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GMC Sierra 1500 key fob problems

22 of the 9,082 owner complaints about the GMC Sierra 1500 describe key fob or push-button start problems, most of them for the 2022 model year.

owner complaints
22
worst model year
2022
typical mileage
36,000
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall for this area of the car. See below

By model year

  • 2025
    2
  • 2024
    1
  • 2023
    1
  • 2022
    8
  • 2021
    1
  • 2020
    3
  • 2015
    1
  • 2014
    1
  • 2010
    1
  • 2009
    1
  • 2008
    2

What owners say

Filed Sep 2, 2026 · AZ

Safety Complaint – 2025 GMC Sierra 1500 Tailgate While driving our 2025 GMC Sierra 1500 and towing a trailer, the tailgate unexpectedly opened and dropped down while the vehicle was in motion. No one touched the tailgate button, key fob, or any other controls to activate the tailgate. We were unaware that the tailgate had opened. When we made a turn, the trailer contacted the tailgate and crushed/damaged it. This occurred without any intentional activation of the tailgate release. We believe this presents a significant safety concern because an unexpectedly opening tailgate while driving, especially while towing a trailer, could result in property damage, loss of cargo, or a more serious accident. We are requesting that this issue be investigated to determine whether there is a defect with the tailgate latch, release mechanism, or electronic controls on the 2025 GMC Sierra 1500.

Filed Aug 20, 2026 · Electrical · LA

From time to time since I got the vehicle, the lights flicker inside and out. I've had the alternator changed but it continues. Then when pressing the lock button on the key fob the horn sounds as if it has a shortage. Sometimes its loud and sometimes it's barely heard.

Filed Jun 30, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · DE

My 2024 GMC Sierra Denali Ultimate 1500 experienced a catastrophic powertrain failure that created a serious safety hazard. On XXX, while driving at highway speeds, the truck unexpectedly shifted into neutral, causing an immediate loss of propulsion. During this event, the electrical system was also affected. The battery power dropped, power steering assistance was lost, and due to the electronic push-button start system, the vehicle could not be restarted while in this condition. This placed me and surrounding motorists at significant risk of a crash. I initially brought the vehicle to Point GMC, where I was advised no issue was found. After the problem continued, I returned on XXX and a dealership technician rode with me. During the test drive on [XXX], the truck again shifted into neutral, confirming the defect. The vehicle was then towed to the dealership, where diagnostics revealed DTC P0016. I was informed the engine had seized and required a complete engine replacement. The engine was replaced by an authorized GMC dealership in New Jersey. After only about 2,000 miles, the check engine light returned and the vehicle began experiencing additional electrical issues. This is a Denali Ultimate, the highest trim level, with advanced electronic systems, making these recurring failures especially concerning. To date, the vehicle has been inspected by three authorized GMC dealerships, and I have opened multiple cases with GMC Corporate. Despite repeated repair attempts, the manufacturer has not provided a permanent resolution. I continue to experience recurring engine and electrical issues and no longer have confidence in the safety or reliability of this vehicle. Given the repeated failures, loss of propulsion, loss of steering assistance, inability to restart the vehicle, and lack of resolution after multiple dealership visits and an engine replacement, I believe this matter warrants investigation by the federal safety agency. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed May 8, 2026 · Locks · 68,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2022 GMC Sierra LD Crew SLT. The contact stated that the vehicle's front driver side and passenger side doors do not lock when depressing the key fob and while inside the vehicle. The dealer was contacted; however the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 68,000.

Filed Apr 7, 2026 · Electrical, Steering · TX · crash

This is in addition to the first report regarding my 2022 GMC Sierra SLT with 10-Speed Transmission. I had previously filed a complaint (NHSTA Tracking# 11728418.) regarding the OnStar and Internet quitting on me. Which was the Serial Gateway Module. I had reported that I was put off many times regarding a loner vehicle so i could get back and forth to my Oncologist for treatment of Head and Neck Cancer. And years of follow-up appt. with specialists Gastrointerologists and Cardiologist for serious issues incurred from 168 intense radiation treatments and Chemo. I had also taken my truck in for all scheduled maintenace intervals specified by the dealer and the manufacturer. "REPAIR ORDER GCCS504610" I had to leave it in the shop for 30 days for a defective Exhaust System, Radio, Charging Port, Remote Key Fob not able to unlock the truck so i could get in. And some other warranty/recall issues regarding my A/C blower and Seat cushion blower motor and Trailer Brake Switch, Fog Lamps running while daytime running lights were on - All Safety issues, My truck was @ Beck & Masten GMC for 30 days during these repairs, recalls and warranty. Will attach INVOICE 123532 to show consistant sheduled maintenance per GMC guidelines. Waited while this service was performed. "REPAIR ORDER / INVOICE 140542" Again my truck was back at Beck & Masten GMC (19 days) for the Serial Gateway Module and Radio not working AGAIN! Again, no OnStar, No Internet, No GPS. And, I reported the oil consumption and Add OIL light coming on; which was dismissed as idling too often (. I had to add 2 qts of oil between scheduled oil changes(The truck had only 13754 miles at this time) The LAST time I had anything to do with Beck & Masten GMC South was when I spent over months waiting on a loaner vehicle because I needed them to please look into still having an oil light coming on. And slipping and front end wobble just before the slipping/clucking and high RPM's that were dangerous- accident!!

Filed Aug 18, 2025 · Locks · 90,300 miles · UT

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the tailgate opened independently. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while the vehicle was parked at the residence, the contact approached the vehicle and the tailgate attempted to open independently. The contact moved the vehicle and turned off the engine. The tailgate attempted to open independently again. The contact moved the key fob away from the vehicle to prevent the tailgate from opening. No warning lights were illuminated. Most recently, the vehicle was parked at the residence in front of a toolbox, when the tailgate opened independently and dented the tailgate. The contact called the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to Manufacturer Recall Number: N232426400. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,300.

Filed Aug 12, 2025 · TN

My doors will no longer lock or unlock, using the key fob or the lock/unlock buttons in the vehicle. This is a widely known issue for GMC Trucks, once you search for it. At around 50K Miles, the door actuators just quit working. So, if I have kids in my truck, I can't unluck the doors to get them out unless I climb through the truck, and have to manually do same to lock the doors to drive with kids in the car. There isn't a key hole for the back doors, so this can't be done at all outside the car. The doors are supposed to automatically lock when the truck is put in gear. Mine won't lock even when I push the button to lock. I just had this confirmed at the dealer. I also spoke to GMC and was told that it wasn't their responsibility. This is a genuine safety issue, and happens on these trucks a LOT.

Filed Jun 17, 2025 · SC

The tailgate keeps dropping while driving and while parked. The key fob is in a protected area or not near truck at all when this occurs

Filed Apr 25, 2025 · Body, Electrical · MS · crash

2025 GMC Sierra 1500 shifted from Park to Drive uncommanded, accelerated uphill, and crashed while idling, keyfob outside of vehicle, March 2025. ESIS couldn't replicate and falsely claimed I didn't put it in Drive, despite photos and no one inside.

Filed Mar 13, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · 36,000 miles · NE

The contact owns a 2022 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to immediately start with the message "Battery and Key fob" failure displayed. The battery and key fob were replaced; however, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the engine was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 36,000. The VIN was not available.

Related recalls

Electrical system: 12v/24v/48v battery: cablesReported December 12, 2019 · 350,371 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 trucks. The battery positive (B+) cable rings may have been manufactured with excessive glue, potentially causing an intermittent electrical connection between the B+ cable and alternator.
Risk
An intermittent electrical connection between the B+ battery cable and the alternator could cause the vehicle to stall, increasing the risk of a crash. The intermittent connection could also lead to electrical arcing, which could generate sufficient heat to damage surrounding material, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect for the presence of glue or other contamination at the B+ cable attachment to the alternator and clean the connection and reattach the B+ cable connection, as necessary. If arcing has damaged the cable, nut, or alternator, the dealer will replace the damaged components. All services will be performed free of charge. GM issued owners an interim notification on February 4, 2020. GM issued second notice and the recall began March 9, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020 or GMC customer service at 1‑888‑988‑7267. GM's number for this recall is N192273510.

Recall number 19V888000 · Recall details

Questions about the GMC Sierra 1500 key fob

Which GMC Sierra 1500 years have key fob or push-button start problems problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2022 (8 complaints), 2020 (3 complaints) and 2008 (2 complaints).

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