2018 GMC Sierra 1500 engine problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Sep 21, 2026GAEngine

   Customer states: thinks crankshaft pulley is loose due to prior water pump replacement-crackshaft pulley has nothing to do with water pump replacement. Before inspecting/starting engine verified oil level-oil level is on full mark. Started engine-loud rattling/knocking noise from engine-engine has internal failure-engine replacement is required. Also hearing noise in rearend-cannot test drive due to engine condition several tsb's on engine failures with 6.2l engines. Gm has…

   NHTSA complaint #11765804 · source
2. Filed Sep 21, 2026COEngine

   I was backing out of my garage and truck made strange noise and shut off . Tried to restart but just made ding and wouldn't turn over . Dash lights went blank. Had vehicle towed to shop and mechanic stated it was crank and connecting rods after he dropped the oil pan. I ordered new OEM engine and waiting on delivery . Been 5 weeks now since order . Vehicle only has 106,000 miles on it and have had it since 20,000 miles and all maintenance has always been done . Engine can be…

   NHTSA complaint #11765772 · source
3. Filed Sep 6, 2026KYEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   I own a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 V8 5.3 liter which is at 46, 433 miles. Over the past few weeks I have noticed the transmission having difficulty shifting in first gear and lurching, and making shuddering noises, and as well making a constant ticking noise. After an experienced mechanic had put a diagnostic system onto my truck, his system diagnosed a Transmission Lifter Failure, specifically 2 out of the 8 lifters. A few days later (9-04-26) I took my truck to a certified GMC…

   NHTSA complaint #11762401 · source
4. Filed Aug 11, 2026NCEngineSteering

   Head gasket failure and overheating. After fixed, power steering has just failed during driving. Will have to have it towed to shop

   NHTSA complaint #11756121 · source
5. Filed Jul 31, 2026ILDriver Assistance & Safety TechEngine

   Engine failure, 5/3/22, 23,987 miles, all lifters was replaced under warranty, engine failure, 7/6/26, 46004 miles, took truck in for oil change and when returned had a ticking noise. Dealership notified me that camshaft issues and metal detected in oil. Engine needs replaced. 6.2 v8 2018. Turpin motors, geneseo, il has done all serivce on truck. No warning lights or codes. Vehicle is in my garage and available for inspection. I opened case with gm #105652237. Dealership…

   NHTSA complaint #11754023 · source
6. Filed Jun 11, 2026AREngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   Vehicle Details: 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 Z72 4x4, 5.3L V8 EcoTec3 engine, VIN: [XXX] Mileage at time of incident: 220,000 miles Location: [e.g., Little Rock, Arkansas area or specific road/highway – please provide if desired] What happened: The 5.3L V8 engine’s hydraulic roller lifters failed. One or more lifters collapsed, stuck, or lost proper oil pressure/operation. This led to improper valvetrain function, causing loud ticking/knocking noises, cylinder misfires, significant…

   NHTSA complaint #11743611 · source
7. Filed Jun 2, 2026NJBrakesEngineSteering

   Incident description: On three occasion I have had the same catastrophic Engine failure putting myself and my family along with the general public in harms way. Starting March of 2022 while driving at approximately 60 MPH on the West Shore Expressway my truck experienced a sudden and total loss of motor power. My engine stalled out and I lost my ability to safety steer and stop my vehicle. This all happened during rush hour while driving in the left lane of traffic. This…

   NHTSA complaint #11741547 · source
8. Filed Jan 29, 2026150,000 miTXEngine

   The contact owns a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500. While starting the vehicle, it was shaking violently, with reduced power. The vehicle was restarted and worked as designed. Upon research, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Action Number: PE25001 (Engine and Engine and Cooling). The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined there was metal in the engine, and there was a misfire coming from cylinder #2. The mechanic recommended that the engine be replaced.…

   NHTSA complaint #11714207 · source
9. Filed Jan 20, 2026INEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   I OWN A 2018 GMC SIERRA DENALI ULTIMATE, The truck has the 6.2 engine which had the lifter issue as stated with the current situation. At the time, the truck had 37,000 miles when the issues started. I purchased the truck from Andy Mohr with 8806 miles on it in November of 2019. I worked overseas for the DOD so that’s why the miles are low. After I got it fixed, ($4500 dollars at Hare Chevrolet) I experienced the transmission shake while driving home from work with my…

   NHTSA complaint #11712288 · source
10. Filed Jan 19, 2026OHEngine

    The lifters in my engine collapsed. This caused a push rod to be bent and the cam shaft to be damaged causing thousands to fix. While I was driving. I could feel the engine malfunction causing my speed to significantly decrease. The vehicle was fixed through an independent mechanic. Mechanic stated that the active fuel management system is the cause for the lifter collapse. There was no warning before the failure

    NHTSA complaint #11711924 · source
11. Filed Jan 6, 2026OREngine

    Engine failure. 6.2l with AFM system Extreme oil consumption Heavy metal in oil Loud ticking 120789 miles Purchase date 05/29/2025 Madras, Oregon Chevrolet Dealer

    NHTSA complaint #11709032 · source
12. Filed Dec 15, 2025SCEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

    I have 125,000 miles on my truck. I was traveling with my grandkids in the back seat. We were going through a four way stop. My truck started tapping like a lifter issue. The next thing I know is the truck engine light started flashing and car started to shake. Then, my truck lost all power and a big cloud of blue smoke came out of the tail pipe. The truck could not be driven any further. The symptoms: engine tapping, low oil, engine light flashing, shaking, lost all…

    NHTSA complaint #11705013 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology