2022 GMC Sierra 1500 Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
93/100
#2 most-complained of 16 Sierra 1500 years
The 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 ranks 2nd-worst out of 16 model years, with a complaint index of 93 and 585 complaints. Engine problems dominate at 46% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 46,000, backed by 6 recalls.
- Complaints
- 585
- Recalls
- 6
- Crashes / fires
- 9 / 5
- Injuries / deaths
- 3 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 17
- 16 city / 20 hwy
Top 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine267 (46%)
- Transmission & Powertrain108 (18%)
- Structure & Body106 (18%)
- Electrical System83 (14%)
- Other75 (13%)
- Brakes31 (5%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras29 (5%)
- Fuel System28 (5%)
- Lane Departure13 (2%)
- Steering13 (2%)
What owners report
- Engine loses power or stalls suddenly at highway speeds, sometimes going into a safe-mode with a grinding sound and white smoke.
- Some engines develop a knocking noise from the lower engine that owners were told involved crank bearings, occurring as early as 11,000 miles.
- Electrical fires have started in the cabin, with smoke and sparks coming from the vents and radio console while driving.
- Front and rear cameras fail to display, leaving blind spots that owners say create a risk of hitting pedestrians.
- Airbags failed to deploy in frontal collisions with animals at speeds over 45 mph despite significant impact.
- The Lane Departure Assist system has failed to activate as intended, sometimes noticed within the first few miles of ownership.
2022 GMC Sierra 1500 recalls
6 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 26V083000Feb 12, 2026Transmission & Powertrain1,055 vehicles
Power train:automatic transmission:fluid/lubricant:valves/valve body
General Motors, LLC is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 2500, 3500, and 2020-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles that may have been repaired incorrectly under recall 24V797. The transmission control valve may fail and cause the rear wheels to lock up.
Risk: Rear wheel lock up increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the vehicles and update the transmission control software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 6, 2026. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N252516560. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on February 12, 2026.
- NHTSA 25V274000Apr 24, 2025Engine597,571 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:engine:hard parts internal/mechanical
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with a 6.2L V8 gas engine. The connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure.
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, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N252494000.
- NHTSA 25V060000Feb 6, 2025Structure & Body70,768 vehicles
Structure:body:bumpers:active shutters/grill
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles equipped with chrome front grille deflectors. The attachments that hold the front grille deflectors in place may fracture, resulting in grille detachment.
Risk: A detached front grille deflector may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will reinforce or repair all attachment points on the chrome front grille deflector, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 17, 2025. Owners may call GM customer service for GMC at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N242490120.
2022 GMC Sierra 1500 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 16 MPG
- Highway
- 20 MPG
- Combined
- 17 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,800
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2022 compared with other Sierra 1500 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2022 model ranks 2nd-worst of 16 Sierra 1500 model years tracked, with a complaint index of 93 and a verdict of Avoid relative to other years.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2022 GMC Sierra 1500?
- Engine problems are the top complaint area, accounting for 46% of all complaints (267 of 585), with a median failure mileage of 46,000.
- Does the 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 have recalls?
- NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2022 Sierra 1500, covering the transmission control software, the 6.2L V8 engine, structure/body grille deflectors, and electrical system issues including body control module software and a sport bar brake light.
- How does the 2022 Sierra 1500 compare to other years?
- Its complaint index of 93 is higher than most other years; only 2024 (index 100) and 2023 (index 87) are close, while years like 2012 and 2013 score near 0.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2022 GMC Sierra 1500?
- EPA rates it at 17 mpg combined (16 city / 20 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,800.