THIS INFORMATIONAL BULLETIN PROVIDES THE TECHNICIAN WITH WHAT MAY HAPPEN TO AN ENGINE DUE TO LACK OF MAINTENANCE.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2010 GMC Sierra engine problems
moderate 14 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
14
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
When does it fail?
Of the 14 engine complaints filed for the 2010 GMC Sierra, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
No new NHTSA engine complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 14 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This Preliminary Information communication provides steps the technician will uses to diagnose and repair vehicles that have low oil pressure after an oil change with the engine Regular Production Option Code L20, L77, L94, L96, L99, L9H, LC8, LC9, LH9, LMF, LMG, LY6, or LZ1. Vehicle may have Service Engine Soon lamp with Diagnostic Trouble Code P0521 or Low Oil Pressure message on the instrument panel. Dealer will need to determine if bulletin 10-06-01-008 was completed. If the bulletin was performed inspect the left rocker cover. Dealer will insure the left rocker can hold water without leaking. If leaks are found apply room temperature vulcanization silicone to the rocker cover if possibl
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗THIS PRELIMINARY INFORMATION COMMUNICATION PROVIDES INFORMATION TO THE TECHNICIAN ABOUT VEHICLES THAT MAY HAVE A COLD ENGINE TICK NOISE FOR 50 SECONDS AT START UP. TECHNICIAN DETERMINES IF THE TICK NOISE IS POSSIBLY COMING FROM THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD, AS THIS NOISE COULD EASILY BE MISTAKEN FOR AN ENGINE TICK NOISE. IF YOUR SI DIAGNOSIS DOES NOT ISOLATE THE CAUSE OF THIS CONCERN, THIS CONCERN SHOULD BE CONSIDERED A VEHICLE DESIGN CHARACTERISTIC OF THE ECM CALIBRATION AND NO ADDITIONAL REPAIRS SHOULD BE PERFORMED.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This informational bulletin provides information on close coupled converters and there affect on newly installed engines or engines during there break in period.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This informational bulletin provides information to technicians regarding intake manifold inspection/replacement after severe internal engine damage.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners describe two major engine-related failure patterns. The first involves throttle body and throttle position sensor malfunctions that occur without warning—check engine lights and traction control warnings flash on, power drops to a crawl (under 20 mph), and the engine vibrates. These episodes repeat unpredictably over weeks or months, sometimes resolving after a few days of parking. Dealers have been reluctant to diagnose when warning lights are off, and warranty coverage is contested.
The second pattern is engine cylinder and compression loss, particularly in vehicles with fewer than 55,000 highway miles despite regular maintenance. Owners report excessive oil consumption, metal-on-metal knocking at startup, and in some cases complete engine failure requiring replacement. This pattern aligns with the Active Fuel Management (AFM) system, which cycles between 4 and 8 cylinders; owners suspect inadequate lubrication during deactivation, though GM and dealers deny any design flaw. Repair costs exceed $3,000–$7,200. A third issue—sudden power loss under load at highway speeds (42–70 mph) with Stabilitrac warnings—creates acute safety hazards, including near-collisions and loss of vehicle control. One owner lost all power and brakes at -10°F. Dealers and manufacturer have offered little support, citing expired warranty or denial of known defects.
Same GMC Sierra engine reports on nearby years: 2007 · 2008 · 2009 · 2011 · 2013
Failure modes owners describe
Throttle Body and Throttle Position Sensor Malfunction
Throttle body or throttle position sensor fails, causing check engine light, traction control light, and engine power reduction. Vehicle speed drops dramatically, engine vibrates, and vehicle becomes nearly immobilized. Issue resolves intermittently after a few days of parking or restart. Owners report dealer reluctance to diagnose when warning lights are off.
When: 54k–178k miles; Nov 2014–Feb 2015 in one case; 5k miles in another case
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light and traction control light illumination; Engine power reduced to 20 mph or less; Engine vibration or shaking; Codes clear after sitting; lights go off temporarily; Loss of power and acceleration; inability to maintain highway speeds; Dash gauge blanking; loss of power brakes and steering in extreme case; Stabilitrac warning indicator
Codes mentioned: P2135 (throttle position sensor), Throttle body sensor codes (independent mechanic finding)
Repairs/costs cited: Independent mechanic replaced throttle body and sensor in one case; dealer declined to diagnose when lights were off; cost not specified. P2135 repair costs estimated but owner chose DIY. One complaint mentions throttle body/sensor not covered under warranty.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer reluctant to diagnose when warning lights off; stated work not covered under warranty; GM offered no customer service when safety concerns raised
Engine Cylinder and Compression Failure (Active Fuel Management Suspected)
Engine loses compression on one or more cylinders and experiences excessive oil consumption. Damage severe enough to require cylinder replacement or full engine replacement. Pattern appears associated with Active Fuel Management (AFM) system cycling between 4 and 8 cylinders; owners suspect inadequate lubrication during cylinder deactivation. Problem occurs at relatively low mileage despite proper maintenance and primarily highway use.
When: 45k–54k miles; one case at 178k miles
Symptoms owners cite: Increased oil consumption; Loss of compression on one or more cylinders; Metal-on-metal knocking or ticking sounds from engine at cold startup; Engine knock or pinging sensation; Engine sounding like it was 'blowing up'; Loose pistons striking cylinder walls; Loss of power and control during driving
Repairs/costs cited: One vehicle required cylinder replacement after 25 days of dealer work; another required full engine replacement at dealership; owner spent over $3,000 at authorized mechanic for engine rebuild that still leaks oil and has power issues; dealer quoted $5,800 for lifter replacement or $6,900–$7,200 for full engine replacement; coolant seeping into engine oil reported in one case, requiring $3,800 head and lifter replacement. Castech cylinder heads involved in at least one case.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM disavowed knowledge of the pattern when contacted by owner research; dealership service also claimed no knowledge despite receiving documentation of similar failures on owner forums; dealer mechanic privately admitted 'we do this all the time'
Reduced Engine Power and Stabilitrac/Traction Control Warnings Under Load
While driving at normal highway speeds, engine suddenly loses power, traction control and Stabilitrac warning lights illuminate, and vehicle becomes a hazard. Engine shakes, pings, and feels as if firing on only 2–3 cylinders. Issue sometimes resolves after shutdown and restart, but recurs unpredictably. Occurs at speeds 42–70 mph and creates acute safety risk (near-collision, inability to navigate intersections or maintain traffic flow).
When: Not specified in most cases; one case at 42 mph, another at 55 mph, one at 70 mph, one on steep hill descent
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of engine power while driving; Traction control and Stabilitrac warning lights; Engine knocking, shaking, or pinging; Engine feels as if firing on 2–3 cylinders only; Differential clunking as if going in and out of engagement; Inability to keep up with traffic or navigate intersections; Reduced engine power warning on dash; Complete loss of power and gauges blanking (one case); Loss of power brakes and steering assistance (one case)
Repairs/costs cited: One vehicle required engine replacement twice at same dealership with same failure recurrence; other repairs not specified or completed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer stated warranty had expired and could not assist; no recall issued
EVAP System Vent Valve Stuck Open
EVAP vent valve becomes stuck in open position, triggering check engine light. Dealer confirms this is a known problem but not covered by warranty.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illumination
Codes mentioned: P0455 (EVAP system failure)
Repairs/costs cited: Repair cost $501.17; not covered under warranty
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer confirmed known problem but explicitly not covered by warranty
AC Compressor Auto-Disable in Cold Weather with Defrost Inadequacy
AC compressor automatically disables when outside temperature approaches 40°F, making defrost function unable to clear windshield and side windows of condensation and fog. Multiple occupants in cab magnify the problem; frost forms on inside window surfaces. Issue creates visibility hazard at highway speed (70 mph) while traveling on turnpike. This is not an engine failure but an engine-related climate control system design flaw.
When: Near freezing temperatures; issue recurring over 3-year owner contact period
Symptoms owners cite: Windshield and side window fogging at near-freezing temperatures; Frost formation on inside window surface with multiple occupants; AC light goes off automatically; Defrost unable to clear condensation; Sudden fogging while driving at 70 mph on turnpike
Repairs/costs cited: No repair attempted or provided; dealer contacted for 3 years with no resolution
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer has no resolution after 3 years of owner contact; dealer staff dismissive of concern; comparison vehicle 2011 GMC Terrain does not exhibit this problem
Synthesized from 14 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 GMC sierra 1500. The contact stated that when the pistons were loose and struck the cylinder wall, it would loosen up the engine and caused an abnormal knocking from the engine. The dealer was notified of the failure who advised the contact that the failure was nothing to be concerned about and was not hurting the engine. The manufacturer was notified who stated to the…
Engine lifter issue/low oil pressure problem relates to having the lifters replaced. The 5.3 vortec engine has afm (active fuel management). Dealer wants $5800 to fix the lifter issue, while estimates to replace the engine with necessary parts runs between $6900 and $7200. Is this a manufacturer problem? Truck has 52,000 miles and has been serviced at regular intervals. Truck was parked…
Had engine trouble with your 2010 GMC Sierra?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2010 GMC Sierra?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 14 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 14 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 35,000 and 69,000 miles, with the median around 53,920. A quarter of owners report trouble before 35,000; a quarter make it past 69,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2010/GMC/Sierra.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.