I've had plenty of GMC in the bay over the years, and the engine complaints on these don't surprise me. 3,523 on the NHTSA record across 97 model-year entries (2005–2025) is not a fluke. The complaints are spread across the lineup — no single model is doing all the work. That tells you it's an engineering or supplier pattern, not a one-off bad year. 43 fire reports on the federal record — not common in this category but documented and worth weight. Repair exposure averages $3,100, which is meaningful money outside warranty. Across the 1,272 complaints reporting odometer mileage, the median failure lands at about 78,731 miles. Budget for a real pre-purchase inspection — compression and leakdown test, not just a code scan. Both are cheap and tell you what is left in the engine.
ProblemsByVin GMC / ENGINE
97 model-year entries · 2005–2025
GMC engine problems
3,523 owner complaints filed with NHTSA against GMC vehicles for engine issues. See engine across all makes →
Complaints
3,523
Recalls
0
Year-models
97
Avg fix
$3,100
13crashes
43fires
18injuries
Worst-affected GMC model-years for engine Top 25 by complaint volume
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
2019 GMC Sierra
205 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2021 GMC Sierra
202 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2022 GMC Sierra
174 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2013 GMC Terrain
152 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2020 GMC Sierra
149 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2023 GMC Sierra
145 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2021 GMC Yukon
128 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2024 GMC Sierra
126 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2011 GMC Terrain
123 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2012 GMC Terrain
113 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2023 GMC Yukon
109 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2021 GMC Yukon XL
95 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2014 GMC Terrain
93 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2023 GMC Yukon XL
92 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2022 GMC Yukon XL
81 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2010 GMC Terrain
70 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2024 GMC Yukon
69 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2022 GMC Yukon
66 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2010 GMC Acadia
66 complaints · ~$3,100 severe
2015 GMC Terrain
60 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2008 GMC Acadia
59 complaints · ~$3,100 severe
2017 GMC Terrain
57 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2015 GMC Sierra
49 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2005 GMC Sierra
44 complaints · ~$3,100 severe
2007 GMC Yukon
41 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
Common questions
How many GMC engine complaints are on file with NHTSA?
3,523 complaints across 97 model-year entries from 2005 to 2025. No active recall campaigns currently cover this category for GMC.
Which GMC model has the most engine complaints?
The 2019 GMC Sierra leads with 205 complaints in this category. Next: 2021 Sierra (202) and 2022 Sierra (174).
What does it cost to fix GMC engine problems?
Independent shops average $3,100 for engine repairs across the GMC lineup. Dealer pricing tends to run twenty to forty percent higher. Specific cost depends on the failure mode and parts availability.
Are there GMC engine recalls?
No active NHTSA recalls currently cover engine issues on GMC vehicles. The complaints are owner-reported and have not risen to a manufacturer recall.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database.
Editorial commentary written by Mark Driver, an independent contributor to ProblemsByVin
and not affiliated with GMC.
Severity ratings derive from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities on the NHTSA complaint and recall record.
Repair cost averages reflect independent-shop pricing and may differ in your area.