This technical bulletin provides repair information for repairing the IP to body harness connector to correct a customer concern for intermittent Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illuminated with Reduced Engine Power displayed and DTC P2138 set.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2014 GMC Sierra electrical problems
severe 76 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
76
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
1crash
4fires
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 76 electrical complaints filed for the 2014 GMC Sierra, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 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
Owners have filed 76 electrical complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Among the 21 model years of GMC Sierra in our records for electrical problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical 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.
GENERAL MOTORS: CHEVROLET SILVERADO 2014-2015, GMC SIERRA 2014-2015: SEE DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON FOR OWNERS LETTER. SOME MODEL YEARS EQUIPPED WITH THE AUXILIARY SWITCH BANK HAVE AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE WITH IGNITION FEED FROM BATTERY FEED POSITION.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗GENERAL MOTORS: DUE TO LOOSE GROUND TERMINAL CONNECTIONS, IN SOME VEHICLES AND TRUCKS EXPERIENCE, ACCESSORIES MALFUNCTIONS, DIC MESSAGES, IPC WARNING INDICATORS, SES LIGHT ON.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗GMC/CHEVROLET: INFORMATION BEING PROVIDED REGARDING THE ADDITION OF AFTERMARKET (NON-GM) TRAILER BRAKE CONTROLLER HARNESS. MODEL 2014 SILVERADO 1500, SIERRA 1500.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗CHEVROLET/GMC: DUE TO A SOFTWARE ANOMALY, THE GAUGE POINTER WOULD DROP AND RETURN, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS WOULD BLANK AND WOULD GO OUT AND COME BACK ON. MODEL 2014 SIERRA 1500, SILVERADO 1500.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners report widespread electrical system failures in 2014 GMC Sierras that manifest as sudden, complete loss of power while driving—sometimes at highway speeds. The truck stalls without warning, killing the engine, power steering, power brakes, and all dashboard displays. Multiple owners describe jiggling the negative battery cable or disconnecting and reconnecting it to restore power. Dealers and some owners have identified loose or corroded ground wires, defective battery terminals, and faulty battery cable connections as the root cause, though the issue recurs even after repairs. A TSB and recalls address electrical resets and EPS module software, but owners report the stalling persists afterward.
Separately, owners report headlights that are dangerously dim, illuminating only 50-60 feet ahead and offering poor side vision. The shutter-design headlights resist bulb upgrades, and dealer TSBs increasing voltage and replacing bulbs have yielded minimal improvement, leaving night driving unsafe above 30 mph.
A smaller but serious subset reports rear defroster electrical fires—burning plastic smells, explosions of the rear sliding window, and center console fires, some occurring after recall repairs were supposedly completed. One owner's truck caught fire while parked in the driveway.
Sporadic electrical glitches include StabiliTrak and anti-theft warning messages, cruise control dropping out during lane changes, windows and door locks operating independently, and dashboard screens flickering or going blank when braking.
Same GMC Sierra electrical reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2013 · 2015 · 2017
Failure modes owners describe
Complete loss of electrical power while driving (stalling)
Vehicle loses all power and stalls without warning, disabling engine, power steering, power brakes, and all electrical systems. Owners report jiggling or reconnecting negative battery cable restores power after several minutes. Some owners identify loose ground wires under the dashboard or at the battery terminals; dealers have cited faulty battery cables, defective ground connections, and corroded terminals.
When: Occurs at random, both low and highway speeds (5-70 mph); often during turns or lane changes. Mileage ranges from 8,000 to 129,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of power while driving; Engine stalls without warning; Power steering fails; Power brakes fail; All dashboard lights and displays go black; Unable to use hazard lights while stalled; Vehicle door locks remain engaged (power loss traps occupants); Interior lights flicker or blink intermittently; Vehicle resets as if battery was disconnected when power returns; Dashboard message appears to roll windows up/down after restart
Codes mentioned: StabiliTrak warning light, Anti-theft warning light, Engine power reduction indicator, Reduction power steering control indicator
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers have replaced negative battery cables, positive battery terminal wires and harnesses, loose ground wires under the dashboard, and battery terminals. Some owners report paying $400 for BCM reprogramming. Repairs are often temporary; failure recurs within weeks or months.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM recall N172085440 addresses temporary EPS loss during low-speed turning (1-second loss/return of assist) via EPS module software reprogramming. Related TSBs reference ground wire issues. However, owners report stalling problems persist after these recall repairs. One owner notes the vehicle was excluded from recall N15V640000 (Electrical System) despite having the same symptoms.
Defective headlights with inadequate illumination
Headlights provide dangerously insufficient illumination for night driving. The shutter-design headlights limit bulb upgrade options; dealer TSBs to increase voltage and replace bulbs yield minimal improvement. Owners report visibility extends only 50-60 feet ahead, with poor side vision and useless high beams that shine upward rather than on the road.
When: Occurs at night or in low-light conditions. Reported across various mileages.
Symptoms owners cite: Severe inadequate headlight illumination; Illumination extends only 50-60 feet ahead; Poor side vision; High beams shine upward into trees rather than on road; Unsafe for driving above 30-35 mph at night; Nearly hit wildlife due to poor visibility; Requires severe speed reduction on dark country roads
Repairs/costs cited: Headlight assemblies have been replaced and adjusted by dealers. Voltage increase TSB and bulb replacements have been attempted with negligible results. Owners note the design flaw cannot be remedied by changing bulb type alone.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM states headlights are working as designed. No recall issued. Owners suspect the headlights do not meet photometric design certification standards.
Rear defroster electrical fires
Rear defroster activates and causes electrical fires in the rear window area or center console. Owners report burning plastic smell, sizzling sounds, smoke, and explosions of the rear sliding window. One instance occurred while parked in a driveway; the vehicle was engulfed in flames. Injuries sustained include mild concussion and severe earache from window explosion.
When: Can occur while driving at low speeds (10-15 mph) or while vehicle is parked. Reported at mileages of 90,850 and 150,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Sizzling sound from rear area; Burning plastic smell inside vehicle; Smoke inside vehicle, particularly rear/driver's side; Rear sliding window explodes outward; Center console and front passenger seat melted; Vehicle engulfed in flames while parked; Fire Department report of electrical system fire
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reports the dealer claimed to have performed the recall repair for this issue, yet the failure recurred. Vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired in other cases. One truck was totaled by fire.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One recall (N192265660) exists for this issue but does not cover all 2014 GMC Sierras; some affected vehicles were excluded. Another recall (N17276) for rear defroster may apply, but owners report the fix did not prevent recurrence. No assistance offered in some cases; manufacturer was contacted but vehicle remained unrepaired.
Ignition switch failure and battery terminal overheating
Ignition switch fails, causing loss of electrical power and steering while driving at low speeds. The negative battery terminal becomes extremely hot. Vehicle initially fails to restart and produces clicking sounds; eventually power returns after battery is disconnected and reconnected.
When: At low speeds (approximately 10 mph). Reported at 38,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel seizes; Vehicle loses electrical power and stalls; Reduction power steering control indicator illuminates; Engine power reduction indicator illuminates; Hood ajar indicator illuminates; Clicking sound from ignition when attempting to start; Negative battery terminal becomes extremely hot
Codes mentioned: Reduction power steering control, Engine power reduction, Hood ajar
Repairs/costs cited: Ignition switch was replaced at the dealer. However, the failure recurred several times. Dealer stated vehicle was out of warranty and did not diagnose or repair subsequent failures.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall or warranty coverage after initial repair. Manufacturer was not made aware of recurring failures.
Voltage regulator module relay failure
Voltage module internal relay fails, causing a loud clicking noise from the dashboard near the steering wheel. No warning indicators appear. Steering is unaffected.
When: Reported at 29,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Loud clicking noise from dashboard near steering wheel; No warning indicators illuminated
Repairs/costs cited: Defective voltage module internal relay was replaced.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified; vehicle was out of warranty. Case number 8-4432906997 provided but no further assistance offered.
StabiliTrak and anti-theft system intermittent failures
StabiliTrak and anti-theft warning lights illuminate, power steering diminishes, and cruise control turns off during turns or lane changes. Vehicle may lose power and stall. In some cases, the truck shuts down and reboots itself. Symptoms often coincide with battery cable issues.
When: Occurs during highway driving and low-speed maneuvers. Reported at various mileages from 40,000 onward.
Symptoms owners cite: StabiliTrak warning light illuminates; Anti-theft warning light illuminates; Power steering diminishes; Cruise control turns off when signaling lane changes; Vehicle may lose all power and stall; Vehicle shuts down and reboots; Headlights dim when braking; Dashboard screen flickers or turns off when braking
Codes mentioned: StabiliTrak warning, Anti-theft warning
Repairs/costs cited: Ground wires and battery cables have been replaced at significant expense. Dealers acknowledge this is a known problem but repairs are not permanent.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM recall N172085440 addresses EPS module software issue causing temporary loss of power steering assist during low-speed turning, corrected via software reprogramming. However, owners report the broader stalling and electrical loss persist after recall service.
Body Control Module (BCM) programming failure and no-crank/no-start
Vehicle fails to start or starts only after significant delay (20 minutes). BCM requires reprogramming to resolve the issue, but the failure recurs. Occasionally, the problem manifests while driving: vehicle loses power at low speed in forward motion, then resets after disconnecting the battery.
When: Reported at mileages of 40,925 and higher.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle fails to start; No warning lights illuminated; Vehicle starts after 20 minutes without intervention; Vehicle loses power while driving and resets; Dashboard message to roll windows up and down after reset; Interior lights and display screen flicker erratically
Repairs/costs cited: BCM reprogramming performed at dealer (cost cited as $400). Failure recurs despite repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer informed of failure. Vehicle repaired but failure recurred. No further assistance offered.
Rear window explosion (powered sliding window)
Powered rear sliding window explodes suddenly while driving at low speeds. Owner hears a loud bang and witnesses the window shattered. No warning or prior symptoms.
When: Occurred while driving at approximately 10-15 mph. Reported at 150,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Loud bang from rear area; Powered rear sliding window explodes; Window shatters outward
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle was taken to dealer for diagnosis but the cause was not determined and vehicle was not repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer contacted but no assistance offered. Cause attributed to electrical system fire by Fire Department. VIN not available in complaint.
Headlight dimming when braking
Headlights dim when brake pedal is depressed. In some cases, the entire dashboard including touchscreen turns off and restarts. Engine, power steering, and power brakes fail during this event.
When: Occurs during braking on highways and driveways.
Symptoms owners cite: Headlights dim when braking; Entire dashboard goes black; Touchscreen turns off and restarts; Power steering fails; Power brakes fail; Engine stalls
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented in narratives.
Tail light and backup light circuit failures
Backup lights turn on when headlights are activated and remain on until headlights are off. Rear tail lights burn out prematurely (lasting only two weeks). Problem appears to be in the fuse box circuit rather than a short.
When: Reported at various mileages.
Symptoms owners cite: Backup lights turn on when headlights are on; Backup lights do not shut off until headlights are off; Tail lights burn out prematurely; Tail light bulbs last only two weeks before burning out
Repairs/costs cited: Bulbs replaced but burned out quickly again. Replacement parts are expensive. No root cause repair documented.
Rear turn signal and taillight socket melting/corrosion
Rear turn signal malfunctions due to melting or corroded taillight sockets. Owner reports fire risk from failed taillight socket.
When: Reported at approximately 40,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Rear turn signal malfunction; Melting taillight socket; Corroded taillight socket; Potential electrical fire
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Issue reported to authorized GMC dealers but no repairs were made. Dealer stated there was no issue.
Synthesized from 76 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
I have a 2014 GMC sierra, I started my truck to warm it up. I went inside and after a few minutes I went outside and my truck was engulfed in flames. Luckily I was not parked in the garage and nobody was in my truck. It was parked in my driveway at the time. I am unknown...however there is recall for electrical/computer problem for my 2014 sierra but my truck has not been part of this recall. My…
Had electrical trouble with your 2014 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 electrical problem on the 2014 GMC Sierra?
It's a meaningful issue. 76 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 41 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 33,000 and 75,000 miles, with the median around 55,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 33,000; a quarter make it past 75,000. 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 $850 for electrical 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 electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical 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/2014/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.