2023 GMC Sierra transmission and drivetrain problems
91 of the 485 complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the 2023 GMC Sierra name the transmission and drivetrain (NHTSA’s “Power Train” heading — the transmission, transfer case, driveshafts, axles and differentials — NHTSA files them under one heading). Filed under the same heading: 135 manufacturer bulletins. Every figure below is a document in a federal file, linked; none is a failure rate, and none is a verdict on any one car.
What owners filed about the transmission and drivetrain
Source: NHTSA complaint database2 of the 91 reports a crash · 0 a fire · 0 injuries. Self-reported, unverified.
Filed per year: 2023: 1 · 2024: 3 · 2025: 46 · 2026: 41
Too few of these complaints carry an odometer reading to say when the problem shows up.
485 complaints in all about the 2023 GMC Sierra, 41 filed in 2026. The whole picture, every system →
Counts are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects, and scale with how many of these were sold; nothing here is a rate. NHTSA groups complaints coarsely, so “Power Train” means the same area of the vehicle, not one fault.
Across model years: GMC Sierra transmission and drivetrain problems, every year on file →
In owners’ own words
Source: NHTSA complaint databaseFiled with NHTSA by the people who own these cars, about the transmission and drivetrain. Quoted as written, with anything identifying removed; unverified reports — what was said, not a finding that it was true.
Valve Body. While driving the vehicle, hard shifts occurred; the vehicle check engine light came on and stayed on while the vehicle went into limp mode. I was able to link to the GMC dealer. The dealer was not and would not inspect the vehicle at that time. I was told I needed to leave or return in two for inspection.
Transmission Light has been on & off for a month and half. Had it at dealer twice, dealer will not confirm a problem. Truck shifts and bucks between first and second gear. Makes stopping in traffic difficult as truck will surge and jump when down shifting while stopping. Took truck to AAMCO Transmission shop.
Valve Body failure. Truck rear wheels lockup during failure as transmission was unable to get past 6 gear, sending truck into limp mode at highway speeds. Codes P0700 & P0747, no issues before failure.
The trucks engine completely shut down while going approximately 60 MPH while merging onto the highway. The trucks dash flashed multiple times, a ticking noise was heard, it put itself in neutral, and shut the engine off. All power was lost. I did still have brakes.
The engine failed with 15,000 miles on it. No warning lights ever came on. Had the oil changed several days prior. Lost power, but was able to drive to the dealer, but making weird noises
What is on file about the transmission and drivetrain
Source: NHTSA recalls, investigations and manufacturer communications135 manufacturer bulletins filed under this heading
The 0 newest are listed; every one is on the model year’s page. Quote the document number at a service desk — it is a diagnosis the maker has already written down.
Trouble codes named on this system
Codes a bulletin or an owner’s complaint about the 2023 GMC Sierra names on this model year; a code with a record of its own links it.
Other systems with a record on the 2023 GMC Sierra
Source: the same files- engine problems 230 complaints
- electrical problems 64 complaints
Common questions
Source: NHTSA complaint database, recalls and manufacturer communicationsAre transmission and drivetrain problems common on the 2023 GMC Sierra?
They are documented: NHTSA holds 91 owner complaints naming the transmission and drivetrain on this model year (19% of everything owners filed about it), and 135 manufacturer bulletins are filed under the same heading. Whether it is a problem on one particular car is a diagnosis, not a count, and a count says nothing about how many were sold.
Is there a recall for the transmission and drivetrain on the 2023 GMC Sierra?
No recall campaign is filed under this heading for this model year (there are 3 filed under other headings). A bulletin is not a recall: it carries no federal duty to repair for free.
When do transmission and drivetrain problems show up on the 2023 GMC Sierra?
Too few of the complaints carry an odometer reading to say. The model year's page shows the mileage curve across every system where it can.
What does NHTSA's "Power Train" heading cover?
The transmission, transfer case, driveshafts, axles and differentials — NHTSA files them under one heading. Owners choose the heading when they file, so it says which area of the vehicle the complaint is about, not which part failed.