VehicleVerdict

2023 GMC Sierra 3500 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 41 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.7 times the median Sierra 3500 year — the 2023 model ranks #4 of 31 Sierra 3500 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Transmission leads the complaint categories with 13 reports (32% of the total).

41

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

10

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2023 compare to other Sierra 3500 years?

Sierra 3500 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2023 highlighted72 complaints1996: 2 complaints1997: 15 complaints1998: 12 complaints1999: 25 complaints2000: 30 complaints2001: 44 complaints2002: 29 complaints2003: 9 complaints2004: 29 complaints2005: 29 complaints2006: 14 complaints2007: 19 complaints2008: 27 complaints2009: 8 complaints2010: 2 complaints2011: 24 complaints2012: 15 complaints2013: 15 complaints2014: 10 complaints2015: 40 complaints2016: 27 complaints2017: 18 complaints2018: 20 complaints2019: 19 complaints2020: 72 complaints2021: 28 complaints2022: 39 complaints2023: 41 complaints2024: 62 complaints2025: 25 complaints2026: 3 complaints
Sierra 3500 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2023 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Sierra 3500 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2023 GMC Sierra 3500 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission1332%
Driver Assistance717%
Electrical System410%
Tires & Wheels410%
Engine410%
Other37%
Brakes25%
Fuel System12%
Airbags12%
Latches & Locks12%
Steering12%

Does the 2023 GMC Sierra 3500 have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

24V060000Latches & LocksFebruary 1, 2024 · 570,434 units

Defect

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles equipped with power-unlatching tailgates. The tailgate's electronic gate-release switch may short circuit due to water intrusion, which can result in the tailgate inadvertently unlatching while the vehicle is in park.

Consequence

An unlatched tailgate may open while driving and result in a loss of unsecured cargo, creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Owners are advised to check that the tailgate is closed and latched before driving. Dealers will replace the exterior touchpad switch assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 17, 2024. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N232426400.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“While out of Town driving back home Wheel lock up on my 3500hd dually 2023 gmc .. vehicle had shudder effect and from 75 to 25 mph drasticly and engine reduced power light came on and wouldn’t come out of drive and then after stopping vehicle To cement parking safety block the vehicle had…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · May 3, 2026 · crash

“On Christmas Day 2025 my Tailgate flies open on its own and I see my cargo flying out and a piece of it bounced off my taillight passenger side braking the taillight and then when attempting to pull over my lane departing feature try’s to correct its self and I hit the median luckily at slower…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · December 25, 2025 · crash

“While out of Town driving back home Wheel lock up on my 3500hd dually 2023 gmc .. vehicle had shudder effect and from 75 to 25 mph drasticly and engine reduced power light came on and wouldn’t come out of drive and then after stopping vehicle To cement parking safety block the vehicle had…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · May 3, 2026 · crash

“There are 2 issues with this vehicle: #1) The rear window defrost causes an electrical issue that melted the plastic on our rear sliding window. Dealer claims we put something hot against the window but we did not. This appeared after we used the rear defrost. Several other owners have complained…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · January 1, 2024

“While out of Town driving back home Wheel lock up on my 3500hd dually 2023 gmc .. vehicle had shudder effect and from 75 to 25 mph drasticly and engine reduced power light came on and wouldn’t come out of drive and then after stopping vehicle To cement parking safety block the vehicle had…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · May 3, 2026 · crash

2023 GMC Sierra 3500 — common questions

Is the 2023 GMC Sierra 3500 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 41 complaints put the 2023 model at #4 of 31 Sierra 3500 years. It is one of the Sierra 3500 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2023 Sierra 3500 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (13 complaints), driver assistance (7 complaints), engine (4 complaints).

Does the 2023 GMC Sierra 3500 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2023 GMC Sierra 3500. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which GMC Sierra 3500 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Sierra 3500 years to avoid are 2020, 2024, 2001, 2023, 2015, 2022, 2008, 2011, 2007, 2013, 2012, 2014, 2009, 2010. The cleanest record among Sierra 3500 years belongs to 1996.

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.