GMC Complaints

So the ultimate failure is from a catastrophically failed crankshaft journal thrust bearing. Which could be caused from one of two things: 1) The crankshaft thrust bearings they are putting in these motors are made with inferior materials, probably cheap Chinese crap or 2) The crankshaft end play tolerance was never set properly, giving the crankshaft the ability to move forward and backward in the engine more than it was designed to. Which will over time beat up on the thrust bearing until it fails. In either case it would result in the same progressive issue showing itself. It will start as a squeak here and there. Which, as the soft thrust bearing material is unable to hold the proper oil film thickness for lubrication, will spiral into more and more heat being sent into the adjacent components, plus the buildup of metal particles being sent through the entire engine oiling system. Which will then start killing connecting rod and crankshaft bearings one by one. If the engine survived to this point, it’s now a ticking time bomb. It is either going to just seize up and not run anymore or the exciting route would be a connecting rod breaks and makes a window sized hole in the side of the engine block.

The contact owns a 2018 GMC Acadia. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speed, the steering assist reduced warning light illuminated. The contact's husband attached a portable diagnostic tester to the vehicle, and P0128 was the failure code. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall related to the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline and report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.

We keep getting an error message that shows we need to service DEF SYSTEM, it also started to limit my MPH and is now locked at 55 MPH. initial check of the DEF SYSTEM shows a malfunctioning module. it has been happening over the last year to 18 months. they would reset it or it would sometimes go away on its own after having to drive it in order for the error to clear.

The contact owns a 2019 GMC Acadia. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the shift to parking warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the failure occurred while the vehicle was parked. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, however the failure was not duplicated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall related to the failure. The dealer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline and report the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

On 05/30/26, During normal operation of my vehicle (2022 GMC Sierra Elevation) at about 50MPH the Upper Grille Molding became detached while on the Highway. The safety of other cars or motorcycles was placed at risk because the part could have impaled or impacted myself through a windshield or someone driving behind me. The problem has been known to exist in other similar models and an existing recall does exist for those models (N242490120 Chrome Grille Deflector May Detach). On 06/01/26 the vehicle was taken to a Kelly Buick GMC, INC where it was assessed. According to the representative, even though I have not been the only one to report the problem with a different model than that specified on the recall number, they refused to cover the cost of repairs because my VIN does not fall into the recall specifications. Absolutely no other symptoms were noted prior to the part failure no rattling, whistling or any visible signs.

Upon accelerating on the freeway, rear wheels locked up completely almost causing me to hit multiple vehicles. Was repeatable and was able to record the event. Manufacturer claims unable to reproduce and bring back if it happens again. No lights were set.

1.XXX XX— GM Recall Notification (Recall No. N252494000) I received official notification from General Motors of Recall N252494000 affecting my vehicle. I brought the vehicle to [XXX] as directed to have the recall remedy performed. 2. XXX — First Report of Engine Propulsion Issues I reported engine propulsion concerns to Jim Ellis. This was my first formal complaint regarding the performance of the vehicle following the recall remedy. 3. XXX — Oil Type Change Performed by Jim Ellis Jim Ellis performed an engine oil type change, switching to 0W-40 oil, and advised me that this change would serve as the fix for Recall N252494000. I accepted this remedy in good faith. 4. XXX — Low Oil Warning Light Activated Approximately nine months after the recall remedy, and well before the end of the recommended oil life cycle, the low oil warning light activated on my dashboard. This is abnormal and indicative of excessive oil consumption. I returned to Jim Ellis, who performed a fresh oil change and placed my vehicle on a 6,000-mile oil consumption test — an acknowledgment that an oil consumption problem exists. 5. XXX — Active Engine Misfires, Jerking, and Flashing Check Engine Light While operating my vehicle on Sunday, May 31, 2026, I experienced severe engine jerking and misfires. The check engine light began flashing — not steady — which I understand to indicate an active and serious engine misfire event. I was genuinely concerned for my personal safety and immediately parked the vehicle. It has not been driven since. 6. XXX — GM Corporate Case Opened I contacted GM Customer Care and was assigned Corporate Case Number INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The vehicle received the official N252494001 recall oil remedy on 06/27/2025 at 15,438 miles (but suffered catastrophic engine failure and loss of propulsion at 33,661 miles on 05/30/2026).

Catastrophic engine failure the connecting rod went through the block. It is my understanding that Defective Components: Manufacturing defects in the connecting rods and crankshafts can reduce oil film strength, leading to severe wear, metal debris, and catastrophic engine could be the proiblem

Heard clanging noise under hood as I was driving and truck just stopped. Tried to restart and nothing! Towed to dealership where they found the engine has to be replaced.