Consumer Safety Complaints
Search 2,215,138 safety complaints filed by vehicle owners with NHTSA — including 138,663 crashes, 56,255 fires, and 8,561 deaths.
What is a NHTSA consumer complaint?
A consumer complaint is a free-form report filed by a vehicle owner directly to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) describing a safety concern about their vehicle. NHTSA collects these reports through its Vehicle Owner Defect Report (VOQ) system and publishes them publicly. Each complaint includes the affected component, the date and circumstances of the incident, whether the failure caused a crash or fire, and any reported injuries or deaths. The owner's full narrative description is included verbatim — NHTSA does not edit or moderate the descriptions.
The database below contains over 2,215,138 individual complaints. NHTSA's investigators monitor it for clusters of similar reports — when enough owners describe the same failure mode on the same vehicle, NHTSA may open a Preliminary Evaluation that can lead to a recall. Many of the largest recalls in U.S. history, including the Takata airbag recall and the Hyundai/Kia engine fire recalls, started as patterns visible in this complaint database years before they became formal recalls.
How to interpret what you read
A few principles for reading consumer complaints usefully:
- One complaint is anecdote; a hundred similar complaints is data. NHTSA does not investigate the truthfulness of any individual report — that's the job of the Office of Defects Investigation, which looks at the full pattern. When evaluating a vehicle, look for whether multiple owners describe the same chain of events.
- Crash, fire, injury, and death flags are owner-set. They are not verified by NHTSA. They are still useful as a filter, because owners who tick those boxes are typically reporting more serious incidents than those who don't.
- Component categories are NHTSA-assigned, not owner-assigned. NHTSA standardizes the component field so that complaints can be aggregated. The owner narrative often goes into more detail than the component category captures.
- Complaint volume scales with sales volume. A best-selling model will accumulate more raw complaints than a niche model even at the same defect rate. To compare across vehicles, look at complaints per 100,000 units sold, not raw counts.
If you've experienced a defect
File a complaint. NHTSA's investigators rely on this database to detect emerging defects, and useful complaints — specific, concrete, with dates and mileage and clear descriptions of what happened — feed directly into the agency's pattern detection. The form takes about 10 minutes and is at nhtsa.gov/recalls under "Report a Safety Problem." Your complaint becomes part of the same public record that this page is built from. Owners filing detailed VOQs are how recalls get triggered.
Read more from our blog
Showing 63,375 complaints for GMC
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2021) — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Jun 3, 2026
Incident date: May 18, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while The vehicle while operating the vehicle a knocking noise was present coming from the engine and the check engine warning light had remained illuminated. The vehicle was examined by an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the engine valves had malfunctioned and engine needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not yet repaired... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2022) — POWER TRAIN
Jun 3, 2026
Incident date: Mar 3, 2026
The contact owns a 2022 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated upon shifting to park(P) and attempting to turn off the vehicle, the message "Shift to Park" was displayed. The contact waited and attempted to park and turn off the vehicle again, and the vehicle responded after several attempts. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the shifter assembly needed to be replaced d... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2024) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Jun 3, 2026
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
The screen shakes. Goes black. Zooms in randomly without prompting. Started dialing up people from recent calls. While trying to get the navigation working. I started drifting into oncoming traffic. Fortunately was able to course correct and avoid collision. Buttons are most time not responsive to touch. It is distracting. The system has never fully worked as promised and is a distraction. And as ... Read more
Incident date: May 31, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving approximately driving 45 MPH and turning onto an exit the vehicle suddenly reduce speed and lost power and the message "Press Start" had displayed. The contact stopped the vehicle and eventually restarted the engine and the vehicle operated as normal. The next day the vehicle was driven to the local dealer who was unable to d... Read more
Incident date: May 31, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving approximately driving 45 MPH and turning onto an exit the vehicle suddenly reduce speed and lost power and the message "Press Start" had displayed. The contact stopped the vehicle and eventually restarted the engine and the vehicle operated as normal. The next day the vehicle was driven to the local dealer who was unable to d... Read more
Incident date: Jan 11, 2026
Post-Recall Low Oil Warning + Performance Issues on 2021 GMC Yukon Denali – Campaign 25V274000 Vehicle: 2021 GMC Yukon Denali, 6.2L V8 Recall: 25V274000 Owner: One owner since new (purchased 2021) I had recall campaign 25V274000 performed on my vehicle. This was the first low oil warning I have ever received since purchasing the SUV new in 2021. I have always followed the vehicle’s oil life mo... Read more
Incident date: Mar 3, 2026
During normal driving conditions the vehicle had set code P18A1 in the ECM. Code set due to an internal short in one of the solenoids in the valve body assembly. This caused the vehicle to display "Limp Mode" and lose reverse gear and propulsion over 45 mph. The vehicle was parked and towed to the dealership for evaluation. Upon inspection by a certified dealer technician, it was found that a sol... Read more
Incident date: May 8, 2026
After the latest update from the Dealer, the integrated trailer brake module no longer shows an output of how much power it's applying to the trailer brake system. It just stays blank. I can tell that the brakes actually are being applied, however not having indication of them being applied and how much pressure is applied is concerning.
Incident date: May 30, 2026
While operating the vehicle, I began to hear a metallic grinding noise originating from the center of the engine compartment. The sound was clearly audible within the cabin. Approximately one mile before the vehicle ultimately failed, the engine began to malfunction. As I slowed to a stoplight, the vehicle started to shake before shutting off abruptly and entering a coasting state. All electrical ... Read more
Incident date: May 30, 2026
While operating the vehicle, I began to hear a metallic grinding noise originating from the center of the engine compartment. The sound was clearly audible within the cabin. Approximately one mile before the vehicle ultimately failed, the engine began to malfunction. As I slowed to a stoplight, the vehicle started to shake before shutting off abruptly and entering a coasting state. All electrical ... Read more
Incident date: May 30, 2026
While operating the vehicle, I began to hear a metallic grinding noise originating from the center of the engine compartment. The sound was clearly audible within the cabin. Approximately one mile before the vehicle ultimately failed, the engine began to malfunction. As I slowed to a stoplight, the vehicle started to shake before shutting off abruptly and entering a coasting state. All electrical ... Read more
Incident date: May 29, 2026
My car has started stalling and dying when i slow down, take off or when idling. No power when accelerated, and the smell of exhaust comes into my car. I was making a turn from a red light and my car spit, sputtered, and died right in the middle of the busy intersection. I was almost hit from the rear and another car had to go into on coming traffic to avoid T boning me. I took it to 2 different ... Read more
Incident date: May 29, 2026
My car has started stalling and dying when i slow down, take off or when idling. No power when accelerated, and the smell of exhaust comes into my car. I was making a turn from a red light and my car spit, sputtered, and died right in the middle of the busy intersection. I was almost hit from the rear and another car had to go into on coming traffic to avoid T boning me. I took it to 2 different ... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2018) — STEERING
Jun 2, 2026
Incident date: Mar 1, 2022
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 a... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2018) — SERVICE BRAKES
Jun 2, 2026
Incident date: Mar 1, 2022
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 a... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2018) — ENGINE
Jun 2, 2026
Incident date: Mar 1, 2022
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 a... Read more
Incident date: May 16, 2026
I have had 2 different instances where my vehicle stops in the middle of a busy intersection or traffic and have no warning what so ever. Vehicle just shuts off and I am not able to turn back on to move out of the way. First time I got it repaired it was related to the fuel pump and now I am waiting to hear back from my mechanic to see what the issue is but so far it is an indication of the fuel p... Read more
Incident date: May 16, 2026
I have had 2 different instances where my vehicle stops in the middle of a busy intersection or traffic and have no warning what so ever. Vehicle just shuts off and I am not able to turn back on to move out of the way. First time I got it repaired it was related to the fuel pump and now I am waiting to hear back from my mechanic to see what the issue is but so far it is an indication of the fuel p... Read more
Incident date: May 16, 2026
I have had 2 different instances where my vehicle stops in the middle of a busy intersection or traffic and have no warning what so ever. Vehicle just shuts off and I am not able to turn back on to move out of the way. First time I got it repaired it was related to the fuel pump and now I am waiting to hear back from my mechanic to see what the issue is but so far it is an indication of the fuel p... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
Completed the oil change requirement in the recall for the 6.2L but engine blew while driving on I-10 while doing 75mph. 50k miles. Completely left stranded on major highway with family in car and vehicle flying by. GM needs to be held accountable. Their fix is not a fix.
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2020) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jun 2, 2026
Incident date: May 30, 2026
Fire started under passenger side front seat dashboard when rear defrost was turned on.
Fire
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2019) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jun 2, 2026
Incident date: Jun 2, 2022
The contact owns a 2019 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that the trailer lights flashed intermittently while the vehicle is turned off. Additionally, the contact stated while driving with a trailer hitched to the vehicle, the messages "Trailer Disconnected" and "Trailer Connected" were intermittently displayed, and the running and marking lights were inoperative. The contact related the failur... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2019) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jun 2, 2026
Incident date: Jun 2, 2022
The contact owns a 2019 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that the trailer lights flashed intermittently while the vehicle is turned off. Additionally, the contact stated while driving with a trailer hitched to the vehicle, the messages "Trailer Disconnected" and "Trailer Connected" were intermittently displayed, and the running and marking lights were inoperative. The contact related the failur... Read more
Incident date: May 30, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle would independently activate Limp mode and would not accelerate past 30 MPH. In addition, the vehicle would not shift into the Reverse gear as intended. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with error codes: P0777 and P18A1. The vehicle was not repaired due to pa... Read more
Incident date: May 30, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle would independently activate Limp mode and would not accelerate past 30 MPH. In addition, the vehicle would not shift into the Reverse gear as intended. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with error codes: P0777 and P18A1. The vehicle was not repaired due to pa... Read more
Incident date: May 27, 2026
On May 27, 2026 at around 7:30pm my 2018 GMC Yukon XL Denali engined failed. I was exiting E-470 southwest bound at Gartrell Road in Aurora and the engine started knocking loudly and completely quit. As I rolled to a stop I correctly suspected that the engine seized. It would not turn over, a bad odor was present, and smoke was coming from the top of the motor. It was hard to tell exactly from ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
Passenger brake Led Circuit board prematurely failed resulting in the entire assembly needing replacement. The assembly is $500 and higher. This is a safety issue and though there was a class action lawsuit, the light fails after 72000 miles which appears to be when GMC wont replace the part. $500 for a tail light replacement is a financial burden to be able to keep the car on the road. There is n... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
So the ultimate failure is from a catastrophically failed crankshaft journal thrust bearing. Which could be caused from one of two things: 1) The crankshaft thrust bearings they are putting in these motors are made with inferior materials, probably cheap Chinese crap or 2) The crankshaft end play tolerance was never set properly, giving the crankshaft the ability to move forward and backward in th... Read more
Incident date: Apr 15, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 GMC Acadia. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speed, the steering assist reduced warning light illuminated. The contact's husband attached a portable diagnostic tester to the vehicle, and P0128 was the failure code. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall related to the failure. The manufacturer was made awar... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 2500
(2021) — POWER TRAIN
Jun 1, 2026
Incident date: Apr 12, 2026
We keep getting an error message that shows we need to service DEF SYSTEM, it also started to limit my MPH and is now locked at 55 MPH. initial check of the DEF SYSTEM shows a malfunctioning module. it has been happening over the last year to 18 months. they would reset it or it would sometimes go away on its own after having to drive it in order for the error to clear.
Incident date: May 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 GMC Acadia. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the shift to parking warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the failure occurred while the vehicle was parked. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, however the failure was not duplicated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The conta... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2022) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Jun 1, 2026
Incident date: May 30, 2026
On 05/30/26, During normal operation of my vehicle (2022 GMC Sierra Elevation) at about 50MPH the Upper Grille Molding became detached while on the Highway. The safety of other cars or motorcycles was placed at risk because the part could have impaled or impacted myself through a windshield or someone driving behind me. The problem has been known to exist in other similar models and an existing re... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2023) — POWER TRAIN
Jun 1, 2026
Incident date: May 23, 2026
Upon accelerating on the freeway, rear wheels locked up completely almost causing me to hit multiple vehicles. Was repeatable and was able to record the event. Manufacturer claims unable to reproduce and bring back if it happens again. No lights were set.
Incident date: May 22, 2026
Transmission wouldnt shift. Sensor in car is causing issue, code is N 202321840
Incident date: May 22, 2026
Transmission wouldnt shift. Sensor in car is causing issue, code is N 202321840
Incident date: May 31, 2026
1.XXX XX— GM Recall Notification (Recall No. N252494000) I received official notification from General Motors of Recall N252494000 affecting my vehicle. I brought the vehicle to [XXX] as directed to have the recall remedy performed. 2. XXX — First Report of Engine Propulsion Issues I reported engine propulsion concerns to Jim Ellis. This was my first formal complaint regarding the performanc... Read more
Incident date: May 31, 2026
1.XXX XX— GM Recall Notification (Recall No. N252494000) I received official notification from General Motors of Recall N252494000 affecting my vehicle. I brought the vehicle to [XXX] as directed to have the recall remedy performed. 2. XXX — First Report of Engine Propulsion Issues I reported engine propulsion concerns to Jim Ellis. This was my first formal complaint regarding the performanc... Read more
Incident date: May 31, 2026
1.XXX XX— GM Recall Notification (Recall No. N252494000) I received official notification from General Motors of Recall N252494000 affecting my vehicle. I brought the vehicle to [XXX] as directed to have the recall remedy performed. 2. XXX — First Report of Engine Propulsion Issues I reported engine propulsion concerns to Jim Ellis. This was my first formal complaint regarding the performanc... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2024) — ENGINE
Jun 1, 2026
Incident date: May 30, 2026
The vehicle received the official N252494001 recall oil remedy on 06/27/2025 at 15,438 miles (but suffered catastrophic engine failure and loss of propulsion at 33,661 miles on 05/30/2026).
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2024) — FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Jun 1, 2026
Incident date: May 30, 2026
The vehicle received the official N252494001 recall oil remedy on 06/27/2025 at 15,438 miles (but suffered catastrophic engine failure and loss of propulsion at 33,661 miles on 05/30/2026).
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2024) — POWER TRAIN
Jun 1, 2026
Incident date: May 30, 2026
The vehicle received the official N252494001 recall oil remedy on 06/27/2025 at 15,438 miles (but suffered catastrophic engine failure and loss of propulsion at 33,661 miles on 05/30/2026).
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2021) — ENGINE
Jun 1, 2026
Incident date: May 27, 2026
Catastrophic engine failure the connecting rod went through the block. It is my understanding that Defective Components: Manufacturing defects in the connecting rods and crankshafts can reduce oil film strength, leading to severe wear, metal debris, and catastrophic engine could be the proiblem
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2026) — ENGINE
Jun 1, 2026
Incident date: May 22, 2026
Heard clanging noise under hood as I was driving and truck just stopped. Tried to restart and nothing! Towed to dealership where they found the engine has to be replaced.
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2024) — ENGINE
Jun 1, 2026
Incident date: Mar 13, 2026
Engine seized at 23,291 miles, approximately 3,661 miles after GM's authorized dealer performed a PicoScope inspection under Recall N252494000 and certified the engine as passing. July 2025 recall attempt was documented as incomplete with no remedy available. November 2025 inspection passed the engine. Engine seized March 2026. New engine installed under Special Coverage N252494003. New drivabilit... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2026) — ENGINE
Jun 1, 2026
Incident date: May 31, 2026
While driving approximately 45 MPH, I slowed to make a right turn into a parking lot. The engine suddenly stalled and lost all propulsion. The vehicle retained electrical power but automatically shifted into NEUTRAL, and would not shift back into DRIVE. I braked to a stop, temporarily stranding the vehicle and blocking traffic in the parking area. Attempting to turn the vehicle off via the START/S... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
When I shift my 2019 GMC Acadia into park, the warning message reads shift to park and there is a ding warning that plays for several mins. This has been going on for over a year. I took it to the dealership and they said they could repair it for $1000 dollars but the solenoid was only guaranteed for 30 days. There is no possible way a dealership can expect a person to pay $1000 dollars a month to... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2021) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jun 1, 2026
Incident date: Mar 29, 2026
power steering locked up while driving. has been inspected and repaired by manufacturer. recall.
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2021) — POWER TRAIN
Jun 1, 2026
Incident date: Mar 29, 2026
power steering locked up while driving. has been inspected and repaired by manufacturer. recall.
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2021) — STEERING
Jun 1, 2026
Incident date: Mar 29, 2026
power steering locked up while driving. has been inspected and repaired by manufacturer. recall.