The Lemon Index2023 GMC Sierra.
The 2023 GMC Sierra is so far worse than average by owner complaints: 553 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 158, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about engine, it has 3 recalls, and it gets 15 to 26 mpg combined. The best GMC Sierra year is 2010.
Early read
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 553 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every GMC Sierra year. 2023 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 12K to 49K miles on the car (57 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 3
- engine 2025
The connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure.
- brakes 2024
The electronic brake control module software may fail to display a warning light when a loss of brake fluid occurs.
- lights 2022
The daytime running lights (DRLs) may not deactivate when the headlights are on.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems GMC told dealers about
GMC sent dealers 1427 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- This Preliminary information communicates informationon correcting a rattle noise from the…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- OpenLoss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedy2026
- OpenUpper grille deflector detachment2026
- OpenLoss of motive power due to engine failure2025
- ClosedLoss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedy2026
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GMC Sierra 1500 PU/CC 4WD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| GMC Sierra 1500 PU/CC RWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| GMC Sierra 1500 PU/EC 4WD | not rated | not rated | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| GMC Sierra 1500 PU/EC RWD | not rated | not rated | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| GMC Sierra 1500 PU/RC 4WD | not rated | not rated | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| GMC Sierra 1500 PU/RC RWD | not rated | not rated | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $3550–5300 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 3.0L 6-cyl, 5.3L 8-cyl, 6.2L 8-cyl.
In owners' words
Driving at approximately 30-35MPH merging in traffic, the transmission shuttered and went into reduced power mode. ECM reported a 747 code and valve body failure.
2023 GMC Sierra owner · NHTSA complaint 11713060
More owner reports
At 28,000 miles and driving at highway speed, the 6.2L engine suddenly seized.
NHTSA complaint 11641845
Drastically reduced power on highway resulting in reduced acceleration due to code P0198 engine coolant control valve position sensor. Required me to drive at reduced speed on highway to get to dealer. Safety issue.
NHTSA complaint 11717110
Quick answers
Is the 2023 GMC Sierra reliable?
It's too early to be sure. So far it has drawn 1.6× the average car's complaints per car sold, against other 2023 cars after the same time on the road (early Lemon Index 158; 100 is average). The best GMC Sierra year by this measure is 2010.
What are the most common 2023 GMC Sierra problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (39%), transmission & drivetrain (23%) and body structure (17%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2023 GMC Sierra have?
3 safety recalls (latest: engine). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2023 GMC Sierra get?
15 to 26 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2023 GMC Sierra safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2023 GMC Sierra problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 12,500 and 49,100 miles. The middle report was at 29,000 miles, from 57 complaints.
Does the 2023 GMC Sierra have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 23% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2023 GMC Sierra cost in fuel a year?
About $3550 to $5300 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2023 GMC Sierra have?
3.0L 6-cyl, 5.3L 8-cyl, 6.2L 8-cyl.
What GMC Sierra year is better than the 2023?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2010, 2012 and 2013.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works