GMC Sierra 1500 fire or smoke problems

Filed Oct 29, 2026 · Engine · 110,000 miles · TX · fire · 1 injury

The contact owned a 2024 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, there were flames coming from the front passenger side of the vehicle. The contact immediately pulled over and exited the vehicle before the vehicle became engulfed in flames. The Fire Department was called to the scene and extinguished the fire. The vehicle was destroyed and later towed away from the scene. During the fire, the contact sustained a leg and back injury from falling while frantically exiting the vehicle. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The contact stated that the engine installed at the time of the fire was a replacement engine installed after the original engine had seized and was replaced under the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V274000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The failure mileage was 110,000.

Filed Oct 6, 2026 · Driver assistance, Transmission · OH · fire

I was driving at 70 mph on the highway. I heard clunk and then rattling and saw smoke while losing power. Check 4wd warning illuminated. Came to stop in busy traffic and where I first parked on shoulder, saw shoulder of roadway smoking and on fire. I pulled forward 100 or so feet slowly while hearing more grinding rattling cranking. Came to stop. Fire dept arrived and extinguished roadside blaze. Called towtruck and had towed to [XXX] in [XXX]. 75k miles. No warning just catastrophic failure. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Sep 24, 2026 · Engine · CA

While slowly accelerating from a stop, with 4 family members in the truck, the engine began to run rough for about 1-2 seconds then multiple notifications flashed across the dashboard (Check Engine, Steering Assist is Reduced-Drive with Care, Service ESC, and Service Parking Brake). The road we were on was steep and twisty and did not have room to pull over which put us in an unsafe position with compromised steering and no shoulder. We made it 2 miles home but there was smoke coming from the exhaust and the engine ran very rough. Truck was towed to my mechanic. Mechanic confirmed issue. Diagnosis was misfire in #5 cylinder, confirmed initial compression upon startup (1 second) then compression loss and cylinder full of oil due to failed lifter. No previous issues prior to failure.

Filed Aug 27, 2026 · Electrical · NE

I pulled up to a local store and parked. Just as I was getting out I saw smoke coming from the upper seatbelt area of the rear drivers side seat inside the cab. I jumped in back to see if there was a fire. As I was trying to pull out the top cushions of the interior roof, trying to locate a possible fire, the rear driver-side window suddenly "exploded" - broke in a web pattern across the entire window. I then broke out the center of the glass in case a fire started. I could smell a burning scent. The, suddenly the rear passenger-side window exploded in the same web pattern across that entire window. When my wife arrived to pick me up she could also smell the scent of burning wire. After researching the internet for this issue, we found out that this is a known issue. We discovered at least 6 websites describing this exact issue - one being a GM Customer Satisfaction Program #N192265660 dated January 2020. Apparently the component that has been determined to have failed is the rear window defrost (particularly in models with an electronic sliding rear center window) overheats and causes the smoke and the window breakage. After our truck being at the dealership for approximately 1 month while GMAC supposedly researched the issue, we received word today verbally (Aug 27, 2026) that they declare this issue is not a manufacturer's defect, and they will not cover the repairs. We have requested written confirmation and haven't yet received it. Not only do we currently have the original warranty on this vehicle, we also purchased the extended warranty for the vehicle. The vehicle was inspected by the dealership from which we purchased the vehicle and they stated they couldn't find any issue that would create the damages that the vehicle incurred. Prior to the incident there were no warning lamps or symptoms of any problem.

Filed May 12, 2026 · Engine · CA

On or about 12/14/25 at approximately 2,000 miles my engine began smoking to the point that it was pushing in to the interior of the cabin and created a cloud like atmosphere that smelled of burning oil. There were no warning messages in the vehicle or in the mobile diagnostic application associated with the vehicle. Once parked, I popped the engine and observed visible smoke from the engine and a distinct crackling noise coming from the area of the engine. I checked underneath the vehicle and was able to see oil dripping and, subsequently, feel oil running down a majority of the undercarriage of the truck. Ultimately, I had the vehicle towed the dealership and they diagnosed a front cover seal for the engine was leaking and repaired the issue. On 3/20/26 I had to take my vehicle in for an early oil change due to the above issue and low oil life. Since the above repair, I had continued to smell intermittent burning oil in the cabin of the truck. During the oil change I asked the GM service provider to check to ensure the same issue had not recurred and, following the oil change, I was informed they did not see any issue. On 5/8/26, at approximately 7,000 miles, the same issue regarding visible smoke in the cabin occurred and, upon opening the hood, I was able to see visible smoke from the engine and hear the same crackling noise. I checked underneath the vehicle and, again, was able to see oil dripping and feel it on a majority of the underside of the truck. There were no warnings, in the vehicle or in the GM app for the vehicle, associated with the failure. Again, I took the vehicle to the GM dealer service center. The diagnosis was a leaking rear cover seal. Upon repairing this issue, GM service discovered "flakes" in the oil in the engine and diagnoses a failing thrust bearing that indicated engine failure. I have documentation of the diagnosis and attempted repairs but, am not currently in a location that I can scan and upload them. I can provide them.

Filed Apr 30, 2026 · Engine · 28,000 miles · MT

The contact owns a 2022 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving at approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled, and there was smoke coming from the engine compartment. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing excessive oil consumption. The messages "Put Vehicle in Neutral" and "Check Oil" were displayed. The failure occurred on several different occasions. The contact stated that the vehicle was serviced under an unknown the federal safety agency Campaign Number; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer, where it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 28,000.

Filed Mar 17, 2026 · Engine · 124,000 miles · FL · fire

The contact owns a 2015 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 45 mph, he observed a popping noise beneath him. The contact stopped the vehicle and observed smoke emanating from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle went into limp mode, lost power, and when the brake was depressed, the vehicle did not slow the vehicle down as intended. The contact stated that as he pulled into a parking lot to inspect the vehicle, he observed flames emanating from the hood. The contact stated that he pressed the hood latch, which did not open the hood, and he then exited the vehicle and observed the hood engulfed in flames. The contact mentioned that a store employee brought a fire extinguisher out and attempted to extinguish the flames. The fire department was called and extinguished the fire fully. There was no police report, but the police did come out to assist. The contact sustained a right-hand injury, but medical attention was not needed. The vehicle was then towed to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 124,000.

Filed Mar 13, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · MI

I was driving the truck on the freeway and the engine completely shut off with no warning. I pulled to the side of the shoulder and I could smell a burning smell. The truck wouldn’t start back up or move in neutral. Towed it to a shop and they said it had a camshaft issue and a slight knocking noise when they got it to fire up only would run for a little then shut back off. Now I’m having to replace the whole engine due to being bad with the cam code and knocking.

Filed Feb 19, 2026 · Engine · IL

I had a complete engine failure that I had to pay out-of-pocket for I really think that this vehicle should’ve been included in the 2021 and beyond engine recall for 6.2 GMC Sierra‘s. I drove to work one morning Fein after work I turned my vehicle on, and the engine started shaking violently and smoke coming out of my exhaust like I’ve never seen it before dealer said engine was completely blown and had to be repaired again I paid for this out of my own pocket. It is now coming to my attention that this vehicle is being looked at as an engineering analysis in line with the recall for the 2021 in above GMC Sierra‘s what do I need to do?

Filed Feb 5, 2026 · Visibility · MD · 1 injury

While using the rear defrost my daughter smelled burning. Moments after the smell the rear window exploded. This is a sliding three part window and it shattered on the passenger side. My daughter was hit by the exploding glass.