles that continue experiencing abnormal engine knocking and potential internal engine damage. The engine remains installed in the vehicle and is available for inspection. I am requesting further investigation into this safety concern.
GMC Sierra 1500 knocking problems
350 of the 9,082 owner complaints about the GMC Sierra 1500 describe engine knocking or ticking, most of them for the 2021 model year.
- owner complaints
- 350
- worst model year
- 2021
- typical repair cost reported
- $10,000
- typical mileage
- 65,000
By model year
Often reported together
Engine failure 144Loss of power 75Check engine light 72Misfire 27Stalling 16Oil consumption 12Harsh shifting 12Hesitation 10
Trouble codes mentioned
P0300 4P0016 2U1616 1U1614 1U0265 1U020C 1U0146 1U0101 1U0075 1P318A 1
What owners say
At three years old with 37,000 miles on it, the engine started ticking loudly consuming oil when I went to look it up. I saw there was a recall. Nobody had notified me about the recall. The technician said it failed their diagnostic test and I would be getting a new engine. Nine weeks later, I get a new engine. One year later at 51,000 miles the transmission failed.
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle started hesitating, and there was a loss of power that became worse over time. Additionally, the “Service Engine” and “Power Train” warning lights were illuminated. The messages “Loss of Steering Assist - Be Alert” and “Service Parking Brake” were displayed. The following day, the vehicle was driven in LIMP Mode to the dealer and was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact stated that there was an ongoing the federal safety agency investigation associated with the 6.2L engines. The failure mileage was approximately 34,000.
My 6.2 motor in my 2023 GMC AT4 truck has blown up. As part of the recall that GM has on this motor it passed the "pico test" at around 50k miles or so ( I can provide the paperwork) and then this past week with 63k miles or so the engine developed a miss and eventually by the time I got it to the dealer there was a significant "engine knock". The service center called the next day and said there was definitely a engine failure and I was lucky to have made it to the dealer. The vehicle is at the dealer waiting on a new engine. I was quoted 2 weeks but we are passing that time frame now. GM needs to be held accountable for this mess.
This is a follow up to my recent safety concern on my 2025 GMC Sierra 1500 with the 6.2 engine. Dropped off my vehicle to our GMC service dealer on 10/22/2026 - Oil change and 15K mile check up was getting close. Mileage at drop off was 14,278 and the engine was still making sounds/noise and getting louder. Asked the service advisor to check for metal in the oil or filter. Based on their service review and advisors response, metal was found in the oil filter and engine is ticking. Service department sent information to GM rep for further actions needed. Dealer rep stated that I need a new engine due to this new found issue. Waiting for response from a GM representative at this time. Truck is in my garage at home. I remain very concerned about driving this vehicle at this time. Just called the dealership as I have not heard of any follow up yet. Call went to voice mail of my service advisor. 6.2 Engine is ticking and metal has been found in the filter. Please add this to my original concern on this VIN #.
Severe Engine Knock
The engine was part of the initial recall for the L87 GM motor and failed its inspection. Ultimately the engine had to be replaced. Since, the engine was replaced everything was fine till recently it starting to make a knocking noise and was immediately taken to a GM dealership for diagnosis. Currently, waiting for final decision on the fix, but preliminary the dealership stating its the lifters or camshaft.
In April 2025, we purchased a new GMC Denali Sierra 1500 Ultimate pickup truck. Concerns – Many of these comments appear in the Dealer Service Reports 1st Service Visit 10/17/25 At our first oil change and scheduled maintenance (10/17/25) with mileage of 5403 miles, during the drop-off I informed the GM Service Advisor of a clicking sound from the engine which I thought might be a fan belt. When I picked up the truck from Service, the Service Adviser informed me that upon startup, a “clatter” type noise was heard, “reminiscent of bad lifters.” The Service Adviser reported that during the mechanic’s test drive, the “clicking noise would get louder with engine speed.” No trouble codes were found after being checked by the MDI. They checked for misfires and a few misfires were found but “not often. At “idle” during this service call, the Left Engine Bank had a “good click/metallic tap to it.” “When the idle was raised, the Right Bank would get loud and had a loud tapping sound.” The oil change did not show any visible metal particles. The GM Service Department recommended a “complete tear-down of the engine for further inspection,” tentatively scheduled in a few weeks, pending Service availability. The Service Adviser stated he would recommend an engine replacement. 2nd Service Visit 10/27/2025 While driving the truck, I noticed that the engine “ticking” had gotten louder, and a Check Engine light had gone on and off. I returned to the Service Department on 10/27/25 (mileage 5807). The Service Department inspected the vehicle and found no “stored DCTS” but found “noise is there for internal engine noise.” The team recommended “tear-down or possible new engine.” Service appointment was set for 11/3/2025 for 5-days. 3rd Service Visit 11/3-7/2025 Service department reported that there were no problems. Vehicle was not under recall..... Scheduling a oil change this week. 14,500 miles.
Loud engine knock, made it to dealer. Dealer confirmed engine failure as defined in the applicable recall. No idea when a replacement can be aquired. Unable to drive anywhere due to design and manufacturinf issues I did not cause.
A 6.2 engine operated as expected for 75,000 miles. I turned a corner at an intersection, and had a loud knocking in the engine occur. For the first 75,000 miles, there wasn't any unusual engine noises or oil consumption.Seconds later the engine light illuminated on the dash, reduced engine power, and every safety light within the dash was going on and off. I managed to drive slow and return to my residence and have the truck towed to the dealership to have the engine replaced. As many have learned, the recall from GM states to either pass a PICO test and change to 0W-40, or have the engine replaced if necessary. My concern is that the replacement engine is the exact same engine with the exact same components that assuredly will fail due improper design, production, and overlooked components that attribute to such failure. The crankshafts are being found to have values of "peaks and troughs" within the finish that are many times out of given specifications. The extraneous pressures created by the Dynamic Fuel management system over time are creating stresses and friction that the designated oil and oil pump are not compensating for. These mechanical stresses over different durations, seem to be part of the cause of the engines failure. The replacement engine came with a warranty that only extends to an odometer reading of 150,000 miles. I no longer have confidence in a manufacturer that is enforcing false resolve upon a customer as a solution. The new engines of replacement have been failing as well. This result exhibits a fact that shouldn't be ignored. The new engines have the same components and are due to fail, just the same as the original. I would like the manufacturer to resolve this failure by offering a "true" solution. A proven remedy and a documented warranty that assures the manufacturer stands behind the product. GM sells a new product that fails and then recalls the engines to replace with the same failed components and lack of warranty.
Related recalls
Engine and engine cooling: engine: hard parts internal/mechanical
- What is wrong
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with a 6.2L V8 gas engine. The connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure.
- Risk
- Engine failure increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the engine, and as necessary, repair or replace the engine. For vehicles that pass inspection, dealers will add higher viscosity oil, install 6 oil fill cap, replace the oil filter, and update the owner's manual. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 18, 2025. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1‑800‑333‑4223, Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020, or GMC customer service at 1‑800‑462‑8782. GM's number for this recall is N252494000.
Recall number 25V274000 · Recall details
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Remedy
- 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.
Recall number 14V007000 · Recall details
Questions about the GMC Sierra 1500 knocking
Which GMC Sierra 1500 years have engine knocking or ticking problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2021 (56 complaints), 2020 (50 complaints) and 2019 (45 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix engine knocking or ticking on the GMC Sierra 1500?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $10,000 (median of 31 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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