2023 GMC Sierra 2500HD

What owners should know

Covers 2020–2026 · 6.6L Duramax L5P diesel and 6.6L V8 gas · Updated 2026-10-01

Researched from owner forums and NHTSA complaints and written by Know Your Truck. These are patterns in what owners report, not a guarantee about any particular truck.

Common failures & how to fix them

Parts and video buttons search for your 2023 GMC Sierra 2500HD. Always confirm a part fits using your VIN. Brakes, steering, fuel and airbag work affects your safety, so if you're not sure, have a qualified mechanic do it.

• 10-speed transmission valve body failure

  Dealer (recall)

  Signs: Sudden hard downshifts, limp mode, or rear wheel lock-up on diesels.

  Fix: Covered by GM recalls on 2020–2022 diesels. Other repairs are usually under warranty on newer trucks. Ask a dealer for all open recalls and bulletins.

  May be covered free by recall 24V797000 / 26V083000. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

• Trailer brake controller warnings

  Easy DIY

  Signs: 'Check trailer wiring' or 'Trailer brakes disconnected' messages that cut the trailer brakes.

  Fix: Clean and inspect the 7-pin trailer connector and the trailer's wiring first. If it continues, have a dealer check for bulletins and module updates.

  Shop: 7 pin trailer connector▶ How-to videos

• Power tailgate opens unexpectedly

  Dealer (recall)

  Signs: The tailgate unlatches by itself, often after water gets in.

  Fix: Covered by GM recalls on 2020–2024 trucks with power-unlatching tailgates.

  May be covered free by recall 24V060000 / 24V894000. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

• Steering gear shaft can break (2024)

  Dealer (recall)

  Signs: Loose steering or a clunk. In rare cases loss of steering.

  Fix: Covered by a GM recall on some 2024 trucks.

  May be covered free by recall 23V549000. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Recalls

A recall doesn't mean a truck still has the problem. Enter the truck's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or ask a dealer to see whether the repair was done.

• Latches/Locks/Linkages:Tailgate:Latch

  Feb 2024 · #24V060000

  General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles equipped with power-unlatching tailgates. The tailgate's electronic gate-release switch may short circuit due to water intrusion, which can result in the tailgate inadvertently unlatching while the vehicle is in park.

  Risk and fix

  Risk: An unlatched tailgate may open while driving and result in a loss of unsecured cargo, creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.

  Fix: Owners are advised to check that the tailgate is closed and latched before driving. Dealers will replace the exterior touchpad switch assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 17, 2024. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N232426400.

Owner complaints by area

Reports owners filed with NHTSA. They aren't verified, and one complaint can mention more than one area. Tap an area to read the most recent ones.

• Power Train20

  1 involved a crash

  • Filed Jul 2026

    On XXX, I was towing my camper to Copper Center, Alaska from Palmer, Alaska when my truck experienced a full transmission shut down which put the truck into "Reduced Power Mode". We descending down the road right next to Victory Bible Camp (64741 Victory Rd, Sutton-Alpine, Ak 99674) when the exhaust break turned off and the truck decreased power and the Check Engine Light illuminated. The Diagnostic that was produced by OnStar revealed 3 different codes. ( P0700 TCM, P0747 Pressure Control Solenoid A is stuck in the "ON" position, C116b faulty brake pad wear sensor.) I called GMC of Palmer and GMC OnStar advisor, both informed me that the truck needed to be towed. My safety concerns is this.... I had minimum cell phone signal and not a gas station or service station within MILES. I was on the side of the Alaska Highway 1 which is a major thoroughfare for traffic going to and from [XXX]. Thankfully there were a few kind folks that pulled over to offer assistance. My truck is a 2023 GMC Sierra 2500hd with only 26,262 Miles on it. I purchased this vehicle XXX. (It Still has the Temporary Tags on it.) If had been in a different part of Alaska when this transmission failed to function properly then we could be talking about a life or death situation. Especially, if my child was with me. I was hauling my camper that weighed ATMOST, 7,000 pounds. This is less than 40% of the trucks ability. I feel that this could put someone into a dire situation had they not had the experience with emergency situations like I have had. (Prior Military Service). I have also filed a complaint with GMC Motors. Case# XXX. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

  • Filed Jan 2026

    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.

  • Filed Jan 2026

    Summary of Issue On [XXX], my family and I departed Kansas City, Missouri, for a camping trip to Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Cades Cove), Tennessee, approximately 800 miles away. We were towing a 2020 Forest River Salem FSX/RTX travel trailer, estimated at approximately 6,000 pounds loaded, using a Reese weight distribution hitch with integrated sway control. This load was well below the rated towing capacity of the vehicle. On [XXX], while driving without the trailer attached, the vehicle displayed multiple warnings including “Reduced Engine Power” and a transmission system alert. I immediately pulled over, shut the vehicle off, and restarted it. The warnings persisted. I cautiously drove approximately five miles to Twin City GMC, where the vehicle was diagnosed with a failed transmission valve body. Dealer and Manufacturer Response The service manager at Twin City GMC informed me that the required valve body was on national backorder, with multiple vehicles ahead of mine, and that wait times had reached up to three months. To confirm, I contacted Molle Chevrolet (Blue Springs, MO) and Randy Curnow GMC (Kansas City, KS). Both dealerships independently confirmed that this was a known and recurring issue, and that extended backorders for the valve body were common. I was informed that GMC could provide a daily rental allowance, but the rental vehicle would not permit towing. With my family, three dogs, and travel trailer stranded 800 miles from home, this option was not viable. As a result, I was effectively forced to trade in my truck and purchase a replacement vehicle to safely return home. Manufacturer Awareness and Complaint History GMC has demonstrated awareness of this issue through service bulletins, widespread owner reports, and media documentation addressing transmission valve body failures and parts shortages. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

  • Filed Sep 2025

    The contact owns a 2023 GMC Sierra 2500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode, and the message "Service Transmission" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission valve body rod had failed. The valve body rod was replaced. It was unknown whether the vehicle was repaired. The vehicle remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 44,546.

  • Filed Sep 2025

    Bought a 2023 gmc sierra 2500 duramax. Went into limp mode took it to dealership the transmission was bad so they replace transmission after 3 month of dealer having my truck . Got the truck back still having issues with transmission not shifting right and the rear tires locking up at highway speeds .

  • Showing the 5 most recent of 20.
• Electrical System5

  • Filed Jul 2026

    On XXX, I was towing my camper to Copper Center, Alaska from Palmer, Alaska when my truck experienced a full transmission shut down which put the truck into "Reduced Power Mode". We descending down the road right next to Victory Bible Camp (64741 Victory Rd, Sutton-Alpine, Ak 99674) when the exhaust break turned off and the truck decreased power and the Check Engine Light illuminated. The Diagnostic that was produced by OnStar revealed 3 different codes. ( P0700 TCM, P0747 Pressure Control Solenoid A is stuck in the "ON" position, C116b faulty brake pad wear sensor.) I called GMC of Palmer and GMC OnStar advisor, both informed me that the truck needed to be towed. My safety concerns is this.... I had minimum cell phone signal and not a gas station or service station within MILES. I was on the side of the Alaska Highway 1 which is a major thoroughfare for traffic going to and from [XXX]. Thankfully there were a few kind folks that pulled over to offer assistance. My truck is a 2023 GMC Sierra 2500hd with only 26,262 Miles on it. I purchased this vehicle XXX. (It Still has the Temporary Tags on it.) If had been in a different part of Alaska when this transmission failed to function properly then we could be talking about a life or death situation. Especially, if my child was with me. I was hauling my camper that weighed ATMOST, 7,000 pounds. This is less than 40% of the trucks ability. I feel that this could put someone into a dire situation had they not had the experience with emergency situations like I have had. (Prior Military Service). I have also filed a complaint with GMC Motors. Case# XXX. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

  • Filed Mar 2026

    The contact owns a 2023 GMC Sierra 2500. The contact stated that on several occasions, after the vehicle had been parked for approximately two days, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was jump-started and taken to a dealer three times, where it was diagnosed and determined that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired three times, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a complaint was filed. The failure mileage was 33,000.

  • Filed Jun 2025

    I rely heavily on this vehicle for my business and within 1 year of ownership, the vehicle broke down on the highway allowing it to only run @ 30mph. After finally locating a dealer who could evaluate the vehicle in less than 1 week, I was informed that the part was unavailable and they indicated, "it could take 1 month or 3 months to receive." Following multiple conversations, I was forced to open a claim with GM Customer Care. While trying to get information, I was, at one point, told that "although the code indicates failed transmission control module, it doesn't happen all the time and if I wanted to drive it I could come and take it until the part arrives." That really told me alot about how GM representatives view SAFETY while when it happened, I was on Interstate and nearly got trounced by oncoming heavy traffic while pulling an equipment trailer. After the case was handed off to several GM Customer Care Representatives, I finally rec'd feedback including several email updates. I finally rec'd the vehicle back after 1 month and was informed that 1) would receive car payment from GM & 2) would receive additional compensation for lost work time while my vehicle was out of service (Jan 2024). Since that conversation, I did receive 1 car payment however, never heard back from Alisa regarding "lost time". I have sent several emails to customer care asking for an update however, crickets. Furthermore, the car has returned to the shop for another warning to "shift vehicle to park" when it was in park. They told me its a electrical malfunction but they could not get the error to come up on test. I have a photo showing the error.

  • Filed Apr 2025

    Shift to park message displayed while attempting to shut off engine after shifter was in the park position, accessory would not turn off even after driver door opened and could not leave vehicle.

  • Filed Apr 2023

    Bought the truck brand new. within a week the service trailer brake warning light came on. has been to the dealership 3 times and they still cant fix it. This affects towing of the trailer with no trailer brakes.

• Tires3

  • Filed Sep 2026

    Complete Tread/belt separation originating inside the tire. I have the complete tire and the complete tread. This happened at highway speed. I'm going to the dealer to get an inspection. The only symptom was a bad vibration before the tread separation. LT275/65R20E

  • Filed Aug 2026

    On Saturday, XXX, at around 3:00 PM, my wife and I were traveling southbound on Interstate XXX toward [XXX] (this occurred in [XXX], just north of [XXX]). We were driving our 2023 GMC Sierra 2500HD pickup while towing our 36-foot 5th wheel trailer. I was traveling at approximately 60 miles per hour, and there was heavy traffic on the highway. Just north of Highway XXX, the passenger rear tire delaminated and went flat. The tread came off the tire, striking the wheel well, rear bumper, and tailgate of my truck, causing significant damage. It also hit the front panel of my 5th wheel trailer. The tread then flew off and struck the windshield of a vehicle traveling next to us, but fortunately, there was no damage to that vehicle. I stopped at a Discount Tire store, where the manager inspected the tire and concluded that it had delaminated, likely due to a defect in the tire. There were no warning signs before the tire failed. Before driving that day, I checked the tire pressure on all tires. According to the information on the tire sidewalls, the rear tires were set to 80 PSI before I started my trip. The tire in question was an [XXX] Goodyear Wrangler Trailrunner AT with DOT#[XXX]. I have contacted Goodyear Tire, and they have since picked up the tire for inspection in their lab. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

  • Filed Jul 2026

    These tires are not safe for off-road to highway use. After transitioning to the highway from a gravel driveway, I noticed that rocks were stuck in the treads. A significant about of rocks became dislodged and start to contact my vehicles underbody steps. I feel as if this can create significant and costly problems for the vehicles that are following close or perhaps behind in any manner. Large rocks and what I would classify as mini boulders are often found lodged in the tread and don't come out till they are picked out or fly out.

• Service Brakes3

  • Filed Jul 2026

    On XXX, I was towing my camper to Copper Center, Alaska from Palmer, Alaska when my truck experienced a full transmission shut down which put the truck into "Reduced Power Mode". We descending down the road right next to Victory Bible Camp (64741 Victory Rd, Sutton-Alpine, Ak 99674) when the exhaust break turned off and the truck decreased power and the Check Engine Light illuminated. The Diagnostic that was produced by OnStar revealed 3 different codes. ( P0700 TCM, P0747 Pressure Control Solenoid A is stuck in the "ON" position, C116b faulty brake pad wear sensor.) I called GMC of Palmer and GMC OnStar advisor, both informed me that the truck needed to be towed. My safety concerns is this.... I had minimum cell phone signal and not a gas station or service station within MILES. I was on the side of the Alaska Highway 1 which is a major thoroughfare for traffic going to and from [XXX]. Thankfully there were a few kind folks that pulled over to offer assistance. My truck is a 2023 GMC Sierra 2500hd with only 26,262 Miles on it. I purchased this vehicle XXX. (It Still has the Temporary Tags on it.) If had been in a different part of Alaska when this transmission failed to function properly then we could be talking about a life or death situation. Especially, if my child was with me. I was hauling my camper that weighed ATMOST, 7,000 pounds. This is less than 40% of the trucks ability. I feel that this could put someone into a dire situation had they not had the experience with emergency situations like I have had. (Prior Military Service). I have also filed a complaint with GMC Motors. Case# XXX. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

  • Filed May 2025

    When dealer took apart my rear brakes the parking brake shoe lining was un bonded from the shoe 26,000 miles and seems to be a defective part

  • Filed Apr 2023

    Bought the truck brand new. within a week the service trailer brake warning light came on. has been to the dealership 3 times and they still cant fix it. This affects towing of the trailer with no trailer brakes.

• Engine3

  • Filed Jun 2025

    I rely heavily on this vehicle for my business and within 1 year of ownership, the vehicle broke down on the highway allowing it to only run @ 30mph. After finally locating a dealer who could evaluate the vehicle in less than 1 week, I was informed that the part was unavailable and they indicated, "it could take 1 month or 3 months to receive." Following multiple conversations, I was forced to open a claim with GM Customer Care. While trying to get information, I was, at one point, told that "although the code indicates failed transmission control module, it doesn't happen all the time and if I wanted to drive it I could come and take it until the part arrives." That really told me alot about how GM representatives view SAFETY while when it happened, I was on Interstate and nearly got trounced by oncoming heavy traffic while pulling an equipment trailer. After the case was handed off to several GM Customer Care Representatives, I finally rec'd feedback including several email updates. I finally rec'd the vehicle back after 1 month and was informed that 1) would receive car payment from GM & 2) would receive additional compensation for lost work time while my vehicle was out of service (Jan 2024). Since that conversation, I did receive 1 car payment however, never heard back from Alisa regarding "lost time". I have sent several emails to customer care asking for an update however, crickets. Furthermore, the car has returned to the shop for another warning to "shift vehicle to park" when it was in park. They told me its a electrical malfunction but they could not get the error to come up on test. I have a photo showing the error.

  • Filed Nov 2024

    I was driving on the interstate and had just exited to refuel. As I was re-entering traffic, I accelerated to merge, and suddenly, as I was about to pull in, I felt and heard a massive metallic crash, like the entire transmission had dropped. The engine sounded abnormal, and immediately, the dashboard flashed a warning: 'Engine Power is Reduced.' The check engine light came on, and I got messages saying the transmission needed service and to schedule an appointment. I called my dealership and took it in as soon as possible. After they held the truck for a while, the service manager told me a critical part was on indefinite backorder with no fulfillment date. He handed back my keys, saying they'd reach out when it arrived. I asked if it was safe to drive, and he said yes. Later, driving from Illinois to California, my truck malfunctioned again. This time, in heavy, 12-lane traffic, the same loud crash threw me forward, almost slamming my face into the steering wheel. My wrists and shoulders hurt from bracing myself, and my right shoulder still aches. Again, I got the 'Engine Power Reduced' warning and transmission service notice. Each time, this has put me and those around me in severe danger.

  • Filed Oct 2024

    Defective valve body We took in our vehicle for issues with the engine. We were not able to drive it over 50 mph it only has 22,000 miles. The dealership has had the vehicle since August 13th. They have had the vehicle for 9 weeks. They said that neither them or customer [XXX] (CASE # [XXX]). Can locate a valve body, to replace the defective one. We were made aware that we had an issue when our check engine light came on. We proceeded to have a diagnostic done thru on-star. Then immediately took it to the dealership for repair. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

• Unknown or Other2

  • Filed May 2024

    I sent a certified 3 page letter along with 4 pages of supporting documentation on April 25th, it was received and signed for on 4/30 at 10:16 am. I have still not received a response. I called to follow up and the reference number is #1516488, they told me to file the case online. I have copy of the letter I can resend via email or upload here.

  • Filed Mar 2023

    No incident as of yet. The wide angle driver mirror cannot be set high enough to see down the side of the truck. It is a factory installed towing mirror. I have to lower my my seat all of the way and I cannot see the top rail of the bed. The mirror won't let me see down the side of the truck which makes it really dangerous when I pull my 32' fifth wheel trailer. I took it to the dealer and they told me at first ( I purchased the truck on 01-22-2023) the mirror is one of 6 items that warranty doesn't cover. Then they told me it is very difficult to get the manufacturer to authorize replacement. The dealer eye balled a mirror just from standing in front of it on a lot truck and said he couldn't see a difference. All I can see out of it is basically is the rear tire. I called GM and the person looking into it was transferred after about a week. The person that took over asked me to give him a week to look into it. He called me today and said he hasn't had a chance yet that he needs a couple of more days.

• Wheels1

  • Filed Jul 2026

    While driving at highway speed, the left rear OEM Goodyear Wrangler 275/65R20 tire experienced a sudden tread separation and catastrophic failure. The tire pressure was correct, there were no TPMS warnings or other vehicle alerts, and the vehicle did not strike any road debris or other object prior to the failure. The truck was purchased new in December 2022 and has approximately 14,500 miles. The tread separation caused extensive damage to the truck, including the bedside, bumper, taillight, wheel opening trim, and other components. The body shop repairing the vehicle advised that they have seen numerous similar failures, and I have also found multiple reports from other owners of the same OEM Goodyear Wrangler 275/65R20 tires experiencing tread separations. I am reporting this incident due to concerns about a potential defect in these tires.

• Vehicle Speed Control1

  • Filed Jul 2025

    This issue is pertaining to the valve body in my 10-speed transmission. While I was traveling home, the truck experienced a “wheel lockup”. The transmission shifted down aggressively, then putting the truck into limp mode. I had to travel the rest of the way home with a max speed of 35 mph. I have been without this truck for 3 months waiting on parts. This is absolutely unacceptable from gm. Extremely unsave.

• Structure1

  • Filed Apr 2025

    The contact owns a 2023 GMC Sierra 2500. The contact stated that his son informed him that there was a puddle of water in the rear seat. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the upper track for the rear sliding window was fractured on both sides, causing water to leak inside the vehicle. The dealer determined that the rear window needed to be replaced; however, the part was on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 21,000.

• Back Over Prevention1

  • Filed Oct 2024

    The contact owns a 2023 GMC Sierra 2500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in reverse(R), the split-screen view of the overhead of the vehicle and the rear of the vehicle were distorted or was not showing an image on the display screen. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent but was a recurring failure. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that there was no failure of the camera found. The contact stated that the dealer had removed and re-installed the camera. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to TSB Number: 23-NA-169. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.

• Visibility/Wiper1

  • Filed Mar 2023

    No incident as of yet. The wide angle driver mirror cannot be set high enough to see down the side of the truck. It is a factory installed towing mirror. I have to lower my my seat all of the way and I cannot see the top rail of the bed. The mirror won't let me see down the side of the truck which makes it really dangerous when I pull my 32' fifth wheel trailer. I took it to the dealer and they told me at first ( I purchased the truck on 01-22-2023) the mirror is one of 6 items that warranty doesn't cover. Then they told me it is very difficult to get the manufacturer to authorize replacement. The dealer eye balled a mirror just from standing in front of it on a lot truck and said he couldn't see a difference. All I can see out of it is basically is the rear tire. I called GM and the person looking into it was transferred after about a week. The person that took over asked me to give him a week to look into it. He called me today and said he hasn't had a chance yet that he needs a couple of more days.

Safety ratings

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings from government crash tests. Ratings can differ by cab style and 2WD/4WD.

NHTSA hasn't published star ratings for this truck. Many heavy-duty pickups aren't included in NHTSA's crash-test program, so this doesn't mean the truck is unsafe.