2021 Sierra 1500 Denali
5.3 V8
21k miles
I was driving my truck into work last Tuesday... As I make my last turn, it feels like my engine gives out and I receive "Service Parking Brake", then I get a "Service ESC" shortly thereafter. Engine light also came on. I was able to limp my truck up the hill and in to the parking lot. The truck was making some serious noises and I could feel the loss of power. No previous symptoms or hint this was coming whatsoever; sort of reminded me of when my timing belt went on Christmas Eve (87 Integra) way back in the day...
I called the dealer right away and let them know what happened. I explained that I could not drive it to them and they recommended calling GMC Roadside Service. I let tehm no that I would need a loaner, but was told they did not have anything for me. I did some bitching and complaining, and 30 minutes later, they had a loaner for me. A three year old Buick Encore that was not fun to drive!
After trying Onstar and told they could not help because I am not registered to their plan, I called roadside and get the automated BS which suggested I use the app. Hung up and tried the app - The app sucks, so I called them back and eventually got a human after 15 minutes - damn glad it was not a true emergency. Anyway... 30 minutes later a flatbed had arrived. I asked they guy if he had enough room or if I should back up the truck to make it easier to get it up on the bed. I started it up and put it in reverse for about 10 feet and I can smell oil, started seeing some smoke - oh ******!
The dealer gets my truck in to the service bay the following day, but no word. I call back on Thursday and was told it was a lifter (same thing I found on my first Google search when it happened). I was then told that they would be disassembling the engine to get to all of the cylinders to see how much damage there was, and I should not expect another update until Monday.
Monday morning, I receive a call first thing to let me know that my truck was ready for pick up. Which means it was dine Friday and I could of had it for the weekend, but no big deal... As it turns out, two lifters, a push rod and gaskets were replaced. It sounds like one of the lifters was actually broken in two pieces.
All covered under warranty, so about $3300 to GMC. It seems there are a lot of trucks out their with or with potential to have this issue. No recall as of yet, but there is a service bulletin from GM to the dealers, and it sounds like they are covering the costs in most cases. I have seen cases that were as low as 3k miles, so every 2021 (maybe more) truck may be in play here.
Just wanted to give everyone a head's up on this - Good luck!