NHTSA Complaints · Active Recalls · California Lemon Law Data
The NHTSA tracks consumer complaints, manufacturer recalls, and safety investigations for every vehicle sold in the United States. These publicly available records are a critical resource for California lemon law cases because they establish patterns of recurring defects.
As of June 2026, the NHTSA has logged 285 complaints against the 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. Each complaint is filed by a vehicle owner or lessee through the NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline or online portal at SaferCar.gov. You can review all 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 complaints directly on the NHTSA complaint database.
The 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 has generated 1716 NHTSA complaints and has 3 active recalls. If your 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 has experienced a defect that the dealer has been unable to repair after multiple visits, you may qualify for a full repurchase or replacement under California lemon law. Chevrolet pays all attorney fees when we prevail. You pay nothing.
Engine and cooling problems are among the most serious defects under California’s Song-Beverly Act. Owners of the 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 have reported issues including stalling, overheating, loss of power, rough idling, excessive oil consumption, and check engine lights that return after dealer repairs. With 414 NHTSA complaints on record, this defect pattern is well-documented. Owner reports include: “RE: FORMAL COMPLAINT–RECALL FRAUD & VIN TAMPERING SUBJECT: Falsified Recall N252494000 & 18 U.S.C. § 511 Violations VEHICLE: 2023 Chevy Silverado (VIN: [XXX] ) INCIDENT: March 7, 2026 FROM: [XXX] [XXX] I am reporting severe Federal Recall Fraud and VIN tampering by Kunes Auto Group (WI). GM records and physical evidence prove Kunes falsified Safety Recall N252494000 (L87 Loss of Propulsion) and sold an illegally rebuilt wreck with mismatched VINs. 1. Falsified Recall: On 4/9/2024, Kunes logged a PicoScope Inspection marking the recall “Passed” (Trans #XX-XXX). The NHTSA remedy requires installing a 0W-40 oil cap/flush. When the engine seized on 3/7/2026, it still had the factory 0W-20 cap. Kunes billed GM for a safety remedy never performed. 2. Concealed Defects: Despite the “Closed” recall, the truck exhibited L87 defect symptoms. I brought it to Kunes three times (Oct 2025 – Feb 2026). They dismissed the warnings and released the truck as safe. 3. VIN Fraud (18 U.S.C. § 511): The 2023 truck has 2025-stamped frame/axle parts. Holz Motors (authorized GM) blacklisted it on 3/6/2026 (RO #1583470), stating in writing: “DUE TO… MISMATCHED VINS DOOR TO DASH, SALVAGED REAR AXLE… HOLZ WILL NOT BRING THIS TRUCK IN.” 4. Highway Failure: On 3/7/2026, the L87 motor suffered total Loss of Propulsion at 70 MPH in traffic. The sudden loss of power steering/braking nearly caused a multi-vehicle fatality. REQUESTED ACTION: 1. Audit Kunes’s PicoScope data for the 4/9/2024 transaction. 2. Investigate remedy fraud (missing 0W-40 cap). 3. Investigate tampered/mismatched VINs and off-the-books rebuild. 4. Sanction dealer for fraudulent safety certifications. I declare under penalty of perjury these statements are true. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)” (NHTSA Complaint #11723724)
Powertrain and transmission defects directly impair the vehicle’s core function and are generally considered substantial defects under California lemon law. Owners of the 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 have reported harsh shifting, shuddering, slipping, and transmission warning lights. 234 NHTSA complaints have been submitted for this defect category. Owner reports include: “This truck has a 6.2 engine that was recalled, inspected, and made the switch to the new oil, but then failed. I believe you already have a recall query rq26001 related to this matter. I received the recall notice July 2025, took the vehicle to Covert Bee Cave in Austin, TX July 2025. They told me it passed inspection and put the new oil cap on. Within two weeks I began having transmission issues. I left the truck with them for three weeks and they could not do anything about the transmission. The transmission issue did not reappear until a couple of weeks ago. I took it to Capitol Chevrolet and they replaced a shifter rod in the transmission, but I am not convinced that was the issue as it still shifted rough. Just a couple of days later, before I could take it back to have Capitol look at the transmission, and while driving on an Interstate south of San Antonio, TX, the engine slowed down, flashed a warning “Oil Pressure Low Turn Vehicle Off” and it continued to slow. I was barely able to exit the Interstate, the truck stopped and would not restart. I had it towed to Vara Chevrolet in San Antonio (440 tow expense) and it still would not start. The technician finally inspected it a few days later, said the engine is seized, and they will need to replace the entire engine, and that it is covered under warranty (there was plenty of oil in my engine). He did not say anything about the transmission. I believe this is an example of my vehicle passing the recall inspection, changing to the new oil, and the engine still failing – and at a very dangerous time on the interstate.” (NHTSA Complaint #11722859)
The 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 has generated 138 NHTSA complaints for this defect category. If your vehicle has experienced recurring issues in this area that the dealer has been unable to repair after multiple attempts, you may have a qualifying lemon law claim under California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act. Owner reports include: “On 1/24/26 I used the remote starter to warm up the truck and it started but within 3 minutes it shut off. The temperature was in the single digits. So I tried the remote again and it wouldn’t start. And the remote start hasn’t worked since and the check engine light is on. Two years ago when the brake module failed right before that recall the temperature was very cold that day too. Just two months ago the check engine light came on and that time the dealership said the battery failed . It also printed out a whole page of errors , at the dealership.” (NHTSA Complaint #11714124)
Electrical system failures are notoriously difficult to diagnose and repair, which often results in multiple unsuccessful repair attempts — a key element of a lemon law claim. Reported issues for the 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 include infotainment malfunctions, battery drain, warning lights, power window failures, and intermittent starting problems. 96 NHTSA complaints have been filed for this category. Owner reports include: “My onstar telematics system has failed. I lost all connectivity with onstar and have no vehicle crash detection, communication and onstar based safety feature available anymore. I took the truck to the dealership and they identified the telematics module as faulty and needs replaced. The onstar system buttons are off and will not turn back one and have been off since 2/18/26.” (NHTSA Complaint #11721738)
Engine and cooling problems are among the most serious defects under California’s Song-Beverly Act. Owners of the 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 have reported issues including stalling, overheating, loss of power, rough idling, excessive oil consumption, and check engine lights that return after dealer repairs. With 90 NHTSA complaints on record, this defect pattern is well-documented. Owner reports include: “2023 1500 RST 6.2. Recall was done and performed last year. Truck passed so they changed the oil and sent me on my way. I have had zero issues up until last week. My gut tells me the replacement is going to be the same engine with the same failing parts that I already have so expect I may have issues in the future even after the new engine. -on interstate going 55MPH, went to accelerate to 70MPH and throttle did nothing; no rpm,no down shift, no speed change. Just dead. Suddenly the truck shut off the engine and kicked my transmission into neutral. I tried to restart the truck hoping it would fire just long enough to get me to a safe zone with no luck as the starter would turn but nothing from the engine. Mind you this was rush hour in a construction zone with no shoulder available at the moment. Luckily I coasted, got to the slow lane and was able to veer off safely onto the side of an exit ramp. No notice, no way to safely limp my truck, just a complete shut down. How this isn’t a lawsuit or more people haven’t been seriously injured or worse is beyond me- a total shutdown while driving highway speeds and no way to overcome or at least limit the speed for a short period is unbelievable. Even though warranty is now through 2033/150k miles for the powertrain due to the recall, and I’ve also thought about adding 3-4 years extended for bumper to bumper with all the tech, I now have ZERO faith in my truck or my safety once I get it back. I’m sure the trade value will also be considerably low due to the 6.2. I’ve owned Chevys for 12 years and am either going back to the 5.3 or switching brands altogether. Possibly a 5.7 hemi without etorque.” (NHTSA Complaint #11724331)
The following 3 recalls have been issued for the 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 by the NHTSA or Chevrolet. If your vehicle is affected, the manufacturer is required to provide a free remedy. Check your VIN at NHTSA.gov/recalls.
Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE
Defect: See NHTSA database for details.
Risk: DRLs that do not deactivate as intended may result in a glare, reducing visibility, and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: The body control module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 23, 2023. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or Cadillac custo
Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:BRAKE FLUID LOW WARNING: LAMP
Defect: See NHTSA database for details.
Risk: Without a warning light, the vehicle may be driven with low brake fluid, which can reduce braking performance and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: The Electronic Brake Control Module (eBCM) software will be updated through an over-the-air (OTA) update or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 25, 2024. Owners can contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020,
Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL
Defect: See NHTSA database for details.
Risk: Engine failure increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the engine, and as necessary, repair or replace the engine. For vehicles that pass inspection, dealers will add higher viscosity oil, install 6 oil fill cap, replace the oil filter, and update the owner’s manual. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification le
California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act (Cal. Civ. Code §§ 1790–1795.8) is one of the strongest lemon laws in the United States. It protects buyers and lessees of new and certified pre-owned vehicles that develop substantial defects the manufacturer cannot repair after a reasonable number of attempts.
Under Cal. Civ. Code § 1793.22, a lemon law presumption is triggered when any of the following apply to your 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500:
Once the presumption is triggered, the burden shifts to Chevrolet to prove the vehicle is not a lemon. Under Cal. Civ. Code § 1794(d), Chevrolet must pay your attorney’s fees if you prevail — meaning qualified representation costs you nothing out of pocket.
If your 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 qualifies as a lemon under California law, Chevrolet may be legally required to:
Step 1: Document every repair visit. Keep all repair orders, work orders, and dealer invoices. Each visit counts as a repair attempt, even if the dealer says nothing is wrong.
Step 2: Keep returning for repairs. You must give Chevrolet a reasonable opportunity to fix the defect. Visit different authorized Chevrolet dealers if needed and ask for written documentation of each visit.
Step 3: Contact a California lemon law attorney. Once you believe the threshold has been met — 4 attempts for non-safety defects, 2 for safety defects, or 30 days out of service — contact an attorney for a free case evaluation. Under § 1794(d), Chevrolet pays your fees if you win.
Step 4: Send a demand letter. Your attorney will send Chevrolet a formal demand letter. Most California lemon law cases resolve through negotiation without going to trial.
Under Cal. Civ. Code § 1793.22, four or more repair attempts for the same non-safety defect, or two attempts for a safety-related defect, triggers the lemon law presumption. Additionally, 30 or more cumulative days out of service qualifies regardless of the number of repair attempts.
Yes. Under Cal. Civ. Code § 1794(d), Chevrolet is required to pay your reasonable attorney’s fees and court costs if you prevail in a lemon law claim. This means qualified lemon law representation is free to you if your case succeeds.
Yes. A recall is not required to file a lemon law claim. The Song-Beverly Act covers any substantial defect that impairs the use, value, or safety of the vehicle that the manufacturer cannot repair after a reasonable number of attempts. NHTSA complaints support the claim by establishing a pattern, but are not a prerequisite.
California lemon law claims are generally subject to a four-year statute of limitations from the date you discovered or should have discovered the defect. However, you must still be within the manufacturer’s original warranty period when the defect first appears. Contact an attorney promptly to preserve your rights.
If your 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 has a recurring defect, California’s Lemon Law may entitle you to a full refund, replacement vehicle, or cash settlement — at no cost to you.
Our attorneys answer the questions we hear most from California vehicle owners — fully updated for 2026.
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