2023 GMC Sierra 1500 Problems: Engine (453 Complaints)

The most-reported problem on the 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 is Engine (37% of 453 owner reports). There are 3 safety recalls. Check the VIN and inspect Engine — this is the NHTSA file, not a score.

NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation Snapshot 2026-09-07 453 complaints · 3 recalls

What problems show up on the 2023 GMC Sierra 1500?

169 of 453 filings named Engine (37% of the file). That is what owners wrote, not a shop diagnosis of the vehicle in the driveway.

Second is Transmission / driveline (69 reports).

There are 3 official safety recalls on this year. They were filed about Lights, Brakes, and Engine. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov — a campaign on this page can still be open on a specific truck.

The 2022 has 567 reports on file; this year has 453. A smaller lifetime total is not a clean bill of health. If you need a fairer comparison, use the equal-time view.

What to check before you buy a 2023 GMC Sierra 1500

A useful visit to this page takes five minutes. YearTell does not score years and cannot see the vehicle in front of you.

  1. Look up the VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov. This year has 3 campaigns on file below.
  2. Engine. Have a shop check for oil consumption, coolant leaks, rough idle and unusual engine noise.
  3. Transmission / driveline. Have a shop drive it and check the transmission: hard or delayed shifts, burnt-smelling fluid, and 4WD engagement if equipped.
  4. Body / frame. Look for rust, collision repair and body gaps that do not match a clean truck.
  5. Skim a few owner reports below for Engine. Look for the same symptom repeating.
  6. Take that list to a mechanic. Do not turn the complaint total into a score.

What owners reported

System named most often: Engine 169 complaints · 37.3% of the file
Crashes, fires, injuries and deaths in those filings:
  • Crashes 5
  • Fires 2
  • Injuries 2
  • Deaths 0
All GMC Sierra 1500 years →
NHTSA Consumer Complaints Snapshot 2026-09-07 Open source record Read our complete data methodology →

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

Which systems owners named

Share of owner complaints filed against each vehicle system. These shares are not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold.

Which systems owners named Engine (ENGINE) appears in 169 of 453 owner complaints (37.3%) in this vehicle snapshot. Engine (ENGINE): 169 complaints, 37.3% of reports Engine (ENGINE) 1 crash reports 169 · 37.3% Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN): 69 complaints, 15.2% of reports Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN) 2 crash reports 69 · 15.2% Body / frame (STRUCTURE): 66 complaints, 14.6% of reports Body / frame (STRUCTURE) 66 · 14.6% Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM): 26 complaints, 5.7% of reports Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) 1 fire reports 26 · 5.7% Fuel system (FUEL SYSTEM): 22 complaints, 4.9% of reports Fuel system (FUEL SYSTEM) 22 · 4.9% Lights (EXTERIOR LIGHTING): 11 complaints, 2.4% of reports Lights (EXTERIOR LIGHTING) 11 · 2.4% Automatic braking / collision warning (FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE): 9 complaints, 2.0% of reports Automatic braking / collision warning (FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE) 9 · 2.0% Brakes (SERVICE BRAKES): 8 complaints, 1.8% of reports Brakes (SERVICE BRAKES) 1 crash reports 8 · 1.8% Steering (STEERING): 8 complaints, 1.8% of reports Steering (STEERING) 1 crash reports 1 fire reports 8 · 1.8% Unclassified NHTSA leftover: 124 complaints, 27.4% of reports Unclassified NHTSA leftover 124 · 27.4% 0% 25% 50% 75% 100%

“Unclassified NHTSA leftover” is not a car part. It is a filing bucket and always sits last.

View component data as a table
System / Component Complaints Share of Reports Safety Reports (Crashes / Fires)
Engine (ENGINE) 169 37.3% 1 crashes · 0 fires
Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN) 69 15.2% 2 crashes · 0 fires
Body / frame (STRUCTURE) 66 14.6% 0 crashes · 0 fires
Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) 26 5.7% 0 crashes · 1 fires
Fuel system (FUEL SYSTEM) 22 4.9% 0 crashes · 0 fires
Lights (EXTERIOR LIGHTING) 11 2.4% 0 crashes · 0 fires
Automatic braking / collision warning (FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE) 9 2.0% 0 crashes · 0 fires
Brakes (SERVICE BRAKES) 8 1.8% 1 crashes · 0 fires
Steering (STEERING) 8 1.8% 1 crashes · 1 fires
Unclassified NHTSA leftover 124 27.4% 0 crashes · 0 fires
NHTSA Consumer Complaints, NHTSA Safety Recalls, and NHTSA Defect Investigations Snapshot 2026-09-07 Open source record

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

When reports and recalls showed up

When owners filed reports, and when recall campaigns showed up.

When reports and recalls showed up Owner reports in this snapshot begin in Jan 2023; the first recall shown was reported in Dec 2022. 2023-Q1: 3 owner reports 3 2023-Q2: 1 owner reports 1 2023-Q3: 17 owner reports 17 2023-Q4: 4 owner reports 4 2024-Q1: 11 owner reports 11 2024-Q2: 8 owner reports 8 2024-Q3: 5 owner reports 5 2024-Q4: 21 owner reports 21 2025-Q1: 73 owner reports 73 2025-Q2: 74 owner reports 74 2025-Q3: 49 owner reports 49 2025-Q4: 17 owner reports 17 2026-Q1: 70 owner reports 70 2026-Q2: 49 owner reports 49 2026-Q3: 51 owner reports 51 Owner reports Dec 2022 Aug 2026 Recall campaign 22V903000 ◆ Recall campaign 22V903000 Recall campaign 24V674000 ◆ Recall campaign 24V674000 Recall campaign 25V274000 ◆ Recall campaign 25V274000 Investigation PE25001 ● Investigation PE25001 Investigation EA25007 ● Investigation EA25007 Investigation RQ26001 ● Investigation RQ26001 Investigation EA26005 ● Investigation EA26005
  • Campaign 24V674000 was reported 380 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 25V274000 was reported 791 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
View timeline records as a table
Date Record type Count Record identifier
2023-Q1 Owner reports 3
2023-Q2 Owner reports 1
2023-Q3 Owner reports 17
2023-Q4 Owner reports 4
2024-Q1 Owner reports 11
2024-Q2 Owner reports 8
2024-Q3 Owner reports 5
2024-Q4 Owner reports 21
2025-Q1 Owner reports 73
2025-Q2 Owner reports 74
2025-Q3 Owner reports 49
2025-Q4 Owner reports 17
2026-Q1 Owner reports 70
2026-Q2 Owner reports 49
2026-Q3 Owner reports 51
Recall campaign 1 22V903000
Recall campaign 1 24V674000
Recall campaign 1 25V274000
Defect investigation 1 PE25001
Defect investigation 1 EA25007
Defect investigation 1 RQ26001
Defect investigation 1 EA26005
NHTSA Safety Recalls Snapshot 2026-09-06 Open source record

Safety Recalls (3)

Official campaigns. Each one says what could go wrong and what the dealer was told to fix.

In short, these campaigns were filed about Lights, Brakes, and Engine.

  1. Recall campaign 22V903000

    Lights

    Report date
    Component:
    Lights (EXTERIOR LIGHTING)
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  2. Recall campaign 24V674000

    Brakes

    Report date
    Component:
    Brakes (SERVICE BRAKES)
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  3. Recall campaign 25V274000

    Engine

    Report date
    Component:
    Engine (ENGINE)
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →
NHTSA Consumer Complaints Snapshot 2026-09-07 Open source record

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

What owners actually wrote

Short excerpts from the public NHTSA file. Look for the same symptom repeating.

Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation · snapshot 2026-09-07
Safety incident filters
Showing 5 of 453 complaints · page 1 of 19
2026-09-02Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN)
NHTSA ODI 11761755
CrashFireInjuryDeath
I am reporting a serious safety concern involving a 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali, 6.2L L87 V8, VIN [XXX]. This vehicle has now experienced two catastrophic powertrain failures at very low mileage. The first catastrophic engine failure occurred at approximately 23,696 miles. The vehicle was taken to a GMC dealer, where the repair documentation states that the engine had suffered significant internal damage, including damage to the #3 connecting rod, a missing connecting-rod bearing, bearing material throughout the engine, and a scored crankshaft. The dealer determined that the engine was seized and required replacement. GM replaced the engine under warranty with GM engine assembly part number 12740076. The vehicle has now experienced a second catastrophic failure. On [XXX], while traveling approximately 40 mph, experienced grinding, lurching, and knocking, followed by a complete loss of propulsion. The truck would no longer move and had to be towed to a GMC dealer. At the time of the incident, no warning lights or warning messages were observed. The transmission is also suspected to have failed, although the exact cause and extent of the transmission failure have not yet been determined by the dealer. I understand that NHTSA is currently investigating failures involving GM 6.2L L87 engines, including failures occurring after previous recall remedies and engine replacements. I am therefore requesting that this incident be included in NHTSA’s investigation and considered when evaluating the effectiveness of the existing recall remedy and the safety of replacement L87 engines. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
2026-09-02Body / frame (STRUCTURE)Unclassified NHTSA leftover
NHTSA ODI 11761693
CrashFireInjuryDeath
while driving my 2023 GMC Sierra AT4 at highway speed, the front grille piece (GM part 84957848, roughly 3 feet or longer) detached from the vehicle without warning and flew off into the roadway. The piece landed on the shoulder rather than in a travel lane, but given its size, it could easily have struck another vehicle or caused a serious accident if it had landed differently. I was then forced to stop on the highway shoulder to retrieve the part, which put me in an unsafe roadside situation with traffic passing at highway speed. This part had all its retaining clips still intact, indicating a failure of the part/mounting itself rather than a missing clip or improper installation. part number 86274905
2026-09-01Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN)
NHTSA ODI 11761466
CrashFireInjuryDeath
I am reaching out to NHTSA due to a vehicle that I believe will get me and/or my family in a major accident and cause serious injury or death. The vehicle that I had purchased in 07/08/2025 had a clean history report and was bought at 54,587 miles. It started having issues 8,563 miles later (odometer reading 63,150 ) on a trip that was 400 miles round trip. I was driving the vehicle on a highway at 65 mph and i felt a knocking vibration in the pedal it was not long before i could even pull over when the engine throttle had completely lost power causing the vehicle to almost come to a complete stop immediately having to steer onto the shoulder. after failing with no check engine light or warning present during the use of the vehicle on the road. it was giving off high temp/engine overheating with the engine making a continuous knocking sound in the engine. It eventually seized to work completely not being able to shift into neutral to push, and had to get it towed to the dealership 204 miles away. GM had advised the dealership to replace the whole engine which they did, and that second engine had given out 678 miles later (odometer reading 63,828.) I am now on my THIRD engine and i cannot trust or rely this vehicle for saftey or transporation. i have reached out to GM to file a claim and attempt to adress this issue to try and come to a resolution, however they denied my claim and have said that i am not "eligible" for a buyback program. I am considering getting legal attorney this is very frustrating to say the least GM is a terrible manufacturer for this issue
2026-09-01Engine (ENGINE)
NHTSA ODI 11761354
CrashFireInjuryDeath
While driving, my 2023 GMC Sierra with the L87 6.2L engine experienced a sudden, complete, catastrophic loss of engine power. There were no warning lights or messages prior to the failure. This was a one-time event, but it left the truck inoperable and I have been without the vehicle since it happened. The vehicle had recently passed applicable recall checks and had a routine oil change performed, so it was properly maintained leading up to the failure. A sudden loss of engine power while driving poses a serious safety risk, including the possibility of a collision if it happens in traffic or at highway speed. It is unknown whether a dealer has confirmed the root cause, as the vehicle has been out of service since the incident.
2026-09-01Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN)
NHTSA ODI 11761258
CrashFireInjuryDeath
While driving truck jolts (rear wheels lock up) then downshifts into a lower gear. Appears to be similar issue as described in Recall 24V797 and 25V148. Not sure why my VIN does not show up on recall. Based on description it is the same problem. Feels unsafe to drive.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems on the 2023 GMC Sierra 1500?

Owners named Engine most often — 169 of 453 reports (37%). That is the NHTSA file, not a diagnosis of every vehicle.

Are there recalls for the 2023 GMC Sierra 1500?

NHTSA lists 3 safety recall campaigns. They were filed about Lights, Brakes, and Engine. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov; a campaign on this page can still be open on a specific vehicle.

What should I inspect before buying a 2023 GMC Sierra 1500?

Look up the VIN for open recalls. Have a shop check for oil consumption, coolant leaks, rough idle and unusual engine noise. Then skim owner filings for the same symptom and take that list to a mechanic.

Does a high complaint count mean I should skip this year?

No. Counts are reports people chose to file and they are not adjusted for sales volume. YearTell does not publish scores or a list of years to skip. Inspect the vehicle.

EPA Fuel Economy Database Snapshot 2026-08-21 Open source record

Estimated Ownership Cost

EPA fuel economy ratings and annual operating cost estimates

Data: US EPA Fuel Economy Guide · snapshot 2026-08-21
Supported range: 1,000–60,000 miles per year
Supported range: $1.50–$10.00 per gallon
55% city45% highway
Estimate unavailable

EPA fuel-economy data is unavailable for this vehicle.

No estimate is shown when required EPA values are unavailable.

 Open Ownership Cost Calculator →

Adjacent Model Years

Immediate preceding and succeeding model year records

NHTSA Consumer Complaints Snapshot 2026-09-07 Open source record

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

Methodology & Data Integrity

Source: NHTSA ODI / recalls, snapshot 2026-09-07. YearTell is not a government agency.

Read our complete data methodology → Sources