2023 GMC Sierra electrical problems
severe 42 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Owners have filed 42 electrical complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2023 Sierra's electrical architecture is fundamentally unreliable. Owners describe engine shutdowns at highway speeds with zero warning—vehicles lose all power, steering, and brakes simultaneously, forcing drivers onto road shoulders or into traffic. Some of these shutdowns coincide with GM's over-the-air software updates, which dealers acknowledge can "cause sudden loss of communication with multiple modules." Engine seizures are recurring even after warranty replacement; second failures are denied coverage.
The OnStar/telematics module dies at low mileage (under 40,000 miles in multiple reports), wiping out emergency calling and crash notification. These parts are VIN-coded, available only through dealers, and sit on national backorder—one complaint cites 4,000 units pending with three to four-month delays. Owners are charged $500–$1,000 plus labor even within manufacturer timelines.
Instrument clusters black out without warning during driving, eliminating speed, fuel, and warning-light visibility. Tailgates release randomly while parked or moving, dumping cargo on highways. HVAC systems malfunction, mirrors and windows behave erratically, and infotainment systems reboot constantly. Multiple electrical gremlins often cluster together—cameras fail, running boards open mid-highway, and phantom crash alerts activate. Dealers admit many issues are "known problems" but offer no timeline for repair parts or any accountability for the design failures.
Same GMC Sierra electrical reports on nearby years: 2020 · 2021 · 2022 · 2024 · 2025
Failure modes owners describe
Sudden Engine Shutdown / Loss of Propulsion
Engine cuts out completely during highway driving without warning, sometimes with loss of electrical power and brakes. Vehicle loses motive power, refuses to shift out of park, or requires repeated restarts. Owners report being stranded in traffic or forced to coast to safety.
When: Multiple incidents ranging from first week of ownership to 56,000 miles; some owners report recurring seizures
Symptoms owners cite: Complete engine shutdown on highway at 40–65 mph with no warning; Loss of electrical power, power steering, and braking during shutdown; Inability to shift from park; Engine stalls repeatedly before staying off; Check engine light may or may not illuminate; Loud engine knocking and rattling before shutdown; Multiple engine seizures in same vehicle
Codes mentioned: U0656 00 (limp mode activation), Check Engine Light, Forward Collision Warning / Emergency Braking alerts
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers replaced full engines on warranty under recall for first failure; second engine failure denied coverage. Fuel Pump Control Module and ECM (Engine Control Module) replacements ordered. One owner reports 6-week wait for parts; another waiting 45 days with no ETA.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM bulletins acknowledge loss of module communication post-OTA update as cause of stall. Engineering directed ECM and Fuel Pump Control Module replacement. One recall (N222391510) covers wiring harness chaffing on some Sierra models from same year.
Software / OTA Update Failures
Over-the-air updates render critical systems inoperable, including safety modules, infotainment, and brake systems. Updates trigger cascading electrical faults, phantom warning lights, and loss of communication between modules. Owners report multiple issues appearing after a single update and dealers unable to resolve.
When: Within days to weeks following OTA software update; some issues persist after multiple dealer visits spanning months
Symptoms owners cite: ABS and Forward Collision Warning systems fail simultaneously; Dashboard warning lights appear without prior indication; Transmission failure warnings; Speed limit restriction messages (36 mph warning); Loss of module communication causing stalls; Infotainment and radio become unresponsive or reboot constantly; Blinker tone and safety chimes become erratic; Camera screens freeze during driving
Codes mentioned: ABS system failure codes, Transmission warning codes, Module communication loss codes
Repairs/costs cited: Software update and system download cost owner $300+ out of warranty. Multiple reprogram attempts (3–4) by dealers over 30+ days with no resolution. One owner spent $400 on software update with no fix.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM acknowledges 'bulletin stating vehicle may suddenly lose communication with multiple modules and stall' post-update. OTA update GM N25-250380 implicated in erratic blinker tones and constant reboots. Dealers offered reprogram as initial fix; escalation to ECM/module replacement required.
OnStar / Telematics Module Failure
Telematics and OnStar units become completely inoperative, eliminating emergency calling and automatic crash notification. Some instances coincide with OTA updates; others occur at relatively low mileage. Parts are VIN-coded, available only through dealers, and are on national backorder with 3–4 month delays and no guaranteed availability.
When: At 2.5 years of operation post-update; at 39,000 miles; at 12,000 miles; within days to weeks of OTA software update
Symptoms owners cite: OnStar/cellular connectivity lost; GPS mapping stops responding; No automatic crash notification capability; Vehicle locator feature inoperable; False 'Low Brake System Voltage' code generated; Entire infotainment system becomes unresponsive
Codes mentioned: Low Brake System Voltage (false code caused by telematics failure)
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement part cost $500–$1,000 plus $200/hour labor. Parts on national backorder; one report cites 4,000+ units pending, 3–4 month ETA with no guarantee. Parts cannot be ordered from aftermarket suppliers or GM's official parts site; dealership-only availability. One owner reports paying $550+ for replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM charges out-of-warranty customers for replacement; warranty coverage available only within original period. Part number superseded multiple times, indicating ongoing unresolved issue. Specmo reported as sole refurbisher/distributor, limiting availability.
Instrument Cluster Blackout / Display Failure
Digital instrument cluster goes completely black or loses critical information displays, eliminating visibility of speed, fuel level, warning lights, and diagnostic indicators. Screen may flicker, freeze, or alternate between black and blue. Owner safety compromised as critical driving information is unavailable.
When: Intermittent at 56,000 miles; sudden at various mileages; recurring episodes
Symptoms owners cite: Complete blackout of all dashboard screens; No speed, fuel gauge, or warning light visibility; Flickering or intermittent display loss; Repetitive 'ding' sound with no visible warning light; Blue hourglass icon appearing on screen; Chirping sound accompanying cluster failure; Screen flashing between black and dark blue
Codes mentioned: Possible video processing module fault
Repairs/costs cited: Video Processing Module replacement and reprogramming estimated at $2,200. Parts reportedly covered under warranty/recall but on order with no ETA (3+ weeks reported). Known problem per dealer; no advance warning before failure.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Parts covered under warranty/recall per dealer statement. Multiple part supersessions suggest ongoing engineering revision.
Tailgate Unintended Opening
Tailgate releases and opens randomly while parked, driving, or in motion without driver command. Occurs multiple times in a single vehicle and causes loss of cargo, damage to tailgate and trailer, and safety hazard from debris on road. No warning lights alert driver.
When: First week of ownership to 17+ months after purchase; recurring issue in same vehicles
Symptoms owners cite: Tailgate opens while driving without warning; Tailgate releases randomly when opening truck doors; Tailgate opens while parked in garage or driveway; Tailgate release button stops functioning normally; No warning light indicates tailgate opening; Tonneau cover can mask that tailgate is open
Repairs/costs cited: New tailgate and tailgate release switch replacement. Body damage incurred from opening while driving with trailer attached; cargo and tools lost. Owner reports multiple repairs and repeated failures.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Service bulletin and recall exist for most GM models (e.g., Chevrolet trucks) but 2023 Sierra not included in current recall. Dealer informed owner truck has no open recalls despite same issue appearing on same model year trucks nationwide.
Infotainment / Radio System Malfunctions
Infotainment system, radio, and navigation features become unresponsive, freeze, or lose audio intermittently. Safety-critical warning chimes also mute during audio loss. System requires extended vehicle shutdown to reset. Multiple dealer visits and GM customer service contacts ineffective.
When: Within first month of ownership (800 miles); recurring intermittently; 4+ occurrences in one month
Symptoms owners cite: Audio loss through all speakers intermittently; Safety warning chimes disappear when audio fails; Navigation and radio freeze or go black; System requires full power-down to restore function; Radio screen half-shuts off; WIFI connection fails; Google OnStar connection lost
Repairs/costs cited: No repair completed; vehicle has only 800 miles. Owner waiting on manufacturer response from escalated request to Senior Advisor (up to 4 days).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM customer service involved but no resolution offered. Multiple representatives contacted without escalation progress.
Electrical System Anomalies and Power Loss
Electrical gremlins including loss of cameras, running boards opening randomly while driving, buzzing/clicking sounds under truck, and loss of all power while mobile. Multiple reprogramming attempts fail to resolve intermittent electrical faults.
When: Early ownership (6,200 miles); recurring issues over 30+ days in shop
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of power while driving (no steering, no brakes, no lights); Running boards open unexpectedly while driving; Loss of rear-view and crash-detection cameras; Buzzing/clicking sound under vehicle like a 'bug zapper'; Gauges flicker and warning lights appear without cause; Front crash sensors activate with nothing in front of vehicle; Multiple electrical system failures in sequence
Repairs/costs cited: Four separate dealership visits in under 6 months. Truck in shop 30+ days with 6,200 miles. Radio replaced; computers reprogrammed 3+ times with no resolution. Factory tech sent but issues persist.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM assigned case representative who 'will not help with issues, just puts me off.' No resolution offered despite extensive documentation provided by owner.
Anti-Lock Braking (ABS) System and Safety Feature Failures
ABS and pedestrian detection systems fail suddenly or malfunction, including false activation, brake lockup, and failure to detect actual hazards. Some instances tied to electrical anomalies; others present as hardware failure requiring OTA update.
When: Around 12,000 miles; sudden without prior warning
Symptoms owners cite: ABS fails suddenly with dashboard warning; Pedestrian warning alert activates with no pedestrians present; Brakes lock up unexpectedly causing whiplash injury to occupants; Pedestrian detection fails to alert when pedestrian actually nearby (near miss); Speed-limit restriction message appears (36 mph warning); Hardware failure detected by dealer
Codes mentioned: ABS system codes
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership diagnosed electrical anomaly and hardware failure; advised OTA update might resolve but vehicle was not repaired. Owner paid $300+ out of warranty for software update/system download at another dealer.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM acknowledged failure but offered no warranty coverage beyond period. One dealer suggested OTA update as possible fix.
Limp Mode / Reduced Power Operation
Engine enters limp mode (reduced acceleration mode) multiple times, often triggered randomly at startup or during highway acceleration. Vehicle drops to significantly reduced power, creating highway safety hazard. Diagnostic code U0656 00 appears.
When: Multiple occurrences during 3+ highway entrance attempts; recurring at random intervals
Symptoms owners cite: Reduced acceleration mode activates randomly; Engine power loss during highway acceleration; Limp mode triggered on three separate occasions with highway entry-causing near accidents; Resets after vehicle restart but recurs unpredictably
Codes mentioned: U0656 00
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer has yet to rectify; vehicle considered drivable despite issue. Owner frustrated by lack of repair appointment availability.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented.
HVAC System Malfunctions
Air conditioning and fan controls behave erratically: auto mode fails to maintain set temperature, fan speed reduces without driver input, and hot air bursts interrupt cold air flow. Issues occur both while driving and at idle.
When: Not explicitly stated for all; one report of fan reduction at startup
Symptoms owners cite: HVAC blower speed reduces unwanted during operation; Auto AC fails to work as designed; Excessive hot air at idle even when AC is on and windows are down; Hot/warm air interrupts cold air flow for 30–60 seconds at random; Fan speed will not increase in auto mode at startup
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented; issues persist.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Software update mentioned but not confirmed as applied to these issues.
Mirror and Window Control Failures
Driver-side mirror does not return to preset position when shifting to drive; passenger window will not raise fully or automatically. DIC message incorrectly displays 'Open and close passenger door' despite door being closed.
When: Not explicitly stated
Symptoms owners cite: Driver mirror does not fully recover to preset position when returning to drive from reverse; Passenger window will not go up automatically with button; Message 'Open and close passenger door' remains on display despite door being closed; Both mirrors tilt lower in reverse as set, but driver mirror hesitates on return to drive
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No response documented.
Wiper and Headlight Control Issues
Auto rain-sensing wipers stop at full arc and hesitate during operation. Auto headlights fail to respond. Multiple automated systems affected by software glitches.
When: Not explicitly stated
Symptoms owners cite: Auto rain-sensing wipers stop mid-arc and hesitate; Auto headlights do not activate; Auto brakes function intermittently; Auto wipers unreliable
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented; manufacturer has not updated software to address.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner states 'SOFTWARE NOT UPDATED FROM GM' and notes that other safety items affected.
Headlight and Interior Lighting Failure
Complete failure of headlight system and all interior lighting including dashboard during nighttime driving. No warning lights present prior to failure.
When: During active nighttime driving
Symptoms owners cite: Complete failure of all headlights; All interior lighting extinguished; Dashboard lighting lost; No advance warning lights or messages
Repairs/costs cited: Not inspected or repaired; no further documentation provided.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Not documented.
Battery Total Discharge
Battery completely discharges to 0% with vehicle having only 3,800 miles, rendering vehicle immobile and all electrical systems inoperative.
When: July 2023, approximately 6 months after January 2023 purchase
Symptoms owners cite: Door will not open; Engine will not turn on; Electrical system completely inoperative; Battery shows 0% charge
Repairs/costs cited: No repair details documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No response documented.
Rear Vision Camera Failure
Rear-view safety camera failed without warning, displaying red triangle with camera icon on infotainment screen when reverse was selected.
When: No prior warning; failure occurred during normal reverse operation
Symptoms owners cite: Red triangle with camera icon appears on screen; Rear camera image lost; Internal camera failure confirmed by dealer
Repairs/costs cited: Camera replaced 3/23/26; dealer did not return failed part to owner.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No warranty issue noted; part replaced.
Incorrect 'Key Not in Vehicle' Message
DIC displays message 'Key not in vehicle' while vehicle is in motion and key is physically present, message remains on screen continuously.
When: During vehicle operation
Symptoms owners cite: DIC message displays 'key not in vehicle' while driving; Message persists despite key being in vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No response documented.
Lane Keep Assist and Navigation System Glitches
Lane keep assist system claims to be active but provides no intervention and allows unintended lane drift. System also causes unexpected lane change when near lane markers. Navigation system freezes or reboots randomly.
When: Intermittent, recurring during operation
Symptoms owners cite: Lane keep assist active but provides no steering intervention; Vehicle drifts into adjacent lane without correction; System unexpectedly moves vehicle to next lane when near lane markers; Navigation system freezes, stops working, or fully reboots while in motion
Repairs/costs cited: No repair suggestions offered by dealer or manufacturer.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No resolution provided.
Vehicle Fire
Vehicle caught fire while parked in driveway. Flames originated at instrument panel; fire spread to rooftop and cabin. Abnormal engine sound preceded fire by weeks.
When: Weeks after abnormal engine sounds were heard; vehicle parked in driveway
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal sound from engine weeks prior; Fire ignited at instrument panel; Flames rose to rooftop; Front windshield shattered from heat
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not repaired; fire contained to cabin by neighbors before fire department arrival.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not notified; vehicle uninsured.
Transmission and Drivetrain Control Failures
Transmission warning lights and loss of propulsion tied to electrical control module faults. Vehicle unable to shift from park or respond to accelerator input.
When: Various mileages; some at low mileage (7,780 miles)
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission warning lights illuminate; Vehicle loses motive power while accelerating; Unable to shift out of park despite multiple attempts; Accelerator pedal has no effect (loss of response)
Codes mentioned: Transmission fault codes, Check Engine Light
Repairs/costs cited: Software update applied in one case to restore function at 7,780 miles.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Software update offered as initial fix; ECM replacement required for some cases.
Synthesized from 42 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2023 GMC Sierra?
It's a meaningful issue. 42 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Based on the 42 complaints filed, electrical issues most often appear around 25,260 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.