2023 GMC Sierra 1500 Engine Problems

Source: NHTSA · Updated Oct 14, 2026 · 209 complaints analyzed

Owners have filed 209 complaints with NHTSA about engine problems on the 2023 GMC Sierra 1500, 43% of all complaints for this model year. Half of the reports with a mileage happened before 17,500 miles. The words owners use most often: “engine seized” (9% of reports).

What owners describe

Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.

  • Engine seized: mentioned in 19 of 209 complaints (9%)
  • Tow truck: mentioned in 19 of 209 complaints (9%)
  • Control valve: mentioned in 14 of 209 complaints (7%)

At what mileage do engine problems happen?

Based on 12 complaints that reported the odometer reading.

Under 10k miles4 · 33%
10k–25k miles5 · 42%
25k–50k miles2 · 17%
50k–75k miles0 · 0%
75k–100k miles0 · 0%
100k–150k miles1 · 8%
150k+ miles0 · 0%

How serious are the reports?

Of 209 complaints, 3 mention a crash.

GMC Sierra 1500 engine complaints by model year

Peak: 2021, with 316 complaints
1999: 119992000: 12001: 220012003: 32004: 520042005: 62006: 520062007: 192008: 1920082009: 132010: 1120102011: 162012: 620122013: 82014: 6920142015: 842016: 3920162017: 582018: 6720182019: 3092020: 24020202021: 3163162022: 23820222023: 2092024: 18820242025: 542026: 972026

n = 2,083 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Model yearEngine complaintsShare of that yearMedian miles
2026 Sierra 15009768%5,509
2025 Sierra 15005445%25,819
2024 Sierra 150018851%25,000
2023 Sierra 150020943%17,500
2022 Sierra 150023840%60,800
2021 Sierra 150031654%58,522
2020 Sierra 150024050%44,000
2019 Sierra 150030947%74,000
2018 Sierra 15006722%47,000
2017 Sierra 15005816%56,000
2016 Sierra 15003911%73,760
2015 Sierra 15008412%57,000
2014 Sierra 1500699%58,500
2013 Sierra 150087%151,500
2012 Sierra 150066%126,000
2011 Sierra 1500166%40,688
2010 Sierra 1500117%67,500
2009 Sierra 1500136%83,500
2008 Sierra 1500195%109,000
2007 Sierra 1500197%87,000
2006 Sierra 150053%143,000
2005 Sierra 150063%123,500
2004 Sierra 150052%96,494
2003 Sierra 150032%150,000
2001 Sierra 150021%174,900
2000 Sierra 150011%270,000
1999 Sierra 150011%677

When owners reported it

Peak: 2025, with 109 complaints
2023: 3202332024: 122024122025: 10920251092026: 85202685

n = 209 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Related recalls (1)

Engine and engine cooling:engine:hard parts internal/mechanicalApr 24, 2025 · NHTSA campaign 25V274000 · 597,571 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Risk: Engine failure increases the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

What owners report

Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.

1) Driving on highway and lost acceleration power would only go 50 mph/went into limp mode. Dealership stated VIN number had not been released into national safety recall. Replaced crank shaft valve and was told once VIN was released I would be reimbursed, to date still in dispute. 2) low oil light…

Received Oct 11, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11770410

6.2L engine lost power and failed at highway speed with no warning lamp or prior indication of failure. Engine recall/Pico test and oil viscosity change performed by dealer at 40,000 miles. Engine failed at 45,868 miles.

Received Sep 28, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11767315

Code P1098 came up today 80k on the truck. Coolant Control Valve failure. Second time this has failed, first at 45k. Speed reduction activated.

Received Sep 23, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11766541

Frequently asked questions

Do all 2023 GMC Sierra 1500s have engine problems?

No. NHTSA has 209 owner complaints about engine for the 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 (43% of the 490 complaints for this model year). Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.

Was there a recall on the 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 engine?

Yes: 1 safety recall list engine. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.

At what mileage do engine problems start?

The median reported mileage is 17,500 miles: half of the reports with a mileage came before that.

What do owners say about engine problems on the 2023 GMC Sierra 1500?

The most frequent phrase is “engine seized”, in 19 of 209 complaints, followed by “tow truck” (19).

Other 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 problems

See all 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 problems or engine problems across all Sierra 1500 years.