Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2023 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered while in first gear. The contact stated that the transmission sounded strained and shifted rough before slamming into gear. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, no cause for the failure was found. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the vehicle was oversteering while turning to the right. The dealer replaced the valve and torque converter. On another occasion, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle accelerated independently. Most recently, a burned transmission fluid odor was coming from the front of the vehicle and entered the cabin through the A/C vents. There oil stains found on the ground on several occasions. …
The contact owns a 2023 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving uphill, the vehicle unexpectedly lost motive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the engine block had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that later, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to shift into gear properly and jerked abnormally. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was returned to the dealer and was diagnosed with transmission failure, requiring the PCM/TCM to be reprogrammed. The vehicle was repaired. …
The contact owns a 2023 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving 35-50 MPH, the message "Service Engine Soon" was displayed. Additionally, the power train warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the gear shift control module had failed and needed to be replaced; however, the part was not available. The vehicle was then towed to Parkway Chevrolet (25500 TX-249, Tomball, TX 77375; where the gear shift control module was replaced. Additionally, the contact stated while driving 35-40 MPH, the vehicle was sputtering. The contact was unaware of a warning light being illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the TCM needed to be updated, and an unknown part needed to be installed for transmission cleaning. The vehicle was not repaired. …
The contact owns a 2023 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started and shifted into drive(D), the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the vehicle responded slowly. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle decelerated and stopped unintendedly. The "Parking Brake" warning light illuminated. The contact stated that once the vehicle had warmed up, the unintended stopping ceased. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent at first but had become a recurring failure. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the valve body needed to be replaced; however, the part to complete the repair was on a national back order. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
The contact owns a 2023 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the "Service Transmission Now" warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the warning light and a message indicated that the transmission would stop shifting soon. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not inspected. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 31,230.
The contact owns a 2023 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started to shake abnormally with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that after arriving at a parking structure, the transmission warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 15,000.
The contact owns a 2023 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at speeds above 30 MPH, the vehicle shuddered abnormally. There was no warning light illuminated during the failures. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the valve body needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred approximately six months later. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 81,000.
The contact owns a 2023 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving in 1st and 2nd gear, the transmission was slipping, causing the vehicle to jerk. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the valve body needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 97,000.
Vehicle's 10 speed transmission on numerous occasions has locked the wheels at high rates of speed on the highway, causing the vehicle to veer across several lanes and almost crash. Vehicle will not always engage in drive selection causing a filed accident while trying to go from reverse to drive.
Vehicle was in for routine service, oil change and tire rotation. Per the published engine recall bulletin [Manufacturer Recall Number N252494000] the recall directs the technicians to check for a DTC and if not present to drain and replace filter and oil using 0-40W oil, to replace the oil filler cap with new oil specification labeling, and provide a corrected page for the owners operating manual. All very simple steps. There is absolutely no reason for this check and service not to be performed during routine maintenance. GM is dragging their feet on performing a critical recall and should be held accountable for slow walking this recall. Servicing dealer claims they had ZERO 0-40W oil in the entire dealership. I can go to Walmart and get cases of this oil. …
Transmission complaints in other Sierra 1500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2023 GMC Sierra 1500?
NHTSA has 91 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2023 GMC Sierra 1500, 18% of the model year's 492 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission › fluid/lubricant › valves/valve body (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2023 GMC Sierra 1500, though it has 3 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 57,000 miles, and 38% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 0 injuries to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.