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 ↗2014 GMC Sierra engine problems
moderate 31 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
31
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
1fire
What stands out
Owners have filed 31 engine 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.
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.
GMC/CHEVROLET/CADILLAC: INFORMATION PROVIDED ON SOME VEHICLES AND SUV, FOR REPLACEMENT OF CRANKSHAFT, FOR ENGINE REPAIR AND OIL TANK AND LINES WOULD BE REPLACED ON DRY SUMP ENGINES WHEN REPAIRING AND/OR REPLACING. MODEL 2014-16 CORVETTE, SILVERADO, SIERRA, 2016 CTS-V, 2015-16 ESCALADE, SUBURBAN, TAHOE, YUKON, YUKON XL.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗CHEVROLET/GMC: ON TRUCKS/SUVS AFTER HAVING AN OIL AND FILTER CHANGE, THE PRESSURE FOR OIL IS LOW AND SES LIGHT HAD DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P0521 APPEAR. MODEL 2014-15 SILVERADO, SUBURBAN, TAHOE, SIERRA, YUKON, YUKON XL.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗GMC/CHEVROLET: TO ASSIST ENGINEERING PRODUCT FEEDBACK, PARTS FOR DURAMAX DIESEL ENGINE, HAS BEEN PLACED ON RESTRICTIONS, BY PRODUCT QUALITY CENTER (PQC). MODEL 2010-16 DURAMAX.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗GENERAL MOTORS: IN SOME VEHICLES AND TRUCKS, WHEN TRANSFERRING INTAKE MANIFOLD TO REPLACE AN ENGINE LONG SERVICE BLOCK, DUE TO INTERNAL DAMAGE, EXTREME CAUTION MUST BE TAKEN FOR COMPONENT DEBRIS VIA BROKEN, BENT OR MISSING INTAKE VALVES.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2014 GMC Sierra experiences repeated engine lifter failures, most commonly on cylinder 4, linked to the Active Fuel Management (cylinder deactivation) system on both 5.3L and 6.2L engines. Lifters fail without warning during normal driving at 100,000–167,000 miles, causing check engine lights, misfire, and complete loss of power. Dealerships confirm the factory-installed lifters are defective; GM has recommended lifter replacements on repair but owners report lifters failing again within days of installation. Metal contamination from lifter damage can destroy the camshaft, requiring full engine replacement at $7,000–$10,000—repair costs far exceed economical thresholds for many owners.
Radiator cracking is a separate but chronic defect tied to thermostat cycling stress. GM issued Technical Service Bulletin PI1513F and Special Coverage #15829 acknowledging the problem, yet many VINs remain excluded from recall coverage. Radiator failures occur at 50,000–86,000 miles and cost $1,300–$2,900 to fix.
Engine stalling without warning, oil pump failures, and complete engine seizure (timing chain or valve/piston damage) are also reported. Some owners received ECM reprogramming under Recall #14V007 for reduced engine power but the issue recurred. AC condenser leaks and fuel leaks add to the list. Owners across multiple dealers and regions report consistent patterns, suggesting systemic manufacturing or design defects rather than isolated failures.
Same GMC Sierra engine reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2013 · 2015 · 2017
Failure modes owners describe
Lifter failure (cylinder deactivation system defect)
Hydraulic valve lifters, primarily on cylinder 4 but other cylinders also affected, fail under normal driving with no warning signs. Failure leads to bent intake valve pushrods, bent pushrods or rocker arms, loss of cylinder power, and can cascade into camshaft damage and complete engine failure. Multiple owners and dealers confirm this is a systemic defect tied to the GM Active Fuel Management (AFM) / cylinder deactivation system on both 5.3L and 6.2L engines. Lifters installed at the factory are identified as defective by dealerships.
When: 100,000 to 167,000 miles; one case at 149,000 miles after first lifter replacement at 125,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: check engine light illuminates; engine misfire; loss of engine power / reduced power / limp mode; abnormal knocking or lifter noise from engine; low compression in cylinders; shudder when reversing; loss of fuel economy after repair (4-6 mpg drop reported)
Codes mentioned: P0011
Repairs/costs cited: Lifter replacement alone runs $3,000; one case required replacement twice in one week. Full engine replacement or rebuild needed if camshaft damage occurs ($7,000–$10,000 for used engine with 100,000 miles; new non-OEM $8,000–$10,000 in labor and parts). Metal contamination in oil requires additional cleanup.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM aware of the problem; dealerships confirm GM has recommended lifter changes on repair. No recall found in narratives; owners report VINs not listed under applicable recalls. One owner states 'defective/poor design' acknowledged by dealer but 'no fix but to replace with same lifter part number.' Another lifter failed 4 days after replacement.
Radiator stress fractures and coolant leaks
Radiators crack or fracture due to stress from thermostat cycling, causing coolant leaks under the vehicle. Failures occur without warning at low mileage (50,000–86,000 miles) on otherwise well-maintained trucks. GM has issued Technical Service Bulletin PI1513F and Special Coverage #15829 acknowledging cycling of the thermostat may cause stress fractures, yet some affected VINs are excluded from recall coverage.
When: 50,000 to 86,000 miles; 3.5 years old on one vehicle
Symptoms owners cite: fluid leaking under vehicle; coolant smell; radiator visible crack or fracture
Repairs/costs cited: Radiator replacement: one case $1,346.07 total ($648.17 parts, $633.45 labor); another quoted $2,900. Repair cannot be delayed in hot climates (owner driving in 90–105°F temperatures).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM issued TSB 15829 and Bulletin PI1513F acknowledging the defect. Special Coverage #15829 applies to some 2014 models. Owners report GM refused warranty coverage when their VINs were excluded from the recall, directing them to file NHTSA complaints instead.
Engine stalling without warning (multiple causes)
Vehicles stall at low or highway speeds without warning lights. Root causes vary: oil pump low-pressure failure, intake valve or rocker arm damage from lifter failure, fuel injector or ECM issues. One case involved stalling at stop sign and parking; another on incline with rollback. Multiple owners unable to get dealer diagnosis.
When: 15,000 to 186,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: engine stalls without warning; no warning lights illuminated; loss of power at highway speed (55–65 mph); inability to accelerate
Repairs/costs cited: Not repaired in several cases. Oil pump failure noted at 186,000 miles. One case required engine replacement due to seizure from lifter/compression failure.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer referred one owner to NHTSA, stating repairs not covered under recall. Manufacturer stated another vehicle 'functioned as intended' when it rolled backward and stalled.
Oil pump failure and low oil pressure
Oil pump enters low-pressure mode or fails completely, causing engine shutdown as a safety measure. No warning lights precede failure in at least one case.
When: 186,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: engine shuts off while driving; no warning lights illuminated
Repairs/costs cited: Not repaired in narratives; independent mechanic diagnosis only.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Repairs not covered under recall per manufacturer statement.
Engine seizure and timing chain failure
Complete engine failure due to seized engine or broken timing chain. No warning before catastrophic failure. One case involves valve failure leading to piston implosion and engine lockup.
When: 100,000 to 140,274 miles
Symptoms owners cite: check engine light with abnormal knocking sound; warning light on highway then coasting to stop; complete loss of engine power; metal contamination in oil
Repairs/costs cited: Complete engine replacement required. One case: heads removed, mechanics reported 1 gallon of Dexcool in oil pan, valve failure, piston implosion, engine lockup; cost so far $7,500. Another engine replaced at 140,274 miles; 2 cylinders failed due to lifter failure.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One case certified GM dealer performed replacement.
Radiator and AC condenser defects
AC condenser leaks from cracked welds; radiator cracks or fractures. AC failure on pre-owned certified vehicle; condenser on backorder for 45+ days in summer heat.
When: Immediate (1 week after purchase on certified pre-owned); 50,000+ miles on radiator
Symptoms owners cite: AC system loss of cooling; coolant leaking; visible cracks or leaks in condenser/radiator
Repairs/costs cited: AC condenser (part #84211191) replacement required; parts on backorder extending repair time to 45+ days. Radiator replacement cost varies.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Warranty coverage applies (bumper-to-bumper 12 months/12k miles on certified pre-owned), but parts availability delays repair.
Check engine light with reduced engine power (post-recall)
After ECM reprogramming under Recall #14V007, check engine light recurs with 'Engine Power Is Reduced' message on DIC. Engine runs sluggish. Recall software intended to prevent this problem but did not fully resolve it for at least one owner.
When: One week after ECM reprogramming (1/17 recall service; 1/24 failure)
Symptoms owners cite: check engine light illuminates; DIC message 'Engine Power Is Reduced'; sluggish engine performance
Repairs/costs cited: Not repaired in narrative; owner parked per GM recall letter instructions.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall #14V007 involved ECM reprogramming, but problem recurred after service.
Fuel leak from engine
Gasoline leaks from rear of motor and drips onto pavement, creating strong fuel smell in HVAC vents. Safety hazard due to fire risk.
When: Low mileage (narrative does not specify)
Symptoms owners cite: heavy gasoline smell from HVAC vents; large puddle of fuel under vehicle; constant drip from rear of engine
Repairs/costs cited: Owner turned off vehicle and contacted GM dealer; no repair outcome stated in narrative.
Engine vibration and shuddering undiagnosed
Vehicle vibrates at highway speed (65 mph) or shudders when reversing at low speed. Dealers unable to diagnose cause. Replacing tires did not resolve vibration.
When: 9 miles (immediately upon delivery) and during normal driving
Symptoms owners cite: vibration at 65 mph highway speed; shuddering when reversing at low speed
Repairs/costs cited: Tires replaced; failure not remedied. Diagnosis inconclusive.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer referred owner back to dealer for additional diagnostic testing, which did not resolve the issue.
Engine fire (single case)
Vehicle caught fire while parked after dealer recall component replacement two weeks prior. Entire engine compartment consumed. Vehicle only 4 months old.
When: After 4 months of ownership, two weeks after recall service
Symptoms owners cite: vehicle engulfed in flames while parked
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle total loss.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM slow to react; requested owner's insurance investigate before GM would inspect vehicle.
Synthesized from 31 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had engine 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 engine problem on the 2014 GMC Sierra?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 31 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 41,720 and 100,000 miles, with the median around 78,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 41,720; a quarter make it past 100,000. 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/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.