# GMC Sierra oil pressure warning light: complaints, recalls and what to do

**Verdict:** Stop driving

- **Owner complaints:** 57
- **Most complaints:** 2019 (18)
- **Related recalls:** 0
- **Verdict:** Stop now

## Quick answer

NHTSA has 57 owner complaints about the oil pressure warning light on the GMC Sierra (2015-2026 models), most for the **2019** model year (18). No recall covers the parts behind this light, so a repair is usually at the owner's cost. Stop driving: No.

## GMC Sierra oil pressure warning light complaints by model year

| Model year | Complaints mentioning the oil pressure light | All complaints that year | Share |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 2019 | 18 | 658 | 3% |
| 2020 | 6 | 484 | 1% |
| 2021 | 7 | 599 | 1% |
| 2022 | 12 | 603 | 2% |
| 2023 | 5 | 506 | 1% |
| 2024 | 8 | 380 | 2% |
| 2025 | 1 | 126 | 1% |

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.

## Is there a recall for the GMC Sierra oil pressure warning light?

Not for the parts behind this light, as of 2026-11-04. The GMC Sierra has 50 recalls for other parts in 2015-2026; see the [GMC Sierra page](/vehicles/gmc-sierra) or check your VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls).

## What GMC Sierra owners report

- "We got it to a dealership and they determined low oil pressure and metal in the oil. My vehicle only has 1185 miles on it." -- owner of a 2025 GMC Sierra, complaint filed 2025
- "Burnt engine oil, breakdown of viscosity, low oil warning light prior to required change, and oil consumption. Multiple events and oil changes with same results of oil fluid conditions and consumptions with low-mileage engine and overall vehicle." -- owner of a 2024 GMC Sierra, complaint filed 2026
- "The dashboard displayed "LOW OIL PRESSURE STOP ENGINE," code P0016, and a transmission warning. I had to move into another lane to reach the shoulder. The sudden loss of propulsion at 2:30am created a serious crash risk because the truck could have been struck by nearby traffic or become disabled on the one-lane..." -- owner of a 2023 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 oil pressure warning light means

The red oil pressure light means oil pressure has dropped too low to protect the engine. The most common cause is a low oil level, but a failing pressure sensor, a worn oil pump, or a clogged pickup can also do it. Pull over and shut the engine off as soon as it is safe; running without oil pressure can destroy the engine in minutes. The most common causes, on any make:

1. **Low oil level** (most common)
2. **Failing oil pressure sensor or switch** (common)
3. **Wrong or very old oil** (less common)
4. **Clogged oil pickup or failing oil pump** (less common)

Full causes, what to do and how to reset it: [Oil pressure warning light](/warning-lights/oil-pressure).

## Frequently asked questions

### Is there a recall for the GMC Sierra oil pressure light?

Not for the parts behind this light, as of 2026-11-04. A repair is usually at the owner's cost unless the car is under warranty. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, since new recalls are added often.

### Which GMC Sierra years have the most oil pressure light complaints?

In NHTSA's database the 2019, 2022 and 2024 Sierra model years have the most complaints mentioning the oil pressure warning light, with 18 for 2019. 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 oil pressure light on?

Stop driving. No. Stop driving as soon as it is safe and shut off the engine. Only drive again if adding oil turns the light off immediately and the engine sounds normal; otherwise have it towed.

### 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
- [Check engine light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/gmc-sierra): 540 complaints
- [Coolant temperature warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/gmc-sierra): 58 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

## Oil pressure warning light on other models

- [Kia Soul](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure/kia-soul): 230 complaints
- [Kia Sorento](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure/kia-sorento): 216 complaints
- [Hyundai Tucson](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure/hyundai-tucson): 202 complaints
- [Hyundai Santa Fe](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure/hyundai-santa-fe): 175 complaints
- [Hyundai Sonata](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure/hyundai-sonata): 168 complaints
- [Kia K5](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure/kia-k5): 159 complaints
- [Jeep Compass](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure/jeep-compass): 100 complaints
- [Kia Sportage](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure/kia-sportage): 76 complaints
- [Hyundai Elantra](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure/hyundai-elantra): 72 complaints
- [Jeep Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure/jeep-cherokee): 64 complaints

## GMC Sierra

- [GMC Sierra specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/gmc-sierra)

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Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure/gmc-sierra
Updated: 2026-11-04
General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.
