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2022 Gmc Sierra 1500 Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2022 Gmc Sierra 1500 carries 6 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering brake lights and software. Owners report 4 recurring issue clusters, led by “Engine failure and replacement.” 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.

6 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS

Campaign #22V463000 · Jun 30, 2022

Issue: General Motors (GM) has decided that certain 2022 model year Chevrolet Silverado, and GMC Sierra vehicles equipped with an accessory sport bar. The accessory sport bar contains a high-mounted brake light that may not function. In addition, it may block the vehicle's existing high-mounted brake light. As such, these vehicles may fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."

Risk: An inoperative high-mounted brake light can reduce visibility to other drivers and increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the installation of the accessory bar and provide the correct vehicle wiring, if necessary, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters advising owners of the safety risk were mailed on August 10, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on January 27, 2023. Owners may contact GM's customer service on 1-888-988-7267 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020.. GM's recall number for this recall is N222368110.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE

Campaign #22V903000 · Aug 12, 2022

Issue: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Cadillac CT4 and CT5; 2021-2023 Buick Envision; and 2022-2023 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The daytime running lights (DRLs) may not deactivate when the headlights are on. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Risk: DRLs that do not deactivate as intended may result in a glare, reducing visibility, and increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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 recall number 22V-827.

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE

Campaign #24V797000 · Oct 24, 2024

Issue: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2500, 3500, 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with diesel engines. The transmission control valve may fail and cause the rear wheels to lock-up.

Risk: Rear wheel lock-up can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will install new transmission control module software, free of charge. GM will provide a special coverage program to cover the repair of transmissions that are identified by the remedy software as containing a defective control valve. Owner notification letters were mailed December 12, 2024. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, GMC customer service at GMC 1-800-462-8782 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N242454440.

STRUCTURE:BODY:BUMPERS:ACTIVE SHUTTERS/GRILL

Campaign #25V060000 · Jun 2, 2025

Issue: 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.

Fix: 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.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL

Campaign #25V274000 · Apr 24, 2025

Issue: 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.

Fix: 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.

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE

Campaign #26V083000 · Dec 2, 2026

Issue: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2022 Gmc Sierra 1500.

2 active NHTSA investigations

Source: NHTSA

  • Loss of motive power due to engine failure

    Action #EA25007 · opened Oct 23, 2025

    The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 1,157 reports of engine bearing failure failures in the L87 6.2L engine produced by General Motors (GM). Of the 1,157 reports received, 173 are outside of the scope of recall 25V-274. These engines are installed in Model Year…

    View on NHTSA →

  • Loss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedy

    Action #EA26005 · opened Aug 20, 2026

    On January 16, 2026, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Recall Query RQ26001.  This investigation was opened to assess the remedy effectiveness of Recall 25V-274. ODI has received complaints alleging engine failure in vehicles after the recall remedy had been comple…

    View on NHTSA →

Reported to NHTSA

Engine failure and replacement

ENGINE

89 NHTSA complaints · 2022-04 → 2026-07

“I am on my third 6.2L engine at 80k miles due to engine failure. It is absolutely ridiculous and is a safety issue for sure. It has left me stranded twice. And now GM is giving me a hard time about not wanting to cover it under warranty.”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11638150
“Major engine failure with substantial loss of power while towing 24ft camp trailer. New engine has been installed. I was told by dealership that it was failure of engine bearings and connecting rods. They had seen a few similar cases”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11658248

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Transmission failure without warning

POWER TRAIN

52 NHTSA complaints · 2022-05 → 2026-07

“Complete transmission failure without warning, resulting in loss of power. Vehicle has been maintained meticulously by the book. There were no warning lights or CEL before or during failure.”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11661593
“Transmission locked up after leaving a stop sign. Rear wheels locked and vehicle was inoperable. Dealership repaired with replacement transmission valve body parts under warranty.”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11719590

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Grille trim separating at speed

STRUCTURE

41 NHTSA complaints · 2023-02 → 2026-08

“Upper trim piece of grill broke off while traveling down roar at 60mph. Part struck my windshield and flew over cab of vehicle and impacted the vehicle traveling behind me. Could've caused a much more serious accident!”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11629192
“As I was driving down the road the front upper lip of my grill blew off and hit my windshield and then flew into car behind me. Looked online and this is a very common theme with GMC built in 2021 & 2022.”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11622729

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Tailgate opening on its own

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

43 NHTSA complaints · 2023-05 → 2026-05

“Setting in a parking lot and the tailgate fell open and hit another car. The tailgate was closed and has fell open 3 more times while the vehicle is in park and one time it was powered off.”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11710984
“Tailgate opened on its own while driving, creating a safety hazard where items inside could have fallen out. The tailgate was secured prior to driving.”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11707185

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Note: NHTSA also opened 2 defect investigation(s) on this vehicle that closed without action.

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 7, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 7, 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)

10 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.

10

complaints mentioning a crash

5

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 2022 Gmc Sierra 1500 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.

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