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 344 complaints against the 2023 GMC Sierra 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 GMC Sierra 1500 complaints directly on the NHTSA complaint database.
The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 has generated 2064 NHTSA complaints and has 3 active recalls. If your 2023 GMC Sierra 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. GMC 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 GMC Sierra 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 636 NHTSA complaints on record, this defect pattern is well-documented. Owner reports include: “Engine with leas than 40,000 miles is consuming one (1) quat of oil every 2,000 miles. GM dealership showed me the internal GM service update stating the accepted rate of oil consumption for engines uses in the vehicles referenced is 1qt per 2,000 miles. That may seem acceptable because GM put it in a notice to dealerships but I assure you the end consumer would never buy this engine if this was explained prior to purchasing. There is a reason new cars to not consume oil (at least not at a level you need to add oil between oil change intervals) at this rate. Long term wear and tear on the engine – note Gm offered a warrantee covering 100,000 miles, which is nice but the problems will become more severe over time and miles. I consider this borderline criminal as it will surely cause engines to lock up.” (NHTSA Complaint #11723825)
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 GMC Sierra 1500 have reported harsh shifting, shuddering, slipping, and transmission warning lights. 222 NHTSA complaints have been submitted for this defect category. Owner reports include: “While entering the freeway at approximately 45 MPH not towing the rear wheels locked for a second, truck went into the Limp mood, and dash said reduce speed, service transmission. Dealer pulled codes, P0700 and P0747…the order says cause document #6998510.”replace spacer plate, check balls and valve.” Correction: DTC P0747 set Dealer told me the put the new updated valve in but I don’t see that on the repair order? I asked about the GM extended warranty ( I think it’s 10 years, 150,000 miles). they said it didn’t apply to my vehicle?” (NHTSA Complaint #11723417)
The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 has generated 204 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: “I was driving down the road and my top grille molding flew off” (NHTSA Complaint #11722763)
The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 has generated 126 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: “Was driving down interstate and the top of my grill came off and smacked my windshield. Also, my tailgate opens on its own but the grill is the main safety issue. I have seen where they already have recalls on 2022s and earlier due to chrome grill coming off but mine is a 2023 and gm is refusing to honor it when it is obviously the same issue. Was very scary and could have caused a wreck as grill ended up on interstate being thrown around by vehicles. GM stated I would need recall added to my VIN in order for them to pay for it. Thank you!” (NHTSA Complaint #11724595)
Engine and cooling problems are among the most serious defects under California’s Song-Beverly Act. Owners of the 2023 GMC Sierra 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 108 NHTSA complaints on record, this defect pattern is well-documented. Owner reports include: “See attached document for complaint.” (NHTSA Complaint #11693863)
The following 3 recalls have been issued for the 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 by the NHTSA or GMC. 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 GMC Sierra 1500:
Once the presumption is triggered, the burden shifts to GMC to prove the vehicle is not a lemon. Under Cal. Civ. Code § 1794(d), GMC must pay your attorney’s fees if you prevail — meaning qualified representation costs you nothing out of pocket.
If your 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 qualifies as a lemon under California law, GMC 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 GMC a reasonable opportunity to fix the defect. Visit different authorized GMC 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), GMC pays your fees if you win.
Step 4: Send a demand letter. Your attorney will send GMC 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), GMC 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 GMC Sierra 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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