VehicleVerdict

2023 GMC Sierra 1500 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 carries two red flags at once: 542 consumer complaints filed with NHTSA — 2.5× the Sierra 1500 norm — and an open NHTSA defect investigation (subject: Loss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedy). It is one of the Sierra 1500 years to avoid.

Engine leads the complaint categories with 198 reports (37% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

542

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

3

Investigations · 2 open

9

Crash-involved

4

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2023 compare to other Sierra 1500 years?

Sierra 1500 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2023 highlighted1,025 complaints1994: 15 complaints1995: 3 complaints1996: 7 complaints1997: 100 complaints1998: 68 complaints1999: 182 complaints2000: 215 complaints2001: 171 complaints2002: 192 complaints2003: 210 complaints2004: 253 complaints2005: 218 complaints2006: 182 complaints2007: 310 complaints2008: 439 complaints2009: 280 complaints2010: 216 complaints2011: 362 complaints2012: 146 complaints2013: 147 complaints2014: 1,025 complaints2015: 923 complaints2016: 440 complaints2017: 472 complaints2018: 415 complaints2019: 856 complaints2020: 648 complaints2021: 704 complaints2022: 699 complaints2023: 542 complaints2024: 431 complaints2025: 141 complaints2026: 84 complaints
Sierra 1500 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2023 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Sierra 1500 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine19837%
Transmission7814%
Body & Structure6011%
Electrical System5510%
Other438%
Fuel System265%
Driver Assistance234%
Brakes132%
Lighting102%
Steering92%
Speed Control81%
Visibility & Wipers71%
Latches & Locks51%
Suspension20%
Tires & Wheels20%
Airbags20%
Seat Belts10%

Does the 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

25V274000EngineApril 24, 2025 · 597,571 units

Defect

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with a 6.2L V8 gas engine. The connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure.

Consequence

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 June 18, 2025. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N252494000.

24V674000BrakesSeptember 12, 2024 · 449,671 units

Defect

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2023-2024 Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade, and Escalade ESV vehicles. The electronic brake control module software may fail to display a warning light when a loss of brake fluid occurs. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Vehicle Safety Standard number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."

Consequence

Without a warning light, the vehicle may be driven with low brake fluid, which can reduce braking performance and increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

The Electronic Brake Control Module (eBCM) software will be updated through an over-the-air (OTA) update or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 25, 2024. Owners can contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N242447990.

22V903000LightingDecember 8, 2022 · 740,108 units

Defect

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Cadillac CT4 and CT5; 2021-2023 Buick Envision; and 2022-2023 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The daytime running lights (DRLs) may not deactivate when the headlights are on. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Consequence

DRLs that do not deactivate as intended may result in a glare, reducing visibility, and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

The body control module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 23, 2023. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N222386380. This recall expands previous recall number 22V-827.

Open NHTSA investigations

RQ26001

Loss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedy

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 36 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) alleging engine failure in vehicles subject to Recall 25V274. In each VOQ, the engine had the recall remedy completed prior to the reported failure incident. Recall 25V-274 addresses vehicles equipped with a L87 6.2L V8 gas engine that experienced engine damage or failure. Recall 25V-274’s remedy includes an engine inspection.  Based on the results of the inspection the vehicle will receive an oil change to a higher viscosity oil or an engine replacement.  The complaints received allege failures of both remedies. ODI is opening this Recall Query (RQ) to assess the adequacy of the remedy for Recall 25V-274. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

EA25007

Loss of motive power due to engine failure

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 1,157 reports of engine bearing failure failures in the L87 6.2L engine produced by General Motors (GM). Of the 1,157 reports received, 173 are outside of the scope of recall 25V-274. These engines are installed in Model Years (MY) 2019–2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500, and 2021-2024MY Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe, GMC Yukon/Yukon XL, and Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV vehicles. The subject engine failures were investigated as part of a Preliminary Evaluation (PE25001).  GM determined that these engine failures were due to multiple supplier manufacturing and quality issues. GM issued recall 25V-274 to address the supplier manufacturing and quality issues produced between March 1, 2021, and May 31, 2024. Based on the issuance of recall 25V-274, NHTSA has closed PE25001. ODI continues to receive a significant number of reports of engine failure in vehicles outside the scope of 25V-274.  This presents a potential safety risk that warrants further investigation.  ODI is opening this Engineering Analysis (EA) to further evaluate the scope and severity of the potential problem and to fully assess the potential safety-related issues of vehicles built outside the recall scope. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“While towing my boat to the Florida Keys, I encountered a series of mechanical issues on Interstate 75. The engine’s exhaust became excessively loud, causing the engine to abruptly shut off. Despite successfully maneuvering into the safety lane, I was unable to restart the engine. I promptly…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · April 3, 2025 · crash

“Vehicle's 10 speed transmission on numerous occasions has locked the wheels at high rates of speed on the highway, causing the vehicle to veer across several lanes and almost crash. Vehicle will not always engage in drive selection causing a filed accident while trying to go from reverse to drive.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · June 20, 2025 · crash

“While driving on Interstate 10 at 70 mph the upper section of the front grille broke off. After the part broke off it contacted my windshield before continuing to fly off behind him. Not only putting me in danger but also anyone traveling behind me. From online research the is a recall for this…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · February 10, 2026

“The contact owned a 2023 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked on the driveway, it caught on fire. The contact was inside the residence when a passerby knocked on the door and informed the contact of the fire. A neighbor helped extinguish the fire. When the contact…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · January 31, 2026 · fire

“I was driving down I-25 interstate and the sunroof exploded outward on the vehicle and sounded like i shot gun going off in the vehicle. I did experience a hard breaking situation due to the loud noise, no traffic accident from this situation. Called GMC service and warranty department and glass is…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · April 8, 2026

2023 GMC Sierra 1500 — common questions

Is the 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 542 complaints put the 2023 model at #7 of 33 Sierra 1500 years, and a defect investigation remains open. It is one of the Sierra 1500 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2023 Sierra 1500 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (198 complaints), transmission (78 complaints), body & structure (60 complaints).

Does the 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2023 GMC Sierra 1500. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 under NHTSA investigation?

Yes — 2 investigations remain open (Loss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedy). An open ODI action means NHTSA is actively assessing a possible defect.

Which GMC Sierra 1500 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Sierra 1500 years to avoid are 2014, 2015, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2020, 2023, 2017, 2016, 2008, 2024, 2018, 2011, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2013, 2012. The cleanest record among Sierra 1500 years belongs to 1995.

How safe is the 2023 GMC Sierra 1500?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.