The contact's son owns a 2014 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact was informed by the owner that there was an abnormal fuel odor coming from the vehicle, and the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of fuel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the fuel lines were rusted and the sending unit had fractured. The manufacturer was informed of the issue. The manufacturer referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
GMC Sierra 1500 fuel smell problems
26 of the 9,082 owner complaints about the GMC Sierra 1500 describe gas smell in the cabin, most of them for the 2014 model year.
- owner complaints
- 26
- worst model year
- 2014
- typical repair cost reported
- $911
- typical mileage
- 117,000
By model year
- 20221
- 20211
- 20203
- 20192
- 20181
- 20172
- 20161
- 20146
- 20112
- 20081
- 20061
- 20051
- 20032
- 20011
- 19991
Often reported together
Fuel leak 5Fuel pump 4Misfire 3Check engine light 3ABS 2Won't shift 1Steering noise 1Stalling 1
Trouble codes mentioned
P2C7A 2P0449 1P0308 1
What owners say
I have repeatedly experienced a noticeable exhaust odor inside the cab while operating the vehicle\. The condition is particularly pronounced during cold weather when the vehicle is idling\. Under these circumstances, the exhaust smell inside the passenger compartment is distinct and concerning\. I have taken the vehicle to two separate General Motors dealerships in an effort to identify and resolve this issue\. On both occasions, I was advised that the vehicle was fine\. Despite these visits, the problem remains unresolved, and I continue to experience exhaust fumes inside the cab under the conditions described above\. My concern is that exhaust gases may be entering the passenger compartment, potentially exposing the driver and passengers to harmful emissions, including carbon monoxide\. Because carbon monoxide cannot be detected by smell, the presence of an exhaust odor does not establish whether carbon monoxide is present or at what concentration\. However, the recurring odor warrants a thorough investigation to determine its source and whether a potentially hazardous condition exists\. I am concerned that the issue may not be adequately identified during routine dealership inspections if the vehicle is not evaluated under the specific conditions in which the symptoms occur\. The fact that two dealerships have indicated that the vehicle is operating normally does not resolve my concern, particularly because the symptoms continue to occur\. I am requesting that the federal safety agency review this complaint and determine whether further investigation is warranted into the possibility of exhaust gases entering the passenger compartment of this vehicle\. I would appreciate consideration of whether this condition could represent a safety\-related defect that may affect other vehicles of the same make, model, or model year\. I have made reasonable efforts to address this matter through authorized GM service facilities.
I purchased said vehicle with a little over 76,000 miles on XXX from NW Chevrolet, [XXX]. Dealership service the engine on XXX and remained on their lot until it was sold. While driving home, I smelled gas fumes coming into the cabin and the engine was misfiring causing slight hesitation in motor acceleration while adjusting to speed limits and climbing hills. I told management at the dealership about these issues on XXX. My vehicle is currently in the shop to fix the fuel injection system, spark plugs, grounding issues as of XXX to fix the dealerships mistake costing more out of pocket expense. Management will not do anything about it because it was sold (As Is) without a warranty which I refused to purchase through finance and interest charges on a car loan. I purchased a 4-year warranty through Endurance on XXX with a 30 day wait period before filing a claim. GM is letting their dealerships advertise and sell problem vehicles with known motor issues to consumers while marking up the sale price. Vehicles should never be sold until GM fixes all motor defects before advertising to the consumer. The consumer is at serious financial risk when getting an auto loan paying on a broken vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
1. The vehicle’s emissions system is malfunctioning, specifically the ECM (Engine Control Module) related to the exhaust emissions system. The diagnostic trouble code is P2C7A, indicating the system is not performing as expected. Key components such as the NOx catalytic converters and diesel particulate filter have been repeatedly replaced, but the issue persists. The vehicle and all replaced components are available for inspection upon request. 2. The malfunctioning emissions system has led to an exhaust leak that allowed exhaust gases to enter the vehicle’s cab. This creates a hazardous environment for both the driver and passengers, exposing them to harmful exhaust fumes. In addition to reduced engine performance, poorer fuel economy, and emissions non-compliance, this exhaust leak poses a serious safety risk by compromising the air quality inside the vehicle. Prolonged operation under these conditions could lead to adverse health effects and further mechanical failures that impact vehicle safety. 3. Yes. The dealership has diagnosed the problem multiple times. The emissions components have been replaced under warranty on two separate occasions. The dealer attributed the fault to fuel quality; however, Fuel distributor debunked these claims. 4. The vehicle has been inspected extensively by the dealership with invoiced repair work replacing key emissions control components. 5. The check engine light and Service Engine Soon (SES) light have been illuminated with the diagnostic code P2C7A since the initial identification of the problem which started 3JUN24
strong smell of gasoline nauseating, Attempted to start vehicle intense spraying of gasoline all around gas tank vehicle started – dripping profusely around gas tank over chassis frame, Rear driver side of vehicle 16 June 2025
1. On 05/9/25, the exhaust emissions system malfunctioned, triggering diagnostic trouble code P2C7A (exhaust emissions system failure). This repair, the seventh attempt since June 2024, addressed the same recurring emissions issue previously involving replacements of components such as the NOx converter (02/18/25, 03/13/24) and EGR valve (02/18/25). The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. 2. The P2C7A failure risks limp mode, reducing vehicle power unexpectedly, which is hazardous on highways, especially while towing. Exhaust emissions system malfunctions release excessive pollutants, posing environmental and health risks to others. 3. Yes, the P2C7A code was confirmed by dealer during the 05/9/25 repair, following prior confirmations (e.g., 03/31/25–04/05/25. 4. The vehicle was inspected by Young Chevrolet-Cadillac during multiple repairs (e.g., 03/31/25, 05/9/25). 5. Yes, the check engine light and OnStar emissions alerts appeared prior to the 05/9/25 repair, first noted ~June 2024 (P2C7A onset). Exhaust smell and reduced fuel economy were observed intermittently. Symptoms persisted post-03/31/25 repair, leading to the 05/23/25 service.
I’m contacting you regarding my 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 with the 5.3L V8 engine. The vehicle is currently experiencing a cylinder 8 misfire (code P0308), accompanied by engine backfiring, ticking noise, and exhaust fumes inside the cabin. Additionally, the ESC (Electronic Stability Control) warning light is on, and performance is noticeably affected. To date, I have: •Replaced all spark plugs and fuel injectors •Verified proper ignition coil function •Had an oil change on September 23, 2024, during which I reported early concerns about engine performance (shortly after the powertrain warranty expired) •Had a transmission flush on March 17, 2025, in an attempt to resolve continued drivability issues Despite these efforts, the issue persists. Given the known issues with AFM lifters and camshaft wear on this engine, I suspect a mechanical failure related to that system.
The contact owns a 2019 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed and approaching a stop, the vehicle lost motive power. There was an abnormal exhaust odor and smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The engine and fuel lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer and was diagnosed with a misfire in cylinder #5, and the exhaust lifters and camshaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
2020 GMC Sierra Denali – VIN [XXX] On [XXX] while driving the 2020 GMC Sierra to work I noticed a strong gasoline smell inside the cabin. I immediately returned home and parked the truck in the street. Inspecting the driveway where the truck was parked over night, I notice large gasoline spot. The following day I had the truck towed to Boyds Tire & Service center to have the truck inspected. On January 20 Boyds called me and shared the truck had experienced a failure of the High-Pressure Fuel Pump which has been recognized by GM as a recall under N192283991. I called a local GMC dealership about this failure and they stated it would cost $300 to review and would not perform any work under a recall. Also, the dealership stated they could not service the truck for another two weeks, which I cannot be without the truck that long. So, I had Boyds perform the repair the same day. Unfortunately, GM has not listed my truck on this recall. This is the reason for my submittal and request for a full refund of the repair service due to the failed part. This being a very High Risk of Fire and injury and death, I decide to have the repair completed immediately. I have since contacted GM about this incident they will not consider my request for recognizing and reimbursement for service repair. GMC, Case number [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact's son owns a 2014 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that when his son parked and exited the vehicle, there was an abnormal gasoline odor coming from the rear of the vehicle nearby the location of the fuel tank. The contact stated that he had checked the vehicle and noticed that fuel was leaking from the top of the fuel tank. The contact saw a streak of gasoline on the side of the fuel tank. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed and determined that the fuel pump was leaking and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin Number: 14858 - High Pressure Fuel Pump Possible Leak (Fuel System, Gasoline). The failure mileage was 60,563.
Related recalls
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump
- What is wrong
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Camaro, Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The fuel pump may be missing a pressure regulator, allowing for over-pressurization of the fuel system.
- Risk
- Over-pressurization can crack the fuel pump and cause leaks, increasing the risk of a fire in the presence of an ignition source.
- Remedy
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began December 18, 2019. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1‑800‑333‑4223, Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020, or GMC customer service at 1‑888‑988‑7267. GM's number for this recall is N192283991.
Recall number 19V837000 · Recall details
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: crew cab pickup trucks. The front, inner corner of the fuel tank can contact the body sill either intermittently or constantly. This movement can cause a discernible noise and, over time, can wear a hole in or crack the fuel tank at point of contact.
- Risk
- This condition can result in fuel leakage and a distinct fuel odor if the tank were filled above the level of the hole or crack. In the presence of an ignition source, a fire could result.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the fuel tank for wear and, either install a spacer between the fuel tank and the front crossmember, or if necessary, replace the fuel tank.
Recall number 98V187000 · Recall details
Questions about the GMC Sierra 1500 fuel smell
Which GMC Sierra 1500 years have gas smell in the cabin problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2014 (6 complaints), 2020 (3 complaints) and 2003 (2 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix gas smell in the cabin on the GMC Sierra 1500?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $911 (median of 5 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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