2017 GMC Sierra 1500

Above average

Owners filed 353 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the power train. It has been recalled 5 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
38,968 milesMedian miles at failure

137 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 30,00040,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Power Train92
100
Service Brakes89
900
Engine48
000
Electrical System42
030
Unknown or Other23
010
Steering15
201
Structure › Body6
001
Vehicle Speed Control5
000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic5
000
Visibility/Wiper4
001

5 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Service Brakes19V761000
Filed Oct 24, 2019652,967 vehiclesGeneral Motors Llc

Defect. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, and GMC Yukon, and 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles equipped with a 5.3-liter engine, a 3.08-ratio rear axle and four-wheel drive. If a wheel-speed sensor fails, while the vehicle is traveling between 41 and 60 mph in four-wheel or automatic mode, the Electronic-Brake Control Module (EBCM) software may activate the driveline-protection system.

Risk. Unintended activation of the driveline-protection system will cause unintended braking on the wheel on the opposite side of the failed sensor, causing the vehicle to pull to one side unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the EBCM, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N192261050.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Vacuum19V645000
Filed Sep 6, 20193,456,719 vehiclesGeneral Motors Llc

Defect. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Cadillac Escalade, 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, 2015-2018 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon vehicles. The amount of vacuum created by the vacuum pump may decrease over time.

Risk. As the vacuum level drops, the brake assist decreases, increasing braking effort, extending the distance required to stop the vehicle, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Electronic Brake Control Module, free of charge. The recall began October 8, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N192268490.

Child Seat › Tether › Connector/Clip17V487000
Filed Aug 3, 201729,647 vehiclesGeneral Motors Llc

Defect. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, and GMC Sierra 1500 trucks. The owner's manual for the affected vehicles may be missing instructions on how to use the tether anchorage and child restraint anchorage systems. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 225, "Child Restraint Anchorage Systems."

Risk. If the instructions are missing from the owner's manual, the child seat may be installed incorrectly and not be properly secured, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.

Remedy. GM will notify owners, and dealers will provide a corrected insert for the owners manual, free of charge. The recall began on September 25, 2017. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), or 1-800-462-8782 (GMC). GM's number for this recall is 17307.

Seat Belts › Pretensioner17V437000
Filed Jul 10, 201740,683 vehiclesGeneral Motors Llc

Defect. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse and Chevrolet Spark EV, Caprice PPV and SS vehicles, 2014-2017 Buick Encore and Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles, 2015-2016 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Trax, Suburban and Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL vehicles, and 2015-2017 GMC Sierra HD 2500 and 3500 vehicles. While being previously remedied for recall 16V-651, the affected vehicles may not have received the complete software update necessary to remedy the recall condition. Without the update, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.

Risk. A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.

Remedy. GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2017. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 17287.

Seat Belts › Pretensioner16V651000
Filed Sep 8, 20163,640,162 vehiclesGeneral Motors Llc

Defect. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD, 3500 HD, Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Sierra 2500 HD and 3500 HD, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles and 2014-2017 Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500, Trax, Caprice Police Pursuit Vehicle, GMC Sierra 1500, Buick Encore, and 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse, Chevrolet Spark EV and SS vehicles. In the affected vehicles, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.

Risk. A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.

Remedy. GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 13, 2016. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 16007.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Power Train
Filed Sep 11, 2026OR

The catastrophic power failure with no warning on my 2017 GMC Sierra, at 87450 miles completely contaminated the engine oil cooling lines with metallic debris and fractured structural mounts. The servicing dealership replaced the transmission but is refusing to remediate the engine line contamination without out-of pocket payment. The vehicle cannot be safely operated without causing terminal engine failure on the highway, creating a imminent mechanical and traffic safety hazard.

Engine
Filed Aug 28, 2026LA

I had an engine rebuilt completed on my L86 2017 GMC 6.2. After the repair, the engine failed due to the crank shaft on the engine being oversized which is the same problem that GM is having with the L87 engines. When the crank was ordered from the dealer for my L86, the only part number for the crank that was available was the new part number that was being used in the L87. Seems the same cranks were used in both engines and this recall on the L87 should be extended to anyone that had a rebuilt complete. Me and my family were left on the side of the road for a few hours which endangered our lives. The problem was determined by an independent service center and was fixed by the purchase of new parts and aftermarket bearings for the crank to allow the oil to enter the crank properly. There were no warning signs. Was driving down the road, started to hear a noise and then the engine started to over heat so that is when I stopped and called a wrecker.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Jul 29, 2026TX

When I accelerate the vehicle, the gears shifts every 10mph when it shouldn’t. It does it all the way up to 60mph. It has been an on going problem since we got the truck

Visibility/Wiper
Filed May 13, 2026MN

Truck was started using auto start and I drove roughly a mile down the road smelt burning and looked in the back seat, I saw smoke and promptly pulled to the side of the road shut the vehicle off then I heard a loud pop and saw the back drivers side window shattered.

Wheels
Filed May 4, 2026MI

Dear Sir, I currently own a 2017 GMC Denali that had a potentially catastrophic failure with one of the alloy wheels that are on my vehicle. Mileage about 110,000 I recently went to have new tires installed on my vehicles when the tire shop manager came from the work area and said that he could not put a new tire on my one wheels. The reason the tire store could not put a tire on that wheel is because two of the spokes on the alloy wheel were broken. There were three spokes between the broken spokes. The are 12 spokes on the wheel and the two broken spokes were non adjoining. They were not next to each other. There were good spokes between the broken spokes. With a close inspection of the wheel there is no scuffing or impact damage to the wheel either on the outside of the wheel or the inside that would cause this failure. The spokes just cracked. The fact that the two broken spokes are not next to each other would seem to indicate that this was a manufacturing defect. I am writing to go on record of this failure of the alloy wheel on my truck. If someone would like to inspect the wheel, please contact me to arrange for a time to look at it. I have attached pictures of the wheel with the broken spokes. Regards, [XXX] You can see the cracked spokes at the 12:00 and 7:00 position on the wheel towards the center of the wheel. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Engine
Filed Apr 19, 2026CT

I drive this vehicle on higher speed roads to work everyday. Roads also used by large tractor trailers and like larger vehicles. I was told by dealer that I had broken exhaust manifold studs at a previous oil change. While driving the truck it seemed to lose power for a short time but I was in traffic and assumed the loss of power at that time was related to a possible exhaust leak.I scheduled a appointment to have the repairs addressed. When I picked up the vehicle I was told that there was a ticking noise in the top of the motor. They stated it was the lifters and needed to be repaired for $7136 dollars. I researched the problem and found out how big of an issue this is specifically for the owners of the 6.2l (L86) engine. Highly concerned I schedule the repair and dropped the vehicle off. Shortly after the dealer called and stated the vehicle had bent push rod collapsed lifters damage to the cylinder head, camshaft and worn camshaft bearings now cost are $14350 or replace engine for $17000. I chose to replace top end. The next day I was called back and was told the bearing on the cam journals were down to brass and I would need new engine. Cost in just 24 hours not are $22000. This vehicle was maintained by this dealer also for all fluid changes. The belief is all the failures were related to the active fuel management system. (going from 8 to 4 cylinders ).

Engine
Filed Mar 31, 202699,700 milesNC

The contact owns a 2017 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal tapping sound coming from the vehicle. The check engine warning light and an unknown warning light were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had occurred while traveling out of state. The dealer was made aware of the failure, and the contact was informed that the repair was not covered under recall. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with lifters failure. The contact was informed that the lifters and camshaft needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the lifter's failure had damaged the camshaft. The vehicle was being repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 99,700.

Electrical System
Filed Mar 17, 2026MN

The rear window on my 2017 GMC Sierra shattered unexpectedly without any impact. The vehicle had been remote started in very cold weather and the rear window glass suddenly shattered while the truck was parked. There was no rock strike or external damage that would explain the failure. I later learned about GM Customer Satisfaction Program N192265660 regarding rear window defroster thermal events affecting certain 2014–2019 GMC Sierra and Chevrolet Silverado trucks. Based on the sudden failure and the conditions at the time, this appears consistent with that issue. The Auto Rear Defog feature in the vehicle settings was turned off, however the truck had been started using the remote start feature when the glass shattered. Photos of the shattered window are available. I am submitting this report because the rear window defroster system may cause the glass to overheat and shatter unexpectedly.

Unknown or Other
Filed Mar 11, 2026TN

Rear glass window shattered due to the defroster getting too hot. Some smoke was noticed

Visibility
Filed Mar 4, 202690,200 milesMO

The contact owns a 2017 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the defrost was turned on, but the defrost failed to function as intended. There was a loud pop, and there was brown and yellow smoke in the rear of the vehicle. The contact turned off the defroster. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the roadway. The contact exited the vehicle and inspected it. The contact stated that the rear driver's side sliding glass was fractured. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or a dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,200.

Electrical System
Filed Feb 26, 2026WI

While the 2017 GMC Sierra was warming up via remote start, I noticed a smell of smoke as I walked by the passenger side of the truck. Then I heard a loud bang as I was walking around the rear of the truck. As I entered the truck from the driver's door I saw the back window, passenger side, shattered. The vehicle was then turned off. According to our dealership the vehicle was looked at under recall N192265660 and deemed safe in May of 2020. A call was placed to GM who said the recall expired in 2022. An offer was made by for payment assistance by the GM representative but could not say how much until we pay the dealership for a diagnostic. This is a know issue by GM. The location of the shattered window is situated inches behind where my child's head would have been had she been in the vehicle.The smell of smoke is extremely concerning because where there's smoke there's fire.

Visibility/Wiper1 injured
Filed Feb 5, 2026MD

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.

Unknown or Other
Filed Feb 4, 2026OH

While sitting at a stop sign heard a loud bang and truck lunged forward as if we were rear ended . Actually thought we were . Drove about 20 miles and transmission went out . Even though i had foot on brake truck still went forward . Had to have transmission replaced at $6421.58 in Florida while on vacation . Have researched on internet and found several cases exact same thing . Even shop that did work said GM had a problem but was doing nothing as of yet .

Engine
Filed Feb 4, 2026VT

Check engine light and traction control light on. vehicle undriveable. took to dealer code P0304 lifters need to be replaced

Engine
Filed Jan 28, 2026LA

My L86 Engine had 250,000 plus miles and the engine went out. So we decided to rebuild the engine due to the truck being paid off and the cost of a new engine is much cheaper than a new truck. After the first rebuild the engine last around 10K miles. We pulled the engine back apart to find out that the crank bearings were shot along with the brand new GM crank that was purchased. After doing research, there was no enough clearance between the GM bearings and the GM crank. Basically the same issue that the L87 is having. After doing more research it determined by the part number on the crank and the part number GM provides on their website that the L86 and the L87 (engine with current recall) take the same crank. Therefore my L86 due to GM only making the L87 crank now and it replaces the original L86 crank we had to replace the engine a second time. I believe this relevant to all the L87 issues and any L86s that are being rebuilt. We ended up having to purchase aftermarket crank bearings to get the correct clearance on the second new GM Crank that was purchased. Truck is now running good now.

Power Train
Filed Jan 25, 2026NV

After 38,000 miles and 8 years of normal service (mix of city, highway, and 10% towing), my 8L90 transmission began to shudder occasionally. The problem first became apparent when driving slightly uphill, on cruise control at about 50 mph, or while slightly accelerating on a flat road, with no load in the box, and no trailer. It felt like I was driving across a rough patch of asphalt or rumble strips. Every half mile or so, it would shudder. Slowing down or speeding up stopped the rumble. The problem proved not to be caused by tires, U-joints, or AFM. The problem in fact was caused by defective GM transmission fluid, which was sold as "sealed for life", and rated for 200,000 miles, as factory-installed. That proved to be BS. If not repaired, this problem would lead to transmission lockup and/or lack of propulsion, which could contribute to a vehicle crash. The problem was solved by installing AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid, Product Code: ATLTP-CA. If GM properly cared for their customers, to make up for false advertising at the time of purchase, GM should publish and pay for GM Service Bulletin #20-NA-142, for all 8L90 owners, instructing owners to replace their transmission fluid every 5 years or 40,000 miles, whichever comes first.

Power Train
Filed Jan 25, 2026NV

My vehicle has lurched forward upon the first engine start of the day, under no throttle, on several occasions, throughout the life of my vehicle. Shortly after starting my 6.2 engine in my garage, if I shift my 8L90 transmission into Drive as soon as the engine RPMs settle to idle, the vehicle will lurch forward, screeching the tires. Luckily, I had my foot on the brake hard enough such that no one was injured. The harsh transmission shift into drive is dangerous, possible injuring passengers or my garage door. I've learned that if I wait 5 to 10 seconds, allowing the engine to idle (while the transmission oil becomes pressurized ??), then the shift into drive is normal, without any lurch.

Engine
Filed Jan 19, 2026TX

6.2L lifter failure camshaft destroyed. Complete top end rebuild cost me $8500. Same problem as the previous recall.

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Dec 31, 2025MA

Started car via remote start. When I went out to the car I noticed smoke in the cab. I then observed the rear power slide window to be smoking and further discovered the rear defroster wires the be smoldering creating considerable smoke. The tempered glass then began to spider and completely cracked. There is a former recall on the rear slide window involving fire hazards and the wiring components. It should also be noted that our 9 month old’s car seat is directly below the window and defroster wiring were the smoldering took place. No warnings lamps were observed prior to the incident.

Power Train
Filed Dec 30, 202580,000 milesMD

The contact owns a 2017 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked and slammed into the intended gear. The check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had persisted, and the vehicle had failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the drive was rough, and there was an abnormal rumbling sound coming from the engine. The contact stated that the engine misfired. The vehicle was taken to several unknown locations for diagnostic tests, and it was confirmed that the transmission and the engine had failed. The contact was informed that metal shavings were found in the transmission fluid. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The contact was provided with the manufacturer's TSB Number: 20-NA-138; however, the vehicle was not covered. The manufacturer was notified of the failure; however, the manufacturer was unable to locate the Warranty Administration Service Bulletin. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

20 of 353 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2014
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
2026111200Do not drive
2025115100Routine
2024354100Above average
2023468320Above average
2022583650Above average
2021564760Above average
20204641250Above average
20196381030Above average
2018300710Above average
2017 — this page353540Above average
20163417130Do not drive
2015717990Above average
2014738971Fatalities reported
2013115310Routine
2012107300Routine
2011284530Above average
2010168420Routine
2009234440Above average
2008381250Above average
2007262320Above average
2006145251Fatalities reported
2005177390Routine
2004212510Above average
2003180440Routine
2002166400Routine
2001140500Routine
2000181300Routine
1999158400Routine
199859420Routine
199783500Routine
19965010Routine
19953010Routine
199413000Routine

Compare every Sierra 1500 year →

Reading this record

Complaint volume is well above typical for a single model year.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Oct 24, 2019. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.