Know Your TruckChecklist

2025 GMC Sierra 3500HD

Recalls and owner complaints reported to NHTSA

About NHTSA's data for this year: Starting with 2025, NHTSA files some complaints under a combined "Sierra HD" name, so these complaint numbers may include both the 2500HD and 3500HD.

1
Recalls
1
Owner complaints

What owners should know

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

The Chevy Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD are mechanically the same trucks, so these notes cover both, in 2500HD and 3500HD. This generation brought the 10-speed Allison automatic, the 6.6L Duramax L5P diesel and a new 6.6L V8 gas engine.

We counted 1,208 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for 2020–2026 Silverado HDs and Sierra HDs: 866 from diesel trucks and 313 from gas trucks (identified by VIN). Complaint counts show what owners report most often, not how many trucks have a problem.

At a glance

  • The 10-speed transmission is the most frequently reported problem, about 1 in 4 complaints on both engines. The diesel valve body was recalled for a rear-wheel lock-up risk.
  • Trailer brake controller warnings are commonly reported.
  • Power tailgates were recalled for opening unexpectedly.
  • 2024 trucks have extra recalls, including a steering gear shaft that can break.

10-speed transmission

Transmission problems come up in 218 diesel and 75 gas complaints. Owners describe sudden hard downshifts, limp mode, and valve body failures, sometimes with long waits for parts.

  • GM recalled 2020–2022 diesel trucks because the transmission control valve can fail and lock the rear wheels (recall 24V797000), and issued a follow-up recall for trucks repaired incorrectly (26V083000).
  • Some 2024 trucks needed full transmission replacements for a related valve problem.

When buying: confirm the transmission recalls are done and ask for any transmission repair records. On the test drive, watch for harsh downshifts or warning messages.

Brakes and trailer brakes

Brakes come up in 268 complaints. Many are about the trailer brake controller: "Check trailer wiring" or "Trailer brakes disconnected" warnings that cut the trailer brakes while towing. Others mention brake noise and a soft pedal when towing. If you tow, test the controller with a trailer connected.

Recalls to check

  • Power-unlatching tailgates may open unexpectedly after water gets in (recalls 24V060000 and 24V894000). Door and tailgate complaints are common (133).
  • Steering gear shaft can fracture on some 2024 trucks (recall 23V549000)
  • Fuel injector flow software on some 2024 diesels
  • Hood latch on some 2020 trucks (recalls 20V142000 and 20V324000)
  • Brake module water intrusion and fire risk on some 2021–2022 trucks (recall 21V758000)

Before you buy

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.

Sources (4)

Common failures & how to fix them

Parts and video buttons search for your 2025 GMC Sierra 3500HD. 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.

Owner's manual

Get the free official owner's manual from GMC's manuals and guides page. Choose 2025 Sierra 3500HD. It covers maintenance schedules, fluids, towing limits and warning lights. Older years may not be listed online.

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.

  • Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Fuel Pump:Control/Drive Module

    Mar 2026 · #26V129000

    General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Chevrolet Silverado 3500, and GMC Sierra 3500 vehicles with gasoline engines and dual fuel tanks (RPOs L8T and N2N). The rear fuel pump may not transfer adequate fuel to the front tank, causing an engine stall.

    Risk and fix

    Risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.

    Fix: The vehicle's engine control module (ECM) will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 8, 2026. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N262544420. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 5, 2026.

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 Train1
    • Filed Dec 2025

      The 2025 GMC Sierra 2500 HD, equipped with the 10-speed "Allison" transmission, rough shifting,

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.

Going to look at this Sierra 3500HD?Bring our free used truck inspection checklist →GMC Sierra 3500HD best and worst years →See how every year compares, and what each generation is known for.

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