Too new to judge fully
It has been on the road 3 years, so complaints are still coming in. So far it has fewer than a typical older Sierra 1500 year, which is normal for a newer car. The area owners report most so far is the engine and cooling, which half of owners reported by about 22,000 miles.
Based on owner complaints to NHTSA, compared with other Sierra 1500 years from 2012 to 2024. A good year can still be a bad car, so check the one you are looking at.
Owners have filed 515 complaints with NHTSA about the 2023 GMC Sierra 1500. The most reported problem area is the engine and cooling (238, 46% of complaints), followed by the body, doors and structure and the transmission and drivetrain. That ranks 6th of 13 Sierra 1500 years from 2012 to 2024 for complaints. It has 3 recalls.
1 of these complaints came from Utah owners.
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Start my car searchMost reported problems
Problem areas ranked by how many complaints mention them. One complaint can name more than one area. Open an area to see what to check on a 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 before you buy.
Engine and cooling
238 complaintsStalling, misfires, oil consumption, leaks, overheating and engine failure.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 22,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Ask the seller not to warm the car up, and start it cold. Listen for ticking, knocking or a rough idle in the first minute.
- Pull the oil dipstick and the oil cap. Low oil, a gasoline smell or a milky film on the cap are reasons to walk away or get an inspection.
- Plug in an OBD2 scanner. Stored or pending codes matter, and so do readiness monitors that show "not ready", which usually means the codes were cleared right before the sale.
- Ask for oil change records. A gap in the records on a model known for engine complaints is a negotiating point at minimum.
Tools that help
What owners said
My vehicle has now been at the dealer two times for issues with the engine. The first time they said my lifters needed to be replaced. They rebuilt the engine to replace the lifters and other engine parts. I picked the truck up and two days later I was driving home and the engine quit on me and I had to pull to the side of the road. I…Owner complaint, filed 2026
Information related to GMC 25V274 recall for 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 6.2L. Recall oil change inspection and change of oil to higher viscosity performed summer of 2025 (prior to my ownership). On May 17, 2026 the Truck lost engine power without warning and would not start again. Fortunately I was on a road and location where I could coast…Owner complaint, filed 2026
Body, doors and structure
102 complaintsRust, doors and liftgates that will not latch, leaks, and frame or structure concerns.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 49,000 miles. Parts named most: Body (86).
What to check before you buy
- Look underneath with a flashlight. Utah road salt is hard on frames, brake lines and the bottoms of doors.
- Open and close every door, the hood and the liftgate, and lock and unlock each one.
- Use a paint thickness gauge and compare panels. A panel that reads very differently from the rest has likely been repaired.
Tools that help
What owners said
The bezel that attaches to the top of the grill flew off while I drove down the interstate. It went over my truck and almost hit the car behind me and in the lane next to me. The mounting points failed and most of them as still connected to the grill. The grill has some broken plastic mounting and several cracks in the grill around the…Owner complaint, filed 2026
The contact owns a 2023 GMC Sierra 1500. While driving 70 MPH, the upper grille deflector detached and flew over the top of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the upper grille deflector needed to be replaced. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Action Number: RQ26003 (Structure). The…Owner complaint, filed 2026, at 85,000 miles
Transmission and drivetrain
93 complaintsHarsh or delayed shifts, slipping, shuddering, CVT whine, and drivetrain clunks.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 44,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Drive it from cold if you can. Shifts should be smooth in every gear, including reverse.
- Feel for slipping (revs rise without the car speeding up), shudder at low speed and a delay when you put it in gear.
- Listen for whining, which is a common CVT complaint, and clunks when you go from drive to reverse.
- If it has 4WD or AWD, engage it on the test drive and ask when the transmission and differential fluids were last changed.
Tools that help
What owners said
The shifter shorted out. This gave me one message, Service transmission right away. I drove 10miles home & scheduled service right away. The next day I started truck up and it said unable to shift soon. This is a wide known problem with the GMC Sierra. How many people have to sit on the side of the road with this known defect.Owner complaint, filed 2026
Truck rear wheels locked up while going between 45 - 50 mph nearly causing accident. Driver behind me had to lock-up their breaks to avoid collision. This is happening every time I drive the truck for more than 30 minutes. It is happening multiple times a day now. I cannot drive truck - too unsafe to drive. Tried getting serviced, but…Owner complaint, filed 2026
Electrical system
64 complaintsDead batteries, warning lights, failed screens and cameras, and electrical shorts.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 23,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Test every switch: windows, locks, mirrors, seat heaters, the screen, the backup camera, Bluetooth and every USB port.
- Watch the dash at startup. Every warning light should come on briefly and then go out.
- Have the battery and charging system tested. A weak alternator or battery drain shows up here.
Tools that help
What owners said
600 miles and 3 months out of warranty the dash completely disappeared. Dealership says the costs is in excess of $1600 to fix the issue. I have researched this and it is a common problem with these trucks and it needs an instrument cluster. Given the fact that GMC controls the panels to these trucks I feel certain that this is actually…Owner complaint, filed 2026
The contact owns a 2023 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the instrument panel shut off without warning. The vehicle was restarted, and the panel remained blank with white streaks across the screen. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, and the dealer associated the failure with the instrument…Owner complaint, filed 2026, at 34,500 miles
Fuel system
39 complaintsHesitation, stalling, fuel smell, fuel pump and injector failures.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- Smell around the engine bay and under the rear of the car for raw fuel.
- On the test drive, accelerate firmly from a stop and up a grade. Stumbling, surging or a flashing check engine light are red flags.
- Fuel pump recalls are common. Check this exact VIN for open recalls before you buy.
Tools that help
What owners said
On [XXX], at around [XXX] my 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 Elevation suddenly lost power while I was driving eastbound on [XXX]. The battery was still running, but the engine lost power and the accelerator did not respond and the truck would not move. I was stranded in the roadway. OnStar emailed me about a critical vehicle issue and reported DTC…Owner complaint, filed 2026
purge pump failing confirmed at dealership this part has been recalled on same truck but not specifically this vin . I was told I need to report it to you guys so that it could ge added.Owner complaint, filed 2026
Driver assist systems
21 complaintsPhantom braking, false collision warnings, and lane keeping or backup sensors that act up.What to check before you buy
Parts named most: Automatic emergency braking (7), Adaptive cruise control (6).
What to check before you buy
- Where it is safe, try the adaptive cruise and lane keeping on the test drive and watch for sudden braking or warnings with nothing there.
- Check the windshield in front of the camera and the bumper sensors for cracks, chips or poor repairs.
- Ask whether the windshield has been replaced. The camera has to be recalibrated afterward, and many shops skip it.
Tools that help
What owners said
Upon 1st start-up collision warning system light comes on and system is disabled. I shut the truck off immediately and restart it and the collision light goes off and the system functions like normal until the next shut off and restart.Owner complaint, filed 2026
The contact owns a 2023 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in reverse(R), the rear-view camera froze and occasionally glitched. The failure was a recurring failure. The contact associated the failure with Technical Service Bulletin: PIT6369B. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was contacted and made…Owner complaint, filed 2026, at 60,000 miles
Brakes and stability control
17 complaintsBrakes that feel soft or grab, grinding, ABS and stability control faults.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- The pedal should feel firm and the car should stop straight without pulling, grinding or a pulsing pedal.
- The ABS and stability control lights should go out after startup and stay out.
- Look through the wheels at the rotors. A deep lip on the edge means brakes are due soon, which is a fair thing to negotiate on.
Tools that help
What owners said
The contact owns a 2023 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the brakes failed to respond as needed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The vehicle was diagnosed with an inoperable battery, which caused the brake module to fail…Owner complaint, filed 2026, at 29,000 miles
Failure to release parking brake. Lining material improperly bonding to steel shoe from Manufacturer. Service Parking Brake warning Indicator “on”Owner complaint, filed 2026
Lights, wipers and visibility
17 complaintsHeadlights that dim or fail, wiper and washer failures, and windshield cracks.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- Check every light: headlights on low and high, fog lights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights.
- Run the wipers on every speed with washer fluid, and run the defroster front and back.
Tools that help
What owners said
While driving in the rain, the windshield wipers were on the highest intermittent setting and the high beam headlights were also on, automatic highbeams were not. The high beam lights dimmed to low, and the windshield wipers stopped in the middle of the windshield in the middle of navigating a sharp right hand turn at 35mph. The wipers…Owner complaint, filed 2025
Was driving my 2023 GMC Sierra in a mild snowstorm after leaving the grocery store and heading home. It was about 10 minutes after dark and it has just started snowing. I was only 5 minutes down the road and the visibility in front of me suddenly & drastically declined. I could barely see the road. I could barely make out anywhere to…Owner complaint, filed 2025
Steering
14 complaintsLoss of power steering assist, wandering, play in the wheel and noises when turning.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- Turn the wheel lock to lock while parked and listen for groaning, clicking or binding.
- On a straight road the car should track straight with the wheel centered and no loose feeling.
- A power steering warning on the dash, even briefly, deserves a mechanic’s look before you buy.
Tools that help
What owners said
For the second time within a year , I am having power steering failure. I replaced the power steering motor and eps module and it is giving me issues with turning. At start up it gives me a warning light saying service power steering and power steering assist reduced.Owner complaint, filed 2026
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Rubbing noise when turning the steering wheel. Truck has 8800 miles on it. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Wasn’t able to fix on day diagnosed need to order parts. Only vehicle I have. When asked if I can continue…Owner complaint, filed 2025
Cruise control and acceleration
11 complaintsHesitation, loss of power, sudden acceleration and cruise control problems.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- On the test drive, press the gas gently and firmly. The response should be smooth with no lag or surge.
- Set the cruise control, then use resume and cancel to make sure each one works.
Tools that help
What owners said
Purchased above listed vehicle new in XXX. Immediately noticed a 'coolant' smell in cab. brought vehicle in for coolant smell issue on XXX and XXX. We were told that there was no issue until finally on XXX we were told the radiator needed to be replaced at OUR expense. XXX we received a letter from GMC advising the "engine coolant…Owner complaint, filed 2026
I was driving my family on the highway and my truck completely shut down. The screen flashed a warning and it slowly started decelerating. Thankfully I was able to make it to the shoulder of the road safely. Engine failure was a known safety issue with my model of truck, but I completed the L87 Engine Loss of Propulsion safety recall…Owner complaint, filed 2026
Suspension
3 complaintsClunks over bumps, broken springs, worn struts and uneven tire wear.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- Drive over a few bumps and potholes slowly with the radio off and listen for clunks or rattles.
- Check the tires for uneven wear on the inside or outside edges, a sign of alignment or suspension trouble.
- Look behind the wheels for oily, wet shocks or struts.
Tools that help
What owners said
There is a clunking and popping noise on the rear suspension or spring leaf when going between 5-20 mph, there is no active recalls for this but there is a lot of people complaining about this problem and the dealer does not wants to take responsibility for this issue need help. They are forums online all over the country complaining…Owner complaint, filed 2023
On Oct 11,2026, at approximately 105,106 miles, I was driving my 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 under 20 mph while entering a short designated turning lane at [location]. I felt a sudden, unexpected bump or jolt. The truck slid slightly and abruptly came to a complete stop, as though something had mechanically locked up. Immediately afterward, the…Owner complaint, filed 2026
Wheels and tires
3 complaintsTire failures, wheels and lug nuts, and tire pressure sensor faults.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- Read the four-digit DOT date on each tire. Tires older than about six years should be replaced, whatever the tread looks like.
- Check tread depth on all four. On AWD vehicles all four tires should match.
- The tire pressure light should go out after startup.
Tools that help
What owners said
My 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 SLT 4WD currently at 67659 miles was taken in to the dealer because of excessive jerk when accelerating or trying to reverse, diagnostic scan failed for check engine and ABS trouble codes. The scan return code PO747 indicating transmission pressure control solenoid “A” was stuck on for a predetermined period of…Owner complaint, filed 2026
At 12,018 miles on my 2024 gmc sierra 1500 I experienced a rear wheel lock up. I have 4wheel drive capability but I had the truck in rear wheel drive only. Thankfully I was not going fast at the time. I was going between 35-45 mph when experiencing the lock up. As I was going down a straight away, I experienced a rear wheel lock up of my…Owner complaint, filed 2025
Air bags
2 complaintsAir bag warning lights, air bags that did not deploy, and inflator recalls.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- The air bag (SRS) light should come on at startup and go out within a few seconds. If it stays on, the system may not work in a crash.
- Air bag recalls are some of the most serious. Check this exact VIN for open recalls and get proof any recall work was done.
Tools that help
What owners said
Subject: Safety Complaint Regarding Steering Airbag Trim and Steering Axle Issues Dear National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), I am writing to formally file a complaint regarding serious safety issues with my GMC vehicle. Specifically: 1.The steering airbag trim has begun to crack, which raises concerns about its…Owner complaint, filed 2025
Seats and seat belts
1 complaintBelts that will not latch or retract, seat adjusters and passenger occupancy sensors.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- Pull out and latch every seat belt, and let each one retract on its own.
- Try every seat adjuster, and watch for a passenger air bag "off" light when an adult is in the seat.
Tools that help
What owners said
The infotainment system loses all audio through the speakers intermittently. when this happens I also lose the Safety warning chimes as well. shutting off the vehicle for an extended period of time resets something and it resumes normal function. I have contacted GM customer service and spoke to 3 different representatives and requested…Owner complaint, filed 2023
GMC Sierra 1500 complaints by year
Compare the 2023 with other years before you choose one. Tap a year to see its problems.
Compare with similar 2023 full-size trucks
Each car is rated against its own other years, since popular models always get more complaints than rare ones.
| Car | Vs. its other years | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 | Too new to judge | 3 |
| 2023 Ford F-150 | Too new to judge | 13 |
| 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 | Too new to judge | 3 |
| 2023 Ram 1500 | Too new to judge | 11 |
2023 GMC Sierra 1500 recalls
Engine and cooling Hard parts internal / mechanical
- Risk
- Engine failure increases the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect the engine, and as necessary, repair or replace the engine.
Full recall summary
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.
Brakes Lamp
- Risk
- 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.
- Fix
- The Electronic Brake Control Module (eBCM) software will be updated through an over-the-air (OTA) update or by a dealer, free of charge.
Full recall summary
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."
Lights Lighting control module
- Risk
- DRLs that do not deactivate as intended may result in a glare, reducing visibility, and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- The body control module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge.
Full recall summary
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."
2023 GMC Sierra 1500 questions
What are the most common problems with the 2023 GMC Sierra 1500?
The most reported problem areas on the 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 are the engine and cooling (238 complaints), the body, doors and structure (102 complaints) and the transmission and drivetrain (93 complaints).
Is the 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 a good year to buy?
Too new to judge fully. It has been on the road 3 years, so complaints are still coming in. So far it has fewer than a typical older Sierra 1500 year, which is normal for a newer car. The area owners report most so far is the engine and cooling, which half of owners reported by about 22,000 miles. Based on owner complaints to NHTSA, compared with other Sierra 1500 years from 2012 to 2024. A good year can still be a bad car, so check the one you are looking at.
How many recalls does the 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 have?
NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2023 GMC Sierra 1500. The most recent, from Apr 2025, covers the hard parts internal / mechanical. Recalls cover the whole model year, so check the VIN of the car you are looking at to see which are still open.
At what mileage do 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 problems start?
Half of the owners who reported a problem with the engine and cooling gave a mileage of about 22,000 miles or less. Half of the owners who reported a problem with the body, doors and structure gave a mileage of about 49,000 miles or less. Plenty of cars have these problems later or never, so ask for service records.
Which GMC Sierra 1500 years should I avoid?
The Sierra 1500 years with the most complaints compared with the rest are 2014. Years with clearly fewer complaints are 2012, 2013 and 2018. Years from 2022 on are too new to rate fairly yet.
Check the exact car
These problems are for the model year as a whole. Here is how to find out about the one you are looking at.
Looking at a 2023 GMC Sierra 1500?
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