2022 GMC Sierra 1500

The 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 is a popular full-size pickup truck offering a range of engine options, including a 2.7L Turbo High-Output I4 (310 hp, 430 lb-ft of torque), a 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 (355 hp, 383 lb-ft of torque), a 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 (420 hp, 460 lb-ft of torque), and a 3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel I6 (277 hp, 460 lb-ft of torque). A 10-speed automatic transmission is common to all of the engine configurations. Owners often praise the Sierra 1500 for its comfortable ride, spacious cabin, and available technology features. However, some common complaints revolve around electronic glitches, build quality inconsistencies, and certain drivetrain issues.

Engine

2.7L Turbo High-Output I4

• Engine Misfires
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough idling, hesitation upon acceleration, check engine light illuminated. Diagnostic codes indicate misfires in one or more cylinders.
  • Solution: Replacing faulty ignition coils, spark plugs, or fuel injectors. Check for vacuum leaks.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found

5.3L EcoTec3 V8

• Active Fuel Management (AFM) Lifter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Ticking or knocking noise from the engine, especially at idle. Loss of power, misfires, and a check engine light.
  • Solution: Replacing the failed lifters and potentially the camshaft. Some owners choose to disable the AFM system to prevent future issues.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $5,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

6.2L EcoTec3 V8

• Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption requiring frequent top-offs. Blue smoke may be visible from the exhaust.
  • Solution: Piston ring replacement, valve guide repair, or, in severe cases, engine replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $8,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel I6

• Fuel Injector Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough idling, decreased fuel economy, and black smoke from the exhaust. Diagnostic codes point to fuel injector malfunctions.
  • Solution: Replacing faulty fuel injectors.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

10-Speed Automatic (All Engines)

• Harsh Shifting/Clunking
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough or delayed shifts, especially between lower gears. A noticeable clunking sound can be heard during gear changes.
  • Solution: Software recalibration. Replacement of valve body or individual solenoid. Complete transmission replacement if internal damage is severe.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $6,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Shudder
  • Description/Symptoms: A vibration or shuddering sensation, particularly at low speeds or during light acceleration.
  • Solution: Transmission fluid flush and refill with updated fluid. Torque converter replacement in more severe cases.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Magneride Damper Failure (if equipped)
  • Description/Symptoms: Bouncy ride, excessive body roll during turns, clunking noises from the suspension.
  • Solution: Damper replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+ per damper
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Freezing/Crashing
  • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment screen freezes, becomes unresponsive, or randomly restarts.
  • Solution: Software updates. Replacement of the infotainment unit in severe cases.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (software update) - $1,500+ (unit replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sensor Malfunctions (Various)
  • Description/Symptoms: Malfunctions in sensors related to the automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind spot monitoring systems. The systems may become disabled, and warning lights may illuminate.
  • Solution: Replacing faulty sensors.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ per sensor.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Battery drains overnight or within a few days of non-use. Difficulty starting the vehicle.
  • Solution: Identifying and repairing parasitic draw on the electrical system. Replacing the battery if necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Bed Liner Peeling/Delamination (Spray-in Bed Liner)
  • Description/Symptoms: The factory-applied spray-in bed liner starts to peel or delaminate from the bed surface.
  • Solution: Repairing or reapplying the bed liner.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Rear Tailgate Malfunction
  • Description/Symptoms: Tailgate doesn’t open or close properly. Power tailgate feature malfunctions.
  • Solution: Replacing tailgate latch, motor, or wiring harness
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Seat Heater Malfunction
  • Description/Symptoms: Seat heaters fail to function or only heat intermittently.
  • Solution: Repairing or replacing the seat heater element or control module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $700+ per seat
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sunroof Issues (if equipped)
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof gets stuck, won’t open/close fully, or makes excessive noise.
  • Solution: Lubrication of sunroof tracks, replacement of sunroof motor or related components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 can present a mixed bag of issues for owners. While many appreciate the truck’s comfort and features, problems ranging from engine malfunctions and transmission glitches to electrical gremlins and interior component failures can surface. The severity of these issues varies, with some requiring relatively inexpensive fixes, while others can lead to costly repairs. The AFM lifter failure and oil consumption issues on the V8 engines stand out as particularly expensive and disruptive problems. Potential buyers should carefully inspect the vehicle’s history, consider an extended warranty, and be prepared for potential maintenance costs beyond routine servicing.