2023 GMC Sierra 1500 Powertrain (other) Problems

Truck rear wheels locked up while going between 45 - 50 mph nearly causing accident. Driver behind me had to lock-up their breaks to avoid collision. This is happening every time I drive the truck for more than 30 minutes. It is happening multiple times a day now. I cannot drive truck - too unsafe to drive. Tried getting serviced, but local GMC dealer said they are backed up with truck transmission issues and can't get mine in until Sep 15 - 3 weeks after first reporting. No warning signs. The locking of rear wheels takes me by surprise.

NHTSA ID

11763465

Incident

Sep 10, 2026

Purchased above listed vehicle new in XXX. Immediately noticed a 'coolant' smell in cab. brought vehicle in for coolant smell issue on XXX and XXX. We were told that there was no issue until finally on XXX we were told the radiator needed to be replaced at OUR expense. XXX we received a letter from GMC advising the "engine coolant control valve" may fail. In XXX while driving on mountain roads (we live in [XXX]) the check engine light came on and while at 50 mph, the vehicle went into "limp mode" we lost power and speed was immediately reduced. We now know that a symptom of that valve failure is coolant smell in the cab of the car, a problem we had attempted to address with GMC from the beginning. We could have had a serious accident driving on a busy mountain road when this failure occurred. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11763393

Incident

Sep 1, 2026

I am reporting a serious safety concern involving a 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali, 6.2L L87 V8, VIN [XXX]. This vehicle has now experienced two catastrophic powertrain failures at very low mileage. The first catastrophic engine failure occurred at approximately 23,696 miles. The vehicle was taken to a GMC dealer, where the repair documentation states that the engine had suffered significant internal damage, including damage to the #3 connecting rod, a missing connecting-rod bearing, bearing material throughout the engine, and a scored crankshaft. The dealer determined that the engine was seized and required replacement. GM replaced the engine under warranty with GM engine assembly part number 12740076. The vehicle has now experienced a second catastrophic failure. On [XXX], while traveling approximately 40 mph, experienced grinding, lurching, and knocking, followed by a complete loss of propulsion. The truck would no longer move and had to be towed to a GMC dealer. At the time of the incident, no warning lights or warning messages were observed. The transmission is also suspected to have failed, although the exact cause and extent of the transmission failure have not yet been determined by the dealer. I understand that NHTSA is currently investigating failures involving GM 6.2L L87 engines, including failures occurring after previous recall remedies and engine replacements. I am therefore requesting that this incident be included in NHTSA’s investigation and considered when evaluating the effectiveness of the existing recall remedy and the safety of replacement L87 engines. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11761755

Incident

Sep 2, 2026

I am reaching out to NHTSA due to a vehicle that I believe will get me and/or my family in a major accident and cause serious injury or death. The vehicle that I had purchased in 07/08/2025 had a clean history report and was bought at 54,587 miles. It started having issues 8,563 miles later (odometer reading 63,150 ) on a trip that was 400 miles round trip. I was driving the vehicle on a highway at 65 mph and i felt a knocking vibration in the pedal it was not long before i could even pull over when the engine throttle had completely lost power causing the vehicle to almost come to a complete stop immediately having to steer onto the shoulder. after failing with no check engine light or warning present during the use of the vehicle on the road. it was giving off high temp/engine overheating with the engine making a continuous knocking sound in the engine. It eventually seized to work completely not being able to shift into neutral to push, and had to get it towed to the dealership 204 miles away. GM had advised the dealership to replace the whole engine which they did, and that second engine had given out 678 miles later (odometer reading 63,828.) I am now on my THIRD engine and i cannot trust or rely this vehicle for saftey or transporation. i have reached out to GM to file a claim and attempt to adress this issue to try and come to a resolution, however they denied my claim and have said that i am not "eligible" for a buyback program. I am considering getting legal attorney this is very frustrating to say the least GM is a terrible manufacturer for this issue

NHTSA ID

11761466

Incident

Mar 29, 2026

While driving truck jolts (rear wheels lock up) then downshifts into a lower gear. Appears to be similar issue as described in Recall 24V797 and 25V148. Not sure why my VIN does not show up on recall. Based on description it is the same problem. Feels unsafe to drive.

NHTSA ID

11761258

Incident

Aug 27, 2026

My wife and I were driving on the highway going slightly uphill. I pushed the pedal a bit because the power wasn't keeping speed. It continues to not maintain so pushed throttle further and the truck stalled. We traversed 3 lanes to get to the shoulder. When I stoped I tried to restart but the car wouldn't turn over but all electrical were working. We were on the shoulder for over and hour on a main highway. We had aaa tow it to the dealership where they confirmed the engine was seized and will be ordering parts. The car is still available upon request. Our safety was at risk from loosing power on the interstate and sitting on the shoulder is very dangerous. I didn't receive any warning lights prior to this occuring. The truck did undergo the peko test and passed and added new oil viscosity. It had roughly 55k miles on it. Always changed the oil before it hit 0% oil life as told by dealerships.

NHTSA ID

11760817

Incident

Aug 26, 2026

Truck went into limo mode while driving and required valve in transmission to be replaced. Went from driving normal speed to only being able to go about 15 miles and hour. Was repaired got the truck back and the next day was on the interstate in the fast lane and the truck again had speed issue reduced speed and had to coast off interstate. This time entire valve body had to be replaced. Have gotten truck back and still have hard shifting in the transmission at times. Engine was checked for recall and now I have to pay a much higher oil change price due to a GM issue. This was not a known cost when purchasing this truck.

NHTSA ID

11760485

Incident

Mar 27, 2026

I own a 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali Ultimate equipped with the 6.2L L87 V8 engine. The vehicle previously experienced an engine failure that resulted in the complete replacement of the 6.2L engine by an authorized GMC dealership. The replacement engine was installed at approximately 76,316 miles. After approximately 1,000 miles of driving with the replacement engine, at approximately 77,354 miles, the vehicle displayed a check-engine/service warning and experienced abnormal transmission shifting. I returned the vehicle to the GMC dealership for diagnosis. The dealer documented DTC P0747, identified as “Transmission Control Solenoid Valve 1 Stuck On,” and recommended replacement of the transmission control valve body at a quoted cost of $2,665.85 plus tax. The dealership has stated that this transmission condition is unrelated to the recent engine replacement. However, because the condition appeared only approximately 1,000 miles after a complete engine replacement, I have asked General Motors to investigate whether the current failure could be associated with the previous engine failure, the engine replacement procedure, or other related vehicle systems. I have opened a case with General Motors Customer Assistance and have deferred the customer-paid valve-body repair while GM reviews the matter. I am submitting this complaint so NHTSA/ODI has a record that this vehicle experienced a major 6.2L L87 engine failure requiring complete engine replacement and then, approximately 1,000 miles after that replacement, developed a check-engine warning, abnormal transmission operation, DTC P0747, and a condition requiring replacement of the transmission control valve body. I can provide the engine-replacement repair order, current diagnostic documentation, mileage records, dealer repair estimate, and GM case information upon request.

NHTSA ID

11758664

Incident

Jul 17, 2026

My 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 SLT 4WD currently at 67659 miles was taken in to the dealer because of excessive jerk when accelerating or trying to reverse, diagnostic scan failed for check engine and ABS trouble codes. The scan return code PO747 indicating transmission pressure control solenoid “A” was stuck on for a predetermined period of time. The recommended repair is replacement of automatic transmission, solenoid control valve body. I’m aware that GM has issued a TSB 25–NA-255 and special coverage N24245441–02 addressing this exact failure on the GM 10 speed and that GM previously issued a related recall N242454440 addressing this exact failure on the GM 10 speed transmissions, and that GM previously issued a related recall for this citing rear wheel lock up risk associated with transmission valve condition. My vehicle scan showed an ABS failure at the same time as a transmission. code, consistent with the safety risk. GM has already acknowledged and its own recall documentation however I was told to contact NHTSA to document the safety risk and request investigation of the scope of this defect across affected models years and vehicles as mine seems to have fallen short. I previously owned a 2021GMC vehicle same model that experience the identical transmission valve body failure that vehicle could not be repaired in a reasonable time and I ultimately experience financial loss and had to replace a vehicle now I’m experiencing the same defect on the vehicle purchased (this one) with significantly fewer miles than would be expected for a major transmission failure, indicating that this may be a reoccurring manufacturing design defect rather than an isolated incident. Thank you for your time and I hope this issue can be resolved as I do love the truck otherwise however safety first. Thank you

NHTSA ID

11757965

Incident

Jul 14, 2026

My truck threw the code p0747 for fail valve body. When I do my research its a common problem. GM is stating my truck isnt covered.

NHTSA ID

11755890

Incident

Jul 31, 2026

While towing my trailer the vehicle intermittently slams gears and will hesitate the back tires momentarily to the point of screeching. This has led to close calls being nearly rear ended and having to pull over. This started out as a hard slam while trailering on the highway and has progressively gotten worse. Had into dealership twice to multiple times to try and figure out the issue but it’s not throwing any codes and they can’t get it to duplicate the issues. Nothing can be replaced due to no codes even though they think the valve body is going bad. Leaving the vehicle as a ticking time bomb for failure which could result potentially in a catastrophic incident. Only had the vehicle for one year now has 37k miles on it and have had the ecm, full wiring harness, and multiple sensors replaced already for a different problem early this year that had the truck in the shop for a month.

NHTSA ID

11752774

Incident

Jul 12, 2026

Engine light came on while driving and a message on dashboard said Service Transmission Now.Unable To Shift Soon. Took to dealer and they said it was the park position switch 1circuit high. Had to order part but not knowing how long to get it. Truck only has 12468 miles. Luckily I got it to the dealer ASAP. IF I were on the highway or a remote road, I feel that a serious accident would have happened. Having an electronic controlled console shifter not being able to get the truck to shift gears to slow down or stop is a real safety issue. Extended warranty does not cover anything like this. Please look into this. Thank you

NHTSA ID

11752068

Incident

Jul 16, 2026

I was driving my family on the highway and my truck completely shut down. The screen flashed a warning and it slowly started decelerating. Thankfully I was able to make it to the shoulder of the road safely. Engine failure was a known safety issue with my model of truck, but I completed the L87 Engine Loss of Propulsion safety recall testing on 9/18/2025 and was assured my engine passed the testing and was not at risk for engine failure.

NHTSA ID

11748693

Incident

May 24, 2026

While traveling at highway speed during rush hour commute, the vehicle lost engine power and stalled. While coasting, I tried to restart the engine several times without success. Before coming to a stop, I attempted to get to the shoulder safely. Unfortunately, a portion of the vehicle was left partially in the lane and on the shoulder. Once I was completely stopped, I tried to put the electronic shift control into neutral so I could push the vehicle safely to the shoulder. The shifter would not allow me to shift into neutral and other override methods researched failed to work. I continued to try and restart the vehicle without success. I was in an unsafe position during rush hour commute for about 50 minutes until roadside assistance arrived and loaded and towed the vehicle. There was no warning of the issue prior to the incident. A code (P129F-Fuel Pump Driver Control Module Speed Signal Incorrect) was produced after the stall occurred via my GMC app. My vehicle was towed to my local dealership for service, but have not received the vehicle back at the time of reporting.

NHTSA ID

11746738

Incident

Jun 25, 2026

[XXX] [XXX] Phone: [XXX] Vehicle Information: Year: 2023 Make: GMC Model: Sierra Denali Ultimate Engine: 6.2L V8 VIN: [XXX]: Mileage: Approximately 52,000 miles BACKGROUND: I previously had the engine serviced under a GM recall campaign related to known 6.2L V8 engine concerns. Despite that repair, the vehicle has since experienced two separate highway-speed loss-of-propulsion events. COMPLAINT The vehicle suddenly lost power while being driven at highway speed. No warning lights, check-engine lights, reduced-engine-power messages, or transmission warnings appeared. In both incidents, I was forced to coast to the shoulder of the roadway. The vehicle would not resume normal operation until it was stopped and restarted. This condition has now occurred twice. SAFETY CONCERN The sudden loss of propulsion during highway operation creates an immediate safety hazard and increases the risk of collision due to the inability to maintain speed with surrounding traffic. REQUESTED NHTSA ACTION 1. Record this complaint as a repeat loss-of-propulsion event. 2. Evaluate whether similar complaints exist involving 2023 GMC Sierra Denali Ultimate vehicles equipped with the 6.2L V8. 3. Consider this complaint in any current or future investigations involving loss of propulsion, stalling, engine failure, or powertrain concerns. 4. Review whether vehicles previously repaired under GM recall campaigns continue to experience similar failures. [XXX]: Update – Vehicle Disabled and Awaiting Engine Replacement Since filing my initial concerns regarding repeated loss-of-propulsion events, the condition of my vehicle has significantly worsened. During the dealership's inspection and test drive, the engine reportedly failed and locked up. The vehicle could not be restarted and required further diagnostics. On June 20, 2026, I received a text message from the dealership that the required engine parts remain on backorder INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11745455

Incident

May 18, 2026

the vehicle is actively presenting severe mechanical symptoms that make it entirely unsafe to operate on public roads. Specifically, it exhibits a violent shuddering and vibration through the cabin when coasting or cruising at highway speeds. Furthermore, it undergoes aggressive jerking, harsh engagement, and dangerous hesitation the moment I press the gas pedal to accelerate or merge.

NHTSA ID

11742955

Incident

Jun 8, 2026

The transmission control module failed. The dealer said a I a high voltage alarm signal code. This was the diagnostic inform received from the dealership service department. Primary]: MDIAG : MISC. VEHICLE DIAGNOSIS. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND GETTING MESSAGE FOR SERVICE TRANSMISSION, UNABLE TO SHIFT. PLEASE CHECK AND ADVISE * Repair items per diagnosis: FOUND P07B4 STORED IN SYSTEM. VERIFIED WIRING OK TO GEAR SHIFT CONTROL MODULE. SI STATES IF WIRING GOOD TO REPLACE GEAR SHIFT CONTROL MODULE AND IF CODE RESETS TO REPLACE ECM. RECOMMEND STARTING BY REPLACING GEAR SHIFT CONTROL MODULE The truck would not shift or go into gear at all. This was concerning because the transmission could have stopped shifting while I was driving myself and my children around. This warning light came on while I was driving on the highway. My vehicle has about 58,000 miles on it and is still under powertrain warranty. But the dealership is saying this repair isn’t included.

NHTSA ID

11742551

Incident

May 19, 2026

The truck side toy down shift and the accelerator was very high…. When I was going to park the reverse was not shifting…

NHTSA ID

11741918

Incident

May 28, 2026

Upon accelerating on the freeway, rear wheels locked up completely almost causing me to hit multiple vehicles. Was repeatable and was able to record the event. Manufacturer claims unable to reproduce and bring back if it happens again. No lights were set.

NHTSA ID

11741318

Incident

May 23, 2026

Model: Sierra Denali Ultimate Engine: 6.2L V8 VIN: [XXX] Mileage at Most Recent Incident: Approximately 52,000 miles Safety Complaint Summary I am submitting this complaint to report a recurring loss-of-propulsion and engine power event involving my 2023 GMC Sierra Denali Ultimate equipped with the 6.2L V8 engine. This vehicle has experienced two separate incidents in which it suddenly lost power while being operated at highway speeds. During both events, the vehicle unexpectedly lost propulsion without warning and without any apparent driver input or mechanical indication beforehand. No warning lights, check-engine lights, reduced-engine-power messages, service transmission messages, or other warning indicators were displayed prior to the failure. The vehicle simply lost power while traveling in traffic. During both occurrences, I was forced to safely maneuver the vehicle to the shoulder of the roadway while rapidly losing speed among surrounding traffic. Once stopped, the vehicle would not resume normal operation until it was restarted. After restarting, the vehicle appeared to operate normally; however, the fact that this condition has now occurred twice raises significant concerns regarding the reliability and safety of the vehicle. Safety Risk This condition presents a significant and immediate safety risk because sudden loss of propulsion during highway operation can leave the driver unable to maintain speed, safely merge, maneuver, or avoid surrounding traffic. The unexpected reduction in speed creates the potential for rear-end collisions, loss of vehicle control, or other traffic accidents, particularly when operating on high-speed roadways. Because the vehicle provided no warning before losing power, there is little opportunity for a driver to take preventive action. Additional Information • Vehicle: 2023 GMC Sierra Denali Ultimate • Engine: 6.2L V8 • VIN: [XXX] • Approximate Mileage: 52,000 miles • Number of Incident INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 55

NHTSA ID

11741004

Incident

May 29, 2026

I was driving down the road at 55 mph on 4/12/2026 and had let off the gas for a 45 mph zone when I experienced a violent downshift of the transmission that squealed the tires momentarily and felt like someone had hit me from behind. It startled me and caused me to lower my speed down to 20 mph. I continued driving to my destination and when I let off of the gas doing 45 mph for a slight curve I had another violent downshift that felt again like someone hit me from behind. I contacted a GMC dealer on 4/13.2026 to see if there was a recall on the transmission that I wasn't seeing online and was told no. I described what I experienced to their service department and was told to flush out the transmission fluid and replace the filter. I did experience another bad downshift at a slower speed (about 25 mph) on 4/13/2026. There wasn't any warnings or lights that came on when these three incidents occurred. When looking online I did see there was a similar recall for 2020-2022 GMC Sierra's where customers were experiencing similar violent transmission downshifts and am wondering if this issue is affecting more than just those three model years.

NHTSA ID

11730979

Incident

Apr 12, 2026

On March 13, 2026 I purchased a 2023 GMC Sierra AT4 Pickup with 3.0 Diesel Engine. While driving on a state highway in a 35 mph zone I started to accelerate as the speed zone changed. The truck suddenly had the rear wheel lock up for a brief time about quarter to half second then the truck proceeded on. This happened as the transmission was downshifting. Then on or about March 24, 2026 I was using the same truck and towing a 4,000 pound enclosed trailer. This trailer was hooked up within all recommended hookup requirements. In a 225 mile trip I experienced the same rear wheel lock up happen 4 random times during the trip. Once this happened at 65 miles and hour had there been snow or ice on the highway the truck may have crashed. This lock up happened while using the truck in tow haul mode. Two times it happened while the truck was being towed with cruise control active and two times it happened while not using cruise control. Truck was brought to Authorized GM Dealer and inspected and truck had no stored codes from transmission related issues. Dealer blamed this for using cruise while towing. I informed dealer this happened while not using cruise as well. Was told to turn off adaptive cruise when towing. I was unable to find anything in the GMC Manual regarding not using cruise while towing. This appears to be an issue with the valve body in the transmission and customer explained this to the dealer but they denied this claim. When these quick moment lockups happen no codes or engine lights show everything on dash appears normal. Customer is bringing truck to another GM Dealer to be tested and examined.

NHTSA ID

11729261

Incident

Mar 24, 2026

Incident Summary: On 2/2/2026, my vehicle was serviced under Safety Recall 25V-274 at an authorized GMC dealership. The service technician performed the mandated diagnostic protocol (including the PicoScope test) and informed me that the engine had "passed" inspection. No internal components were replaced; the remedy was limited to an oil change to a higher-viscosity oil (0W-40) and a new oil filler cap. The Failure: Approximately 48 hours after this "successful" recall remedy, the vehicle suffered a catastrophic engine failure while in operation. The engine failed entirely. The vehicle lost all propulsion while in motion, creating an immediate safety hazard for myself and other motorists. Diagnostic and Risk: The failure has been confirmed by a GMC dealer, who subsequently performed a full engine and radiator replacement. In the 48-hour prior to failure, there were no warning lamps or symptoms; the vehicle had just been cleared by the manufacturer's own diagnostic tools as safe and free of defects. Systemic Concern: This incident demonstrates that the current diagnostic protocol for Recall 25V-274 is insufficient to identify terminal manufacturing defects in the connecting rods and crankshaft of the L87 6.2L V8 engine. The "remedy" of higher-viscosity oil failed to prevent the exact catastrophic loss of propulsion the recall was intended to address. The replaced engine is available for inspection upon request by the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.

NHTSA ID

11727522

Incident

Feb 4, 2026

My 2023 GMC Sierra has 60,571 miles for a while now while driving the transmission slips and slams into gears. Recently driving with my kids in the car on highway going 70mph the back brakes locked up multiple times, so scary and dangerous while driving. I now currently have a code P-0747 in the system.

NHTSA ID

11724873

Incident

Mar 8, 2026

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 ID

11723417

Incident

Jan 26, 2026