# GMC Sierra check engine light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Drive to a shop this week - **Owner complaints:** 540 - **Most complaints:** 2021 (109) - **Related recalls:** 8 - **Verdict:** This week ## Quick answer NHTSA has 540 owner complaints about the check engine light on the GMC Sierra (2015-2026 models), most for the **2021** model year (109). There are **8 recalls** for related parts; check yours by VIN. Drive to a shop this week: With a steady light and a car that drives normally, yes, it is usually safe to keep driving for a few days while you get the code read. ## GMC Sierra check engine light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the check engine light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2015 | 24 | 818 | 3% | | 2016 | 4 | 50 | 8% | | 2017 | 32 | 431 | 7% | | 2018 | 20 | 305 | 7% | | 2019 | 93 | 658 | 14% | | 2020 | 82 | 484 | 17% | | 2021 | 109 | 599 | 18% | | 2022 | 64 | 603 | 11% | | 2023 | 61 | 506 | 12% | | 2024 | 28 | 380 | 7% | | 2025 | 12 | 126 | 10% | | 2026 | 11 | 81 | 14% | Counts are complaints filed with NHTSA whose description mentions this light. They show where owners have had trouble, not a failure rate: popular years collect more complaints simply because more cars are on the road. ## GMC Sierra recalls related to the check engine light **[26V289000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=26V289000)** (2026 models, reported 2026-05-07, **park outside / do not drive advisory**): Front or rear wheel lockup increases the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the remedy is completed. Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the transfer case assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 18, 2026. **[26V083000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=26V083000)** (2020-2022 models, reported 2026-02-13): Rear wheel lock up increases the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Dealers will inspect the vehicles and update the transmission control software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 6, 2026. **[25V274000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=25V274000)** (2021-2024 models, reported 2025-04-24): Engine failure increases the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Dealers will inspect the engine, and as necessary, repair or replace the engine. For vehicles that pass inspection, dealers will add higher viscosity oil, install 6 oil fill cap, replace the oil filter, and update the owner's manual. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed... **[24V797000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=24V797000)** (2020-2022 models, reported 2024-10-24): Rear wheel lock-up can increase the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Dealers will install new transmission control module software, free of charge. GM will provide a special coverage program to cover the repair of transmissions that are identified by the remedy software as containing a defective control valve. Owner notification letters were mailed December 12, 2024. **[20V650000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=20V650000)** (2019-2020 models, reported 2020-10-22): If the driveshaft separates, there may be a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of crash. **Remedy:** GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driveshaft, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin December 2020. **[19V837000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=19V837000)** (2020 models, reported 2019-11-21): Over-pressurization can crack the fuel pump and cause leaks, increasing the risk of a fire in the presence of an ignition source. **Remedy:** GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began December 18, 2019. **[14V819000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=14V819000)** (2015 models, reported 2014-12-24): If the rear axle shaft fractures, the rear wheel may separate from the axle shaft, increasing the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear axles, and replace any that were improperly heat-treated, free of charge. The recall began on December 17,2014. **[14V374000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=14V374000)** (2015 models, reported 2014-06-27): If the transfer case switches to neutral while the vehicle is parked and the parking brake is not in use, the vehicle may roll away increasing the risk of injury to bystanders. If the transfer case switches to neutral while the vehicle is being driven, the vehicle would lose drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** GM will notify owners, and dealers will re-program the software in the transfer case control module, free of charge. The recall began in early August 2014. Recall repairs are free at any GMC dealer. Enter your 17-character VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) to see whether yours is still open. ## What GMC Sierra owners report - "No check engine light comes on or any other message. When it does this, the truck goes into park. It has been to the dealership 3 times and has not been fixed!" -- owner of a 2026 GMC Sierra, complaint filed 2026 - "Upon restarting the vehicle after failure, the engine light did turn on. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)" -- owner of a 2025 GMC Sierra, complaint filed 2026 - "There were no codes or check engine lights on this time either. The service records state that the starter mount stud was loose." -- owner of a 2024 GMC Sierra, complaint filed 2026 Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly cleaned for reading. They are owners' own accounts and have not been verified. ## What the check engine light means The check engine light means the engine computer has stored a diagnostic trouble code for an emissions, engine or transmission fault. Common causes include a loose gas cap, a failing oxygen sensor, a worn catalytic converter, and misfires from plugs or coils. A steady light is usually not an emergency, but a flashing light means a severe misfire and you should reduce speed and get it checked right away. The most common causes, on any make: 1. **Loose gas cap or EVAP system leak** (common) 2. **Failing oxygen sensor** (common) 3. **Catalytic converter efficiency below threshold** (common) 4. **Misfire from worn spark plugs or ignition coils** (common) Full causes, what to do and how to reset it: [Check engine light](/warning-lights/check-engine). ## Frequently asked questions ### Is there a recall for the GMC Sierra check engine light? Yes. NHTSA lists 8 related recalls (26V289000, 26V083000, 25V274000, 24V797000, 20V650000, 19V837000, 14V819000, 14V374000) covering 2015-2026 models. Recall repairs are free; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is open. ### Which GMC Sierra years have the most check engine light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2019, 2020 and 2021 Sierra model years have the most complaints mentioning the check engine light, with 109 for 2021. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen. ### Is it safe to drive a GMC Sierra with the check engine light on? Drive to a shop this week. With a steady light and a car that drives normally, yes, it is usually safe to keep driving for a few days while you get the code read. If the light is flashing, the engine runs very rough, or the temperature or oil light also comes on, stop driving and have it checked. ### How do I check if my GMC Sierra has an open recall? Enter the 17-character VIN from your dashboard or registration at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask any GMC dealer. Open recalls are fixed free of charge, even if you are not the first owner. ## Sources - [NHTSA: Vehicle safety complaints and recalls (api.nhtsa.gov)](https://www.nhtsa.gov/nhtsa-datasets-and-apis) - [NHTSA: Check for recalls by VIN](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) ## Other GMC Sierra warning lights - [ABS warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/abs/gmc-sierra): 37 complaints - [Airbag (SRS) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/gmc-sierra): 18 complaints - [Brake warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/gmc-sierra): 206 complaints - [Coolant temperature warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/gmc-sierra): 58 complaints - [Oil pressure warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure/gmc-sierra): 57 complaints - [Power steering warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/gmc-sierra): 212 complaints - [Traction control light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/gmc-sierra): 180 complaints ## Check engine light on other models - [Ford Escape](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/ford-escape): 2245 complaints - [Ford Edge](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/ford-edge): 1380 complaints - [Chevrolet Silverado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chevrolet-silverado): 911 complaints - [Kia Soul](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/kia-soul): 785 complaints - [Hyundai Sonata](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-sonata): 731 complaints - [Hyundai Tucson](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-tucson): 705 complaints - [Chevrolet Malibu](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chevrolet-malibu): 666 complaints - [Chrysler Pacifica](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chrysler-pacifica): 630 complaints - [Hyundai Santa Fe](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-santa-fe): 602 complaints - [Jeep Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/jeep-cherokee): 587 complaints ## GMC Sierra - [GMC Sierra specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/gmc-sierra) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/gmc-sierra Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.