Wrench.Pro

2024 Gmc Sierra 3500 Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2024 Gmc Sierra 3500 carries 3 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering steering and latch. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Transmission valve body failure and hard shifting.” GMC trucks and SUVs use the GM Oil Life System (OLS) — the same algorithm as Chevrolet. Because GMC's lineup is exclusively trucks and SUVs, severe-service intervals apply to most owners (towing, hauling, off-roading). The schedule below surfaces the items most relevant to GMC's truck-focused buyer.

3 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

STEERING

Campaign #23V549000 · Mar 8, 2023

Issue: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, and GMC Sierra 2500, 3500 vehicles. The steering gear shaft may fracture and disconnect from the steering arm.

Risk: A steering arm that disconnects may result in a total loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the steering gear, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 22, 2023. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N232414720.

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TAILGATE:LATCH

Campaign #24V060000 · Jan 2, 2024

Issue: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles equipped with power-unlatching tailgates. The tailgate's electronic gate-release switch may short circuit due to water intrusion, which can result in the tailgate inadvertently unlatching while the vehicle is in park.

Risk: An unlatched tailgate may open while driving and result in a loss of unsecured cargo, creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Owners are advised to check that the tailgate is closed and latched before driving. Dealers will replace the exterior touchpad switch assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 17, 2024. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N232426400.

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TAILGATE:LATCH

Campaign #24V894000 · Nov 26, 2024

Issue: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2024 Chevrolet Silverado HD 2500, 3500, and GMC Sierra HD 2500, 3500 vehicles equipped with power-unlatching tailgates. The tailgate's electronic gate-release switch may short circuit due to water intrusion, which can result in the tailgate inadvertently unlatching while the vehicle is in Park.

Risk: An unlatched tailgate may open and result in a loss of unsecured cargo, creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Owners are advised to check that the tailgate is closed and latched before driving. Dealers will replace the exterior touchpad switch assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 17, 2024. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N242469160. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA Recall 24V-060.

Recall data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2024 Gmc Sierra 3500.

Reported to NHTSA

Transmission valve body failure and hard shifting

POWER TRAIN

9 NHTSA complaints · 2025-02 → 2026-07

“Rear wheel lockup event in traffic while towing 24000lb 5th wheel on freeway. Vehicle was limped to a dealer, diagnosed as a transmission valve body failure. Repair took over 1 month stranding us over 1500 from home while on a trip”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11714631
“The contact owns a 2024 GMC Sierra 3500. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at 50 MPH, the vehicle lost automotive power and failed to exceed 50 MPH. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11660712
“Transmission has a bad vibration at low RPMs under acceleration as well as slipping and hard shifts. A few times the transmission has locked up the briefly. It also runs very hot between 180 and 249 degrees”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11655726

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Trailer brake controller and module failure while towing

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SERVICE BRAKES

7 NHTSA complaints · 2024-05 → 2026-07

“My truck is experiencing the Brake Controller failures as documented in GM Bulletin N232414840 - Customer Satisfaction Program Intermittent Loss of Trailer Brakes. This problem has occurred several times over the past year”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11690268
“The in cab brake controller does not work with electric over hydraulic trailer brakes. In my research to diagnose and fix the problem I find out GMC has known about this for years and has done nothing to correct”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11589523
“The truck disengages the 5th wheel trailer brakes. The DIC states "Trailer brakes disabled - service required". I intermittently lose trailer braking capability”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11609889

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Brake rotor, pad, and hose failure

SERVICE BRAKES

4 NHTSA complaints · 2024-12 → 2026-07

“The contact owns a 2024 GMC Sierra 3500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front and rear brake caliper hoses collapsed. The failure caused a complete loss of braking ability. No warning lights illuminated”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11749321
“This is my 4th GM 3500 dully and the first time with this kind of problem. I took my truck in for inspection and it came back with a clean bill of health about 25,000 miles on the 2024. When I got it back I noticed a vibration when breaking”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11680078
“Breaks and/or drive train. It is available for inspection. 1) Breaks sink causing slowed break time and decreased breaking ability”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11630713

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Tailgate opens or drops unintended

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

5 NHTSA complaints · 2024-03 → 2025-06

“1 - the failed component is the tailgate. The tailgate lowers automatically without any input from me while the vehicle is in operation. It has happened three times since buying the truck in February 2024”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11600069
“On at least 5 occasions, my inner tailgate has released itself and gone down during motion. This has been uncommanded. It appears GM has a recall for this but it does not include my truck”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11622341
“Tailgate opens when in park. Caused damage when parked in the garage. The tailgate hit the garage door. Recall under N242469160, but not attached to my VIN”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11669849

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Steering wheel vibration and alignment drift

STEERING, WHEELS

4 NHTSA complaints · 2023-12 → 2026-05

“since new there is a violent vibration in the steering wheel and floor boards. steering wheel oscillates side to side at speed from 38mph to very bad at 65mph. Dealer has had it 5 times and still cant fix it”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11615826
“The vehicle has had steering and alignment issues since the day I purchased the truck. The steering wheel is not centered. The steering wheel is always turned to the left but the vehicle pulls to the right”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11560701
“The control arm bearing appears to have failed without warning causing loss of steering control. This occurred at low speed on a street in [XXX] last night near a gas station, so the driver was able to drive to a safe location easily without risk to life”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11735445

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Electrical control module and computer system failure

POWER TRAIN, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

4 NHTSA complaints · 2024-10 → 2026-02

“On multiple occasions, the vehicle has suffered from a severe computer failure”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11622346
“Car will not turn off and will display "Shift to Park". Similar recall on other models. This has gotten worse and happens most of the time now”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11633831
“This 2024 GMC Sierra Heavy Duty has experienced a continuous pattern of major mechanical and electrical failures since early ownership. The vehicle required a complete engine replacement under warranty at approximately 43,626 miles”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11718551

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine failure, knock, and no-start condition

ENGINE

4 NHTSA complaints · 2023-12 → 2025-11

“Vehicle would crank over but not start. Diagnosed as Electronic Control Module by dealer. Part ordered on 12/6/23, GM does not have part available as of 12/27/23, vehicle unable to be driven”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11561998
“The contact owns a 2024 GMC Sierra 3500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11658087
“The engine oil drained into the radiator from a flaw in there design in which outrageously high labor cost for the owner of the vehicle they put a rubber house in the radiator in which leaked without any warning”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11700192

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 17, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 17, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter (per Oil Life System)

Every 7,500 mi

Change oil when OLS reaches 0% or every 12 months. dexos1-approved synthetic required on Sierra 1500 5.3L/6.2L; dexos2 specified on Duramax diesel.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate tires every 7,500 miles. Sierra and Yukon owners running 4x4 should rotate every 5,000-7,500 miles to even out drivetrain wear.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect pads, rotors, and parking brake every 7,500 miles. Towing accelerates pad wear by 30-50%; check more often if towing regularly.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

DOT 3 brake fluid: test annually, replace when moisture exceeds 3% or fluid is darker than copper.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 45,000 mi

Long-life cellulose filter rated 45,000 miles. Trucks driven on unpaved roads or construction sites should inspect at every oil change.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

Severe service (towing 5,000+ lbs regularly, heavy stop-and-go): every 45,000 miles. Normal: 97,500 miles. Use Dexron-VI for 6L80/6L90, Mobil 1 LV ATF HP for 10L80/10L1000.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Transfer Case Fluid (4WD)

Every 45,000 mi

Sierra and Yukon 4WD: replace every 45,000 miles. Use GM Auto-Trak II for active 4WD; GM 9986115 for selectable 4WD.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$105–$140

Shop

~$75–$100

DIY

~$15–$40

AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.

Differential Fluid (front + rear)

Every 50,000 mi

Replace front and rear axle fluid every 50,000 miles, or 25,000 miles if towing. G80 limited-slip rear axles require GM friction-modifier additive.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

Spark Plugs

Every 100,000 mi

Iridium spark plugs on the L83/L84 5.3L and L86/L87 6.2L V8 are rated 100,000 miles. AFM/DFM cylinder deactivation can cause uneven plug wear — check at 75,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Dex-Cool Engine Coolant

Every 50,000 mi

Dex-Cool (orange): first change at 150,000 miles or 5 years, then every 50,000. Duramax diesel uses ELC (red) — different chemistry, do not mix.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 22,500 mi

Replace cabin air filter every 22,500 miles. Sierra HD and Yukon XL owners in dusty work environments should replace at 15,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

2 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

0

complaints mentioning a crash

1

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2024 Gmc Sierra 3500 reflects GMC's published service intervals and the Oil Life System system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

Check another vehicle →