CSR

GMC · NHTSA safety record

2023 GMC Sierra 1500

Every safety complaint, recall and defect investigation the US government holds on this vehicle.

432

Complaints

5

Crashes

2

Fires

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

Owners of the 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 have filed 432 safety complaints with NHTSA between February 2023 and August 2026. The most complained-about system is the engine, named in 184 of them (43%). The typical failure was reported at 26,875 miles, the median across the 40 complaints that gave an odometer reading.

NHTSA has issued 3 recalls covering this vehicle. A further 2 defect investigations are open and unresolved.

Recalls (3)

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL

25V274000 · April 24, 2025

The 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.
The risk
Engine failure increases the risk of a crash.
The 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.

General Motors, LLC · up to 597,571 vehicles across all model years covered

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:BRAKE FLUID LOW WARNING: LAMP

24V674000 · September 12, 2024

The 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."
The 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.
The 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.

General Motors, LLC · up to 449,671 vehicles across all model years covered · fixed by software update

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE

22V903000 · December 8, 2022

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

General Motors, LLC · up to 740,108 vehicles across all model years covered · fixed by software update

Defect investigations (3)

An investigation means NHTSA has decided a pattern is worth examining. A preliminary evaluation is often closed with no action; an engineering analysis is the stage that usually precedes a recall.

Loss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedy

RQ26001

Still open recall query · opened January 16, 2026

the engine

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.

Loss of motive power due to engine failure

EA25007

Still open engineering analysis · opened October 23, 2025

the engine, the engine and its cooling

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.

Loss of motive power due to engine failure

PE25001

Closed preliminary evaluation · opened January 16, 2025 · closed October 23, 2025 · led to recall 25V274

the engine, the engine and its cooling

On January 16, 2025, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE25001 after receiving complaints and field reports concerning engine failures in MY2019-2024 GM’s full-size truck and SUV T1XX platform equipped with the L87 6.2L V8 engine. These complainants alleged engine bearing failures resulting in knocking and growling noises from the engine’s bottom end and in some cases more severe consequences such as broken connecting rods leading to engine damage, or engine failure. If the engine fails during vehicle operation, the vehicle will lose propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. On April 24, 2025, GM issued recall 25V-274 to address the concern with L87 engines produced between March 1, 2021, and May 31, 2024.  GM cited the root cause as a supplier manufacturing and quality issues. GM’s  recall remedy will be either an oil change to an oil with a different viscosity or engine replacement depending on the results of the remedy inspection procedure. To date, ODI has received 1,157 allegations of engine bearing failure. GM submitted 55,464 reports in total, with 29,752 unique VINs. ODI continues to receive allegations of L87 engine failures which fall outside of the scope of recall 25V-274. Based on GM’s recall, ODI will close this PE. NHTSA will continue to investigate complaints of engine failure outside the scope of recall 25V-274 as part ofEngineering Analysis (EA25007). To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

What owners report

Complaints naming each system. One complaint can name several, so these add up to more than 432.

ENGINE 184 43%
POWER TRAIN 82 19%
STRUCTURE 71 16%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 56 13%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 46 11%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 27 6%
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 21 5%
SERVICE BRAKES 13 3%
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 11 3%
EXTERIOR LIGHTING 10 2%
STEERING 10 2%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 9 2%

When the complaints arrived

By the year NHTSA received them, which is not the year the failures happened. They peaked in 2025 at 213.

2023 2025 2026
2023 to 2026, the last of them a part year

In owners' own words

Quoted from NHTSA's complaint file. These are unverified accounts by the people who filed them, not findings of fault.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

2 injured · 12,000 miles

The contact owns a 2023 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed on several occasions, the pedestrian warning alert unexpectedly illuminated. The contact stated that during the failure, the braking system became inoperable and then the brakes locked up, causing the contact and a passenger to suffer whiplash. The contact stated that there were no pedestrians near the vehicle when the failure had occurred. Additionally, the contact stated that while attempting to reverse, the pedestrian detection system failed to display a warning when a pedestrian was near the vehicle, almost causing the vehicle to strike the pedestrian. The vehicle was taken to the

NHTSA complaint 11734337, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

fire

The vehicle has suffered repeated systemic electrical failures all while being under 8,000 miles. What component/system failed? Power distribution/fuse block, starter, fuel pump control module, horn circuit, body control module, instrument cluster, and charging system. Error codes documented include P0627 (Fuel Pump Control Circuit), U0100 (Lost Comm ECM/PCM), B1325 (Control Module Power Low), U0140 (Lost Comm BCM), and B1000 (ECM fault). All repairs are documented by the dealer, and the truck remains available for inspection. How was safety at risk? The truck lost propulsion at speed, emitted smoke from the engine bay, and became disabled in traffic, placing my family, including my

NHTSA complaint 11687675, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

fire

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 stepped outside, the flames were by the instrument panel; the flames had risen to the rooftop. The front windshield was shattered. The fire was contained to the cabin. The fire department was called. The contact stated that weeks before the fire started, an abnormal sound could be heard coming from the engine. The contact removed the battery from the vehicle. The vehicle was not insured. The

NHTSA complaint 11715117, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE

crash · towed

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 contacted the dealership, which dispatched a tow truck to my location. However, the tow truck driver was unable to put the vehicle in neutral gear. Subsequently, I reached out to GMC, which informed me that the tow truck required a flatbed for transportation. I waited another two hours for a flatbed truck to tow the vehicle to the dealership. A few days later, I received notification that my engine had

NHTSA complaint 11654653, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

STRUCTURE:BODY
The upper grill chrome trim blew off at highway speed. The plastic brackets holding it in place sheared off. This was a known defect resulting in 70,000 recalled trucks for the prior year model (2022), but for some reason isn't covered for 2023. Same exact issue

NHTSA complaint 11757457. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The fuel pump control module went bad and the vehicle shut off while driving. The vehicle is only 3 years old. Everyone I know with a GM truck or SUV has had the same issue and the dealer service writer even told me they get at least 6 vehicles with the same issue per week. There is already a recall for GM SUV's for 2021-22 model years but not for anything else even though many other vehicles have the same issue. They replaced the module under warranty but it is all but guaranteed to just keep happening.

NHTSA complaint 11756888. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

STRUCTURE:BODY
Whilst driving down the highway at 65 mph the plastic front grill deflector broke off and slammed into my windshield and the vehicle behind me. Luckily the vehicle behind me sustained no damage other than how frightened she and her children were. This is a known issue and was subject to a recall for the 2022 GMC Sierra Denali's. Nothing has changed between the 2 models as far as I can tell and it's the exact same grill deflector. When I informed the dealership of this they told me it would be a $950 repair out of pocket. First of all, it is unacceptable for a $75,000 vehicle to have a plastic component that can just break off and become an immediate and unavoidable hazard on the highways.

NHTSA complaint 11756641, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

towed · 29,000 miles

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, preventing the brakes from operating as intended. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 29,000.

NHTSA complaint 11756555. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The OnStar module in the truck is broke it affects all communications. The truck has including things like let me know what the speed limit is. It happened after they did a software update, which seems a little fishy because there was nothing wrong with it before I understand. Some people were having problems with this module, causing their batteries to die, but now I’m the one having issues and they won’t seem to fix it unless I pay them $900.

NHTSA complaint 11756360. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

STRUCTURE:BODY
I started to notice detached broken plastic pieces behind the upper grill housing. I notified the dealer, and in the meantime of trying to figure out what to do, the upper grill housing came detached when I was driving down the highway and flew up and back onto the highway. Sounds similar to safety recall N242490120, which was for 2022 model year trucks. Not sure why this stopped at 2022, but it happed on my 2023.

NHTSA complaint 11755830. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

Compare

Other years of the GMC Sierra 1500

Model year Complaints Recalls Deaths
2026 77 2
2025 95 1
2024 328 1
2022 545 6
2021 534 7
2020 444 12
2019 622 10
2018 296 7
2017 351 5
2016 340 7
2015 713 9
2014 737 9 1
2013 115 3
2012 107 3
2011 284 5
2010 167 4

Other 2023 GMC models

Every GMC on this site — 144 vehicles, 425 recall campaigns and 3 open investigation s.

If this is your car and a dealer keeps failing to fix it, your state's lemon law may require the manufacturer to replace it or buy it back. What each state asks for , read from the statutes.

Where these numbers come from

A complaint is one owner's account and has not been verified by NHTSA or by us. A vehicle with more complaints is not necessarily worse: models that sold in larger numbers collect more of them. How this is counted.

Compiled and maintained by
Independent developer and analyst