2023 GMC Sierra 1500
Common Problems
Ranked from 206 federal NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls. Every problem links to the complaint IDs behind it.
26 Common Problems
Ordered by how often owners reported each one to NHTSA. The bar shows how common a problem is relative to the most-reported on this vehicle. Expand any problem to see the federal complaint IDs.
- 1
Engine Stall During High-Speed Operation
58complaintsSafety riskEngineThe engine stalls during high-speed operation without any warning, leading to loss of power and potential loss of control.
$150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 25V274000
- 2
Grill Defect Leading to Potential Injury
23complaintsSafety riskOtherThe front grill or trim pieces detach at high speeds, posing a risk of injury to the driver or passengers and others on the road.
- 3
Transmission Valve Body Failure
23complaintsHigh severityTransmissionThe transmission valve body physically fails, causing the vehicle to abruptly reduce speed and posing a safety risk.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotes - 4
Electrical System Failure Causing Dashboard Malfunction
22complaintsMedium severityElectricalDigital dash cluster losing communication, leaving the driver without critical vehicle information.
- 5
Structural Defects Causing Hood Trim Detachment
20complaintsHigh severityOtherFront hood trim or grille deflector detaching at high speeds, posing a risk to the driver and others.
- 6
Tailgate opens unexpectedly
20complaintsHigh severityOtherThe tailgate opens without driver input, posing a safety risk by potentially damaging the vehicle or its cargo.
- 7
Engine Seizure
18complaintsSafety riskEngineThe engine seized unexpectedly, often without warning, leading to complete loss of power.
$4,000–$8,000est. engine replacement · 12–20 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 25V274000
- 8
OnStar System Malfunction
15complaintsMedium severityElectricalThe OnStar system malfunctions, rendering the vehicle's communication and emergency services unavailable.
- 9
Engine Failure Due to Defective Parts
12complaintsHigh severityEngineMultiple instances of engine failure, including catastrophic engine failure and connecting rod/crankshaft defects.
$4,000–$8,000est. engine replacement · 12–20 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 25V274000
- 10
Engine Propulsion Failure
10complaintsHigh severityOtherThe engine loses all power suddenly, often without warning, leading to complete vehicle failure.
- 11
Recall Issues with Engine and Engine Cooling System
8complaintsMedium severityEngineIssues with the engine and engine cooling system, including parts not being available for recall repairs, leading to ongoing problems.
Related recall: 25V274000
- 12
Engine Coolant Control Valve Malfunction
7complaintsMedium severityEngineThe engine coolant control valve malfunctions, leading to reduced engine performance and the need for a replacement valve.
Related recall: 25V274000
- 13
Grille Deflector Detachment
7complaintsMedium severityOtherThe grille deflector detached while driving at high speeds, posing a safety hazard.
- 14
Highway Safety Issues
7complaintsHigh severityOtherSafety features such as wipers and headlights malfunction, increasing the risk of accidents during inclement weather.
- 15
Brake System Malfunctions Causing Unsafe Driving Conditions
6complaintsHigh severityBrakesBrakes locking up at high speeds and brake-related traction control system failures.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 24V674000
- 16
Engine Cooling Issues Leading to Overheating
5complaintsMedium severityFuel systemCooling system failures resulting in overheating and engine entering limp mode.
$150–$1,200est. cooling-system diagnosis + repair · 1–6 hrs laborGet local quotes - 17
Engine Failure Causing Complete Shutdown
5complaintsSafety riskEngineThe engine fails completely, causing the vehicle to stop running and requiring immediate towing.
$4,000–$8,000est. engine replacement · 12–20 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 25V274000
- 18
Structural Issues Leading to Safety Risks
5complaintsHigh severityOtherDetached grilles and deflectors posing safety risks to the driver and other vehicles.
- 20
Transmission Failure Causing Loss of Power and Hard Shifting
3complaintsMedium severityTransmissionThe transmission locks up or fails to shift properly, leading to a loss of power and hard shifts.
$2,500–$5,500est. transmission rebuild/replacement · 8–16 hrs laborGet local quotes - 21
Transmission Locking Up During Acceleration
3complaintsMedium severityTransmissionThe transmission locks up during acceleration, causing a loss of power and a jolt forward.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotes - 22
Battery Failure
2complaintsHigh severityElectricalThe battery discharges completely, rendering the vehicle inoperable.
- 23
Infotainment System Malfunction
2complaintsMedium severityElectricalThe infotainment system intermittently loses audio and safety warning chimes.
$200–$1,500est. infotainment unit service · 0.5–3 hrs laborGet local quotes - 24
Rear Vision Camera Failure
2complaintsLow severityElectricalThe rear vision camera fails, displaying a black screen or unavailable message during reverse maneuvers.
- 25
Tailgate Randomly Opens
2complaintsMedium severityOtherThe tailgate opens unexpectedly without user input, potentially causing cargo to fall and leading to accidents.
- 26
Transmission Control Module Failure
2complaintsMedium severityTransmissionTransmission control module failure resulting in inability to shift gears and requiring repair.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotes
Other years & sources
Data source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) owner complaints and recalls. Problems are clustered and ranked from the complaint record; occurrence counts reflect corroborating complaints, not total incidence. Vehicle image is illustrative. Repair-cost figures are typical U.S. independent-shop ranges (parts + labor) for the class of repair shown — actual quotes vary by region, engine, and diagnosis; always confirm with a local shop.