PROBLEM GUIDE

2014–2016 GMC Sierra 1500 Common Problems

Here's what owners are experiencing, based on our research of real owner reports and repair data.

Last updated June 2026

858

complaints filed for the 2014 model year

2014–2016

Model years affected

$5,000 – $6,611

Typical repair cost, by problem

Active Fuel Management (AFM) lifter failures, timing chain breaks, and oil pump failures are attributed by dealerships directly to the GM cylinder deactivation system. The same AFM failures are reported on the Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Suburban, Cadillac Escalade, and Chevrolet Silverado. Separately, two of this generation's recall campaigns are the same ones issued for the Chevrolet Silverado, which shares its platform.

Quick Scan: 20 Issues

Click a problem for the full write-up — symptoms, what we found, and typical repair costs where we have them.

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PROBLEM DETAILS

AFM lifter failures, dealer-attributed to the cylinder deactivation system

Timing chain breaks, oil pump failures

Check engine light: On

Active Fuel Management (AFM) lifter failures, timing chain breaks, and oil pump failures occur, with dealerships reportedly confirming the defect "as a direct result of the GM cylinder deactivation system."

$5,800 – $6,611164,000 – 234,000 mi

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6L80E transmission failures

Harsh shifting, torque converter issues

Check engine light: On

6L80E transmission failures cause harsh shifting, torque converter issues, and transmission shuddering.

$5,00062,000 mi

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Power steering loss at low speeds

Sudden stiffness, electrical steering failures

Check engine light: On

Power steering loss occurs at low speeds, with sudden stiffness and electrical steering failures.

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Brake vacuum pump failures

Reduced braking, hard pedal, loss of brake assist

Check engine light: On

Brake vacuum pump failures cause reduced braking at low speeds, a hard pedal, and loss of brake assist — the same problem is reported on the Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Silverado, and Chevrolet Suburban.

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Premature frame rust, cracking despite repairs

"Frame cracking despite previous repairs"

Check engine light: Off

Premature frame rust and corrosion occur, with owners reporting "frame cracking despite previous repairs."

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Transfer case electrical short, shift to neutral; oil cooler line fire risk

Recalls 14V374000 and 14V152000, shared with the Silverado

Check engine light: Off

A transfer case electrical short can cause an unwanted shift to neutral (recall 14V374000), and a transmission oil cooler line fire risk is separately covered (recall 14V152000) — both campaigns also cover the Chevrolet Silverado, which shares this platform.

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4WD Transfer Case Position Sensor/Selector Switch May Fail

The 4WD transfer case position sensor or selector switch may fail

Check engine light: On

The 4WD transfer case position sensor or selector switch may fail. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 460 owner reports on file.

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Heating and AC Temperature and Air Delivery Mode Door Actuators May Fail

Heating and AC temperature and air delivery mode door actuators may fail

Check engine light: Off

Heating and AC temperature and air delivery mode door actuators may fail. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 267 owner reports on file.

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Fuel Level Sensor Failure

The fuel level sensor may fail

Check engine light: On

The fuel level sensor may fail. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 173 owner reports on file.

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Steering May Develop Clunk Noise From Upper Intermediate Steering Shaft

Steering may develop a clunk noise from the upper intermediate steering shaft

Check engine light: Off

Steering may develop a clunk noise from the upper intermediate steering shaft. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 107 owner reports on file.

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Inside and Exterior Door Handles May Break

Inside and exterior door handles may break

Check engine light: Off

Inside and exterior door handles may break. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 139 owner reports on file.

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Speedometer or Other Instrument Panel Gauge May Work Erratically

The speedometer or other instrument panel gauge may work erratically

Check engine light: Off

The speedometer or other instrument panel gauge may work erratically. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 95 owner reports on file.

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Daytime Running Lights Are Prone to Burning Out

Daytime running lights are prone to burning out

Check engine light: Off

Daytime running lights are prone to burning out. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 59 owner reports on file.

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"No Start" Caused by Failed Fuel Pump

A "no start" condition is caused by a failed fuel pump

Check engine light: On

A "no start" condition is caused by a failed fuel pump. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 41 owner reports on file.

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Reduced Power and Check Engine Light

Reduced power occurs along with the check engine light

Check engine light: On

Reduced power occurs along with the check engine light. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 35 owner reports on file.

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CD Player May Fail Due to Internal Fault in Radio

The CD player may fail due to an internal fault in the radio

Check engine light: Off

The CD player may fail due to an internal fault in the radio. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 32 owner reports on file.

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ABS Light Due to Poor Electrical Ground Under the Battery Tray

The ABS light illuminates due to a poor electrical ground under the battery tray

Check engine light: On

The ABS light illuminates due to a poor electrical ground under the battery tray. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 25 owner reports on file.

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Turn Signal Switch May Fail and Cause Clicking Noise

The turn signal switch may fail and cause a clicking noise

Check engine light: Off

The turn signal switch may fail and cause a clicking noise. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 23 owner reports on file.

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Steering Wheel Position Sensor May Fail

The steering wheel position sensor may fail

Check engine light: On

The steering wheel position sensor may fail. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 23 owner reports on file.

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Check Engine Light Due to Gas Cap Issue

The check engine light illuminates due to a gas cap issue

Check engine light: On

The check engine light illuminates due to a gas cap issue. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 23 owner reports on file.

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Recall 14V374000 (shared with the Chevrolet Silverado) covers a transfer-case electrical short. Enter your VIN to get the confirmed, current recall picture for your specific car.

The information on this page is for general educational purposes only and is not a diagnosis. It is compiled from aggregated owner-reported data and publicly available sources, not from an inspection of your vehicle. Symptoms described here can have multiple causes, and the presence of a commonly reported problem does not mean your vehicle has it. Repair cost ranges are estimates that vary by region, shop, vehicle condition, and parts availability. Recall and service campaign information may be incomplete or out of date — verify current recall status with NHTSA or your manufacturer. MyGearGuru is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any vehicle manufacturer; manufacturer and model names are used for identification only. Always consult a qualified technician before making repair decisions.

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