NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2023 GMC Sierra 1500 Safety Ratings
The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 scores 76 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 3 recalls, and 404 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 earns an Average rating in the NHTSA Safety Index, scoring 76 out of 100. This result is despite a strong overall crash score from NHTSA. The truck's low sub-score for avoidance technology tempers its overall safety assessment. Buyers should note three active recall campaigns when considering this model.
The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 76 out of 100 and an NHTSA overall crash rating of 5 out of 5 stars, sourced from NHTSA federal safety data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 92 Sedans from 2023 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 ranks 81 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 76 / 100 (Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 19.8% |
| Recalls on file | 3 |
| Owner complaints | 404 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 81 of 92 Sedans tested for 2023 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2023 GMC Sierra 1500?
The 2023 model year represents a four-point gain in the NHTSA Safety Index, rising from 72/100 in 2022 to 76/100, while remaining in the Average band. That movement is driven primarily by the crash-protection sub-score, which accounts for 61 of a possible 70 points and anchors the overall figure. The avoidance-tech sub-score of 2 out of 10 is the clear weak point for this year: forward collision warning and lane departure warning are listed as both standard and optional configurations, suggesting trim-level variation, and the low sub-score reflects how NHTSA weights active-safety equipment availability. The defect-record component contributes 13 of 20 possible points, shaped in part by the three recall campaigns unique to this production window. Two of those campaigns were resolved via over-the-air software updates, a notable characteristic of this model year's recall profile. The engine hard-parts recall, by contrast, is a broader mechanical campaign spanning multiple GM platforms and model years, making it the most consequential for owners to track. The 404 unverified complaints, with Engine allegations alone accounting for nearly 44 percent of the total, reinforce the importance of monitoring that campaign's remedy status.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 perform in crash tests?
The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 achieved an overall 5 out of 5 stars in NHTSA's safety ratings, anchored by a perfect 5-star score in the side-crash test. Frontal impact protection was rated at 4 out of 5 stars. The truck's rollover resistance earned 4 out of 5 stars, with a measured rollover risk of 20 percent. In dynamic testing, the vehicle did not tip.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 18278
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 have any recalls?
Three recall campaigns cover this model year. The first addresses internal engine hard parts across a broad GM platform group. The second, an OTA software fix, targets a brake-fluid low-warning lamp fault specific to the 2023 Sierra 1500. The third, also an OTA fix, involves the lighting control module software. No do-not-drive or park-outside directive appears in the data provided.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL25V274000
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 letters were mailed June 18, 2025. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223, Chevro
Reported 2025-04-24
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:BRAKE FLUID LOW WARNING: LAMP24V674000
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, or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N242447990.
Reported 2024-09-12
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE22V903000
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 customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N222386380. This recall expands previous
Reported 2022-12-08
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2023 GMC Sierra 1500?
NHTSA has logged 404 unverified owner allegations for the 2023 Sierra 1500. The top reported components are Engine with 178 allegations, Power Train with 78, and Structure with 59. Consumers also allege Electrical System and Fuel/Propulsion System issues. All are unverified and have not been established as defects.
404 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2023 GMC Sierra 1500?
A significant concern for the 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 is an engine hard-parts recall, necessitating a dealership visit for remedy verification. While two other recall campaigns for this model year are eligible for over-the-air (OTA) updates and may already be closed, prospective buyers should still use NHTSA's VIN lookup tool to confirm the status of all outstanding recalls.
- The Safety Index rose four points versus the 2022 model year, from 72 to 76, a year-over-year improvement that keeps the truck in the Average band but reflects stronger crash-protection scoring.
- Two of the three 2023-specific recalls were addressed through over-the-air software updates, including the brake-fluid low-warning lamp fault, meaning remedy status may vary by vehicle without a dealer visit record.
- The avoidance-tech sub-score of 2 out of 10 is the lowest component in the 2023 index breakdown, linked to trim-dependent availability of forward collision warning and lane departure warning rather than a universal standard fitment.
- NHTSA has received 404 unverified consumer allegations for this model year, with Engine the single largest category at 178 reports, a figure that corresponds directly with the active engine hard-parts recall campaign.
RANKINGSWhere the 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 places
The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2023 GMC Sierra 1500 safety questions
Was the 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2023 GMC Sierra 1500, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 76 out of 100, placing it in the Average band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 19.8%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 3 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2023 GMC Sierra 1500. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2023 GMC Sierra 1500?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 404 owner complaints are on file for the 2023 GMC Sierra 1500. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Sierra 1500 years
Rivals in Sedan (2023)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Audi RS 5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Audi S4 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Nissan Maxima | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Polestar 2 | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model S Later Release | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 18278), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the GMC Sierra 1500 2023.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 81 of 92 in the Sedan class for 2023.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.