I've had plenty of GMC in the bay over the years, and the engine complaints on these don't surprise me. 3,687 on the NHTSA record across 100 model-year entries (2005–2026) 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. 44 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 1,295 complaints reporting odometer mileage, the median failure lands at about 78,827 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
100 model-year entries · 2005–2026
GMC engine problems
3,687 owner complaints filed with NHTSA against GMC vehicles for engine issues. See engine across all makes →
Complaints
3,687
Recalls
0
Year-models
100
Avg fix
$3,100
13crashes
44fires
22injuries
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
220 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2021 GMC Sierra
217 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2022 GMC Sierra
177 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2020 GMC Sierra
158 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2023 GMC Sierra
154 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2013 GMC Terrain
152 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2021 GMC Yukon
140 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2024 GMC Sierra
133 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2011 GMC Terrain
123 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2023 GMC Yukon
114 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2012 GMC Terrain
114 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2021 GMC Yukon XL
99 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2023 GMC Yukon XL
95 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2014 GMC Terrain
93 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2022 GMC Yukon XL
84 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2024 GMC Yukon
78 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2022 GMC Yukon
73 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2010 GMC Terrain
70 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2010 GMC Acadia
67 complaints · ~$3,100 severe
2015 GMC Terrain
61 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?
3,687 complaints across 100 model-year entries from 2005 to 2026. No active recall campaigns currently cover this category for GMC.
Which GMC model has the most engine complaints?
The 2019 GMC Sierra leads with 220 complaints in this category. Next: 2021 Sierra (217) and 2022 Sierra (177).
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.