The contact owns a 2024 GMC Sierra 2500. The contact stated that while driving 5 MPH, the vehicle lost brake and power steering functionality, and there was smoke coming from underneath the hood. The contact stated that power steering fluid was leaking onto the engine. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the power steering pump had seized, the belt and hoses had failed, and the parts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 40,832.
GMC Sierra 2500 engine failure problems
16 of the 1,840 owner complaints about the GMC Sierra 2500 describe engine failure, most of them for the 2001 model year.
- owner complaints
- 16
- worst model year
- 2001
- typical mileage
- 63,471
By model year
- 20243
- 20221
- 20211
- 20201
- 20192
- 20161
- 20111
- 20081
- 20061
- 20041
- 20013
Often reported together
Check engine light 3Stalling 2Loss of power 2Fire or smoke 2Brake failure 2Won't start 1Steering lock-up 1Shudder 1
What owners say
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 2500. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH, the vehicle stalled unexpectedly. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The engine was replaced; however, the failure recurred. While at a stop and attempting to drive around a curve, the vehicle stalled. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000. The VIN was not available.
Complete engine failure with no warning on major road in heavy traffic. Very dangerous situation to pull off safely. Vehicle was towed to dealer and confirmed engine is seized. Unknown cause at this time. Transmission has had valve body replaced prior to engine failure. Transmission still has shudder after valve body replacement and prior to engine failure.
Catastrophic engine failure after taking it in for the April 2025 recall. Complete engine replacement needed
The contact owns a 2019 GMC Sierra 2500. The contact stated that while her husband was driving 30 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, there was an abnormal sound coming from the front of the vehicle, and the vehicle lost power unexpectedly. The contact stated that her husband was able to pull over to the right side of the road while waiting for tow truck assistance. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not towed an independent mechanic or dealer to be diagnosed. The engine was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V047000 (FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 143,000.
024 GMC Sierra 2500 Denali Ultimate, which has suffered: •Five catastrophic engine failures at highway speeds. •Total brake failure, leaving the truck unable to stop. •Severe electrical malfunctions, including flickering headlights at night. •Retaliatory actions from General Motors after I refused to waive my legal rights. I have documented proof, including GM’s own service records, emails, and a 7-minute recorded statement from GM’s highest-level technician, confirming that GM installed the wrong computer module (1500 series instead of the required 2500 series) in my truck. Additionally, I have evidence that GM executives instructed technicians to conduct diagnostics, take apart the engine, and reassemble it—but NOT repair the defect—after I refused to sign an affidavit waiving my rights. Due to these failures, I suffered a dislocated shoulder in one of the incidents, and my [XXX] daughter remains traumatized to this day. Given the immediate danger this defect poses to other GMC Sierra 2500 owners, I respectfully request that the federal safety agency open an investigation and consider issuing a recall before a tragedy occurs. 1. Engine Failures Since 3,000 Miles – GM’s Own Work Orders Confirm Issue Since purchasing my 2024 GMC Sierra 2500 Denali Ultimate, I have experienced five catastrophic engine failures, all occurring while traveling at highway speeds (70 mph): •The truck suddenly lost power, dropping from 70 mph to 5-10 mph within seconds. •This created an immediate risk of being rear-ended or losing control on the highway. •GM’s own service records confirm that my engine issues began at just 3,000 miles. •GM dealerships misdiagnosed the issue FOUR TIMES, returning my truck to me in an unsafe condition. •The real cause was only identified after the FIFTH failure, when a GM-certified head technician finally determined that GM had installed the wrong computer module (1500 series instead of 2500 series). This means that for months, GM knew my vehicle w INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA
The contact owns a 2019 GMC Sierra 2500. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power. The coolant fan seized and failed to operate as needed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the check engine warning light was illuminated, and the knock sensor, coolant fan clutch, injector #6, and unstated wiring harness needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the parts to repair the vehicle were on back order. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.
The engine failed. The 2022 GMC Denali had 12,000 miles on it. This was a brand new truck. We were driving home at night the engine began to make noise and then cut off in the middle of the road. We had to get the car towed. The truck was left on the side of the road on a very busy highway. The dealer confirmed the engine failed and found metal shavings in the engine. The dealer has recommended a new engine from the GMC Manufacturer. The manufacturer has not yet responded to the dealerships request. The engine light did come on prior to the engine shutting off.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 gmc sierra 2500. When the contact attempted to start the vehicle, it seized without warning. An independent mechanic was contacted and drove to the contact's residence; however, the vehicle had to be towed to the mechanic's shop. The cause of the failure could not be determined. The battery was replaced, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to harry robinson buick gmc (6000 s 36th st, fort smith, ar 72908, (479) 646-8600) for a second diagnostic test. The dealer found that the main control module failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact mentioned technical service bulletin number: 14515b as a possible cause of the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and did not assist. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 gmc sierra 2500. The contact was driving at approximately 35 MPH while making a right turn, when the steering wheel seized and suddenly functioned as normal. The failure had occurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle was taken to a local dealership: medved chevrolet buick gmc 1506 s wilcox st, castle rock, co 80104 where the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 39,499.
Related recalls
Engine
- What is wrong
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 4500, 5500 and 6500 vehicles and 2017-2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 vehicles and GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles equipped with Duramax 6.6 liter diesel engines and an optional engine-block heater. The engine block heater cord or the terminals that connect the heater cord to the block heater may short circuit and fail.
- Risk
- A short-circuit may damage the engine components and increase the risk of fire.
- Remedy
- GM will contact owners, dealers will replace the engine block heater, free of charge. Additionally, in Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 vehicles, dealers will install a new rerouted heater cord. The recall began December 11, 2019. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1‑586‑596‑1733. GM's number for this recall is N182206310.
Recall number 19V328000 · Recall details
Questions about the GMC Sierra 2500 engine failure
Which GMC Sierra 2500 years have engine failure problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2001 (3 complaints), 2024 (3 complaints) and 2019 (2 complaints).
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